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Dear Montana,
As we embark on a new year, I’m reminded of how vital your support is to the work we do for Montana’s birds, wildlife, and natural habitats. The 2025 Montana Legislative Session is now in full swing, and Montana Audubon has been at the forefront from day one, advocating for native birds and wildlife. This session brings critical discussions about wildlife management and environmental protection, and we’re here every step of the way to ensure a strong voice for conservation. Be sure to sign up for our Action Alert emails to stay informed and engaged throughout the session.
In addition to our legislative efforts, I’m thrilled to share some exciting updates and opportunities. The Ninth Circuit Court’s recent decision upholding protections for the Greater Sage-grouse is a significant win for conservation in the West, and we’re grateful to have been part of this collective effort. Closer to home, the Montana Audubon Center is buzzing with winter activity, and if you’re looking for a way to get involved with citizen science, consider signing up for Winter Climate Watch surveys.
Whether you’re looking to explore, learn, or lend your voice to conservation, there’s something for everyone in 2025. Thank you for standing with us to protect the wild places and creatures we all cherish.
Yours in Conservation,
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Larry Berrin
Executive Director
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- Montana Legislative Session & Advocacy Update
- Good News for Sage-grouse
- Sign Up for Winter Climate Watch Surveys
- Montana Audubon Center Update
- We're Hiring: Marketing & Fundraising Specialist
- Save the Date: Wings Across the Big Sky Birding Festival
- In the News
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Taking Action for Montana's Birds & Wildlife | |
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The Montana Legislative Session opened on January 6, and Montana Audubon has been there since day one, working every day to show our support for birds, wildlife, clean air, clean water, renewable energy, and our right to a clean and healthful environment.
So far, we're lobbying on bills that cover single-use plastic regulation, wolf seasons and quota, the classification of non-native quail, and protections for predatory raptors.
Sign up for our Action Alert emails to stay informed on these and other issues we're following. Throughout the session, you'll receive regular emails that include:
- Updates on priority bills
- Resources for testifying and reaching lawmakers
- Other relevant information
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Visit our website to sign up and to see the previous Action Alerts: | |
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Upcoming Advocacy Events
Jan. 24, 2025: Climate Advocacy Day | Montana Capitol, Helena - RSVP requested.
Once you RSVP, you'll be sent a full schedule of activities and speakers via email. Transportation options are available.
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Feb. 19, 2025: Rally For Public Lands | Montana Capitol, Helena - RSVP requested.
RSVP for updates and let organizers know if you need a ride or can offer a ride. There will be transportation from Missoula and Bozeman, and coordinated carpools from across the state.
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Good News for Sage-Grouse: Ninth Circuit Upholds Oil & Gas Leasing Decision | |
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“Our hope is that this decision will have significant and lasting conservation benefits for the Greater Sage-grouse and a host of other sagebrush-dependent species in the West.”
-Larry Berrin,
Executive Director
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On January 17, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a 2020 decision that struck down the basis for the previous Trump administration’s oil and gas leasing on more than a million acres of public lands in key habitat for the Greater Sage-grouse in the West.
The decision came in a lawsuit filed by Earthjustice on behalf of the Montana Wildlife Federation, the Wilderness Society, National Audubon Society, National Wildlife Federation, and Montana Audubon.
Read more on the Earthjustice website: Ninth Circuit Upholds Decision That Struck Down Trump Administration Sage-Grouse Leasing
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Sign Up for Winter Climate Watch Surveys | |
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It’s that time again! Audubon’s Winter Climate Watch program is back from January 15th to February 15th, 2025.
Each survey includes 12 short point-counts, recording observations of three target species: Pygmy Nuthatch, Red-breasted Nuthatch, and White-breasted Nuthatch.
Visit our website for step-by-step instructions and sign up today:
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Embrace the Wild in 2025 with the Montana Audubon Center | |
The new year brings fresh opportunities for fun, learning, and adventure! Whether you’re a lifelong nature enthusiast or just starting your journey into the wild, 2025 is your year to explore, connect, and grow with the Montana Audubon Center. | |
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We’re off to an exciting start! Fledglings Preschool welcomed the year with fresh snow, transforming the outdoors into a brand-new classroom where little ones test their skills—sledding, anyone?
