The Clark Fork River and its tributaries drain most of western Montana. The upper river and headwaters were heavily impacted by wastes from over a century of mining. Today, the area is the largest Superfund environmental clean-up site in the nation.
Spring 2011 Field Trips:
-Thursday, April 7th, Butte Central
-Thursday, April 28th, Fred Moodry Middle School
Click here for more.
-Thursday, April 7th, Butte Central
-Thursday, April 28th, Fred Moodry Middle School
Click here for more.
About Us > Staff
The CFWEP staff and leadership team, from left to right:
Frank Ponikvar (Communications Coordinator); Jenny Miller (not pictured) (VISTA Volunteer); Rayelynn Connole (Curriculum Coordinator); Arlene Alvarado (Field Coordinator); Beverly Plumb(Assistant Field Coordinator); Matt Vincent (Program Director) Bill Callaghan (Leadership Board, Butte High School Science Teacher) Theresa Seccomb (Administrative Associate); Colleen Elliott (Leadership Board; Montana Bureau of Mines & Geology); Joe Griffin (Leadership Board, Montana DEQ); Not pictured Bernice Phelps (Montana Tech Outreach Coordinator); Amy Verlanic (Leadership Board, Montana Tech Outreach Director)
Director Matt Vincent (at center in the photo)
Phone: (406) 496-4832
Email:mvincent@mtech.edu
Born and raised in Butte, Matt has been with CFWEP since its inception, originally as the Field Coordinator, and in 2007 he became the Program Director. Prior to his work with CFWEP, Matt worked on reclamation and restoration projects around the basin as the Butte-Silver Bow Reclamation Manager and an independent consultant, and he also has a B.S. in Chemistry from Montana Tech.. Matt brings a passion for western Montana and outdoor education, and you can often find him on the river leading field trips, restoration tours, or fishing.
Field Coordinator Dr. Arlene Alvarado
Phone: (406) 533-8042
Email: aalvarado@mtech.edu
I joined CFWEP one year ago - and what a year! I have never been so challenged and so stimulated, and had so much fun at the same time, working with this wonderful and bright team of hard-working and creative people! And the KIDS - the kids are great fun and, of course, a little challenging. I went to graduate school to pursue my degree in animal behavior. Since then I have had several research experiences working with a range of critters - from fleas and mice to monkeys and impalas. I love doing research, and learning more and more about science. But, I have to admit, sharing my knowledge and experience and helping kids to understand their environment and the need to care for it is so rewarding that I have come to believe all my years in school, all my training and experience was preparing me for this - CFWEP Powers Activate!
The CFWEP staff and leadership team, from left to right: Frank Ponikvar (Communications Coordinator); Jenny Miller (not pictured) (VISTA Volunteer); Rayelynn Connole (Curriculum Coordinator); Arlene Alvarado (Field Coordinator); Beverly Plumb(Assistant Field Coordinator); Matt Vincent (Program Director) Bill Callaghan (Leadership Board, Butte High School Science Teacher) Theresa Seccomb (Administrative Associate); Colleen Elliott (Leadership Board; Montana Bureau of Mines & Geology); Joe Griffin (Leadership Board, Montana DEQ); Not pictured Bernice Phelps (Montana Tech Outreach Coordinator); Amy Verlanic (Leadership Board, Montana Tech Outreach Director)
Director Matt Vincent (at center in the photo)Phone: (406) 496-4832
Email:mvincent@mtech.edu
Born and raised in Butte, Matt has been with CFWEP since its inception, originally as the Field Coordinator, and in 2007 he became the Program Director. Prior to his work with CFWEP, Matt worked on reclamation and restoration projects around the basin as the Butte-Silver Bow Reclamation Manager and an independent consultant, and he also has a B.S. in Chemistry from Montana Tech.. Matt brings a passion for western Montana and outdoor education, and you can often find him on the river leading field trips, restoration tours, or fishing.
