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A PLAY OF LIGHT TWO PHOTOGRAPHERS CAPTURE THE SOUL OF MONTANA page 4

2018 ANNUAL REPORT page 18 THE VIEW FROM ABOVE

Our mission is to promote Helena Office Like a Rare Bird PO Box 595, Helena, MT 59624 • Phone: 406-443-3949 appreciation, knowledge and Fax: 406-443-7144 • [email protected] • www.mtaudubon.org It was a cold and windy Saturday morning as I headed conservation of Montana’s out to East Helena in search of my white whale after Audubon Center native birds, other wildlife, 7026 S. Billings Blvd., Billings, MT 59101 • Phone: 406-294-5099 noting Bob Martinka’s recorded sighting on Montana and natural ecosystems to www.mtaudubon.org/center eBird. The Lapland Longspur is a common songbird of safeguard biological diversity the Arctic tundra that winters in open fields across for current and future Staff Board of Directors much of northern United States but has always eluded Larry Berrin generations. Officers Rachel Van Wingen, me, though I’ve lived for the last 20+ years mostly in Executive Director President northern states – from Maine to Oregon. I spent the Heather Bilden Joe Batts, Vice-President Founded in 1976, Montana Bernie McHugh, Community Programs Lead Secretary day scanning fields and observed flocks of Horned Ron Farmer, Treasurer Audubon has built effective Sarah Chatwood Larks (which Lapland Longspurs often accompany) The passage of a At-large Board Members historic public lands programs in public policy, Preschool Lead Mimi Falivene but unfortunately the day ended with another miss – education, and bird Emily Chilcoat Curt Larsen call me Ishmael! Though I headed home disappointed, package included one conservation to serve its Volunteer Coordinator Cary Lund my mood quickly improved after hearing on the radio of Montana Audubon’s Bob Mackin members and Montana’s David Cronenwett that an important piece of legislation had passed the key pieces of policy Communications & Grant Writer Center Council Delegate U.S. Senate and was on its way to the U.S. House. work over the last year. nine community-based Krista Cunningham Don Roberts Audubon Chapters. Teacher-Naturalist Chapter Delegates Lauren D’Ascanio In an era when bipartisanship remains elusive, like a rare bird, it seems that Bitterroot Audubon conservation victories are still possible. The passage of a historic public lands package Teacher-Naturalist Becky Peters Hannah Dunford included one of Montana Audubon’s key pieces of policy work over the last year: Five Valleys Audubon Youth Programs Lead Rose Leach Senate Bill 47 permanently reauthorized the Land and Water Conservation Fund Nicole Eckstrom (LWCF). Since its inception, the program has provided more than $18 billion to Flathead Audubon Preschool Educator Bob Lee projects in every county in the nation but Congressional inaction last fall meant the Cathie Erickson Last Chance Audubon fund expired, depriving conservation projects of more than $350 million. Accounting Specialist Janice Miller Norane Freistadt Mission Mountain Audubon In a rare victory for conservation and our wildlife heritage, this bipartisan public lands Development Director Jim Rogers Alina Garner package passed through congress by votes of 92-8 in the Senate and 363-62 in the Pintler Audubon School Programs Lead Jack Kirkley House, and was finally signed into law when it hit the President’s desk. Permanent Taisha Haggard reauthorization of LWCF was a big win for public lands, our outdoor heritage and Sacajawea Audubon Teacher-Naturalist Loreene Reid conservation here in Montana and across the country. It was the largest bill of its kind Janet Johnston Upper Missouri Breaks Audubon in more than a decade. We commend our congressional delegation, who all voted Office Manager Candace Beery Ashley Laukhuf yes, for convincing their colleagues on both sides of the aisle to overwhelmingly pass Teacher-Naturalist this public lands package and invest in our vibrant outdoor recreation economy. Mackenzie Ruppert Now it is critical to gain full funding for the LWCF. Preschool Educator Anthony Sammartano Beyond LWCF reauthorization, this public lands package also designates more than BSWC Restoration Specialist 1.3 million acres of Wilderness, protects nearly 400 miles of rivers and creates four Amy Seaman new national monuments. In addition, 30,370 acres of public land on the doorstep of Conservation Program Manager Carolyn Sevier Montana Audubon is a proud Yellowstone National Park here in Montana, will be protected from destructive and Center Director member organization of toxic gold mining. In a time when it is hard to find good news, Montana Shares, a partnership Wyatt Smith like finding that rare bird in the field, it’s encouraging to know spring 2019 of Montana-based nonprofits Legislative Assistant devoted to improving the that we can still be pleasantly surprised from time to time. 4 Cover Story: Jennifer Walker quality of life in the Big Sky a

