Lewis & Clark County

Lewis and Clark County, located in the southwestern region of Montana, spans a vast and diverse landscape. Home to Montana’s state capital, Helena, the county has grown to a population of 70,973 according to the 2020 Census, and is estimated to be at a population of 75,129 in 2024, reflecting steady development in both commercial and residential areas. Lewis and Clark County is the 14th largest county in Montana by total area and encompasses varied populations and landscapes, from Lincoln to Augusta to Helena, offering a unique blend of urban and rural living. Heavy in agriculture, 39.2% of land is dedicated to farm land according the the Census in Agriculture in 2017. Cattle comprised of 49% of crops and livestock sales. Health-wise, the community faces a 31% adult obesity rate, with 9% of the population lacking healthcare coverage, according to the County Health Rankings.

Contact

100 W Custer Ave
Helena, MT 59602
406-447-8346
https://www.montana.edu/extension/lewisclark/

Rooted in Service, Growing Knowledge Across Lewis and Clark County

MSU Extension’s Agriculture and Horticulture program in Lewis and Clark County in 2025 focused on practical, science-based service to farmers, gardeners, ranchers, and landowners throughout the region. In just the four months of summer, the Extension office responded to over 234 agricultural inquiries from 231 individuals—averaging nearly three unique problems solved per business day. These requests came from across the spectrum of landowners: rural producers managing hay fields and livestock, backyard gardeners working to improve soil, and residents navigating plant health challenges in their home landscapes.
A significant portion of this work involved diagnosing and resolving plant health issues. Ninety of the total inquiries were related to pest infestations, plant diseases, or environmental stressors affecting trees, vegetables, ornamentals, or forage crops. Another 39 questions dealt specifically with unwanted, invasive, or noxious weeds—issues that have long-standing environmental and agricultural impacts. For many of these situations, the best service could only be provided at the site itself. Twenty-two of the cases led to on-site visits, where the County Extension Agriculture Agent met landowners at their properties to observe the issue firsthand to walk through customized solutions in-person.
These community questions led to a well-attended tree dormancy workshop, which highlighted various winter problems for trees, how to mitigate them, and the science behind it. 30 people came to learn how to better care for their trees.

Caption: Tree Dormancy Workshop at the Lewis and Clark Fairgrounds

Credit: Sofia Franzluebbers, MSU Extension

Spreading the News of the Ongoing Service of MSU Extension

In July, the work of MSU Extension was featured in a televised segment by KTVH, a local Montana news outlet. The story followed a site visit with the County Extension Agriculture Agent, Sofia Franzluebbers, working alongside a Helena resident to diagnose a pine needle scale infestation. The segment aired statewide and was published as a featured article on KTVH’s website. It also gained prominent visibility through the MSU Extension Communications Team, who shared the story on the front page of the MSU Extension website—shining a spotlight on the value of hands-on, personalized problem-solving and the trusted relationships that Extension agents build within their communities.
The news segment can be found here: https://www.kbzk.com/news/montana-state-university-extension-helps-with-plant-problems-across-montana

Caption: Site visit looking at pine needle scale

Credit: Allie Kaiser, MTN News

Building Connections and Responsibility at Camp

4-H Camp Counselors hosted our annual Lewis and Clark County 4-H Camp in Loon Lake near Flathead, Montana, with over 60 Lewis and Clark County 4-H councilors, members, volunteers, and chaperones in attendance with the theme of Mystical Creatures. Campers had everything on the menu from Cyclopes spaghetti and meatballs to Monstrous Triva Night, skits, fashion shows, and workshops ranging from 4-H First Aid to epic Gaga Ball Tournaments.
At Lewis and Clark County 4-H, we strive to provide opportunities for members to showcase not only their projects but also their character and spirit of giving with our community. MSU Extension 4-H Agent, Alyssa M. Schmidt and key members of Foundation, Council, Superintendent, Club, and Building and Planning Leadership continue to work diligently to simultaneously streamline and revamp processes, procedures, and projects to ensure our members are ready to continue a legacy of giving in our community.

