Sieben Live Stock Co. is one of the ranches in the Old Salt Co-op family. In the last decade, the Lower Spring Creek river had been heavily channelized, leaving it disconnected from its floodplain and losing much of its natural function. The ranch had already begun to bring a portion of the creek back to life with restoration practices including Beaver Dam Analogs (BDAs), but there was still a 600+ yard stretch in need of restoration.
Cooper Hibbard of Sieben Live Stock Co. and Logan Smith, our events manager, had a conversation on how people truly feel the land that feeds them. The answer came naturally. Invite them, not as observers but as participants in the word itself. Together they came up with the idea to pair meaningful, hands-on restoration work with the greater Montana community near the ranch.
In four short weeks, Cooper and Logan rallied an incredible group of volunteers who showed up ready to learn and to help. Twenty-four people managed to complete the next phase of restoration, willow planting, on the next section, moving the stream one step closer to a healthier, more resilient future.
“Sieben Live Stock Co. had wanted to do this for over five years, and we accomplished it! It was a joyous day of connection, giving back, and making a lasting impact.” -- Logan Smith, Old Salt Festival events manager
In 2026, we’re going to host more agricultural learning opportunities and events on Old Salt partner ranches. Please stay tuned for more opportunities to learn and connect.