Teacher-Naturalist state. Yours in Conservation, k

A Play of Light n i t r a M

8 Conservation Briefs b o B 12 News from the Center On the cover: Little Blackfoot River and Flint Creek Range, Larry Berrin 18 2018 Annual Report John Lambing photo. Executive Director Canyon Wren, Bob Martinka photo. Lapland Longspur SPRING 201 9 3 COVER STORY g n i b m a L

n h o J a k n i t r a M

b o B APLAYOF

Using their cameras, John Lambing and Bob Martinka help Montana Audubon accomplish on-the-ground conservation LIwhich ultimaGtely benefits thHe Montana we aT ll cherish.

Montana Audubon is a statewide Both men have lived onservation is a passion rooted in the personal, conservation organization with a in Montana for decades, individual experience of mission specific to wildlife protection but grew up elsewhere Cnature. For organizations and has a hand in other types of (Lambing in the Midwest and whose task it is to protect the natural environmental protection and Martinka in the Northeast), and describe world, the ability to tap into the education. their respective love affairs for their here full time in 1967, I knew I’d made a aesthetic and emotional power of adopted state in similar terms of awe and permanent transition to a better world.” wildlife and landscapes is critical, We have been extremely fortunate in affection. “I was absolutely blown away because it is what moves people to recent years to have nearly unfettered with the country when I transferred to Like many pursuits, nature photography action. Often the best way to accomplish access to the remarkable work of two Montana as a young USGS scientist,” bears a similarity to hunting and this is this is via the written word and of very gifted and generous photographers: Lambing recounts. “Growing up partly how our photographers describe it. course, photographs. A camera in the Bob Martinka and John Lambing. exploring the Ozarks was great, but it Though Lambing specializes in hands of a master photographer can Their images grace most of the outreach didn’t prepare me for the vast scale or landscapes and Bob Martinka birds generate immediate emotional impact materials published by Montana wildness that I encountered when and other wildlife, the search for the to the viewer. When combined with Audubon and to that degree, help coming to Montana.” Martinka echoed “right shot”, while considering many powerful language, the effect is convey our important conservation this sentiment saying, “This placed environmental variables, requires a level doubly compelling. mission to the world. changed my life; after moving of discipline, self-mastery and persistence

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and protection of our irreplaceable B natural ecosystems and the life they support.” –John Lambing g g n i n i b b m m a a L

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a host of other factors, especially the “The experience of interacting type of natural lighting encountered. with nature is more important Pursuing wildlife adds another level of than the photos, yet I find great complexity and randomness: “All I can meaning in sharing my travels do is put myself into the right habitat with others.” which may hold the bird species I want –Bob Martinka a k n i t to photograph,” Martinka recounts. r a M

“If I find them, I will try to maneuver primary to me, whether it be natural b o B for composition. When everything history, human culture or other elements. represent that cooperates, the experience and final Generally speaking, the experience of a troubling many hunters product can be quite magical.” interacting with nature is more important trend.” notes Lambing. “It is critical would relate to. than the photos, yet the pictures are to make people aware of the need for Martinka describes it: It is the overall process of photography really useful for sharing experiences. study, appreciation and protection of “Like hunting, nature photography in the landscape, and the multi-layered I find great meaning in sharing my our irreplaceable natural ecosystems and requires a lot of patience but broadens experience of it that motivates Lambing Montana and international travels the life they support. I try to accomplish the view of a place; it requires one to and Martinka: their enthusiasm for the with others.” this with my images, letting nature do fully-inhabit the landscape, using all of craft is infectious. According to John, the work.” the senses, regardless of season, weather “It’s addictive, the research, preparation This sharing of course, extends beyond or other challenging conditions.” and exploring. My photo trips are merely recounting photographic journeys; The two self-taught photographers typically two days to two weeks in it also is driven by a profound if subtle, have done much to bring attention to What ultimately appears on the page is duration, and I am nearly always alone. advocacy for conservation. The images Montana’s wildlife and diverse habitats. not the result of a random or simple I’ll sometimes cover 10 –20 miles on foot of Lambing and Martinka can be found Using their cameras to capture the point-and-click event: the stunning per day, hiking trails or cross country to in the pages of publications for many natural drama of birds, landscapes and photos that Lambing and Martinka find what I’m looking for.” The ability to organizations which promote the light, John Lambing and Bob Martinka create are the product of careful vividly share the experience with others, conservation of wildlife and wildlands, help Montana Audubon and others preparation and decades of experience. as well as reinvigorating memories of particularly in Montana. “I see fewer accomplish on-the-ground conservation Locations are determined by habitat, trips and places is a big motivator for young people in the backcountry than which ultimately benefits the Montana time of year, weather, topography and Bob Martinka: “Learning new things is I did a decade or so ago, which might we all cherish.

