Powder River Examiner -

Abby Butler is working this summer in Powder River County as a member of the County Weed Department, through Montana Conservation Corps' conservation fellow program, which places willing candidates looking to gain skills in the conservation field with Montana agencies for five months.

Abby is originally from Katy, Texas (near Houston). Abby graduated in May from the University of Georgia with a B.S. in Wildlife Sciences. Abby tells us she loves any activity outdoors, especially hiking/camping, and is also a big reader.

Day to day activities for the Montana Conservation Corps member varies, with Abby telling us she usually comes into work at 4 am and heads out to spray weeds in the work truck or UTV.

She continues: "Other days we'll go out to meet with ranchers and look for noxious weeds on their property, or travel around the county mapping sites with noxious weeds. Some days I'm changing tires, mowing the grass, really doing anything Tammy needs me to!"

She tells us that her favorite moments of the summer have been traveling around Powder River County, seeing the many beautiful landscapes and amazing wildlife.

"After this program I plan on spending another year doing field/seasonal work to build my resume and gain some valuable experience. I'd love to find a permanent job in the conservation/ restoration field out West," Abby added.

Montana Conservation Corps provides a variety of programs for young people across Montana, delivering over 400,000 hours of service on public lands throughout the state every year, while employing several hundred young people in the process. MCC's website cites 134,400 acres of treated noxious weeds under their projects, 1,000 miles of trails improved per year, and over 1 million trees planted.

Projects are available for college grads like Abby, as well as teens age 14-17, who work on shorter summertime projects across the state.

Those looking to join Montana Conservation Corps may look up https://www.mtcorps.org.