A Winter Speaker Series Inspires Future Libby Citizen Scientists

Libby residents have few ways to learn about regional water quality issues, leaving public awareness low and the volunteer base for local water monitoring thin. One staff member at the Yaak Valley Forest Council reached out to LOR with a solution: host a free winter speaker series to educate the public about local water issues and build interest in volunteer opportunities. LOR’s funding will help the Yaak Valley Forest Council host six free public sessions from December through April, covering advertising, speaker honoraria, event space rental, lodging for out-of-town speakers, and mileage reimbursement. The series will give Libby residents a place to learn about the Kootenai River Watershed, the challenges it faces, and how they can help—with a goal of recruiting at least five volunteers to join the council’s citizen science water monitoring program launching in 2027.