Swan Ecosystem Center and Northwest Connections Combine

SWAN VALLEY - Swan Valley Connections (SVC), a new organization born from the merger of two long-standing local non-profits Northwest Connections (NwC) and Swan Ecosystem Center (SEC), was formed in the beginning of 2016. SVC is expected to carry forward all the educational programs, stewardship services, conservation work and land management partnerships from the past, while further expanding its reach and influence.

Since June of last year, NwC and SEC have been working to complete the business of merging. In order to make this a true merger with a new beginning, it was decided that the organization would have a new name. The boards and staffs agreed on the new name Swan Valley Connections (SVC). They said the name maintains their historic ties to the valley, yet infers a link to a greater landscape and part of a larger community.

Maria Mantas, past Executive Director for Swan Ecosystem Center, is the new director of SVC. Mantas said SVC retained all staff from the two organizations.

"Our team has doubled, and the added brainpower will work collectively to solve problems, implement creative programming and generate operational efficiencies," said Mantas. "I am thrilled to be working with a bigger team to bounce ideas around. We will no doubt be even more successful."

Mantas said SVC is looking toward former partners more than ever to help with the transition, hoping that they will be involved in the visioning process for the new organization.

The entire SVC staff will be housed in the Condon Work Center. Space is being realigned to accommodate the additional staff. College programs will still be offered and run out of the Beck Homestead off of Cold Creek Road, the home of NwC, when courses are in session.

Integrating conservation and education, providing stewardship services and partnering with the USFS and other agencies on land and water management will remain as core values of SVC. Mantas said this along with finalizing the mission and long-term vision for the organization and refining programs will be the thrust of the work over the next months.

"We made a commitment to retain the same programs and services that we have offered in the past.  In time, as we refine our programs and re-evaluate the conservation and education needs of the areas we serve, we will likely add some programs and drop others that weren't working well," said Mantas. "Our successful programs will be evaluated and improved in order to stay current and provide the best opportunities possible for conservation, stewardship and education."

SVC encourages visitors and partners to drop in at the Condon Work Center, meet the staff, and see the beginnings of a new wildlife center (in progress).

Steve Ellis, SVC board member said, "From my perspective, this merger is a dream come true. I believe that everyone involved in this endeavor will benefit from the synergy gained. Swan Valley Connections will have greater resources to draw from, and the Swan Valley, the Southwest Crown and students from throughout the country will be better served. I am very excited by what is now taking place, and I feel very fortunate and privileged to be a part of the process."

SVC is located at 6887 MT Hwy 83, Condon, MT 59826. For more information call 406-754-3137 or email info@svconnections.org.