Dear Montana,
Though we haven’t been enjoying the unseasonably hot weather this month, we have been celebrating the decades of efforts from a dedicated group of individuals and organizations, which just this year culminated in the permanent protection of the Owen Sowerwine Natural Area, 440 acres of pristine riverine habitat along the Flathead River near Kalispell, where over 1/3rd of the bird species in Montana can be found.
More celebratory moments were found in our Birdathon tally- we ended with a total of 168 species detected, beating last year’s total of 153!
We invite you to continue the celebration later this fall and to join us in Billings for Evening Under the Big Sky, our annual fundraising gala for the Center. This event provides critical support for our outdoor education programming and land stewardship efforts.
We hope you are all staying cool and safe in this unseasonably warm summer.
Yours in Conservation,
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Larry Berrin
Executive Director
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- Celebrating Permanent Protection of Owen Sowerwine
- Birdathon Results
- Truman Creek Restoration Continues
- Spring 2024 Newsletter & Annual Report
- New on Montana eBird
- Montana Audubon Center Update
- Chimney Swift Surveys in Eastern Montana
- We're Hiring- Development Officer
- In the News
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Celebrating Permanent Protection of the
Owen Sowerwine Natural Area
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Last week, we travelled up north to join our long-time friends and community partners in celebrating the permanent protection of the Owen Sowerwine Natural Area, acknowledging the incredible dedication and hard work to find a conservation solution for this property, located near Kalispell.
At the celebration, Montana Audubon was honored to be awarded Flathead Land Trust's Conservation Stewardship Award, along with the local Flathead Audubon chapter.
Read more- & see photos from the event!- on the Flathead Land Trust website:
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Birdathon 2024- Results Are In! | |
In the days following our whirlwind 24-hour birding marathon, we tallied bird lists from five Montana Audubon staff spread across the state.
And now, for the grand total:
168 bird species detected, including 25 Species of Concern!
See the Birdathon 2024 report, including highlights and a full species list, on our website:
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MT DEQ Funds Riparian Restoration- UPDATE | |
Last fall, Montana Audubon and Audubon-Certified Montana Better Beef Ranch, in Kila, MT, received a grant from the Montana Department of Environmental Quality to fund riparian restoration on Truman Creek, which runs through the ranch.
Earlier this month, Montana Audubon staff joined with staff from the Flathead Conservation District for the first round of biological monitoring in the riparian restoration site.
Read more (& see photos!):
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Spring Newsletter & Annual Report | |
In case you missed it, we wanted to share our latest print newsletter! This issue shares updates including:
- A new opportunity to protect Greater Sage-Grouse
- Conservation Ranching updates
- Citizen Science Programs- including Screech-owl surveys
- Eight years of Fledglings Preschool
- Staff updates
- 2023 Annual Report
And more!
Read the PDF version on our website:
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When the summer heat keeps us indoors and away from our favorite birding locations, there are many ways to experience Montana’s nature from the comfort of home.
Shane Sater, a bilingual field biologist and naturalist, shares the sights and sounds of bird life at Lake Helena in a recent episode of his podcast, Wild With Nature. Shane explores Lake Helena by kayak, observing shorebirds, waterfowl, warblers, and more as he paddles the Important Bird Area, the largest under-developed marsh and wetland site in the Helena Valley.
Listen to the podcast, and learn more about the Lake Helena IBA:
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As a graduate student, Bridger Creel became captivated by the idea that habitat degradation, the primary cause of declining bird populations, isn’t an isolated phenomenon. It is acted on by, and in turn influences, many other stressors, all with individual and combined effects on the species that depend on that habitat.
Bridger is currently a PhD candidate working closely with the University of Montana Bird Ecology Lab on a project that assesses the effects of mine-waste contamination on riparian songbirds.
Learn more about Bridger’s research:
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A Summer of Discovery at the Center | |
As the summer days dwindle, Montana Audubon Center’s summer camp sessions are wrapping up with a burst of exploration and discovery.
Our campers have had an incredible time observing and learning about the new life emerging in the 54 acres of conserved land and nearby Yellowstone River Corridor. From the sight of playful ducklings to the fascinating world of macroinvertebrates, the wonders of nature have been on full display. Campers have marveled at the graceful deer, blossoming flowers, and soaring insects and bird life, each discovery fostering a deeper connection with the environment.
With summer camp concluding the week of August 5th, our focus shifts to the exciting activities of the upcoming school year. We are thrilled to welcome back our Fledglings preschoolers and introduce a new group of 4th graders to our ANTS program. Additionally, we look forward to reconnecting with our homeschool families, both new and returning, as we continue to provide enriching, nature-based learning experiences.
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While many of our programs are supported through participation fees, the vitality and growth of the Center are also sustained by generous grants and community donations. These contributions are essential for us to continue offering immersive nature experiences and maintaining our vibrant, educational space.
We invite you to join us for this year's Evening Under the Big Sky on September 14 for an enjoyable night of fundraising to help support what we do best, nurturing a love for nature in all who visit.
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Chimney Swift Surveys in Eastern Montana | |
Chimney Swifts have returned to the skies of Eastern Montana and Montana Audubon is partnering with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks to see where these swifts are nesting!
We need volunteers from June 1 to July 31 to survey chimneys in small towns in Eastern Montana.
Surveys are short and stationary, and involve watching a chimney and recording data from 30 minutes before sunset until 30 minutes after sunset.
Please email Gwynne at gwynne@mtaudubon.org with any questions or to sign up!
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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:
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June 20: Westerners Agree: Save the Greater Sage-Grouse | Sara Brodnax, Audubon
June 26: Followers of Iris the osprey celebrate her chicks hatching | Austin Amestoy, Montana Public Radio, NPR Morning Edition
June 28: Closing the Gaps to Achieve Wildlife Survival (Recovering America's Wildlife Act) | Bill Frist, op-ed, Forbes
July 9: 'Land is kin': Old Salt Festival celebrates local food and open landscapes | Isabel Hicks, Montana Free Press
July 10: The Supreme Court's Overruling of Chevron Deference | Sam Wojcicki, Audubon
July 10: Montana Supreme Court hears oral arguments in youth-led climate trial | Ellis Juhlin, Montana Public Radio, radio segment
July 10: Montana Supreme Court hears Held v. Montana youth climate lawsuit | Amanda Eggert, Montana Free Press
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Help protect Montana's birds, wildlife, and the landscapes they depend on.
Donate $100+ and receive our Wildlife Guide or our popular Bird Guide. Give $200+ and get both!
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