The conservation community has lost a truly extraordinary champion. Lex Blood, Influential conservationist and educator, passed away on February 13, 2025. Lex’s influence on his community and local conservation organizations was immeasurable, and his impact on Flathead Land Trust was paramount, from the very beginning.
Lex was instrumental in the formation of Flathead Land Trust, and became a dear friend and benefactor. He attended many of the first community meetings when a local land trust was only a budding thought in the early 1980’s. From the beginning forward, he was instrumental in sustaining our work. Lex continued to play a crucial advisory role with Flathead Land Trust until the very end, providing invaluable insights and guidance that significantly shaped the organization. Flathead Land Trust recognized his invaluable contributions with a Conservation Leadership Award in 2025.
Dr. Lex Blood was a trained geologist, long-time Flathead educator, and a leader and invigorator of conservation efforts across the Flathead for many years. One would be hard-pressed to find a conservation or educational nonprofit or initiative in the Flathead that Lex did not significantly impact.
Lex retired from a distinguished teaching career as a Geology/ Geography/Earth Science instructor at Flathead Valley Community College, and an adjunct professor of Natural Resources at the University of Montana. He was co-founder, president emeritus, executive director, and instructor for the Glacier Institute and is the founder of the Crown of the Continent Ecosystem Education Consortium (COCEEC). He also began the Flathead Nonprofit Development Partnership and was the managing director for The Sustainability Fund, which offered grant funding to sustain nonprofit and conservation efforts throughout NW Montana. The Sustainability Fund was a considerable financial supporter of Flathead Land Trust for over 15 years, and was instrumental in our success. Lex also worked as a geological consultant, and provided Flathead Land Trust with mineral reports for numerous projects.
It is with great gratitude that we remember Lex Blood, as an incredible human and supporter. His leadership, involvement, generous support through the Sustainability Fund, and passionate dedication to our mission all were vital to our conservation achievements. His contributions have enriched the lives of all within this community. He will be profoundly missed.
Read more about the life of Lex Blood in these Daily Inter Lake articles:
“Friends, family reflect on the legacy of Flathead Valley conservationist ‘Lex’ Blood“
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