Please Read the volunteer manual and initial below:
Our Mission
Preserving wildlife and its habitat by educating youth about the importance of conservation.
History
The Madison Valley and its surrounding mountains in southwest Montana have long been celebrated as a rich and diverse land teeming with wildlife. Its plentiful streams and alpine lakes, protective forests, nourishing meadows, and undeveloped expanses provide critical habitat for nearly every major mammal species within the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Yet habitat gaps in this region exist, especially around developing communities like Ennis and Big Sky.
In 2005, the Fossel family of Ennis, MT donated 4,500 acres of ecologically significant habitat spanning private land and connecting two portions of the Lee Metcalf Wilderness. The land became the Jack Creek Preserve, the cornerstone of the Jack Creek Preserve Foundation.
Our Values
The Jack Creek Preserve Foundation promotes wildlife conservation and outdoor education to inspire a personal connection and commitment to nature.
We proactively manage 4,500 acres of protected habitat to secure a key migratory corridor for wildlife, and support research.
We offer a variety of educational experiences including youth camps, hunter education, recreational activities, and remote wilderness experiences to encourage citizens to become active stewards of their natural resources.
We support science and research to deepen understanding of land, water and wildlife, and embrace the tenets of adaptive management in maintaining and enhancing the Preserve’s lands.
Strategic Alignment and Rationale
The Jack Creek Preserve Foundation (Preserve) promotes wildlife conservation and outdoor education on 4,500 acres of protected habitat between Ennis and Big Sky, MT. The property provides a vital connection between two units of the Lee Metcalf Wilderness, extending critical wildlife habitat from Yellowstone National Park through the Madison Range and northward. The Foundation manages the Preserve with a focus on improving wildlife habitat and migratory passage.
The Preserve was created to permanently protect this wildlife corridor as wildland providing for wildlife and to provide special opportunities for education, study and research.
The Preserve protects our natural and historical heritage by promoting responsible hunting and the important role that hunting plays in wildlife conservation.
The Preserve provides programs and experiences for local schools, nonprofits and other groups that enrich the communities around Big Sky and Ennis and the surrounding Madison and Gallatin counties.
Program Areas
1. Hosting Groups: We offer outdoor education experiences, research opportunities, and facilities for students, teachers, researchers, land managers, natural resource programs, and nonprofit organizations.
2. Education:
Outdoor Skills Camps: The Preserve hosts two summer camps annually for youth ages 12 - 18 to learn a variety of outdoor skills in a wilderness setting. The camps include archery, fly fishing, hiking, wildlife tracking, mapping and orienteering, outdoor cooking, photography, and other activities to enhance their enjoyment of the outdoors. In July campers have the opportunity to earn their Bowhunter Education Certificate.
Conservation Field School: In 2018 we implemented our first Conservation Field School. We provide teachers with professional development in wildlife conservation, habitat preservation, and with outdoor skills they can take back to their classroom.
Educational Programming: We provide conservation and outdoor education opportunities to groups, camps, and schools.
3. Conservation: We manage 4,500 acres for wildlife and the habitat in which they depend, while also provide critical linkages to surrounding public and private land.
Resources & Facilities
Outdoor Education Center: This center is the educational nucleus of the Jack Creek Preserve Foundation, offering a classroom, kitchen, and sleeping space.
Campground: Our campground and open-sided pole barn provide learning groups easy access to our outdoor classroom, adjacent trails, ponds, streams, meadows, and mountains.
Trail System: Our trail system connects FS 316 and FS 317, and two units of the Lee Metcalf Wilderness.
Archery Range: A 3D archery range is available for use during Preserve hosted events.
