Glacier Institute celebrates 30th anniversary

Just 10 years ago, the Glacier Institute had to borrow money just to make its payroll. Today, the nonprofit organization that makes the woods a classroom for about 1,200 students and 600 adults each year has a nest egg of $250,000.

That was something to celebrate as the Institute marked its 30th year during an event attended by more than 100 people at the Big Creek Educational Center on Sept. 28.

“We’re here to stay,” board member Jim Kuhlman said. “We want to continue to expand our programs.”

Kuhlman recalled the tough times, when wildfires in the Flathead National Forest and Glacier National Park nearly ruined the organization after its entire summer programs were largely canceled.

But the organization has bounced back. A series of grants and community support over the years have allowed the Institute to invest about $175,000 in new cabins, vans and other equipment needed to run its educational facilities at Big Creek, in the North Fork, and at Apgar, in Glacier National Park.

The most recent grant came from Tom’s of Maine, which allowed the Big Creek center to add a solar panel to its power grid, resulting in a 75 percent reduction in propane use. The center is completely off the grid and uses propane for heat and to run a generator.

Other future improvements could include a wind generator and a water storage tank at Big Creek, which would further reduce energy costs, board members said.