Travelers from OLLI at Montana State University (MSU) and the MSU Retiree Association set off last spring for a three-day tour into the central part of their state. Their mission and the tour's title: "Exploring Rural Communities in Montana's Central Plains." The 20 travelers sought to better understand rural and agricultural issues by meeting and learning firsthand from residents in the Fergus, Petroleum, and Musselshell Counties of Montana.
Along the regional route, participants learned about everything from geography, railroads,
and wind energy, to the Minute Man III missile program, MSU Extension, rural electric cooperatives, and Métis culture, all while enjoying many local attractions.
In Lewistown, the group visited the American Prairie's National Discovery Center to study the ecology and importance of the imperiled prairie ecosystem. In the town of Winnett, they visited the Brady Ranch, heard from ACES (Agricultural Community Enhancement and Sustainability) and the World Wildlife Fund. They also visited the recently opened Petroleum County Community Center, where local residents led the group through some of downtown Winnett's many community projects. On the final day of the trip, the group visited Grass Range and Roundup. Docent staff at the Musselshell Valley Historical Museum guided them through many exhibits. During a BBQ lunch in the Coal Miner's Hall, the Musselshell Watershed Coalition educated the visitors about the Musselshell River and local cooperative efforts to support the health of this critical Montana watershed.
A final highlight of the tour was a visit to the Kilby Butte Hutterite Colony, just east of Roundup. Travelers were welcomed with a resident-led tour of the Colony's school, kitchen, and food processing facilities. Colony members shared many cultural details and samples of their dill pickles and sausage production.
One tour participant said: "This OLLI trip to Montana's plains and prairie was memorable in so many ways. Perhaps most meaningful to me was the opportunity to hear directly from rural residents and witness firsthand their resourcefulness and dedication to the health and vitality of their communities."
Submitted by: OLLI at Montana State University
|