Caption: Lewis and Clark County 4-H Camp, Loon Lake, Flathead, Montana

Credit: Luke Duran, 4-H Volunteer

Growing Stronger Together with a Legacy of Giving

The 2024-2025 Lewis and Clark County 4-H year highlighted a season of growing strong together with a legacy of giving as demonstrated by the remarkable community support and engagement between 4-H members and volunteers with Lewis and Clark County community members, organizations, and leadership. Lewis and Clark County 4-H served more than 400 youth (ages 5-18) and 100 volunteers (ages 19-80+) with 16 Clubs dotted across the County, and hosting more than 38 experience based projects and hundreds of workshops.
Members were able to showcase their projects and 4-H skills during the Last Chance Stampede and Rodeo wherein 50,000 Montanans come to the Lewis and Clark County Fairgrounds to celebrate agricultural, community, and culture. 4-H members shared more than 1,600 hundred projects with fairgoers and sold 230 livestock animals with more than 70 indoor projects to over 200 buyers (70+ new buyers) to make this year’s fair a record success. For more highlights see attached links from KXLH local news featuring Karyn Hamiliton, our National 4-H Hall of Famer, who has been volunteering with Lewis and Clark County 4-H for more than 56 years. On the other end of the spectrum, we have a KXLH clip highlighting our youth members featuring a top-tier member Ayla Munsinger-Adsay who was selected by the 4-H State of Montana to represent us at the National 4-H Conference for her work in the Dog program, Supervised by Laurie, Bill, and Shae Sullivan.
• 4-H Volunteers Highlighting Karyn Hamilton - https://www.kxlh.com/news/helena-news/volunteer-celebrates-40-years-with-4-h
• 4-H Youth Members Highlighting Ayla Munsinger-Adsay: https://www.ktvh.com/news/more-than-1-600-4-h-projects-were-presented-this-year-at-the-fair

Caption: Lewis and Clark County 4-H Kids at Fair

Credit: Alyssa Schmidt, MSU Extension

Strengthening Food Security and Culinary Confidence

Following a statewide needs assessment that identified food security, affordability, and access to local foods as top concerns, Lewis & Clark County MSU Extension launched a comprehensive food education initiative. With nearly 80% of inquiries to the Family & Consumer Sciences Agent focused on food preservation, Extension responded with a variety of hands-on learning opportunities designed to meet community needs.
Programs include food preservation classes, food safety education, cooking classes, and engaging social media content such as cooking videos and informational posts. These efforts aim to increase community knowledge and confidence in food safety practices, home food preservation methods, and creative uses for locally sourced ingredients.
Participants gained practical skills and a deeper understanding of how to prepare safe, nutritious, and affordable meals for themselves and their families, contributing to improved food literacy and overall wellness across the county.

Caption: Food Preservation: Canning Fruit

Credit: Jane Wolery, MSU Extension

Supporting Physical and Mental Well-Being

Lewis & Clark County ranks ninth among Montana’s 56 counties in overall health, yet access to free or low-cost fitness opportunities—especially for older adults and rural residents—remains limited. Only 69% of residents live near a park or recreation facility, meaning many communities lack fitness centers or group exercise options.
To address these gaps, MSU Extension offered targeted programming that promotes both physical and mental health. StrongPeople classes in Helena and Augusta help adults improve strength, balance, and bone density through evidence-based resistance training. Barre fitness classes in Augusta support flexibility and core stability in a welcoming group setting.
For youth, the Youth Aware of Mental Health (YAM) program in East Helena schools taught emotional awareness, compassion, and healthy coping strategies through interactive activities. Additionally, several health workshops engage students in Career & Technical Student Organizations with discussions and activities focused on wellness and healthy lifestyle choices.
These programs use trained facilitators, curriculum materials, fitness equipment, and accessible community spaces to empower participants with tools and resources that support lifelong wellness.

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