Earth Day - CCL Montana | Citizens' Climate Lobby MT

Education, Inspiration, Community & Fun
Step into a day where community, nature, and innovation come alive!
Gather for hands-on learning and conversations to nurture our environment and strengthen our bonds in the Flathead Valley.
Saturday April 19th, 2025 from 9am to 3pm
Location is Flathead Valley Community College, Arts & Technology Building
Panels
Engaging discussions on issues facing the Flathead Valley and all Montanans.
More info
Booths
Interact with local community groups sharing information and technology.
Workshops
Get educated. Learn how to save money, pollute less and take advantage of available benefits.
More info
Keynote & Special Guest
Mariah Gladstone: Founder of Indigikitchen
About Our Keynote & Special Guest for Earth Day 2025
Mariah Gladstone (Blackfeet, Cherokee) founded Indigikitchen, an online cooking show re-indigenizing diets with Native foods. She grew up in Northwest Montana, earned an Environmental Engineering degree at Columbia, and completed her master’s at SUNY–ESF. Her debut cookbook, Mountains to Oceans, arrived in 2024
Morning Welcome from Mariah
Kick off Earth Day with a special Blackfeet storytime event featuring our special guest Mariah Gladstone.
When: 9:30am - 9:55am
Where: Downstairs in room 144 A & B, Arts & Technology Building, FVCC
Lunchtime Keynote
Have lunch while listening to a culinary legend!
When: 12 noon - 12:45pm
Where: Downstairs in room 144 A & B, Arts & Technology Building, FVCC
Afternoon Workshop with Mariah
A workshop featuring cooking and her book
When: 2pm - 2:45pm
Where: AT 205 on main level, Arts & Technology Building, FVCC
Kids' Activities
Let the kids have wild fun, while the grownups take meaningful action
MT Wild Wings 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!

10 am in the parking lot adjacent to the Arts and Technology Building.
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 will be awesome!
All day.
Arts: Collage for Earth
Kids and adults alike can contribute to this community artwork, expressing their feelings about nature and the environment.
All day.
Face Painting
Celebrate Earth Day with fun and colorful face painting! Choose from beautiful nature-inspired designs like butterflies, flowers, trees, and the planet itself.
Perfect for kids and adults alike, face painting is a great way to express your love for the planet while adding a little extra fun to the festivities.
Stop by, get painted, and show off your Earth Day spirit! 🌍
Solar Car Kit
Build it. Race it. Harness the power of the sun! Join our hands-on workshop to design and construct your very own solar-powered car—then take it outside and watch it zoom using nothing but sunlight! It's a fun, interactive way to explore renewable energy and see solar power in action. Will your car be the fastest? Come find out! 🚗☀️ - 11 am AT202 - Main Level, Arts and Technology Building
Birding
Join Flathead Audubon for a guided adventure through nature as you explore the vibrant sights and sounds of springtime birds in their natural habitat!
Perfect for bird enthusiasts of all ages, this walk offers a chance to spot local species and learn expert tips on bird identification and behavior.
11 am and 1 pm - look for Audubon in the parking area near the EV Showcase
Booths
Stop by from 9am–3pm for family-friendly booths, interactive learning, and passport stamps!
Flathead Valley Chapter of Citizens' Climate Lobby (CCL)
Northstone Solar - Signature Sponsor
Pioneer Heating and Cooling - Platinum Sponsor
Carbon Recall - Platinum Sponsor
Wild Montana - Gold Sponsor
Flathead Electric Cooperative - Silver Sponsor
Climate Smart Glacier Country
Flathead Audubon Society
Abundant Montana
City of Kalispell
Glacier National Park Conservancy
Montana Health Professionals for a Healthy Climate
SpiritWorks Herb Farm
Forward Montana
Yaak Valley Forest Council
Center for Native Plants
Montana Renewable Energy Association
Whitebark Pine Ecosystem Foundation
Citizens for a Better Flathead
Flathead Valley Community College Career Center
Big Sky Astronomy Club
Flathead Lakers
Golden Triangle Resource Council
Youth Climate Network (Flathead Valley High School Students)
Montana Energy Office
Blissfully Balanced Nutrition
The Nasty Naturalist
Contreras Heating and Cooling
Montana Environmental Information Center (MEIC)
Friends of Somers
One Brave Pack
North Shore Water Alliance
Basler Family Chiropractic
Montana Fibershed
Land to Hand
Flathead Rivers Alliance

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!
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.

AI & Food Security
When: 10am - 10:45am
Where: Upstairs in 205
Who: Linda Kiltz, KZ Farm
Discover how massive AI data centers impact Montana’s water and food security, and what communities can do to protect resources for future generations.
Northstone Solar's Homeowner Guide to Residential Solar
When: 10am - 10:45am
Where: Upstairs in 206
Who: Northstone Solar
Thinking about going solar? Learn everything you need to know about cost, incentives, installation, and how solar can save you money while powering your home sustainably.

