Earth Day Flathead Valley - CCL Montana | Citizens' Climate Lobby MT

Education, Inspiration, Community
& Fun

On Saturday April 20th from 9am to 4pm. Step into a day where community, nature, and innovation come alive. Gather with us for hands-on learning and conversations that aim to nurture our environment and strengthen our bonds in the Flathead Valley.

Location is Flathead Valley Community College, Arts & Technology Building
Booths
Interact with local community groups sharing information and technology.
Panels
Engaging discussions on issues facing the Flathead Valley and all Montanans.
Workshops
Get educated. Learn how to save money, pollute less and take advantage of available benefits.
Kids' Activities
Let the kids have wild fun at the Earth Day Expo while the grownups take meaningful action.
Details may change, please check back often for updates.
Storytime: Imagine IF
ImagineIF Libraries invites children to enjoy stories and hands-on activities celebrating Earth Day.
Arts: a Mural for Earth
Kids and adults alike can contribute to this community artwork, expressing their feelings about nature and the environment. Draw a house with solar panels, or the new electric bike you'd like! Let your creativity shine.
Passport to Education
Pick up your passport at the general information table. Get stamps from at least 7 stations. Return to the information table with completed passport for a raffle ticket. Prizes include a stuffed animal and gift cards to Sweet Peaks.
AR Sandbox
Hands-on & interactive: model sand into mountains, streams and lakes. Computer software & cameras virtually mimics rainfall and water accumulation: movement of water through the landscape. Model real-life scenarios to show impacts on our Flathead watershed.
Birding
Share the magic of discovering birds with your children. Thank you to our partners at Audubon for organizing fun birding activities!

Meet at the Audubon station in the EV Showcase parking lot. Birding tours will start at 10.30, 11.30 and 12.30.
Birds of Prey
Beth Watne of Montana Wild Wings will bring several raptors to Earth Day! Kids will learn how important these birds are for many aspects of our ecosystem, such as rodent control. Learn how raptors serve as a barometer of environmental health, and what we can do to help them.

Bring the whole family for this exciting and educational display!

11 AM in the parking lot adjacent to the Arts and Technology Building.
Booths
You and your family will love visiting booths, learning, and getting stamps on the kids' passport. 9am to 4pm
Flathead Valley Chapter of Citizens' Climate Lobby
Wild Montana, Flathead Kootenai Chapter
Flathead Electric Cooperative
Park Side Credit Union
Glacier Guides & Montana Raft
Whitefish Lake Institute
Flathead Audubon Society
Citizens for a Better Flathead
Flathead Trout Unlimited
Glacier Two Medicine Alliance
Great Old Broads for Wilderness
Yaak Valley Forest Council
Glacier National Park Conservancy
Kalispell Middle School Science Club
City of Kalispell
Western MT Conservation Commission
Tipsy Brush
Montana Conservation Voters
Montana Conservation Corps
Montana Renewable Energy Association
Montana Interfaith Power & Light
Carbon Recall (Platinum Sponsor!)
Pioneer Heating & Cooling (Platinum Sponsor!)
Northstone Solar (Platinum Sponsor!)
People and Carnivores
Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation
Land to Hand
Flathead Land Trust
Glacier High School Environmental Club (GECO)
Forward Montana
Genesis BioChar
Center for Native Plants
Gathering Village
Tower Gardens
Flathead Food Bank
Montana Department of Environmental Quality
Montana Environmental Information Center
Interested in having a booth exhibit at Earth Day Expo?
Please contact Angie at flatheadccl@gmail.com to join this growing list of organizations who are making this an exciting and informative event!
Earth Day Expo Program

Opening Keynote Speaker
Tom McDonald, Vice-Chairperson of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Reservation

Kick off the day with inspirational words from Tom.

