By Leslie Kilgore EBS CONTRIBUTOR
In late May, the Jack Creek Preserve Foundation welcomed Ophir Elementary School’s fourth-graders for a day of immersive, hands-on learning at the nature preserve between Big Sky and the Madison Valley.
The visit, funded by the Moonlight Community Foundation, marked the possibility of an ongoing collaboration between JCPF, the Big Sky School District and MCF. JCPF leaders hope it can become an annual opportunity for local Big Sky kids to experience the unique, experiential curriculum that the preserve can offer.
“I first connected with Ophir’s teachers in 2020 during one of our teacher workshops. But it wasn’t until 2022 that we finally welcomed the first group of Ophir’s 4th graders,” said Abigail King, executive director of JCPF. “I would love to see more support from Big Sky Resort Tax and organizations like the Moonlight Community Foundation to help us bring groups and schools to the preserve for programming on an annual basis. We are the perfect venue for field trips, including overnights.”
The partnership came together through joint planning between JCPF and Ophir Elementary teachers, with MCF providing key support. With the shared goal of teaching students to appreciate the outdoors while connecting to the landscape they live in, King said she plans on applying for grants again to accomplish similar efforts next year.
The choice to host fourth graders was strategic, due to JCPF’s educational opportunities that align with the academic goals and state-level initiatives to teach fourth grade students about state history and ecosystems. Plus, every fourth grader in the country can access national parks for free through the Every Kid Outdoors program. This experience aims to allow Big Sky kids to have a greater appreciation for the ecosystem they are surrounded by.
Fourth grade teachers Amanda Baker and Jackson Ballard wrote a letter of support to accompany MCF’s grant proposal, and JPCF Education Director Addison Perryman collaborated to develop the curriculum.
Baker and Ballard were already teaching about wildlife habitat conservation, Yellowstone National Park and wildlife in general, so Perryman incorporated those themes into the curriculum that she developed for the May 28 field day.
“For us, getting kids out and about on the preserve is always the goal,” King said. “For the Ophir kids, the preserve is pretty much part of their backyard. If they learn to understand and appreciate places like the preserve, wilderness and national parks, they will care about them. If we can reach youth and inspire them to appreciate wildlife, wildlife habitat and their conservation, we are creating the next generation of conservationists.”
King witnessed inspiring lessons throughout the day as students explored forest habitats, learned how to identify animal tracks and discussed various conservation topics. She enjoyed seeing the kids’ curiosity and enjoyment for learning while being outdoors.
Looking ahead, JCPF will also host counselors from the Big Sky Community Organization’s summer kids day camp, Camp Big Sky, for an overnight training session and team building designed to deepen their environmental education skills. The BSCO staff will join the preserve team in July for extensive outdoor learning to equip them with tools and knowledge for their summer camp programs.
There is also a special event planned for Camp Big Sky participants that mirrors the fourth grade field day, which will include hands-on science lessons, wildlife observations and a chance to explore the land.
“The fact that Moonlight Basin is providing the transportation for these kids is huge,” King said. “And we’re excited that Moonlight Community Foundation is covering the cost for BSCO. Grant funding like this ensures that our programs remain accessible and affordable for all, and we can serve as a leading resource for conservation education in southwest Montana to anyone and everyone.”
King said JCPF is excited to continue welcoming the Big Sky community to participate in its growing slate of educational programming for all ages year-round, helping kids and adults build a deeper relationship with the natural world.
“What is most rewarding is to see the spectrum of impact we can have,” King said. “From a little girl picking up her first earthworm with a huge smile on her face, to an adult who saw their first bear cub on the preserve, or a summer camper who is now an avid fly fisherman. They’re all huge wins.”
