Two decades ago, the community of Helena formed Prickly Pear Land Trust (PPLT) to create and protect Mt. Ascension Natural Park. PPLT has stayed true to its roots and today is a creative conservation organization whose guiding principle is to “connect land and people.” We work to reach this goal by focusing on three key areas: Trails, Lands, and Community Conservation.

PPLT coordinates with public and private landowners in Helena’s South Hills and beyond to create a cohesive, streamlined, and sustainable trails system. On a run, hike or ride in the South Hills, you cross lands owned by the Forest Service, City of Helena, Bureau of Land Management and private citizens, but never leave a PPLT-influenced trail.

We believe that open space is essential to the well-being of all communities and work to inspire connections to the landscapes, water, wildlife, recreation and agricultural heritage of West-Central Montana through conservation, now and for future generations.