Missoula Urban Demonstration Project
About Missoula Urban Demonstration Project
Missoula Urban Demonstration Project makes sustainability feel less like a concept and more like something you can actually do at home. In Missoula, that means borrowing from a tool library with more than 3,500 tools, showing up for hands-on workshops, and learning from a demonstration site built with recycled glass pathways, urban gardens, a greenhouse, composting, fruit trees, xeriscape, solar panels, and rainwater catchment. It is practical, local, and built for people who want help turning good intentions into usable skills.
What sets MUD apart is how tangible it is. You can borrow tools, take a workshop, and then see sustainable ideas working on the site itself. The online resource library and truck share extend that usefulness beyond the building, which makes the whole thing feel less like a class and more like a real neighborhood resource.
Programs
The concrete work this nonprofit runs. Each program may later become a fundable project.
Tool Library
Shared access to more than 3,500 tools for home improvement, garden, yard, car, food preservation, sewing, and other domestic projects.
Workshops
Hands-on sustainability-oriented workshops on topics such as gardening, carpentry, canning, beekeeping, blacksmithing, sewing, small engine repair, auto mechanics, beer brewing, cheese making, alternative energy, and tiling.
Demonstration Site
A living example of sustainable urban living with recycled glass pathways, urban gardens, a greenhouse, composting, fruit trees, xeriscape, solar panels, and rainwater catchment.
Resource Library
An online hub of sustainability-related information, including demonstration site resources, tool use and maintenance guidance, DIY project inspiration, and local sustainability resources.
Truck Share
A shared Toyota truck and trailer that provides a larger transportation option for members when needed.
About this work
In their own words — what they do, who it reaches, and what your dollars actually fund.
Mission
MUD empowers people to build a more sustainable community through tool sharing and hands-on learning.
Who they serve
Missoula community members, especially people seeking shared tools, practical sustainability skills, and resource-sharing opportunities.
Their impact
- 66% of tool library members came from low to moderate income households.
- Members borrowed tools more than 12,700 times during the year.
- MUD hosted 30 workshops on sustainable living.
- Those workshops reached more than 240 community members.
How your donation helps
- The tool library
- Workshops and the workshop scholarship fund
- The MUD truck
- Sustainability demonstration projects
- Events
- Access to tools and skills throughout the year
Our story
MUD began as the Down Home Project in 1981, when sustainable practices were woven into daily life in two northside homes and the public was invited in through workshops, site tours, and community gatherings. It later became an offshoot in 1989, added tool sharing as a core service, and moved to Wyoming Street in 2011 to make room for more tool storage and demonstration space.
Need help?
How someone in need can access Missoula Urban Demonstration Project’s services.
People can join by visiting the tool library during open hours to create an account. Members can borrow tools, return tools, and attend workshops, and membership or workshop scholarships are available for people who need help with costs.
Stories
The people behind the work.
In their words
MUD empowers people to build a more sustainable community through tool sharing and hands-on learning.
MUD has played a pivotal role in helping me remodel my house at a fraction of the cost.
It’s been pretty special growing our house at the same time as our family.
Events
MUD Garden Party
annualAn annual celebration with food, live music, raffle items, and festivities at the Tool Library and Demonstration Site.
Sustainability Fair
annualA family-friendly annual event that brings together local businesses, nonprofits, and community members around sustainability and resilience.
Community Tuesday at Paddleheads Stadium
date-basedA community night at the ballpark that raises support for MUD through ticket revenue.
Botanical Bingo
annualA bingo night featuring houseplants propagated by MUD’s friends and members.
Llama Poo Sale
annualA seasonal sale of llama manure for gardeners during open tool library hours.
Ways to help
Concrete needs and volunteer roles Missoula Urban Demonstration Project has shared.
Current needs
- Gently used or new tools for the tool library
- Donations to the Workshop Scholarship Fund
- Monthly recurring donations to support tools and skills year-round
Volunteer opportunities
- Board of Directors service
- Tool Librarian volunteer
- Tool Doctor volunteer
- Education volunteer
- Workshop instruction
- Event support
- Urban garden and site maintenance
Recognition & press
Awards & recognition
- Certified Wildlife Habitat with the National Wildlife Federation
Partners & funders
In the news
Articles featuring Missoula Urban Demonstration Project from the Love What You Fund newsroom.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this nonprofit and how its work happens.
How do people become MUD members?
People can stop by the tool library during open hours to create an account. After that, membership can be renewed online or set to auto-renew.
What can members use the tool library for?
Members can borrow from more than 3,500 tools for home improvement, garden, yard, car, food preservation, sewing, and other domestic projects.
What kinds of workshops does MUD offer?
MUD offers hands-on workshops on gardening, carpentry, canning, beekeeping, blacksmithing, sewing, small engine repair, auto mechanics, beer brewing, cheese making, alternative energy, and tiling.
Are scholarships available for participation?
Yes, MUD offers scholarships for memberships and workshops.
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