Bitterroot Wildlife Internship- Student Participant - Summer 2026

2026 Bitterroot Wildlife Internship Program- Student Participant

Application deadline: February 27, 2026

Interviews may be scheduled on a rolling basis.

Each summer, Ecology Project International (EPI) and MPG Ranch partner to offer a unique program for high school students that combines ecological education, conservation service work, and hands-on field research at the MPG Ranch—a field laboratory of ecology and conservation science located just outside of Florence, Montana.

Program Description 

BWI provides students with one-on-one interactions and professional mentorship from research scientists, an opportunity to design, complete, and present your own field research project, and hands-on experience with conservation service work. Students create meaningful relationships with other high school students who are also passionate about conservation, science, and the outdoors- all while working and playing, living and learning in Montana’s majestic Bitterroot Valley.

Each month-long session is comprised of six students. Students are guided by two EPI instructors and paired with MPG researchers to engage in ongoing research projects—past projects have focused on everything from moths and butterflies to invasive species and soil science, from birds and bats to bees. Throughout the program, students gain experience with a variety of field research methods, as well as methods for analyzing the data they collect, in pursuit of an answer to their research question. The program culminates in an August research symposium, where students present their final research posters to fellow students, researchers, and friends and family. 

Students spend Monday through Thursday at the ranch completing conservation service projects, conducting ecological research, and learning about the Bitterroot Valley’s ecosystem by day. Conservation projects on the ranch might include invasive weed removal and mapping, fence removal and building, planting for restoration, and native seed gathering. In addition to individual research projects, students have numerous opportunities to engage with guest researchers and gain exposure to a variety of field topics and methods through applied research seminars. By night, students will prepare meals, gather around the campfire, and sleep in provided tents.

Dates:
There are two BWI Sessions scheduled for 2026, dates as follows:

• Session 1: June 7th-July 2nd
• Session 2: July 12th- August 6th

• Schedule: 
  Week 1: Sunday @ 4:00pm – Thursday @ 4:00pm
  Weeks 2-4: Monday @ 8:00am – Thursday @ 4:00pm

• May 6th: Meet and Greet event for students, instructors, and research mentors to meet and share about research interests.
• August 12th: Mandatory end of season evening research symposium.

*Students are responsible for their own food and lodging from Thursday night through Monday morning each week.

Student Responsibilities:

• Actively & enthusiastically participate in all program activities including: individual research projects, MPG research partner engagement opportunities, service work, and science education curriculum lessons.
• Complete conservation service projects to aid MPG Ranch ecological restoration efforts. These projects are often physically strenuous.
• Follow guidance of a research mentor through development of a scientific research question and completion of a project and research poster. Students will be expected to present project results to EPI staff, MPG staff and fellow students at the end of your session and the end-of-season Research Symposium.
• Assist MPG researchers in gathering high-quality data.
• Contribute to a positive group culture on the ranch and in camp, including helping with group responsibilities like meal preparation, camp set-up and maintenance, and vehicle loading/unloading.
• Abide by EPI’s Big Five: No tobacco, drugs, alcohol, coupling, or disruptive behavior.

Student Qualifications: 

Required: 

•  
  • Must have completed freshman year of high school and not yet entered freshman year in college;
  • Willingness to work and camp in inclement conditions including rain, heat, bugs, rough terrain;
  • Understanding of scientific inquiry;
  • Desire to engage in conservation service work, research, and outdoor learning.
  • Must be available to attend all of the following:
    • Pre-season Mentor Meet and Greet on May 6th
    • All field days for the duration of the program
    • Post-season research symposium on August 12th

Preferred:

•  
  • Ecology Project International course experience;
  • Outdoor experience including camping and hiking;
  • Experience with conservation service;
  • Field experience collecting and working with data.

Participant Benefits:

• Students will have the opportunity to gain up to four hours of college credit through University of Montana.
• Students will receive up to a $660 education award after the successful completion of the program and symposium - total amount dependent on enrollment in college credit program.
• Transportation from EPI’s Missoula office to MPG Ranch on Mondays and back on Thursday evenings will be provided.
• All meals, snacks, transportation, and necessary equipment are provided during program.

Expected Participant Costs:

• There is no cost for application or enrollment in this program (tuition = $0).
• Students and families will be responsible for timely arrival to pre-season Meet and Greet, program drop-off and pick-up, and post-program project symposium. This may result in travel expenses like fuel and/or overnight accommodations near Missoula, Montana for evenings before program or before symposium day for some students. Costs will vary depending on where they live relative to program locations.
• Please reach out if anticipated costs present a barrier for participation.

To Apply: 

The application period will be open Wednesday, December 10th and close Friday, February 27th. Students will be selected based on the quality of their online application, participation in an in-person or virtual interview, and availability to participate in scheduled program sessions. Students are required to attend the pre-season meeting, full sessions, and the research symposium.

Students selected for an interview will have the choice of scheduling a 30-minute time slot on either Saturday, February 21st or Saturday, March 7th. 

About Ecology Project International:

Ecology Project International (EPI) is a non-profit education and conservation organization that offers experiential educational programs to students in a variety of outdoor settings. Students work alongside professional scientists on applied research projects and actively engage in conservation in national parks, forests, and reserves throughout the western hemisphere. For more information, visit https://www.ecologyproject.org/yellowstone-impacts.

About MPG Ranch: 

With over 15,000 acres of conservation property in Montana’s Bitterroot Valley, MPG stewards large landscapes for wildlife habitat and the enjoyment of future generations. MPG researchers specialize in restoration and ecology and seek new ways to restore land affected by invasive weeds, herbicides, and management practices. Education is also an important focus of what MPG Ranch does every day. Whether it’s writing about their scientific research, helping a school develop its science curricula, or hosting educational events on the ranch, MPG staff strives to learn from the environment and share that knowledge with the community. For more MPG information visit www.mpgranch.com.

Have questions?

Contact Carly Innis at carly@ecologyproject.org.