Private Road Access & Use
The Jack Creek Road is a private road owned and managed by Lone Mountain Land Company. All drivers are required to submit a Road Use Agreement. Once we have your information, we will provide you with a Road Pass and a Gate Code. The road pass must be displayed on the dash of the vehicle that will be traveling on Jack Creek Road. While traveling on the Jack Creek Road, please:
Obey all posted road signs
Be cautious of wildlife on and crossing the road
No bicycle traffic
Organization Information
Mailing Address:
Jack Creek Preserve Foundation
PO Box 3
Ennis, MT 59729
Ennis Office Address:
222 E Main St, Lone Elk Office Suites, Suite 3B
Ennis, MT 59729
Preserve Physical Address:
1206 Jack Creek Road
Ennis, MT 59729
Phone at Ennis office: (406) 682-3358
Phone at Outdoor Education Center: (406) 995-7880
Website: www.jackcreekpreserve.org
Staff:
Executive Director, Abigail King
aking@jackcreekpreserve.org, 602-820-5995
Conservation Education Director, Addison Perryman
a.perryman@jackcreekpreserve.org, 307-287-0476
Property Manager, Jim Giglinto
jim@jackcreekpreserve.org, 406-640-0126
Board of Directors:
Brian Benyo-Board President and Chairman, Brilex Industries, Berlin Center, Ohio
John Knapton-Board Vice President, Big Sky Resort, Big Sky, MT
Loren Tucker-Board Treasurer, Retired, Virginia City, MT
Bob Rowe-Secretary, Retired, Helena, MT
Megan Clark-Peyton, CO
Dottie Fossel-Co-Founder, Ennis, Montana
Jon Fossel-Co Founder, Retired, Bayfield, CO
Pieter Fossel-Hydrosat Inc, Washington, DC
Scott Fossel-Board Treasurer, Retired, Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Steven Fossel-Fossel Capital Management Ilc, Evergreen, CO
Jason Hicks, Hicks Engineering, Manhattan, MT
Michelle Horning, The Big Sky Real Estate Company, Big Sky, MT
Chris Plaut, Retired, Cameron, MT
Michael Schlegel-Retired, Grangeville, ID
John Way, The Tackle Shop, Ennis, MT
Advisory Board
Michael Fossel-Telocyte LLC, Ada, MI
Robin Hompesch-Retired Bozeman High School Teacher, Bozeman, MT
Merrill Arbuckle-Retired, Three Forks, MT
Marc Glines-Retired, Ennis, MT
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AND INFORMATION
Giving your time is one of the easiest ways you can help Jack Creek Preserve Foundation. Several on-going opportunities are listed below, and we have special needs that arise from time to time. The skills listed are to help you see where you might fit but are not required. We have an email list for volunteer opportunities, and many will be listed on our website.
OUTDOOR SKILLS CAMPS AND ARCHERY VOLUNTEER
Description:
Camp volunteers will assist with the day-to-day operations of running our camps, which occur in July and August. This includes set-up and tear down of camp, chaperoning during camp, leading outdoor skill sessions, or cooking and serving meals.
Helpful Skills:
Working with children
Cooking and food preparation for large groups
Outdoor skills (i.e. photography, plant identification, compass use, backpacking, wilderness medicine, knot tying, etc.)
Archery
Time Commitment:
Volunteers will ideally commit to set camp dates, but depending on the specific task, “one day” commitments may be available for varying hour time blocks.
Age Requirement:
Volunteers may be any age, depending on job or task. Chaperones and archery instructors should be 18 years of age or older.
TRAIL VOLUNTEERS
Description:
Trail volunteers will assist with cleaning up existing trails, which may involve raking, moving large branches or, in special circumstances, using heavy equipment to remove fallen trees from the trail. In addition, volunteers may assist with breaking of new trails, installing trail markers or signs along our interpretive loops. All volunteers will be expected to arrive with proper clothing, footwear, food and hydration for working outside in varied conditions.
Helpful skills:
Manual labor
Enjoy doing work outdoors
Experience with trail building and maintenance
Time Commitment:
Volunteers may be asked to commit to anywhere from 2 - 6 hours for trail work.
Age Requirement:
Trail volunteers must be at least 14 years or older. Volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a supervisor age 21 or older.
DOCENT
Description:
Volunteer hosts will serve as naturalists and information resources for visitors of the Outdoor Education Center. These people will provide opportunities to learn specific skills, view wildlife, or other appropriate activity. These events will be advertised and be based on the docents schedule and wish to lead events.
Helpful Skills:
Knowledge of nature and science of any kind
Good communication skills
Time Commitment:
Hosts shifts may be flexible, but preferably 2 hours or more at one time.
Age Requirement:
There is no specific age requirement for this volunteer opportunity
VOLUNTEER RESPONSIBILITIES
NOTE: The acceptance of your volunteer time with Jack Creek Preserve will be at the discretion of the Board and/or the Executive Director and will be dependent on the following requirements. We have different levels of volunteers and therefore different requirements:
“Spot Volunteers” (occasional work involving weed pulling, trail maintenance, archery course set up/take down, etc.) are required to:
Read and sign the Volunteer Acceptance of Manual
Sign the Preserve’s Acknowledgement of Risk and Waiver of Liability
Outdoor Skills Camp Volunteers
Special Guest Speakers: No requirements.
Special Guest Speakers (that will be hiking or staying overnight on the Preserve):
Sign the Preserve’s Acknowledgement of Risk and Waiver of Liability
Junior Counselors/Volunteers/Instructors will be required to:
Read the Outdoor Skills Camp Volunteer Job Description and Commitment
Read and sign the Volunteer Acceptance of Manual
Sign the Preserve’s Acknowledgement of Risk and Waiver of Liability
Sign the Preserve’s Risk Management Policy
Track and turn in volunteer hours spent working on behalf of the Jack Creek Preserve Foundation
Volunteers/Instructors that will spend one-on-one time with youth under the age of 18 will be required to:
Read the Outdoor Skills Camp Volunteer Job Description and Commitment
Read and sign the Volunteer Acceptance of Manual
Sign the Preserve’s Acknowledgement of Risk and Waiver of Liability
Sign the Preserve’s Risk Management Policy
Take the Abuse Prevention Training (includes videos and a quiz)
Complete a background check (this will be paid for by Jack Creek Preserve Foundation)
Track and turn in volunteer hours spent working on behalf of the Jack Creek Preserve Foundation
Come Prepared
Volunteers are expected to be on time for all assigned tasks and scheduled events. Work shall be performed to the best of your ability. In addition, please arrive prepared and dressed for the elements and the task at hand. Often, work will include walking long distances through areas that may not have established trails. Proper footwear and comfortable clothing is extremely important. Please contact a staff member should you have any questions.
