GWC 2021 Annual Meeting: A Virtual Success!
The Gallatin Watershed Council 2021 Annual Meeting took place last Wednesday, and left us with warm hearts and appreciation for our watershed community. In lieu of the in-person gathering and connection that would typically take place, the community came together virtually. Although we could not share our usual assortment of homemade treats in the same physical space, we shared enthusiasm, support, and ideas through our individual screens.
We began the evening with a cocktail hour in a virtual platform galled Gather, where each attendee was represented by an avatar, mingling with others in individual video chats, or exploring the informational booths in the online venue. In this time, everyone gathered in front of a virtual fireplace to hear Chelsey Trevino play live music (something we all missed!) with the sweet sounds of her voice and guitar.
After cocktail hour, all attendees moved from Gather to Zoom to continue the rest of the evening. Our Board Chair Tom Michalek introduced GWC’s board and staff members, and expressed gratitude to Leanne Roulson on everyone’s behalf for service as a board member to GWC.
Executive Director Holly Hill touched on GWC’s various 2020 accomplishments and gave insight into 2021 goals, including but not limited to the expansion of our Watershed Stewards program to include businesses and local stakeholders, the coordination of an advisory committee composed of an array of watershed education partners within the community, as well as projects involving Bridger Fire relief.
Lilly Deford, our Watershed Restoration Director, presented the role of the Stream and Wetland Project Tracker, updates to the Lower Gallatin Watershed Restoration Plan, and the status and implications of the Lower Gallatin Watershed being chosen as DEQ’s priority watershed.
Brooke Helstrom, our program coordinator, touched on the launching and success of the Watershed Stewards Program, and informed guests on how to be involved in the upcoming year - including opportunities such as Gallatin Stream Teams, the Annual River Clean Up, and the opportunity to pick up a Steward Passport to track all personal Stewardship progress.
There were many other special takeaways from the evening, including three beautiful poems (including an original) from the talented Michael G. Smith. We recognized Frank Marchak as our 2020 Super Steward, who has been a part of the Gallatin Stream Team since 2016! We also honored the Western Café as the 2020 Super Business Steward, as they have made various concerted efforts within their establishment to protect our valley’s most vital resource.
After a watching a compilation of videos expressing gratitude to the Lower Gallatin sent in by our lovely community members, we all raised a glass to the protection of our clear rivers, cold smoke snow, corresponding wildlife, and to all those involved in protecting it.
We ended the evening by announcing the winners of our raffle – a fly rod and reel generously donated by Gallatin River Guides, and a homemade cutting board courtesy of Jessica Ahlstrom.
Thank you so much to everyone who attended, performed, donated, and raised a glass to our watershed. We appreciate your time and effort and we are so grateful for our watershed family.