Celebration Through Collaboration
Working together to protect and elevate public lands
By: Becca Olson, CDTC’s Community Engagement Coordinator
Ten Mile TR. NO. 375 marks the area where CDTC’s Birthday Bash trail project was conducted.
On May 21, 2025, the Continental Divide Trail Coalition turned 13! That’s thirteen years of working to complete, protect, and elevate the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail—and one thing remains clear: we couldn’t do it without the incredible support of our community and partners. Our CDTC Birthday Bash was a celebration not just of our work, but of the collaboration and shared commitment that make land stewardship possible.
Emmett Purcell (left) and Tim Lawrence (middle) from Prickly Pear Land Trust join CDTC’s Montana Regional Rep. Sierra LaBonte (right) in some light trail work.
We kicked things off at the Ten Mile Picnic Area on the Ten Mile Environmental Trail (#375), where CDTC teamed up with folks from Prickly Pear Land Trust, Montana
Conservation Corps, and a crew of dedicated volunteers for a day of tread and brushing work. Together, fifteen volunteers helped redefine the trail, establish backslope, clear brush, and mark entry and exit points—important tasks that help keep the trail sustainable and accessible for all users.
But this day was about more than just trail maintenance. It was a chance for organizations passionate about public lands to connect with the Helena community, and for locals to learn more about the CDTC and the partners who make our work possible.
The afternoon was filled with the sounds of tools at work, conversations, and plenty of laughter—and the celebration continued into the evening at Ten Mile Creek Brewery. There, folks joined us downtown for the second half of our birthday bash, complete with an info and merch booth, a slideshow about the CDTC, and (of course) cold beer. Thanks to our generous hosts at Ten Mile Creek Brewery, $1 from every beer poured between 5:00 and 8:00 p.m. was donated to CDTC. Supporting the CDT never tasted so good!
15 volunteers (including folks from Prickly Pear Land Trust and Montana Conservation Corps) gather for introductions before heading out on the trail.
We like to think our birthday bash was a big success—and not just because it started on trail and ended with beer. It was a success because of the people and partners who showed up, pitched in, and helped us strengthen the connections that make our work possible.
A huge thank you to all the incredible volunteers, to Prickly Pear Land Trust, Montana Conservation Corps, and to Ten Mile Creek Brewery. Here’s to 13 amazing years—and to all the miles ahead.