9am in the Auditorium

Children's Storytelling

With ImagineIF Library in the Auditorium
Bring the kids! 9:30am - 10am

Lunch!
Enjoy a nice meal at Earth Day
Go to your happy place on Earth Day! Celebrate great food with healthy and delicious food choices from The Salty Calf.
10am: Workshop & Panels
Panels: Engaging 45 minute discussions led by a moderator to craft fascinating insight into the state of affairs here in the Flathead Valley. Learn from local experts! Audience participation through written questions.

Workshops: Get ready for some exciting learning opportunities, and to dive into specific tools with these great workshops.

Check out some of the speaker bios - Click Here!

Preserving Montana's Natural Beauty: Conservation & Climate
When: 10am - 10:45am
Where: Auditorium
What: Panel discussion

Explore how a changing climate threatens the state’s natural resources, which are crucial for tourism and outdoor recreation activities like downhill skiing, fishing, hunting, and hiking. Moderated by Mady Rigg, Miss Montana USA.

Mayre Flowers, Co-chair, Citizens for a Better Flathead

Mike Koopal, Executive Director and Founder, Whitefish Lake Institute

Chris Bachman, Conservation Director, Yaak Valley Forest Council

Dawn LaFleur, Vegetation Program Manager/Biologist, Glacier National Park

Chad Sokol, Public Relations Manager, Whitefish Mountain Resort

Josh Arrants, Owner, Arrants Outdoors
Climate Conversations to Change the World
When: 10am - 10:45am
Where: AT 203
What: Workshop presented by Citizens' Climate Lobby

We have most of the solutions we need to address the climate crisis, but how do we get them supported and implemented?

64% of Americans rarely or never talk about climate change, creating a chasm for shared support.

Join this workshop to learn and practice communication skills to have more meaningful and effective climate conversations with your family, friends, and colleagues.

Flathead Climate Solutions Using Data-Driven Approaches
When: 10am - 10:45am
Where: AT 204
What: Workshop

Dirty energy has been emitting heat-trapping carbon pollution into our atmosphere for decades, raising our planet's temperature and affecting how we live here in the valley. The glaciers in the Park are melting more rapidly and the number of days our valley is filled with wildfire smoke keeps increasing. This workshop reviews common sources of carbon pollution and then drills down to specific sources in the Flathead. A comparison of pollution quantities is made between Flathead County and other Montana counties. Next, several climate solutions are examined at the macro level for effectiveness. Finally, using this knowledge, several ideas for reducing pollution here in our home towns are offered. This presentation includes analysis using ICLEI's ClearPath tool and the En-ROADS global climate solutions simulator.

Robin Paone, MT State Coordinator, Citizens' Climate Lobby

Karin Hilding, Engineering & Sustainability Project Manager, City of Whitefish
11am Workshop & Panels

Sustainable Agriculture
When: 11am - 11:45am
Where: Auditorium
What: Panel discussion

Discussion on potential innovations in agricultural practices making them more sustainable to ensure food security and realize more economic benefits. Moderated by Angie Winter, CCL Flathead Valley co-leader.

Robin Kelson, Executive Director, AERO

Gretchen Boyer, Executive Director, Land to Hand

Dennis Brosten, Partner, Crop Lab

Linda Kiltz, Owner, KZ Farm

Community Science in Wilderness
When: 11am - 11:45am
Where: AT 203
What: Workshop by Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation

This workshop, hosted by the Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation, will highlight some of the efforts the foundation is taking to make the Wilderness a more inclusive space.

By creating more diverse opportunities for the community to connect to these spaces, we are establishing a wider range of understanding on the management, and advocacy work that the public can support to regain the character of their public lands.