6 MONTANA AUDUBON SPRING 201 9 7 What the Lek is Going On? While male Greater Sage-Grouse perform 2015 plans capped years of negotiations their spring mating dance on leks across involving government, industry and our majestic state, Montana Audubon is in conservation groups like Montana federal court fighting for their protection. Audubon. They carried a lot of weight in We view this as an opportunity to preventing grouse from being listed as a demonstrate our support for upholding the threatened or endangered species. Such a Bureau of Land Management’s 2015 designation could have brought severe Greater Sage-Grouse conservation plans, limitations on grazing, energy development which are intended to keep the Greater and other activities across the bird’s range. Sage-Grouse off the endangered species list. Now the Trump administration is finalizing Unfortunately, recently proposed changes plans to ease restrictions on oil and gas to the plans represent a major step drilling and other industries that were backward. We are proud of the leadership meant to protect an imperiled bird species. that our state has consistently shown in We believe the changes will lead to more managing sage-grouse: the ground-breaking industrial disturbance of grouse habitat, research and policy decisions that took undermining conservation efforts to place in Montana are featured prominently stabilize the bird’s population. in the BLM’s 2015 grouse plans. Discarding these accomplishments undermin es years Now more than ever, the public should of work and collaboration and creates a insist that the BLM follow its own mission t r e great deal of uncertainty regarding public of managing the nation’s public lands for b l i G land management in our state and beyond. multiple uses, which must include respect m l o c Smith River l We believe that abandoning science in this for important wildlife habitat. The best a M short-sighted approach is bad for the bird chance to conserve sage-grouse and more and bad for Montana. than 350 other species that depend on healthy sagebrush habitat is through a “Replacement Rule” Proposed to Clarify Jurisdiction The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) large-scale and collaborative strategy, Under Federal Clean Water Act manages most of the habitat where sage- which we achieved in 2015. In response, grouse are found range-wide, so these Montana Audubon is joining together with On December 11, 2018, the season. Beyond birds, Montana’s management plans play an important role other conservation groups this spring to Environmental Protection Agency was unparalleled natural landscapes and in determining the future for grouse. The challenge these changes in federal court. ordered to roll-back critical federal wildlife habitat, support our hunting, protections for most of our nation’s fishing, and outdoor recreation economy. wetlands, and thousands of miles of rivers and streams. This gutting of the Clean The administration’s new action follows Water Act (CWA) targets many seasonal, a February 2017 Executive Order to begin Recovering America’s Wildlife Act is Gaining Momentum intermittent, or ephemeral wetlands and re-defining federal authority under the Last year, Montana Audubon joined with Montanans have long recognized the need streams, allowing them to be destroyed CWA. The Trump administration’s other conservation organizations to lead a to manage more than just game animals simply because they lack surface water “Replacement Rule” intends to replace statewide effort in support of the but the issue has always been how best to connectivity or flow throughout the year. an Obama-era Rule, currently the law Recovering America’s Wildlife Act fund these efforts. RAWA represents a Montana is a headwater state, and many in 22 states, D.C. and U.S. territories. (RAWA). Showing bipartisan cooperation, way to address this issue by increasing headwater streams are seasonal. Still, This excludes Montana however, whose the U.S. Congress advanced this landmark funding for FWP to implement actions headwaters provide one of life’s most jurisdiction is defined by the pre-2015 rule. legislation that would rescue vulnerable aimed at conserving the full array of critical resources for downstream wildlife species across the United States. Montana’s wildlife. Although Congress is communities of birds, other wildlife, and The Clean Water Act should help The law, if passed, would direct funding now redrafting the bill, we know it already people. Wetlands provide continual prevent pollution, and not promote the each year to state fish and wildlife agencies has support from more than 100 members pollution control and flood-mitigation destruction of our public, economically to conserve at-risk species and habitats in the U.S. House, of nearly equal services free-of-charge, while supporting beneficial clean water and water-based in addition to managing human-wildlife representation from both parties, and that productive waterfowl and shorebird habitats. conflicts, increasing conservation a similar effort is underway in the U.S. habitat. education, and boosting public outdoor Senate. We will continue to make this a Luckily, there is still time to take recreation opportunities. Using a formula priority issue as we understand that the Other types of wetlands such as marshes, conservation action. Please join us in based on population and size, Montana Montana landscape, while magnificent to prairie potholes, wet-meadows and asking the EPA to reject the proposed Fish, Wildlife, and Parks (FWP) would behold, would be impoverished without stream-side areas provide critical habitat Replacement Rule: visit our website stand to receive nearly $30 million a year the wildlife that animates it. for over 225 species of nesting birds and mtaudubon.org and stay tuned for an to manage and conserve species at high many more throughout the non-breeding action alert specific to this issue. risk of disappearing.

