Watershed Community Profile: Ruthie Barbour

Get ready to be wowed this June as we shine the spotlight on the incredible Ruthie Barbour through our Watershed Profile! Ruthie is like a superhero of volunteering, showing up to many GWC events and even rocking a sling while picking up trash at the Spring Gallatin Watershed Cleanup. Talk about dedication! Thank you for your stewardship, Ruthie! 

Read the Q&A below to continue learning more about Ruthie:

Q&A:

1. What is your favorite thing to do within the watershed? 

I grew up being around lakes and still adore them, but now that I am in MT, I'm a big floating-on-the-river person and also love to just hang out by the river with my dog in her rainbow collar and listen to the water sounds. Water tends to have a grounding effect on me so anytime I get to be in or on the water, there are good vibes.

2. What excites you most about GWC's mission? 

I like that GWC strives to bring people together to take care of the watershed and foster community responsibility for the health of our watershed. I believe that educating the public about our watershed and encouraging engagement in volunteer opportunities is a great way to increase awareness and address the effect of climate change on a local level.

3. What volunteer events are you most excited about? 

The Dog Poop Cleanup is by far my favorite volunteer event; I just adore picking up dog poop and seeing piles of it all combined together, what fun! JK (kinda). I have enjoyed every watershed event I've gone to, but I think the river cleanups are what really get me excited - its a great way to meet new folks plus I felt inspired to go clean up a stream near my home afterward. Yay!

4. What's your favorite book or poem? 

I am a big fan of Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer when I want to connect with the world around me, and otherwise I adore any cute queer rom-com book for some light and fun reading (p.s. Happy Pride!).

5. What do you want the Lower Gallatin Watershed to look like within 5 years? 

GAYYYYY. Clean. Peaceful. Beautiful. Unencumbered (except by the beavers of course, we love a good dam). Enjoyed and loved by the public.

If you want to get to know Ruthie better and witness her in action, check out her Arbor Day interview on the local news. Thank you for inspiring us with your positive attitude and love for the watershed! 

Barbour pictured shoveling mulch during Arbor Day 2023.