Using the upper Clark Fork basin as an outdoor laboratory and professional scientists as instructors, CFWEP works with students and their teachers to foster environmental stewardship and science-based decision-making.

CFWEP uses outdoor activities and local experts to teach about the effects of settlement and industry on the Upper Clark Fork basin, and to give students and educators the scientific background to quantify the health of our watershed. Our philosophy is that place-based, hands-on, field and classroom activities instill in participants a clearer grasp of fundamental concepts and methods as well as creating a sense of watershed stewardship.

Our target is middle and high school students and teachers from Butte to Bonner, and we work closely with all of the local school districts to reach our goals. Between Feb 15 and November 20, 2005, we provided direct service to over 700 schoolchildren and 25 teachers in our target schools.

We have three full time staff members: Program Administrator Colleen Elliott, Science Coordinator Matt Vincent, and Americorps VISTA Volunteer Jen Titus.

To involve younger scientists and university students, we hire undergraduate and graduate students as Teaching Assistants to work directly with students in the classroom in the field. Further scientific expertise comes from a phalanx of scientists and engineers working throughout the Clark Fork basin who volunteer their time and equipment to work directly with teachers and students, and to sit on our extensive Technical Advisory Board.

Our educational direction comes from a broad-based Educational Advisory Board.