Adopt-A-Trail Montana or AATM is a cooperative volunteer program to help protect Montana’s trails from further spread of noxious weeds.
Yes! Noxious weeds are a problem at trailheads because these invasive plants thrive in disturbed areas. Trailheads are ideal for weed establishment because there is frequent concentrated activity in a relatively small area. This repetitive disturbance at trailheads provides the perfect habitat for noxious weeds to become established and increases their ability to spread.
Once established, noxious weeds slowly make their way up trail systems, often hitchhiking as seeds in mud in the treads of mountain bikes, ATVs or other motorized vehicles, in the socks, shoelaces or gear of hikers and hunters, in the hair or fur of pets, riding and pack animals.
A great prevention tool for noxious weeds is to control them in small areas, which helps reduce their spread to weed free areas!
The Adopt-A-Trailhead program relies heavily on the dedication and involvement of volunteer groups from across the state. Groups interested in participating need to be organized and have good support from their membership for an AATM project to be successful!
Membership must be willing to perform removal of noxious weeds at least once per calendar year at the site selected.
The most important component of the AATM program is the volunteer groups. To show appreciation and recognition to the volunteer groups, a sign with the name of the volunteer group will be placed at the site acknowledging the group providing maintenance.
1.) Select a trailhead of interest.
2.) Get group approval and support for participating in the project. The more people on board, the better the project will be.
3.) Work with Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management officials or the local entity where the trailhead is located.
4.) Select a day that works best for group members to meet and perform removal of noxious weeds at the selected trailhead. maintenance.
For more information on the AATM program and how you can get involved, contact: Shantell Frame-Martin at (406) 444-9491 or firstname.lastname@example.org