8 MONTANA AUDUBON SPRING 201 9 9 THE SESSION SO FAR We have testified on 58 bills

1256 hgaoveo dbe benil ltsa bled, nine are still alive and two have been signed. Fighting for Wildlife at the 66th Montana Legislature Montana Audubon’s policy team is busy Bills more directly impacting wildlife 3152 hbaaved bbeielnls t abled, 15 are still alive, working hard at the Montana Capitol, to have been predator-heavy, with a negative one resolution has been filed. We are in make sure bills that would negatively focus on wolves. Many of the bills this year the process of writing one veto letter. impact wildlife, wildlife habitat, terrestrial have attempted to liberalize wolf harvest vegetation, water quality, and our climate in the state via increased access to, or C23u hmavuel abeteivne tlayb led, 19 have moved are stopped. We are also playing offense by reduced cost of hunting licenses, removal chambers, one has been signed by supporting bills we know will have positive of trapping set-backs, or through unethical the Governor, and the rest are still outcomes for our state — especially bills to means like a bill that would allow trappers being debated. reauthorize funding for Aquatic Invasive to be reimbursed for expenses using Species (AIS), Habitat Montana, and a private money. Fortunately, we were able bill to increase funding for Fishing Access to kill three bad wolf bills: one that would Site management. Unfortunately, the have allowed night hunting, one that majority of proactive legislation we’ve would have removed trapping set-backs, worked on, like board-scale energy and and one that would have unethically climate legislation, did not make it allowed trappers to be reimbursed for through transmittal break in March. This expenses using private money. We have Wolf Regulations Also Undergoing Federal Changes session, the tone of wildlife conservation also been working on two pieces of As part of our mission, Montana Service made a proposal to remove ESA unfortunately turned political. legislation directly impacting birds. The Audubon supports all of Montana’s native protections for all gray wolves, ~6,000 in first is an Environmental Quality Council wildlife from diverse bird species, to number in the U.S, returning them to state Montana’s longstanding habitat and attempt to improve Montana’s “bird-dog” top predators and big-game animals, to management. While Northern Rocky wildlife conservation program, Habitat hunting laws. HB 29 improves existing insect pollinators. Few wildlife species in Mountain wolves, including those in Montana, found itself pinched between statute greatly, but will require more work Montana strike up much controversy. Montana, are currently under state authority of the Land Board and that of as the state tries to understand potential When it comes to predators, this can management, wolves in the Western Great Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and the pressures from large outfits that train change. However, the subject of wolves Lakes and Southwest regions are not. Fish & Game Commission. Following an hunting dogs in eastern Montana. Much is another matter entirely. Although the Mexican Gray wolf is not Attorney General opinion, the issue was more of our attention is focused on SB included in this proposal, many view gray quickly taken up by the Montana Supreme 299, revisions to the Greater Sage-Grouse Montana’s most recent population wolf populations in the Southern Rockies, Court, with a December court order Stewardship Act. We are working to estimates put the state as having at least Pacific Northwest, and some portions of favoring the Fish & Game Commission. include provisions for conservation of the 125 packs and 63 breeding pairs of wolves, California as not adequately recovered to The conservation community views this as iconic sagebrush species, and to ensure totaling between 633 – 1,000 individuals. sustain a change in management. While a huge win for this critical program that continuation of the collaborative nature of It’s difficult to believe that in 1980, there we want to see wolves recovered nation- protects hundreds of thousands of acres of the Montana Sage-grouse conservation were only 10 individuals, but recovery wide, we realize progress may be slow for wildlife habitat like intact prairies and efforts put forth since the 2013 Governor’s efforts begun in the mid-nineties have certain population segments, where sagebrush lands our birds depend on. The Sage-grouse Advisory Council. Many of produced exceptional results. Under state adequate habitat and human tolerance Habitat Montana program does all of this the bad provisions within SB 299 were management the regulated harvest of may be in short supply. When gray wolves while protecting private property rights removed after the first hearing, however wolves is permitted, and now eight years are delisted across the country, they will and preserving farming and ranching there is still work to do. after federal delisting, Montana’s wolf still be actively managed. Like the communities. Unfortunately, HB 265, a population appears to be stabilizing; with Peregrine Falcon or Bald Eagle, recovered bill to require Land Board approval of As we move forward and continue to a concomitant and welcome reduction species that are removed from the ESA Habitat Montana conservation easements defend our state from attacks on our in livestock loss. are monitored by the USFWS for five despite the recent ruling, wildlife, we will continue to work years following the decision. As we try to continues to progress for positive outcomes. There This year Montana’s state legislators were understand the details of this proposal you through the legislature. is just under one month left, busy with nearly a dozen proposals can follow along, and comment too! and we look forward to regarding wolf management, and especially making as much of a the hunting and trapping of the species. The proposal is open for comments in the a k n i t

