Dear Montana,

As 2024 comes to a close, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each of you who contributed to our Giving Tuesday and year-end campaigns. Your generosity fuels our mission to protect Montana’s native wildlife and natural ecosystems while fostering a love and understanding of the natural world.

This month brought a monumental victory for Montana’s environment. On December 18, the Montana Supreme Court upheld the original ruling in the Held v. Montana lawsuit (read more below). We are proud to have recognized the Held youth plaintiffs with our Conservationist of the Year Award at this year’s Wings Across the Big Sky Festival. Their perseverance ensures a brighter, more sustainable future for Montana’s birds, wildlife, and landscapes.

Looking ahead, your continued support empowers us to meet challenges head-on—whether through conservation programs like Conservation Ranching, educational opportunities at the Center, or legislative advocacy in the 2025 session. This season, join the Christmas Bird Count, attend a program at the Center, or sign up for our Action Alerts to stay engaged.

Together, let’s celebrate the beauty and resilience of Montana’s native birds and landscapes, and commit to protecting them for generations to come.

Yours in Conservation,

Larry Berrin

Executive Director

On December 18, the Montana Supreme Court upheld the original ruling in the Held v. Montana lawsuit, and affirmed that, “… Montana’s right to a clean and healthful environment and environmental life support system includes a stable climate system.”

The opinion also upheld the original ruling that rolled back two laws enacted by the 2023 legislature that limited the Montana Environmental Policy Act from evaluating greenhouse gas emissions or their impacts. 

Photo: Claire (left) and Olivia (right) accept the Conservationist of the Year award on behalf of the youth plaintiffs at the 2024 Wings Across the Big Sky Festival.

Read more about this landmark decision:

It's the most wonderful time of the year- time for the Christmas Bird Count!

Though many counts were held last weekend (Dec.14 & 15), there are still counts scheduled for the coming days/weeks. We've compiled a list on our website, but contact the local chapter for more information if you would like to participate.

Back in October, the Science team traveled to Shelby, Montana, for the 2024 Transboundary Grassland Partnership Workshop. 

One highlight included the pre-workshop tour hosted by the Piikani Lodge Health Institute, which highlighted grazing management on the Blackfeet Reservation and introduced attendees to producers and wildlife managers in the region. After visiting ranchers, Blackfeet Community College, and several key project sites for PLHI’s regenerative grazing program, the tour ended at Chief Mountain (pictured above).

Read more about the workshop and other highlights:

As winter’s chill settles over Montana, we find warmth in the cherished traditions that bring us together. At the Montana Audubon Center, December has been a month of joy, gratitude, and connection.

Our Fledglings Preschool students celebrated the season with the timeless charm of a Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, the only time they gather around a screen for this annual movie viewing, followed by a shared snack mirroring the iconic feast.

Stone Soup Day brought families together in a heartfelt tradition, where each child contributed an ingredient to create a meal that nourished both body and spirit, reminding us of the power of community and collaboration.

For learners of all ages, winter holds new adventures.

Our upcoming Homeschool Science sessions, like Winter Survival and Marvelous Mimics, invite curious minds to explore the marvels of the natural world through hands-on activities and engaging lessons.

For younger nature enthusiasts, Nature Nuts continues to delight, offering little ones the chance to connect with the outdoors alongside a guiding adult. These moments of discovery, whether learning about nature’s adaptations to winter or simply enjoying time outside, embody the wonder of this season.

This December, we also look ahead with hope and gratitude. Your support fuels our mission to create inclusive, nature-based experiences that inspire curiosity and stewardship. With your help, we can expand access to these programs, enhance our natural spaces, and continue to share the beauty of Montana’s landscapes with all.

As we savor these quiet, reflective winter days, we hope to see you at one of our upcoming events or explore the trails!

• Nature Nuts (Every Tuesday) – A fun-filled “Toddler and Me” program perfect for young nature enthusiasts.

Stay tuned- more fun coming in January!

The Montana legislative session opens on January 6, 2025 - sign up for our Action Alert emails to stay informed and engaged.

Throughout the session, you'll receive regular emails that share:

• Updates on priority bills
• Resources for testifying and reaching lawmakers
• Other relevant information

Upcoming Advocacy Events

Jan. 24, 2025: Climate Advocacy Day | Montana Capital, Helena - RSVP requested.

Once you RSVP, you'll be sent a full schedule of activities and speakers via email. Transportation options are available.

In a letter addressed to U.S. Interior Secretary Deborah Haaland, 18 biologists, collectively representing over 600 years of relevant experience, have called for the urgent adoption of stronger conservation measures to protect the sagebrush ecosystem. The letter supports the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) recently proposed land-use plan amendments, which now align better with the best available science. The letter also emphasizes the need for state and federal cooperation to safeguard the greater sage-grouse and its habitat.

Learn more and read the letter: Leading Biologists Urge BLM to Finalize & Implement Sage-Grouse Resource Management Plan

Apply by January 15, 2025

Since 1996, Montana Audubon has awarded grants to organizations in support of research, education projects, and other activities that focus on the conservation, enhancement and public appreciation of Montana’s wildlife and natural communities.

More information and the application form can be found on our website:

May 30 - June 1, 2025

Missoula, MT

We're partnering with local chapter Five Valleys Audubon Society to host our annual birding festival, which will feature local field trips, a riveting keynote speaker, and engaging presentations.

More information is coming soon, and keep an eye out for registration brochures in March 2025.

Dec 5: Audubon Conservation Ranching and Kateri Partner to Advance Regenerative Ranching and Grassland Conservation | National Audubon

Dec 10: Tips to avoid bird flu exposure after disease found again in Montana | Chet Layman, KPAX

Dec 14: Birders in Great Falls participate in citizen science project (A news segment on the Upper Missouri Breaks Audubon chapter's Christmas Bird Count) | Aneesa Coomer, KRTV Great Falls

Dec 16: City Approves Open Space Funding To Conserve Missoula Valley Habitat | Martin Kidston, Missoula Current

Dec. 18: Montana Supreme Court affirms decision in Held, historic youth climate case | Micah Drew and Blair Miller, Daily Montanan

Thank You For Helping Us Soar!

It's because of your support that we are able to continue our mission of promoting appreciation, knowledge, and conservation of Montana's native wildlife and habitats.

Thank you for joining us in this important work! We are deeply grateful for your commitment to Montana Audubon.

If you have not already, please consider making a year-end tax-deductible donation and help us continue our work.