Presented by Erynn Castellanos, Education & Partnership Specialist, Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation
Winterland Solutionist Summit Report
When: 11am - 11:45am
Where: AT 204
What: Workshop

Anderson Rosenthal, founder of Winterland Impact Festival, will be reporting on the March 2024 "Big Sky Solutionist Summit."
12pm Workshop & Panels

Youth Roundtable: The Next GenerationSpeaks
When: 12pm -12:45pm
Where: Auditorium
What: Panel discussion

Local youth will discuss their concerns and hopes for the future, encouraging an intergenerational dialogue. Moderated by Annie Gustafson, Kalispell Middle School Teacher.
Climate Smart Programs: Local Purchasing & Food Diversion
When: 12pm -12:45pm
Where: AT 203
What: Workshop
Who: Presented by Land 2 Hand, Dirt Rich & North Valley Food Bank

A discussion about the climate impacts of reducing food waste and diverting organic materials from the landfill. We will be discussing local food acquisition, food rescue, composting, and zero waste events. This will be an engaging conversation with opportunities for audience involvement and community engagement.

Presented by: Whitney Pratt, Education, Land to Hand

Gretchen Boyer, Executive Director, Land to Hand

Sophie Albert, Executive Director, North Valley Food Bank

Alissa LaChance, Owner, Dirt Rich
Financing: How to Pay for Electric Products
When: 12pm -12:45pm
Where: AT 204
What: Workshop with advice on rebates, tax credits & financing.

This workshop will discuss options available through local bank(s) and the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to fund electrification of your home or business.

Presenters:
Andy Masa, Energy Services Supervisor, Flathead Electric

Meranda Bass, Energy Resource Professional, Montana DEQ
1pm Workshop & Panels

Economic Benefits of Renewable Energy in Montana
When: 1pm - 1:45pm
Where: Auditorium
What: Panel discussion

Discussion on how investing in renewable sources like wind and solar can create jobs and contribute to the local economy. Moderated by Angie Winter, CCL Flathead Valley co-leader.

Ashley Keltner, Distributed Energy Specialist, Flathead Electric

Curran Edland, Owner, Northstone Solar

Will Richards, Rapid Training Outreach Coordinator, Accelerate Montana

Steve Thompson, Board Member, Climate Smart Glacier Country

Makenna Sellers, Executive Director, Montana Renewable Energy Association
Canaries in the Coal Mine
When: 1pm - 1:45pm
Where: AT 203
What: Workshop Presented by Flathead Audubon

Birds & Climate
Watch a 28-minute film, Bird Trouble, detailing the past troubles of nesting bird populations in North America and their future prospects under different climate change scenarios. Discuss the "why care?" question with stories about the value of birds to our enjoyment and our survival.

Presented by Dennis Olson, Flathead Audubon Conservation Educator
How to Buy Electric Cars, Solar & More
When: 1pm - 1:45pm
Where: AT 204
What: Workshop

Hybrids, Battery Electric Cars, Heat Pumps and Solar Panels: Tips on Buying. This workshop will provide real-world experience from owners and local contractors on the ins and outs of owning and purchasing these items.

Presenters:
Andy Masa, Energy Services Supervisor, Flathead Electric

Joel Robinson, Owner, Carbon Recall

Ray Lasa, Owner, Pioneer Heating and Cooling

Randy Carspecken, Heat Pump Expert

Jay Shaver, Local Owner of EVs and Citizens' Climate Lobby Volunteer
2pm Workshop & Panels

Local Success Stories: Businesses Leading the way in Sustainability
When: 2pm - 2:45pm
Where: Auditorium
What: Panel discussion

Highlight local businesses that have successfully implemented sustainable practices without sacrificing profitability. Hear from the team at the City of Kalispell and the City of Whitefish and their latest work on the municipal side with rain gardens, community solar and more!

Moderated by Mady Rigg, Miss Montana USA.

Panelists:
Alissa LaChance, Owner, Dirt Rich

Klaus Pfeifer, VP and Co-Owner of Kettle Care Organics

Charles Gale, Strategic Business Analyst, Smartlam

Margarite Thomas, Environmental Coordinator, City of Kalispell

Karin Hilding, Engineering & Sustainability Project Manager, City of Whitefish

Joel Robinson, Owner, Carbon Recall

Having Fun with Climate Advocacy: From Ski Slopes to Capitol Hill
When: 2pm - 2:45pm
Where: AT 203
What: Workshop presented by CCL Regional Director Bill Barron

Explore how to transform your passion for outdoor adventures into powerful advocacy for climate action.