r difference as we can. In many ways, this is due to the success of Federal Register until May 14, 2019. a M Thank you for your the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) Information and how to comment may be b o Greater Sage-Grouse B support in this effort! in bringing wolves back to the state. found at: www.fws.gov/home/wolfrecovery. On March 14, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife

10 MONTANA AUDUBON SPRING 201 9 11 Save the Dates! o t o

h The Norm Schoenthal Field P

at the Audubon Center was e l i Lab F dedicated in 2009. Since that time, Adult Programs at the Center n o b

u our programs to connect people d u

If you're familiar with the Montana drink complimentary bird-friendly coffee A with the natural world and further a n

Audubon Center, you probably think that and join in a casual walkabout to learn a t Montana Audubon’s conservation n all of our students are young people more about insects, flowers, edible plants, o M mission have grown by leaps and attending school-sponsored field trips. But or other subjects. bounds. Join us, along with our did you know that we also have a growing partner the Yellowstone River Parks series of education programs for adults? Association to celebrate ten years of Special events with Outreach to adults has always been a part progress on targeted appeal Saturday, July 20. of our mix at the Center. Over the last Who could say no to walking around at our year, though, we’ve developed a more night to look for bugs while drinking local Evening Under the Big Sky, consistent schedule of recurring programs craft beer? The “Bugs and Brews” program annual Center fundraiser, will be held this year on . and a number of well-received special last summer was one of our most popular. Friday, September 13 events – several of them selling out with a Similarly, the night hikes, owl prowls, waiting list. These programs have allowed and bat walks have been consistently at us to reach an audience of younger adults capacity, with 40-50 participants per and retirees without children at home, event. Sipping on locally crafted wine and the growth in number of participants while learning journal sketching Birding along the Yellowstone River near the has also tracked with an increase in social techniques from a pro, attending an Montana Audubon Center. media followers, newsletter subscribers, author event or learning how to include and annual memberships to the Center. native plants in your backyard Participants in the class are also Program success is a result of groundwork Here is a quick overview: landscaping: each program allows us encouraged to put their new knowledge to laid during the Fall of 2017, when former to attract new faces and broaden our use as volunteers for the Center. A Education Director Heather Bilden engagement with the community. Recurring, consistent programs participant in last year’s Spring class transitioned into her current role. Since As one would expect with an Audubon Heather Bilden, our Community Programs recently told us, “The Master Naturalist then, she has put her organizational skills organization, the anchor of our adult Lead, is especially excited about our program has truly enriched my life. I am and extensive natural history knowledge program schedule is a regular monthly program diversity. “We are finding new more observant now than I ever was. It is into building all of the Center’s Morning Bird Stroll. Attendance to these ways to engage people with learning about so rewarding to know even more about the Community Programs. If you’re interested events averages 8 –12 participants, which nature – combining science, art, research, living things I share the environment in the Montana Audubon adult programs, are are designed for beginning-level and exercise.” with.” Our spring 2019 class is now a few read more below! birders. The strolls are a great opportunity weeks