Mountain Journal and Montana Free Press are excited to welcome two new journalists, Ellis Juhlin and Nick Mott, into their team. This collaboration is part of the Report for America initiative, which places reporters in local newsrooms to strengthen community journalism across the country. Juhlin and Mott are among 78 new corps members joining this effort.
Juhlin, with a rich background in digital and radio journalism, will focus on how climate change affects the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. She aims to cover serious issues like extreme weather and shifting energy systems. Her previous experience includes being an environment and climate reporter for Montana Public Radio. She has a master’s degree in ecology from Utah State University, which gives her valuable insights into the stories she will cover.
Mott, a freelance journalist from the Livingston area, will tackle environmental concerns in Greater Yellowstone, looking at public lands, wildlife, and rural communities. He has previously contributed to High Country News and has authored a book titled This Is Wildfire: How To Protect Yourself, Your Home, and Your Community in the Age of Heat. His podcast, The Wide Open, also reflects his commitment to these critical issues.
Managing Editor Joseph T. O’Connor noted that Juhlin brings passionate curiosity to the team. He expressed excitement about the collaboration with Grist and Report for America, saying it will enhance climate reporting for their readers.
Katherine Bagley, editor-in-chief at Grist, emphasized how vital it is for Montanans to receive quality climate journalism. “Ellis cares deeply about the issues she reports on,” Bagley noted. “She will help dissect the changes communities are witnessing.”
Furthermore, Mott’s hiring is significant for the High Country News‘s Western Environmental Reporting Collaborative. This initiative aims to build a network of environmental reporters in local newsrooms, enhancing coverage across the region. Gretchen King, executive editor of High Country News, praised Mott’s deep understanding of his community and the value it brings to his reporting.
The ongoing challenges of climate change present an urgent need for local journalism that can inform and engage communities. Recent studies show that people increasingly turn to local news for information on climate-related issues. In fact, a recent survey revealed that **70% of Americans feel that climate change directly impacts their communities**. This highlights the importance of on-the-ground reporting from passionate journalists like Juhlin and Mott.
This partnership aims to bring awareness and clarity to critical environmental issues in Montana. As these reporters dive into their work, they’ll not only provide insights but also strengthen community ties around shared challenges. The hope is that through their efforts, residents will be better equipped to understand and respond to the pressing environmental changes they face.
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