Meanwhile, Homeschool Science launched its 8-week Winter Survival session, diving into how animals adapt to the cold and exploring the ingenuity of Indigenous peoples and early Montana settlers who braved the elements.
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Even as winter settles in, we’re already planning for sunnier days. Mark your calendars—Audubon Adventure Camps are on the horizon, and early bird registration opens for Members this March!
This year, we’re thrilled to roll out new programs designed to deepen your connection to nature. Highlights include the Great Horned Owl Encounter, presented by the Draper Natural History Museum, and The Complete Snake: Ecology, Diversity, Conservation, and Anatomy, led by our Education Manager, Chase McCafferty. Plus, your favorite traditions return, from our enchanting Owl Prowls and serene Bird Strolls to weekly Nature Nuts and so much more.
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Upcoming Programs
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Nature Nuts (Every Tuesday) – A fun-filled “Toddler and Me” program perfect for young nature enthusiasts.
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The Complete Snake: Ecology, Diversity, Conservation, and Anatomy (Feb 8)
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Bear Aware with Montana FWP (Feb 12)
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Winter Birding Experiences: Feathers in the Frost (Feb 22) at the Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary in Red Lodge
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Now is the perfect time to join our community!
Becoming a Center Member unlocks exclusive benefits like early registration, program discounts, and the joy of supporting a place where nature, education, and adventure thrive.
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Make 2025 the year you embrace Montana’s wild beauty with us. We can’t wait to see you on the trails, around the campfire, or peering into the treetops, discovering the wonders of the natural world! | |
Center Director Featured on Gallatin Valley Community Radio
Back in October, Montana Audubon Center Director Emily Chilcoat joined host Jay Shellenberger on the Wilderness and Wildlife radio program, presented by the Gallatin Wildlife Association on KGVM 95.9 Gallatin Valley Community Radio.
She shares some of the history of the Center, gives an overview of the educational programs offered, describes the grounds and building, the birds and other wildlife spotted on the Center grounds, habitat restoration, and more.
Listen on the KGVM website: Wilderness and Wildlife: Emily Chilcoat- Montana Audubon Center (aired Oct. 16, 2024)
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We're Hiring: Membership & Fundraising Specialist | |
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We’re hiring a Membership & Fundraising Specialist! The position will oversee our membership program while assisting with donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. The position also oversees annual fundraising activities such as appeal letters, email solicitations, monthly giving programs, and events.
This is a full time position, based out of our Helena office. Benefits include vacation, simple IRA w/match, health, dental, and vision.
Visit our website for more information and instructions on how to apply:
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Save the Date: 2025 Wings Across the Big Sky | |
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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! Registration opens in March.
Interested in becoming a sponsor? Learn more on our website:
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Dec 22: Bright 'n Beautiful's Christmas tree recycling program kicks off Dec. 27th (Christmas tree recycling program in Billings benefits the Montana Audubon Center) | Diane Casanova, NonStop Local Billings
Dec 24: Missoula's birders take Christmas tally of winged citizens (Missoula Christmas Bird Count with the Feminist Bird Club of NW Montana) | Andy Tallman, Missoulian
Dec 25: The bald eagle is officially America's national bird. Here's why it took so long | Rachel Trisman, NPR
Jan 1: Grizzly bears to remain protected under Endangered Species Act | Robert Chaney, Montana Free Press
Jan 2: Kingfishers, flickers, and more from the Christmas Bird Count (tagging along with Five Valleys Audubon on the Missoula Christmas Bird Count) | Ellis Juhlin, Montana Public Radio
Jan 13: U.S. Supreme Court refuses to hear Utah's public lands challenge | Anastasia Hufham, The Salt Lake Tribune
Jan 16: A significant conversation about wildlife conservation (NM Sen Martin Heinrich, who has championed the Recovering America's Wildlife Act, questioned Doug Burgum, nominee for Secretary of the Interior, about wildlife funding) | Steve Blackledge, Environment America
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Conservation is about people working together to protect habitat for birds, other wildlife, & a legacy for the future. Your support makes our continued efforts possible.
Thank you for joining us in this work!
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Connect with Montana Audubon: | | | | |