in and is full, with twelve students. to partner with the local Yellowstone Immersive-level programs Valley Audubon Society, and to keep Upcoming events to go deeper If you are in Billings or visiting in the regular track through Montana eBird of The Montana Audubon Center is proud Strong community partnerships Our adult programs, as with everything we next few months, keep an eye out for what we’re observing at the Center. to be the Billings-area home of the do at the Center, exists within a strong, these programs: Among the sparrows, finches, and statewide Montana Master Naturalist interconnected community. In addition to waterfowl, it seems that every month there program – a 40-hour, college-level survey those already mentioned, we have • Earth Day Celebration is at least one surprise species (e.g. Indigo of area natural landscapes and naturalist partnered with Montana Fish, Wildlife April 27, 8:30am –12:30pm Bunting and Bonaparte’s Gull). skill development. We work with the and Parks, MSU-Billings Outdoor Montana Natural History Center • Rain Barrel Workshop with the Adventure Leadership program, the City We also have a monthly in Missoula to provide Montana Wildlife Federation of Billings Forestry Division, This House “Coffee Walk with a formal certification and May 11, 9:00am – 12:00 noon: of Books, among others. Upcoming Naturalist” on varied collaborate with programs will involve the Absaroka- • “Saving Our Stars: An Evening natural history organizations in Beartooth Wilderness Foundation and the with John Ashley” themes: participants other communities Owl Research Institute. Participants in the June 15, 7:00 – 8:30pm to build a statewide adult programs also bring their network of professional connections and experiences • Coffee Walk with a Naturalist providers. with them, which further expands our First Saturdays, 9:30 – 11:00am community. • Morning Bird Stroll Surveying moth and Second Saturdays, 8:30 – 10:00am other nocturnal insect species at the Center.

12 MONTANA AUDUBON SPRING 201 9 13 BECOME A MEMBER OF MONTANA AUDUBON THROUGH OUR ANNUAL CONSERVATION FUND

Your membership helps support one of the most effective conservation organizations in Montana.

Enjoy a year of benefits including n

Montana Audubon Grants a timely conservation updates, invites m a e S

to special events, our biannual print Support Montana’s Birds y m newsletter and the peace of mind A knowing that you’re actively contributing to the protection Each year Montana Audubon awards small grants from the Audubon Wildlife Fund of birds, other wildlife and their of Montana, a permanent endowment. For the last 24 years, these grants have habitats across our vast state. supported research and education projects directed toward wildlife and/or wildlife habitat. The 2019 grant project awards are as follows: For more information email [email protected] Restoring Trumpeter Swans and or call 406-443-3949. Educating Kids in the Blackfoot Valley The Blackfoot Challenge will create a community of young citizens engaged in restoration and conservation of Trumpeter Swans and their wetland habitats in the Blackfoot Watershed.

Impacts of Conifer Removal on the Reproductive Output of Sagebrush-Obligate Songbirds

The U of M (Missoula) Cooperative Wildlife Unit will a k n i t

establish study plots in southwest Montana to assess the r a M impact of conifer removal on nesting success of species such b o as Brewer’s Sparrow, Green-tailed Towhee and Sage B Thrasher . Quantifying this impact will help determine population trajectories and help guide conservation efforts.

Helena Valley Regulating Reservoir n

a Wildlife Viewing Blind

m Last Chance Audubon Society will create a public wildlife p a h

C viewing/photography blind at the reservoir, which is a

e k i haven for many species of waterfowl and shorebirds, M nesting Great Horned Owl, and Great Blue Herons in an established rookery.

