2025 AWF Grant Update: K-Mart Ponds Clean-up
Each year, the Audubon Wildlife Fund supports research and other projects that directly benefit birds and wildlife in Montana. We recently checked in with the 2025 Audubon Wildlife Fund Grant recipients, and are excited to share these updates on their research and projects.
Grant recipient
Last Chance Audubon
Project
In partnership with the City of Helena and Montana Conservation Corps, a big spring clean up to improve habitat and mitigate Russian Olive and other plants at the K-Mart wetlands area, a local birding hotspot.
Update
The Audubon Wildlife Grant accompanied our own fund-raising monies (and matching funds from Last Chance Audubon) to do considerable clean-up at K-Mart Wetlands. We worked with the City of Helena and Montana Conservation Corps to remove the overgrowth of Russian Olive and treat stumps to prevent regrowth.
The area has now been opened up for better access and viewing. Some of the debris piles will be left since the birds love them! The City of Helena is responsible for removing the majority of debris.
The MCC crew worked very hard in hot conditions over several days. We are pleased with the results of their hard work and the collaboration of Last Chance Audubon, Montana Audubon, the City of Helena, Montana Conservation Corps and most especially the support of our membership.
Before (left) and after (right) photos from two different views at K-Mart Ponds.
