The Glacier Institute has won a $20,000 gift from Tom’s of Maine as part of the “50 States for Good” program. The donation will go toward installing a solar and wind energy system at the Big Creek Outdoor Education Center in the North Fork.
The wind and solar energy system will be built in partnership with Sunelco, Inc. and will be part of a demonstration at the historic Forest Service ranger station to show young people the benefits of renewable energy, according to Executive Director Joyce Baltz.
“Our goal is to provide education and practice ways to conserve and better sustain the natural resources found in this relatively undisturbed mountain environment in and around Glacier National Park and Flathead National Forest,” Baltz said. “We are thrilled to have won this nationwide promotion and to bring the gift of $20,000 to our youth programs.”
Glacier Institute was selected to receive the grant after a vote was held on Facebook. Tom’s of Maine, which sells naturally made toothpaste, soaps, floss and deodorant, gave $150,000 to the six organizations that got the most votes.