The Story Behind the "M"

The "M" is 620 feet above the Missoula Valley floor. It is 125' feet long and 100' feet wide. University of Montana forestry students cut the switchbacks into the side of the hill in the early 1900's. The first "M" was assembled out of whitewashed rocks in 1909, and given a fresh coat of paint by freshmen every year, until 1968, when all those rocks were cemented together with concrete.

Photo by Nelson Kenter, kenterphotography.com

Archive for the ‘Going Green’ Category

Going Solar? Here’s What to Keep in Mind

Going solar can be rewarding for multiple reasons. Not only is it a way to cut your utility costs, but it’s also an excellent way to give back to the environment.... more

Top 5 Most Popular Eco-friendly Home Modifications

The following factors should guide you when deciding on green improvements to make in your home:... more

Cleaning Missoula’s Air With Greener Travel and Carbon Offsetting

Among U.S. states, Montana is leading the way with investments in greener infrastructure making it easier than ever for us to live more environmentally responsible lives.... more

How Missoula Is Making The Shift Towards Renewable Energy

If the Missoula County Commissioners and City Council have their way, the whole urban area will run on 100% clean electricity by 2030.... more

How Mailing Bags Are Sustainability In Practice

Let’s explore further how mailing bags are a sustainable packaging choice.... more

City Sponsors Christmas Ever-Green Tree Recycling Program

The City of Missoula is hosting its annual Christmas Ever-Green tree recycling program, Dec. 26 to Jan. 14. Residents may drop off cut Christmas trees at three area parks and at Garden City Compost to be recycl... more

How Going Green Can Help Your Business

Apart from it being extremely important in our world today, going green can be highly beneficial for your business and personal life as well. Here's why: ... more

The 6 Compelling Reasons Why Solar Energy Is Now High In Demand

Here's why, NOW, is the perfect time to hop on the renewable energy train and go green today.... more

6 Ways to Reduce Your Plastic Waste Today

Reducing plastic waste is one of the best things you can do to make a greater impact on environmental conservation.... more

Going Solar? Here’s What to Keep in Mind

Going solar can be rewarding for multiple reasons. Not only is it a way to cut your utility costs, but it’s also an excellent way to give back to the environment.... more

How To Go Green In 2021

Here are some tips to start going green in 2021, and work to save the planet. ... more

Minimizing The Impact Of The Oil Industry On Montana’s Environment

The oil industry is valuable to Montana. Through the careful monitoring, air pollution control programs, and clean up initiatives, its environmental impact can be kept to a minimum.... more

Practical Reasons to Go Green

The world is changing and it is time that you do as well. When do you plan on going green? ... more

The Difference Between Renting A Dumpster And Hiring A Junk Removal Company

Here is the difference between getting a dumpster and hiring a junk removal company:... more

Trying Times

BRUCE AUCHLY - This month may be the discontent of our winter, as we keen to hike, hear meadowlarks, smell the earth after a rain. But life does go on in February, even if we don’t notice it.... more

5 Ways to Save Water in Missoula in 2020

As environmental issues take the center stage of international concerns, it becomes inevitable for each person to try everything possible to reduce his or her adverse effects.... more

How to Reduce Non-Biodegradable Waste and Recycle More Effectively

Besides recycling waste, you can considerably reduce it by adopting various healthier alternatives to non-biodegradable products. ... more

How Yurt Housing differs from a Traditional Home

Yurt Living - an Alternative to Traditional Housing – and the Tiny House. Buying a home can be an expensive, lengthy process, and the rent for an apartment is looking increasingly more like mortgage... more

City Sponsors Christmas Ever-Green Tree Recycling Program

By BECKY GOODRICH - The City of Missoula is hosting its annual Christmas Ever-Green tree recycling program, December 26 to January 15. ... more

The State of the Jungle

By PAUL WHEATON - The more stuff I create and post online, the more people need to give me their feedback. Just reading their feedback is bigger than a full time job. ... more

Leaf Collection Starts Monday, Nov. 2

The City of Missoula will begin fall leaf pickup on Monday, Nov. 2, starting in the neighborhoods north of the Clark Fork River during the first week. ... more

Swords, Iron, Missoula Blood and Pie

By PAUL WHEATON - Turns out I have too much iron in my blood and it's leading to exhaustion. So I get the idea of just donating blood to see if I then feel supercharged. ... more

Jumping Spiders and Daddy Longlegs in Your House Keep Away Brown Recluse

By PAUL WHEATON - This video is of a jumping spider that found its way onto my monitor. I used to kill all spiders, but here's why I don't anymore.... more

Struggles, Hurdles, Challenges and Observation

By PAUL WHEATON - I'm not yet of retirement age, but I suppose I could say that I am retired .... from being a software engineer. Sorta. ... more

City Discontinues Curbside Pickpup of Storm Debris

With 90 percent of the storm debris cleared, citizens are asked to discontinue placing tree debris from private yards on the boulevards as curbside debris pickup has ended.... more

Are you Testing Your Drinking Water?