Field Coordinator Dr. Arlene AlvaradoPhone: (406) 533-8042
Email: aalvarado@mtech.edu
I joined CFWEP one year ago - and what a year! I have never been so challenged and so stimulated, and had so much fun at the same time, working with this wonderful and bright team of hard-working and creative people! And the KIDS - the kids are great fun and, of course, a little challenging. I went to graduate school to pursue my degree in animal behavior. Since then I have had several research experiences working with a range of critters - from fleas and mice to monkeys and impalas. I love doing research, and learning more and more about science. But, I have to admit, sharing my knowledge and experience and helping kids to understand their environment and the need to care for it is so rewarding that I have come to believe all my years in school, all my training and experience was preparing me for this - CFWEP Powers Activate!
Curriculum Coordinator Rayelynn Connole
Phone: (406) 565-3670
Email:rconnole@mtech.edu
I began my teaching career over 15 years ago, working with at-risk youth in a wilderness treatment program. This first teaching experience shaped me as an educator and I knew that I would always yearn for teaching in the great outdoors, providing incredible experiences for kids, and integrating all subjects in my classroom without walls. My core education belief is simple: all kids can learn and achieve at a high level. Teachers and students should explore and learn together and the role of teacher is more accurately described as facilitator. Our job as educators is to craft those experiences that will inspire and lead students to become all that they can be. I have found sweet serendipity working with CFWEP and have been fortunate to align all of my passions, the outdoors, stewardship of this incredible earth, inspiring students to love science, and leadership all in one simple job description—CFWEP Curriculum Coordinator.
Phone: (406) 565-3670
Email:rconnole@mtech.edu
I began my teaching career over 15 years ago, working with at-risk youth in a wilderness treatment program. This first teaching experience shaped me as an educator and I knew that I would always yearn for teaching in the great outdoors, providing incredible experiences for kids, and integrating all subjects in my classroom without walls. My core education belief is simple: all kids can learn and achieve at a high level. Teachers and students should explore and learn together and the role of teacher is more accurately described as facilitator. Our job as educators is to craft those experiences that will inspire and lead students to become all that they can be. I have found sweet serendipity working with CFWEP and have been fortunate to align all of my passions, the outdoors, stewardship of this incredible earth, inspiring students to love science, and leadership all in one simple job description—CFWEP Curriculum Coordinator.
AmericCorps VISTA Jenny Miller
Email: jmiller@mtech.edu
After working for Cfwep.Org as a student in Missoula, I joined full time in July 2011 post graduation as an AmeriCorps*VISTA. I graduated with a B.A. in environmental studies and a minor in climate change from the University of Montana. I’m a river rat and I take every opportunity that leads me to the river. I love the outdoors and am thrilled to work with Cfwep.Org because working as an environmental educator gives me the opportunity to share my passion for all things wild as well as our responsibility as stewards to take care of our environment.
Communications Coordinator Frank Ponikvar
Phone: (406) 533-5960
Email: fponikvar@mtech.edu
I started working for CFWEP in Sept of 2010. Originally from Hawaii, I'm a U of M graduate with a B.F.A. I've worked with graphics and communications for many years. I'm looking forward to 2012!
Field Coordinator Beverly Plumb
Phone: (406) 491-0922
Email: bplumb@mtech.edu
I was born in Butte, MT and raised in Missoula, MT. I found out at a young age that I loved science and my wonderful parents and teachers nurtured this love. I then went on to received a Bachelors of Art in Mathematics and Physics/Astronomy from the University of Montana and a Bachelors of Science in Chemistry from the Montana Tech. In 2008, I completed my thesis on Nutrients in Silver Bow Creek under Dr. Chris Gammons and completed the requirements for my Master in Geo-chemistry from Montana Tech. In August of 2010 I was hired as the Assistant Field Coordinator. I enjoy working with my amazing and talented co-worker and love the work that CFWEP does. When not at work you can find me spending time with my wonderful daughter Anna.