At the Ruby Habitat Foundation, we use the word "habitat" in its broadest sense — the living environment that sustains people, livestock, fish, wildlife and plants. We believe that no single land holding is large enough to be an ecosystem of itself or yard too small to have some impact on its neighbors. Therefore we believe that we are all in this together and that our management decisions make our environment what it is and what it will become.
We ask ourselves:
- Will our grandchildren learn about the birds and bees from the internet or will they be able to experience the natural birth/rebirth we are privileged to witness annually?
- Will the farms, cattle ranches, trail drives and cowboys and the rural lifestyle they represent be sustained as a part of our culture and economy?
- Will a diverse and healthy community of big game, small mammals, reptiles and songbirds frequent the meadows and inhabit the riparian areas?
- Will trout still thrive?
- Will the open space and scenic vistas remain?
- Will this be a place people want to visit and experience?
- Will we have an economy that will maintain these features?
The choice and responsibility is ours.
The focus of the Ruby Habitat Foundation includes the Ruby River watershed ecosystem and with some adjustments all of Southwest Montana.
Our goal is to gather a body of practical knowledge about the Ruby River watershed in particular and Southwest Montana in general, to use and to share. To achieve this we are conducting a number of applied research projects in both vegetative and management choices. We invite your comments and participation.