Dear Montana,

Another year has almost come and gone, but there is still a lot happening at Montana Audubon!

Later this week the Christmas Bird Count period starts- there is still time to join your local count, if you haven't already signed up. At the Center in Billings, class participants are normally exploring their outdoor classroom in different wintery ways (with snow!), though they have been enjoying the uncharacteristically warm winter weather.

This month, we’ve also welcomed a new Operations Manager to our Helena office- read more about Mandi below. And as a reminder, applications are due by Friday December 15 for the 2024 Wildlife Fund grants- find guidelines and an application on our website. 

As December comes to a close, we want to extend our gratitude to you for joining us in supporting Montana Audubon's research, policy, and education efforts. We look forward to what we can all accomplish together in 2024.

From all of us at Montana Audubon, we wish you and yours a very happy holiday season!

Yours in Conservation,

Larry Berrin

Executive Director

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who donated to our 2023 Giving Tuesday campaign and to everyone who has made a year-end donation! We are honored and grateful for your continued support! 

With your help, we are able to continue our mission of promoting appreciation, knowledge, and conservation of Montana’s native wildlife and natural ecosystems, and to safeguard biological diversity for current and future generations. 

Thank you for joining us in creating an environment in which all of Montana’s native bird species have healthy, sustainable populations and long-term habitat security! 

Have you signed up for your local Christmas Bird Count (CBC)? There's still time to sign up! Counts for some areas start later this week.

The Audubon Chapters in Montana host the CBCs for their respective areas. Visit their websites for more information on how to join!

Not an expert birder? Beginners are welcome, and most CBCs end (or begin!) with a shared meal and camaraderie. We've compiled a list of the CBCs in Montana, with links to relevant contact information.

National Audubon’s Climate Watch program is back for another season of surveys!

As a response to the 2019 ‘Survival by Degrees’ report from National Audubon, volunteers have been collecting data on how climate change is impacting wintering bird populations. Volunteer data will then be incorporated into Audubon’s climate models to predict population changes through the 2020s. Volunteers who complete Climate Watch counts serve a critical role, and we would love your help!

Winter surveys include 12 short point-counts for target species like White-Breasted Nuthatch, Pygmy Nuthatch, and Red-Breasted Nuthatch; species that can often be found in your backyard. We are excited to help kick off the fourth year of Climate Watch monitoring! For all the resources you need to get started, and for more information about how to sign-up and pick a survey area, head over to National Audubon’s Climate Watch website.

Feel free to email questions to peter@mtaudubon.org

Please join us in welcoming Mandi Hinman, our new Operations Manager, to the Helena office!

(We don't have a staff photo to share yet, but will soon!)

Mandi was born and raised in Havre, Montana, and went to college in Spokane, Washington. After working as a Veterinary Technician for 10 years in her hometown, she moved to Helena and started her career with the State of Montana. Retiring from State Government in 2021, Mandi worked for Montana Unified School Trust for two years before starting work at Montana Audubon.

In her free time, Mandi likes to play the piano, read, spend time with family and friends, and play golf with her husband. Mandi and her husband Roy, also a Montana native, have been together since 1997 and reside in Helena with their cats.

Welcome Mandi!

And away they all flew like the down of a thistle...

Warm November and December temperatures provided us with a delightful continuation of the fall season, leaving our ponds open for increased activity than normal for this time of year.

Migrating and resident waterfowl are an enjoyable sight each morning and we’ve been delighted to observe our resident muskrats and this year’s offspring exploring and prepping for when winter finally arrives. Outdoor programming and office staff have relished the opportunity for exploration and quiet compilation needing no more than a light jacket, if that, to be comfortable outside.

As we move closer to winter and deeper into the holiday season, the Center staff recently hosted the Holiday Market on Dec. 9, the Center's last event of the year. Plans are already in place for our winter field trip season, so we set our sights to finalizing our spring programs, all while visions of summer camp dance in our heads.

Even as we dream about summer time activities we can’t wait for when winter finally appears! Tracking in the snow, exploring winter birds, sledding and pond ice exploration is always a treat and a great reprieve before starting our rampant spring programming. 

We love sharing this wonderful time of year with new and returning participants and hope that in the New Year everyone opts to get outside and explore the natural world that’s right outside their door!

Check out our January 2024 programs on our website or by following us on our on our Facebook and Instagram pages.

• Nature Nuts - Every Tuesday at 10 am (No programming on Dec 26th)
• New Moon Night Hike- January 12, 2023 at 6:30 pm 

Applications due by THIS Friday, December 15, 2023.

Grant winners will be announced in early March 2024.

In 2024, we will provide approximately $2,000 in total grant funds.

Preference given to projects involving nongame wildlife, from birds to invertebrates, and their habitats. We encourage proposals that emphasize the significance of the proposed project in regard to its research, educational, and/or recreational value. Preference will be given to small nonprofit organizations, research projects, and graduate students.

Visit the Wildlife Grants page on our website for guidelines and an application form:

We’re hiring a Development Officer, based out of our Helena office.

Part or full time, benefits include vacation, simple IRA w/match, health, dental, and vision.

Position is open until filled, with applications reviewed on a rolling basis.

Check out the Jobs & Opportunities page on the Montana Audubon website for more information and how to apply:

Donate $100 or more and receive our Wildlife Guide or our popular Bird Guide. Give $200 or more and get both!