Our Story
Montana Roots was born from a love for the earth and a belief that food should be medicine for all it touches: soil, microbes, people, animals, and the entire web. A far cry from the detached, industrialized food system that leaves soils and communities depleted, Montana Roots' vision is to find ways to grow healthy, sustainable food, year-round in cold climates through community engagement.
Started in 2012 from the belief that northern, cold climates could grow food year-round, we began to experiment with simple no-heat, year-round greenhouse techniques. On the banks of the beautiful Yellowstone River the success of these no-heat greenhouses inspired a journey into aquaponics and eventually the construction of the heart of Montana Roots- a 5000-gallon aquaponic system that has been growing thousands of pounds of food every year for the surrounding community since 2012.
Meet Our Team
Sam Mascari
Sam grew up in Livingston, Montana and spent his childhood romping around the same banks of the Yellowstone River where Montana Roots' aquaponics system flows and grows. After college and travel brought him back to his hometown he began on a quest to bring year-round local food and nature connection opportunities to the local community. He currently lives on some land outside town where he, his wife Mary (and all their animals) are starting a homestead and community teaching/healing center.
Sophie Koopmeiners
Sophie joined the team in January 2020 as the greenhouse manager. A Colorado native Sophie moved to Bozeman eight years ago to attend Montana State University and study sustainable food systems and horticulture. She spent time working at aquaponic and hydroponic farms in Denver, CO, and an organic farm in Bozeman. She is dedicated to alternative sustainable agriculture, and advocating for food justice within her community. Taking care of harvest, deliveries, and farm day to day she strives to bolster the vibrant and growing local food economy in Southwest Montana.