Restoration expert to lead education program for future environmental stewards
Robert Pal, Ph.D., a recognized expert in restoration and an esteemed professor at Montana Tech, recently took the reins as interim director for Ripple: The Center for Education and Ecosystem Studies.
He replaces Rayelynn Brandl, who has taken a job with the Montana Association of Conservation Districts. Pal said one goal as interim director of Ripple will be to find its next director.
Ripple serves communities across Montana and throughout the Clark Fork River Watershed. The nonprofit offers place-based environmental education through student programs, teacher professional development and public engagement and outreach.
The state’s Natural Resource Damage Program, or NRDP, is a key funding source.
On Wednesday, Joe Griffin of Butte, who is deeply familiar with remediation and restoration work by EPA, NRDP and the Montana Department of Environmental Quality, said he believes Ripple is a sound investment, helping to ensure that the next generation appreciates a restored environment and the profound commitment required to make that happen.
Students learn that environments are easy to pollute but difficult to restore, said Griffin, who was an early advocate for the education program.
Katie Hailer, Ph.D., is interim Vice Chancellor for Research and Dean of the Graduate School.
“Dr. Pal’s experience in restoration ecology and his commitment to environmental education make him an outstanding choice to lead Ripple during this transition,” Hailer said.
“Ripple plays an important role in connecting Montana Tech’s environmental research with students, educators and communities throughout the Clark Fork Watershed and the state,” she said. “We are excited to see the program continue to grow under his leadership.”
Pal is a professor and director of restoration within Montana Tech’s Biological Sciences Department. He holds a master’s in agriculture and a Ph.D. in Biology/Plant Ecology. His research has long centered on the study of flora and vegetation in disturbed habitats, including agricultural and urban landscapes. This work naturally led him to focus on ecological restoration and plant invasions, according to a news release from Montana Tech. The university said Pal was instrumental in the development of the Ecological Restoration certificate and master’s programs at Montana Tech and has led these programs since. He also serves as president of the Montana Native Plant Society.
In his role with Ripple, Pal will guide the program’s continued efforts connecting students, educators and communities with environmental science and stewardship.
“It is my absolute pleasure to serve as the interim executive director of Ripple,” Pal said. “Our work has long overlapped over the past decade in and around the Clark Fork Watershed. In addition to volunteering with [the Clark Fork Watershed Education Program, or CFWEP], I actively collaborate with the team to train landowners in low-tech, process-based restoration approaches that enhance drought resilience and improve water management.”
CFWEP changed its name to Ripple in 2024.
Pal said he hopes to “integrate Ripple’s mission more deeply into Montana Tech’s broader environmental initiatives and help identify the program’s next director.”
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