Maintain Communication with Coordinator
Please alert Preserve staff as soon as possible if you will be absent, late, or unable to perform a task for any reason. Feedback from staff or other volunteers should be accepted in a positive way. Staff will be asking for feedback through surveys at the end of your volunteer time, so please be honest and constructive with any feedback that you may have. Prior to the survey, if you have any concerns that require more immediate attention, please feel free to speak with a staff member at any time. Always remain safe and report any concerns you may have about potentially unsafe situations/procedures to staff members as soon as possible.
Be a Model of Proper Behavior
As a volunteer, always acknowledge and respect the decisions made by staff of the organization and always comply with the Jack Creek Preserve Foundation policies that are outlined in this manual. The use of tobacco, alcohol, and illegal substances prior to or when students are in your care will not be tolerated. Treat everyone with respect, including students, staff, and fellow volunteers. Use of violence or harassment will not be tolerated and is a means for volunteer termination.
Track Hours
It is very important that we maintain a record of how many hours you have been volunteering with the JCPF. Please be sure to check in with a staff member at the beginning and end of your volunteer shift to determine how and where you should be tracking your volunteer hours.
Report Accidents or Incidents
Any and all accidents that occur involving campers, students, volunteers, etc. should be reported and documented as soon as possible. This includes any destruction of property. In addition, please report any issues, concerns or areas of conflict that may occur as soon as possible. Issues should be reported to a staff member or volunteer coordinator of the Jack Creek Preserve Foundation as soon as possible.
Maintain Clear Boundaries and Expectations
Never put yourself in a situation where you are alone with a student or camper. Avoid any physical contact that immobilizes or constricts the child’s movement (i.e. tickling, wrestling, lap sitting) or any contact that could be construed as sexual.
Disclaimer
The Jack Creek Preserve Foundation reserves the right to reassign or terminate any volunteer from their responsibilities at the organization’s discretion. This includes but is not limited to violations of the Jack Creek Preserve Foundation’s policies and procedures.
Where to Report Issues/Concerns
Any issues or concerns shall be reported as soon as possible to a Jack Creek Preserve Foundation Staff member. The office can be reached by phone at (406) 682-3358 or by email at aking@jackcreekpreserve.org. The mailing address is:
Jack Creek Preserve Foundation
PO Box 3
Ennis, MT 59729
A formal written (and signed) statement may be required for documentation, depending on the severity of the issue that is reported. In addition, minor issues or concerns can be reported to any staff member of the Preserve at any time.
Who to Contact If You Are Late or Unable to Attend
In the event that you are running late or will not be able to fulfill your volunteer duties, it is extremely important that you inform the Preserve staff at 406-682-3358 or aking@jackcreekpreserve.org. Abigail King, Executive Director can be reached directly at 602-820-5995.
COVID-19 POILICIES AND PROCEDURES **IF APPLICABLE**
The Jack Creek Preserve Foundation takes the overall health of youth, staff, volunteers, and their families very seriously. This document is a summary of the measures the Jack Creek Preserve Foundation has established to ensure everyone’s safety. It is important that all camp participants, volunteers, and staff are aware of and adhere to these policies and procedures. Jack Creek Preserve Foundation is also a partner in the 2020 Big Sky Summer Camp Community Guidelines to create a community standard which will create a healthy atmosphere for our camps and community.
Pre-screening questionnaire and waiver
Taking temperatures daily
Staff/volunteer training to recognize COVID-19 symptoms
Staff/volunteers will wear PPE when preparing and serving food and when individuals feel it is necessary
Use of disposable plates, cutlery, and single-use items
Regular hand washing for at least 20 seconds and/or use of hand sanitizer with greater than 60% ethanol or 70% isopropanol as active ingredients with sanitizer on hands for at least 20 seconds
Surfaces to be sanitized regularly with bleach solution with recommended contact time (minimum 1 minute)
Assigning each camper their own equipment when available, regular sanitizing of individual equipment and sanitizing shared equipment between users.
Morning briefing/reminders of how to be clean, healthy, and safe including demonstrations of healthy practices, such as coughing into elbow, proper hand washing, and avoiding touching face.