92-year-old Betty Thisted, a former Frenchtown high school biology teacher, is a strong advocate for conservation and education.
She owns 622 acres of land in the Ninemile Valley and Lolo National Forest area, which has been in her family since 1938 and is protected by conservation easements.
“Well, I’m a teacher. You never quit teaching,” Thisted said during a recent school field trip at her property. “So what I want to do is use all of this land that I own. It’s not huge, but it’s significant for its own purposes.”
Her land has become a popular field trip destination for students of all ages, where they can learn about conservation and agriculture.
A recent group of sixth to eighth graders visited as part of the STEEM Collaborative program, focusing on science, technology, engineering, economics, and mathematics.
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The program aims to challenge stereotypes and promote diversity in STEM fields, particularly for women and non-binary individuals.
The students learned about stream reclamation, a project led by Trout Unlimited since 2004 to restore abandoned mining sites in the Ninemile Creek watershed.
The successful reclamation efforts have improved fisheries’ health and created better passages for fish, reducing sedimentation.
Thisted’s property also holds historical significance, with an old log cabin being the only remaining building. The land transitioned from homesteading to agriculture over time.
Thisted remains dedicated to her husband’s love for the outdoors, continuing their legacy by providing educational opportunities on the land.
Her future plans include more educational programs for children, incorporating music and theater outdoors, and continuing to preserve wildlife.
“I love it out here, I’ve lived here for 50 years,” Betty told the students. “I hope you are all having a good time and I hope you all come back.”
