Community Strength and Resiliency During Uncertain Times
These uncertain times remind us of Bozeman’s strength and resiliency, a community that GWC is lucky to call home. Although we can’t physically come together to confront coronavirus, we can still organize and build community, together. GWC has guided collaborative watershed stewardship in the Gallatin Valley for over 15 years. During our time here, we have only grown more confident in this community’s unwavering ability to come together and get things done. The vitality of our watershed-- of its people, rivers, streams, mountains and wildlife-- is a force to be reckoned with.
Spending time outside in our watershed is a great way to stay healthy, both physically and mentally. However, please remember to take appropriate safety measures to keep ourselves, our community and our open spaces safe and healthy. The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics published a handful of great recommendations for getting outside during COVID-19. Also, make sure to stay up to date on local trail use recommendations by following The Gallatin Valley Land Trust.
There are some great resources that have been circulating throughout the Bozeman community over the past few days. Here are a few of our favorites:
Montana Outdoor Science School has scheduled livestream lessons on their facebook account so you can learn about the natural world while working from home!
Participate in Montana Disaster Emergency Services (DES) #406feet challenge. Post a picture on instagram of you doing the things you love while maintaining a safe social distance from others. Make sure to include the hashtag #406feet and tag @montanades406.
The Gallatin City County Health Department’s blog post on talking to your kids about coronavirus. This post is a great starting point as to how we can relate and explain to, and listen to the kids in our life during these uncertain and often overwhelming times.
Support your local businesses and nonprofits! Downtown Bozeman is keeping an ever-growing list of local businesses that have found creative ways to continue serving our community. GWC is also excited to be participating in Give Big Gallatin Valley alongside other great causes. Give Big helps connect community members with the work of local nonprofits.
Watch out for one another. If you can, help out seniors and vulnerable populations. Respect designated grocery store hours so folks can meet their needs without risk of exposure to the larger population. Check in with friends and family. The Bozeman Area Community Foundation and the Greater Gallatin United Way have launched a community response fund to provide flexible funding to organizations working with individuals and populations disproportionately impacted by coronavirus and the health and economic consequences of this outbreak.
Stay informed using reliable local resources. The City County Health Department is working tirelessly to keep us informed and safe.
Missing your weekly trivia night out? Game Night Live is hosting online trivia nights that also support our local venues!
As always, don’t forget to be patient, smile and wash your hands! Next time you go outside, take a deep breath of mountain air. We got this.
