Dear Montana,

As we move into fall, I’m excited to share some significant updates from the world of conservation and our work here at Montana Audubon. First, I want to highlight an important victory for our public lands: the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has finalized its “Public Lands Rule,” which ensures that conservation is recognized as equally important as other land uses. This new rule safeguards 8.1 million acres of BLM-managed lands in Montana, protecting vital ecosystems, wildlife habitats, and outdoor spaces that so many of us cherish.

On a local level, we’ve had an exciting summer filled with incredible projects and new initiatives. From Black Swift surveys in the rugged northwest of Montana to receiving a BLM Greening STEM grant for our youth education programs, we continue to deepen our engagement with both the community and the environment. As we prepare for the fall season, we also look forward to Evening Under The Big Sky, our annual fundraising gala at the Center- tickets are still available, so get yours today and join us next month in Billings to celebrate!

Yours in Conservation,

Larry Berrin

Executive Director

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) manages some of Montana’s most iconic open areas and pristine grasslands, totaling nearly 8.1 million acres in our state. These public lands support surrounding economies, provide a habitat for birds and other wildlife, ensure access to the outdoors, and safeguard our treasured landscapes for current and future generations to enjoy.

That’s why we support BLM’s recently finalized “Public Lands Rule.” The rule is one of several recently finalized by the BLM that improves public lands management. Specifically, this rule clarifies that managing BLM land for conservation fits squarely within the agency’s legal mandate, and that conservation sits on equal footing to other uses such as extraction and other commodity-driven development.

Thank you for speaking out and contributing to the 150,000+ public comments- 92% of which supported this rule. Considering that 95% of Montanans visited national public lands in 2023 and 78% of Montanans think that more emphasis should be placed on conservation-related land uses (source: 2024 Voter Survey on Public Lands), the Public Lands Rule is a major win for all of us!

Back in July, the Black Swift research team started the first week of surveys in the far northwest corner of Montana, near Troy and Yaak. Three of the four sites surveyed were occupied by nesting swifts- a great start to the field season!

In addition to some incredible photos, they share what it's like to be in the field searching for these elusive birds. From navigating steep terrain in the dark, bushwhacking through devil's club, and keeping an eye out for mountain lions, it's certainly not a walk in the park!

Read about their adventures and see photos from the field (and make sure to check out the video at the bottom of the post!):

Immerse yourself in the sounds (and sights!) of Lake Helena Important Bird Area, joining field biologist and naturalist Shane Sater as he continues his explorations of local marshes and shorelines in his latest podcast episode.

Visit Montana eBird to listen to the podcast episode and learn more about Lake Helena IBA:

We are excited to announce that the Montana Audubon Center has received a 2024-2025 Bureau of Land Management Greening STEM Grant from the National Environmental Education Foundation! 

‘Fostering Environmental Stewardship Through Citizen Science’ will engage high-school students (Grades 11- 12) in hands-on STEM activities focused on pollinator and invasive species monitoring. Working with BLM protocols on both public land and at the Montana Audubon Center, students will apply science in practical contexts and explore their local environments, deepening their understanding of ecological systems and conservation practices. 

Stay tuned for updates once the school year begins!

August is always a bittersweet month at the Audubon Center. This is the time we bid farewell to our incredible summer campers and the amazing staff who made their experience unforgettable. Yet, as one chapter closes, another begins. We're thrilled to welcome our fall program participants, including the Fledglings Preschool, Audubon Naturalists in the School, and Homeschool Science groups. Many of these participants will be engaging with us throughout the upcoming school year, and we look forward to the exciting adventures ahead.

This August has already been packed with excitement. Our Herpetology Hunt drew a tremendous turnout, offering participants an educational and hands-on experience learning about Montana’s native reptiles and amphibians. The real fun began when attendees got to show off their newfound knowledge by searching for these creatures around the Center grounds—and they certainly delivered!

With fall just around the corner, we’re shifting our focus to another group of fascinating critters: arachnids. We’re excited to announce our upcoming arachnid program on September 21, presented in partnership with local entomologist Marian Lyman-Kirst.

As we move into the fall season, we want to express our deep gratitude to our supporters. Many of our programs depend on a mix of donations, grants, and program fees to thrive. This month, we extend special thanks to OP&WE and the Margret V. Ping Foundation for their generous support of our early childhood and youth scholarship program. Thanks to their commitment and the contributions of individual donors, we were able to award over $7,300 in scholarships this year!

It’s not too late to join us in enhancing the capacity of the Audubon Center by participating in this year’s Evening Under the Big Sky event on September 14—get your tickets soon!

There is still time left to purchase tickets for the Montana Shares 30th Anniversary Raffle!

There are 18 exciting packages, featuring Montana Made art, restaurant certificates, pet gear, beauty supplies, outdoor gear, and over $2000 in gift cards.

The drawing will be held on September 11, 2024. Winners will be contacted by mail and posted online.

This year, you can purchase raffle tickets online.

For more information, visit the Montana Shares website:

Development Officer

Based out of our Helena office, but remote considered (remote in Montana preferred).

Full time, $50,000- $55,000 salary; benefits include dental, medical, vision, & retirement. Part time considered.

This position is a key member of our admin team with a focus on cultivation and stewardship of supporters.

Visit our website for more information about the position and to apply:

2024 Voter Survey on Public Lands | University of Montana Crown of the Continent and Greater Yellowstone Initiative

July 25: Poll Shows Strong Support for Strengthening Sage-Grouse Habitat Protections | Pew

July 25: The Pittman Robertson Act: a steady source of wildlife funding for the states | Steve Blackledge, Environment America

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