Spring Creek Farms Today

A drone picture of Camp Creek highlighting incised and eroding banks.

Historically, the Gallatin Valley was full of hardworking beavers that dammed up our rivers, creating complex river channels, lush vegetation, and fertile floodplains. It’s hard to imagine, because many modern-day streams and rivers, like Camp Creek, often look very different: 

🔹Steep “incised” banks that separate the creek from its floodplain 

🔹A lack of deep-rooted trees and shrubs needed to hold soil in place and shade the water.

🔹High sediment concentrations due to eroding banks

🔹High sediment and nutrient levels from erosion and runoff that can harm downstream water quality.

🔹Straightened channels that lack the deep pools and hiding spots fish and wildlife need to thrive.

At Spring Creek Farms, GWC is working alongside the Venhuizen family to reverse these trends. Through hands-on restoration, we are helping the land return to a more natural, resilient state. 

We are excited to help bring back biodiversity on this farm and look forward to seeing more fish, bugs, birds, deer, and ducks. Clean water is the foundation of a thriving farm and a thriving community, and this project brings us one step closer to that goal.

Check back next week for details on projects we got done this year and sneak peeks of what’s to come!

*Funding for this project is provided by Montana DEQ, Montana DNRC, NRCS, and the landowners.*