Learn to navigate the path from local initiatives to influencing policy on Capitol Hill, all while having fun and making a tangible impact.

Bill Barron is a Protect Our Winters athlete, and a four time political candidate. As a skilled communicator and CCL leader, he combines his passion for sustainability with a pragmatic and fun focused approach to advance climate solutions.
NGO Lightning Round
When: 2pm - 2:45pm
Where: AT 204
What: Valley nonprofits you might like to support!

A Lightning Round of Opportunities to Take Action: Come and learn about some of the amazing organizations in our community and their missions as well as what they are doing to address local issues, including climate change. You may discover that you want to become a member, volunteer or participant, making a difference and giving you an opportunity to be a part of the solution.
3pm Workshop & Panels
The final offerings of the day! 3pm to 3:45pm

Building Resilient Communities
When: 3pm - 3:45pm
Where: Auditorium
What: Panel discussion

Discussion on how our local community can prepare for and adapt to short- and long-term impacts from the changing climate. This includes increased exposure to extreme weather events and wildfires, grid resilience, changing landscapes, and health impacts. The discussion will focus on practical solutions and impactful messaging to address the impacts. Moderated by Anderson Rosenthal from Project Winterland.

Panelists
Michael West, Fire Prevention and Mitigation, Flathead National Forest

Mike Durglo, Tribal Preservation Department Head, Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes

Fritz Wollett, Retired Environmental Attorney, Citizens' Climate Lobby volunteer

Constanza van der Pahlen, Critical Lands Program Director, Flathead Lakers

Dr. Doug Nelson, Former Chief Medical Officer, Logan Health
Electrification for Nonprofits
When: 3pm - 3:45pm
Where: AT 203
What: Workshop
Who: Presented by Montana Interfaith Power & Light

This workshop explains how non-profits can access funding available through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Presented by Caleb Koebble, Executive Director, Montana Interfaith Power & Light
Youth Workshop & Posters
When: 3pm - 3:45pm
Where: AT 204
What: Workshop

Check out what local students are up to in their science classes!

In this workshop, students will teach the importance of sustainable growth.

They will show you what sustainable development and design looks like for our schools, our community, and the future cities of the world.
FAQs
When?
Saturday April 20th, 2024 - 9 AM to 4 PM

Where?
Flathead Valley Community College - Arts & Technology building - 777 Grandview Dr, Kalispell, MT 59901

What is the Earth Day Expo?
A totally free, all-day event exploring the interaction between nature and technology through engaging panel discussions, educational workshops and interactive exhibits

What's the goal?
To foster conversations, increase awareness and lay the foundations for meaningful actions and solutions to issues facing the Flathead Valley and all Montanans.

Who's putting it on?
The Flathead Valley Chapter of Citizens' Climate Lobby (CCL), a non-partisan nonprofit. FVCC is not a sponsor, they're just renting us the space. For 2025 we hope to connect with a college group to officially host us! If you have any leads please be in touch.

Why an Earth Day event?
To strengthen relationships and build unity within our community. To empower community members with information to make informed choices.

How will we do it?
By focusing on local, real-world impacts and bringing a sense of fun and optimism combined with real work practicality.

Are there any rules?
Yes! No pets, no politics. And please have a lot of fun.

What's next?
Earth Day Expo is a launching pad for exciting next steps towards sustainability, clean air, clean water, thriving wildlife, conservation & healthy communities in the Flathead.

How to stay in the loop:
Please RVSP on our Facebook Event, where you'll find the latest news about Earth Day.
PLATINUM SPONSORS
GOLD SPONSORS
INDIVIDUAL SPONSORS

Fritz Wollett
Become an Earth Day Expo Sponsor
Connect with a diverse audience of individuals, community leaders and potential customers.

Visit our Sponsor Page
Contact Us!

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