Ecological Outcome Verification Monitoring Training - July 2025
Ecological Outcome Verification Monitoring Training
Online: Friday, June 27th 4-7pm
Start: Wednesday, July 9th, 2025 at noon
End: Sunday, July 13th, 2025 at noon
Location: Winifred, Montana,
Wickens Ranch
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Ecological Outcome Verification Training
This is a 5-day, in-person training offered by Montana Working Lands Project and taught by Savory Field Professional and EOV Master Verifier, Jackie Eshelman of Kinship Ecology.
💡 This course is part of the accreditation requirements for becoming and EOV monitor as part of the Savory Institute.
Who is this class for?
Land stewards, ranchers, farmers who are looking to gain a better understand of how their practices are impacting their land
Anyone interested in pursuing a path to become an EOV monitor
What are course dates/times?
👩💻 Online: Friday, June 27th 4-7pm
🟢 Start: Wednesday, July 9th, 2025 at noon
🔚 End: Sunday, July 13th, 2025 at noon
🕘 Daily Schedule:
9am - 6pm with dinner after 🍽️.
1.5-hour midday break 🕰️ for lunch and personal time
How much does it cost?
$1,750 USD
includes 2 local-as-possible, delicious meals a day, instruction, and materials. Non-refundable 30 days before course.
Lodging Cost: Tent and car camping is available onsite for $25/night, and shared cabin stays are available on site for $75/night. The shared cabin stays are on a first-come, first-serve basis. If onsite cabins fill up, we do have a partner with offsite cabins that can be reserved for a different cost per night.
How do I get to the ranch?
Classes held in person at the Wickens Ranch Suffolk Schoolhouse near Winifred, Montana 🗺️
📍 GPS Coordinates: 47.468770, -109.362190 🔗 Google Maps | Apple Maps
🚜 Wickens Ranch includes separated pastures, many of which will be visited during the course.
What will we eat?
We’ll use local, fresh options whenever possible 🥬
🍳 Breakfast: On your own (MWLP provides coffee + light snacks ☕🥗)
🥪 Lunch and Dinner: Included (packed lunch on field days)
💧 All-day access to coffee, snacks, and water bottle refills
Where will I stay?
🏕️ RV/Tent Camping at Wickens Ranch – Bathrooms 🚻 available, no showers 🚫🚿
🏠 Guest House near Wickens Ranch – limited availability
🛎️ Hotels in Winifred/Lewistown
What should I bring with me?
💧 Water bottle
🥤 Coffee/tea mug
🧢 Hat
🧴 Sunscreen
🌧️ Rain jacket
🌳 Rangeland clothes: 👖 long pants, 🥾 boots
📱 Cell phone (for GPS functions) and charger
💻 Computer (optional)
💊 Any emergency medication if needed (epi pens for known allergies, etc)
What will you be providing me?
📒 Course notebook/binder
✏️ Pens and pencils
📋 Field clipboard
🔌 Power outlets when at the schoolhouse
📶 WiFi when at the schoolhouse
🩹 First aid kit at the schoolhouse
What will the weather be like?
In Winifred, Montana, the weather from July 9th through 13th is typically warm and dry ☀️. Average highs 85°F (29°C) 🔥, average lows 55°F (13°C) 🌙.
July is generally the warmest month in the region 📈, characterized by low humidity and plenty of sunshine 🌤️. Rainfall is relatively infrequent, but occasional afternoon thunderstorms ⛈️ can occur.
Given Winifred’s semi-arid climate 🌾, it’s advisable to prepare for warm days, cooler evenings, and the possibility of brief, isolated storms ⚠️.
Curriculum
This training will equip you with the tools and knowledge to effectively monitor ecosystem function and collect meaningful ecological data. Topics include:
🌱 The Four Ecosystem Processes
🔬 Biological Indicators of Ecosystem Function
🤝 Re-pairing our Relationship with Land
🌍 Reconnecting with the Ecosystem
📊 Data Collection & the Ecological Health Index
📅 Short & Long-Term Monitoring Protocols
🧪 EOV Soil Sampling Protocols & Visual Soil Assessment
💧 Water Infiltration & Soil Health
🗣️ Communicating & Connecting with Land Stewards