Arsenic is fairly common in Montana’s groundwater--especially in mountainous areas where well water is affected. Are you testing your drinking water?... more

BIKEapalooza Kicks Off Sunday Streets Missoula

Celebrate Sunday Streets Missoula on Sunday, July 19, between noon and 4 p.m. on a car-free Higgins Avenue from the red XXXXs on north HIggins Ave.... more

City Imposes Stage 1 Fire Reststrictions Bans All Fireworks

Fire Danger moved to EXTREME on Monday and Stage 1 fire restrictions have been imposed prohibiting use of fire or open flame, including campfires, smoking and the use of fireworks.... more

Street Trees Suffer in Summer Weather

By BECKY GOODRICH - The heat is hard on all of us, but did you know it can KILL trees? Remember that street trees need your help to survive summer’s soaring temperatures.... more

Quest for Land: My Advice for Permies and Homesteaders
Part 3 of 3

By PAUL WHEATON - I want to grow the future of permaculture. Not just with my ideas, but with 20 different artisans in seed and soil. Each permie would have their own vision for what is “best”.... more

Quest for Land: My Advice for Permies and Homesteaders Part 2 of 3

By PAUL WHEATON - When it came to picking a piece of land, I have a powerful bias. I just love Missoula, Montana. Someday I want to be able to say that I grow a lemon tree, outdoors, in Montana.... more

Quest for Land: My Advice for Permies and Homesteaders Part 1 of 3

By PAUL WHEATON -Decades ago I was obsessed with gardening and outgrew my urban lot. I needed more space. Not only for my horticultural endeavors, but I needed to expand into all sorts of animals.... more

DIRECTV Partners with Easter Seals-Goodwill to Collect Donations and Electronic Waste

Here's a FREE and EASY way keep your non-hazardous computer/electronics out of the Landfill: Dropoff On March 28 from 10 am-4pm at DIRECT TV.... more

National Ground Water Awareness Week March 8-14

National Groundwater Awareness Week is the week of March 8-14 and Kinetico of Montana just wants you to remember a few things about your groundwater and its importance in our lives.... more

Rocket Mass Heaters: The Absurdly Efficient, Cheap, and Comfortable Way to Heat Your Home

By PAUL WHEATON - So what’s the big deal? Well, Rocket Mass Heaters are one of the most sustainable and affordable heat sources in the world! ... more

The Dark Side of Native Plant Enthusiasm

By PAUL WHEATON - What’s wrong with native plants? The problem has nothing to do with advocating for native plants, but in advocating against all other plants – not just for oneself, but for all people.... more

Did you Just Should on Me?

By PAUL WHEATON - The word “should” is seriously embedded in our culture and habits. And I think it is possible that it may have slightly different meanings for different people. ... more

Infecting Brains with Permaculture 52 Cards at a Time

By PAUL WHEATON - When I give gifts, rather than giving people stuff that they might like, I tend to give them things that I like them to have. Check out this gift idea:... more

Capitalism, Gift Economy, and Prices That Are Too Damn High

By PAUL WHEATON - My feeble understanding of capitalism is that I can work super hard for a year, save up all my money and then live without working for several years.... more

The Benefits of a Water Softener

Hard water can make you spend more on repairs, maintenance and energy. Did you know A water softener can improve your skin, make your clothes and appliances last longer, and soft water heats quicker.... more

Testing the Waters–Ensuring the Water You Drink is Healthy

Hard water is the leading water problem in America and, and Missoula and Western Montana are no exception. Here are few things to know about hard water and what to do about it:... more

No Change in Our Approach, Mayor Says in Wake of Carlyle’s Attempt to Sell Mountain Water

Mayor says today’s announcement that Carlyle reached an agreement to sell Mountain Water and its sister companies to a Canadian corporation won’t change the way the City of Missoula litigates its case again... more

Over 100 Volunteers Expected for National Public Lands Day Event in Missoula

Missoula Parks and Recreation to host three service projects on Saturday, October 4, as part of national program.... more

Hard Water Problems in Missoula

Hard water is the leading water problem in America and, and Missoula and Western Montana are no exception. Here are few things to know about hard water and what to do about it:... more

Bee Huts

By PAUL WHEATON-I’ve heard that by adding a roof to protect your bee hives, you can increase honey production by as much as four or five fold. The secret: The happiness of the bee matters!... more

UM Dining Wins NACUFS Grand Prize for Sustainability

UM Dining’s commitment to limiting our impact on the environment earned national recognition at the 2014 National Association of College and University Food Services Conference.... more

Flies Really Bite. Are they Bugging the Cows?

By PAUL WHEATON-Biting flies can sure make life miserable for cattle, horses and even people! Big or small, those insects can inflict painful sores. Here are a few solutions for getting rid of biting flies:... more

It’s Hot Outside: How Animals Cope With the Heat

By BRUCE AUCHLY - Tales and Trails is a twice monthly natural history column. This week's topic: How animals cope with hot weather. If they don’t stay cool, they die.... more

20 Tips for Staying Cool and Saving Money in the Summer

By PAUL WHEATON-It’s hot! So it is perfect timing to talk about how to stay cool on the cheap – both long term and short term. Here are 20 tips on staying cool this summer and saving money too.... more

July Courses at the Glacier Institute

The Glacier Institute has announced it’s July courses, which will get you outside and enjoying the Flathead!... more