Fire & Rain: Community Resilience
When: 11am - 11:45am
Where: Downstairs in 144
Who: Panel Moderator: Steve Thompson, Climate Smart Glacier Country
Explore strategies for protecting our communities from climate-driven risks like wildfire smoke, extreme heat, and flooding with local resilience experts.
Harness YOUR Hero: Meet Your Sustainability Alter Ego
When: 11am - 11:45am
Where: Upstairs in 205
Who: Chance Thompson, Viridescent
Unleash your inner climate hero in this interactive, creative session that helps you connect with nature, define your motivators, and build a team for change.
Power & Policy: Electrify Your Home, Amplify Your Voice
When: 11am - 11:45am
Where: Upstairs in 206
Who: Angie Winter & Robin Paone, CCL Flathead Valley (the event organizers!)
Explore how home electrification can save you money, reduce pollution, and boost energy independence—plus, learn how to advocate for policies that support a clean energy future.
Keynote: Mariah Gladstone
When: Noon (bring lunch in!)
Where: Downstairs in 144
Who: Mariah Gladstone, Indigikitchen

Enjoy an inspiring talk from Mariah Gladstone, founder of Indigikitchen, as she shares insights on food, sustainability, and community resilience. Seating is limited—arrive early!
Youth Roundtable: The Next Generation Speaks
When: 1pm - 1:45pm
Where: Downstairs in 144
Who: Moderator: Annie Gustafson, Educator at Whitefish High School
Hear directly from local students as they share their ideas, concerns, and solutions for a more sustainable future.
Efficiency & Radon: Saving Energy & Improving Air Quality
When: 1pm - 1:45pm
Where: Upstairs in 205
Who: Meranda Bass, Montana DEQ
Learn how to cut energy costs with better insulation, windows, and doors—plus, protect your home from radon exposure for healthier indoor air.
How to Prepare Yourself, Your Home & Property for Wildfire
When: 1pm - 1:45pm
Where: Upstairs in 206
Who: Marcel Getz, Montana DNRC
As wildfire seasons grow longer and more intense, this session will cover practical steps homeowners can take to reduce risk and live safely in fire-prone areas.
Taking Refuge in the Yaak
When: 2pm - 2:45pm
Where: Upstairs in 206
Who: Chris Bachman, Yaak Valley Forest Council
Learn why the Yaak Valley could be America’s first climate refuge, preserving biodiversity, storing carbon, and sustaining both wildlife and communities in a changing climate.
Indigenous Cooking Workshop with Mariah Gladstone
When: 2pm - 2:45pm
Where: Upstairs in 205
Who: Mariah Gladstone

Join keynote speaker Mariah Gladstone for a hands-on cooking workshop inspired by her cookbook, bringing Indigenous foods and traditions to life. A fun, interactive session for kids and parents alike—because who wouldn’t love a home-cooked, healthy meal from their little chefs?
Rebel Roots Kitchen
Lunch available right at the Earth Day Expo Event!
Our kitchen is 100% Gluten AND Dairy FREE! We use mostly organic and non-GMO ingredients, and our meat is always LOCAL! We strive to keep our carbon footprint as small as possible by using ONLY compostable take-out materials. We love you, we love our planet!
What: Lunch
When: 11 am to 3 pm
Where: Circle Driveway in front of the Arts & Technology Building, FVCC
Earth Dances
Sacred Opening to the Earth Day Expo Event
Experience the magic of Earth Dances, part of the global Dances of Universal Peace movement! These joyful, meditative dances unite voices and movements from diverse traditions, celebrating our deep connection to the Earth.
At this gathering, we will share two powerful dances rooted in First Nation (Indigenous Native American) traditions, honoring the land, spirit, and ancestors. The third dance, created by Bernie Heideman, is a heartfelt reminder that we all have a role to play in protecting our planet.
What: Come move, sing, and connect—let’s dance for the Earth together!
When: 9:00 am - 9:25am
Where: Downstairs on the outdoor patio (outside AT 139) the Lower Level of the Arts & Technology Building, FVCC
FAQs
When?
Saturday April 19th, 2025 - 9 AM to 3 PM

Where?
Flathead Valley Community College - Arts & Technology building - 777 Grandview Dr, Kalispell, MT 59901
*FVCC is not a sponsor, they're just renting us the space.

What is the Earth Day Expo?
A totally free, all-day event exploring the interaction between nature and healthy communities through engaging panel discussions, educational workshops and interactive exhibits, plus our amazing keynote guest Mariah Gladstone, the founder of Indigikitchen.
What's the EV Showcase?
It's a place to see electric vehicles including a boat and a school bus! Plus tons of private cars and trucks. Talk to EV owners and more! It's in the parking lot in front of the Arts & Technology building - easy to find!

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 working on bipartisan laws to lower pollution for clean air and clean water and a livable climate.

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

Where should I park?
First: turn into FVCC using Grandview Drive (the southern-most road at the campus.)
Go down a bit then turn left onto the second road - that leads to the parking.
If needed you can drop kids & elders right at the door of the Arts & Technology building, then circle back to the parking...otherwise, just park and walk on over!

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.
SIGNATURE SPONSOR

A 3 year veteran sponsor of Earth Day Expo - we're honored to partner with Northstone Solar as the Signature Sponsor 2025
Visit the Northstone Solar website to begin your energy independence journey!
PLATINUM SPONSORS

Please visit the websites of our Platinum Sponsors to support them!
Pioneer Heating & Cooling ----- Carbon Recall Kalispell
GOLD SPONSORS
Personal donation from Fritz Wollett

Silver Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors

Glacier Guides and Montana Raft
Backslope Brewing
Contact Us!

Become an exhibitor, sponsor, or volunteer. Find out more about the Earth Day Expo.

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