Dear Montana,

As November brings the arrival of fall weather and the seasons transition, I’m reminded of the many reasons we have to be grateful. Whether celebrating the permanent protection of vital habitat for Montana's birds and wildlife, marking milestones in our research efforts, or fostering connections through education, this has been a year of remarkable achievements and inspiring partnerships.

In this issue of our newsletter, you’ll find highlights of our latest work, including updates on conservation successes, exciting educational programs, and a preview of what’s ahead in 2025. It’s been a season filled with collaboration, discovery, and progress—all made possible by supporters like you.

I hope these stories inspire you to continue exploring, learning, and protecting the landscapes and wildlife that make Montana so extraordinary.

Yours in Conservation,

Larry Berrin

Executive Director

In this issue we share updates on our latest work, including:

• Celebrating permanent protection for the Owen Sowerwine Property
• A banner year for Black Swift monitoring
• 2025 Legislative Preview
• The Montana Audubon Center’s partnership with Indian Education For All

And more!

Read the PDF version on the Montana Audubon website: 

After a summer of ranch surveys, the Science Team closed out the season with a number of conferences and workshops:

September

• Audubon-certified Seacross Ranch was featured in a tour ahead of the Western Sustainability Exchange Expanding Markets Conference. On the tour, Director of Conservation Christian Meny shared information about bird-friendly ranching and grazing practices. Through the Conservation Ranching program and with funding from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), Seacross Ranch built a stock water pipeline to expand grazing across the ranch, as well as permanent electric fencing to protect the water quality and riparian habitat on Lodge Grass Creek.
• The Science team also visited the Moore Ranch, which became Audubon-certified in 2023. NFWF funds are being used to help install stock water pipeline across a large section of the ranch, which will allow the Moore's to expand and manage grazing across more acres of their ranch, which in turn will expand & improve grassland habitat for birds and other wildlife.

October

• The team traveled to Shelby for the 2024 Transboundary Grassland Partnership Workshop. The pre-workshop tour, hosted by the Piikani Lodge Health Institute, 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).

November

• In mid-November, Montana Audubon co-sponsored two Ranching For Profit workshops in Lewiston and Winnett. In total, 85 participants attended between the two days.

It has been a busy year for Conservation Ranching in Montana, and while we're settling in to a season of office-based work, we look forward to continuing to support the regenerative ranching community and enhancing grassland bird habitat across Montana.

November in Montana marks a quiet transition as fall's golden hues fade into winter's chill. Here in Billings, we've been savoring crisp mornings, fiery sunsets, and frosty nights—perfect conditions for connecting with the seasonal wonders of nature.

This month, our team embraced the festive spirit with Holiday Wreath Workshops and made the most of early evenings during our Full Beaver Moon Night Hike. Participants explored the Yellowstone River under the luminous glow of the year's final supermoon, catching glimpses of our nocturnal beaver neighbors and learning about the traditional significance of the Beaver Moon.

Meanwhile, our Fledglings Preschool students have been thriving in their outdoor adventures, keenly observing the transition to more seasonally typical temperatures. A highlight of their month was a cherished tradition—and the only time they see a screen during class: watching a portion of A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving and joyfully reenacting the classic feast shared by Charlie Brown and friends.

As late November arrived, we shifted gears with our Audubon Naturalist in the Schools (ANTS) program, bringing the wonders of nature into classrooms to prepare for winter field trips. Students explored the rich tradition of storytelling as a way to pass down history and knowledge, hearing some of our favorite cultural history stories. In preparation for birdwatching activities, they sharpened their listening skills with a birding-by-sound activity and studied bird sonograms, which visually illustrate the melodies of bird songs. This sparked engaging discussions about sound waves and their scientific properties. Thanks to a generous gift from the Mary Alice Fortin Foundation for Youth Enrichment, several classes that might not have been able to participate in this year’s ANTS program are now able to join in.

In the spirit of giving thanks, we would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to Bob Mackin (pictured)—Yellowstone River Parks Association president and Montana Audubon Board Member—for his time and dedication over the past months. His efforts, alongside those of Jack Sterling, have been instrumental in completing key projects, including the new footbridge in the Shepard Nature Play Space, relocating the beloved preschool culvert slide back to Preschool Island, and removing two ailing cottonwood trees near our education building.

As 2024 draws to a close, we hope to see you outdoors, enjoying the incredible landscapes we call home—whether at one of our upcoming programs or on the trails.

Upcoming Events:

• Nature Nuts (Every Tuesday) – A fun-filled “Toddler and Me” program perfect for young nature enthusiasts.
• 4th Annual Holiday Market (Dec 14)- A local favorite for gifts, crafts, and community

At MPG Ranch, near Florence, MT, the University of Montana Bird Ecology Lab (UMBEL) is studying how habitat management can impact songbird populations.

By studying nesting success and migratory movements of grassland birds, UMBEL's research helps understand some of the challenges faced by these species.

Read more on Montana eBird:

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, guidelines, and the application form can be found on our website:

Though next summer seems far away, we’re already hard at work planning the next Wings Across the Big Sky Birding Festival!

The festival will be held in Missoula, May 30 – June 1 2025. Montana Audubon is partnering with local chapter Five Valleys Audubon Society to host the festival, which will feature local field trips, a riveting keynote speaker, and engaging presentations. We’re excited to share more details as soon as they’re finalized!

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

Nov 8: The 124th Christmas Bird Count in Montana (compiled report of the 2023/2024 CBC circles in Montana) | Rose Leach, National Audubon

Nov 8: Organizations Optimistic about Final Plan to Protect Sage-Grouse Habitat, Call for Work to Begin | National Audubon Press Room

Nov 9: Billings' bird-watching season chills to a close for Montana Audubon Center (Chase McCafferty, Programs Manager at the Center, shares the last Morning Bird Stroll of the year). | KTVQ News

Nov 20: Proposed Missoula Valley conservation easement would protect wetlands (The property includes part of the Clark Fork River-Grass Valley Important Bird Area). | Martin Kidston, Missoula Current

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