Confluence staff members have been active in their communities, completing a wide variety of volunteer projects.
Wetland scientist Brian Sandefur and Stream Restoration Specialist Mike Sanctuary have recently assisted an Eagle Scout candidate on a stormwater detention and drain next to Sacajawea Middle School in Bozeman, MT. With Brian’s guidance, the scout created a wetland community in the drainage area. Brian and Mike also assisted in reducing thistle and weed infestation in areas near the school.
Confluence’s principal Jim Lovell recently helped mentor youth in a youth bird hunting program sponsored by Pheasants Forever. In the months ahead, Jim will be helping Love Inc., a nondenominational Christian organization committed to helping needy in the Gallatin Valley. Each year, Jim and his wife Sue purchase, package, and distribute food to the needy during the holidays.
Kara Stermitz, Confluence’s Marketing Director, is continuing to keep her fly rod wet by assisting youth in Livingston’s classrooms in their science curriculum on streams, macroinvertebrates, and fish habitat. Kara assists in the classrooms by helping students to identify insects and by helping with curriculum on stream dynamics. Kara also volunteers for the Park High Ranger Boosters and Livingston Football Association. Kara assists numerous community groups in grant writing, helping to improve Livingston’s baseball fields, fund programs for disadvantaged youth, and improve community amenities.