Avian Profiles – Sevenmile Curriculum and Outreach Development Prickly Pear Land Trust will develop an educational program to raise excitement about and inform student groups, volunteers and visitors about local bird life a k n i and the importance of riparian conservation in t r a White-breasted Helena’s ‘backyard’. M

b Nuthatch o B

14 MONTANA AUDUBON SPRING 201 9 15 Star Volunteers Join us on the adventure of a lifetime! These Montana Audubon volunteers have offered time, expertise, passion, elbow grease, advice, and a sense of humor as they’ve helped with recent events, projects, programs, and more. ¡BIRDING CUB A! Thank you! Montana Audubon Debbie Miller James Pittock Groups March 1 –11, 2020 Center Volunteers Alex Garner Daniel Kenyon Yellowstone River Advisory Council: Mark Dunford Joan Trent Parks Association Don Roberts Morgan Sevier Paul Bledsoe Leadership Billings MA Board Shellie Wherled David Mamayek Riverside Builders Club Cuban Tody Bob Mackin Joe Chilcoat Allie Sandoval RMC Freshman MA Board Harold Silkwood Elle Stock Day of Service Darryl Wilson Bev Silkwood Ruth Johnson COR Enterprises YRPA President Dan Altmire Andria Wolf West High School Steve Regele Jessica Ostwalt Clarabell Gibson Life Skills Class YVAS President Mary Mullen Emily Haiener Skyview High School Megan Poulette Theresa Kapust Brandon Hereim Life Skills Class John Miller Karen Thompson Kyle Smith Rimrock Foundation Shari Dayton Kaitlyn Harper Joe Splinter Billings National Susan Gilbertz Hannah Knick Riley Hutchens Honor Society Marian Lyman Kirst Lisa Pepper Carl Schiess Fledglings Nature Lara Guercio Lisa Kvarniae Moriah Miller Preschool Families Bernard Rose Cody Devres Natalie Redick Ronda Dishon Ruth Johnson Individuals Chuck Ward Kola Bad Bear Jennifer Holm Peggy Detienne Logan Demaray Tauzha Grantham Patrick Fisher Carol Ward Penni Reed Wesley Barker Carolyn Jones Roger Williams Joshua Buch Sandra Abraham Michelle Butler

Nominate a Conservation Leader for a 2019 Montana Audubon Award Merlin Birding & Nature Tours, LLC is partnering with Nominations are now being accepted for Montana Audubon’s 2019 awards. Holbrook Travel to offer this once-in-a-lifetime trip. Consider nominating someone you know for Conservationist of the Year, Environmental Educator of the Year, Citizen Scientist of the Year, or a Lifetime Achievement Cuba’s protected natural areas, geographic isolation, and limited development create award! Nomination forms can be found on our website: mtaudubon.org/about/awards/. an ideal destination for birders. The country’s diverse habitats support 360 avian species, with more than two dozen Cuban endemics. The deadline for nominations is May 20, 2018. Please submit via email (preferred) to [email protected] or by mail to Montana Audubon, PO Box 595, Helena, MT 59624. will provide opportunities to observe Cuba’s 27 specialties, Award winners will be announced at our Bird Festival banquet in Glasgow on June 8. This 11-day excursion including Cuban Trogon, Zapata Wren, Cuban Tody, Bee Hummingbird and Oriente Award Categories: Warbler while exploring dry scrub, mangrove, freshwater wetlands, upland forest Conservationist of the Year. and coastal ecosystems. We’ll meet with Cuban conservationists to discuss various For an individual who has provided significant wildlife projects and government policies, and discover the rich history and culture for conservation achievement in Montana. which the country is so well known. Environmental Educator of the Year. For a person who has shown outstanding achievement in educating others about birds, other wildlife, and conservation of habitat. or to register visit: www.merlinbirding.com/cuba. For more information You may also call trip leader Steve Eshbaugh (406-570-2428). Citizen Scientist of the Year. For a person contributing significantly to our knowledge and understanding of birds and their habitats through monitoring and observations. This high-demand tour is limited to 12 participants. Lifetime Achievement Award. For an Audubon volunteer who has dedicated extraordinary effort, time and energy to shape the activities and successes of a local Audubon Chapter and/or Montana Audubon.

16 MONTANA AUDUBON SPRING 201 9 17 ANNUAL REPORT

2018Thanks to you and other generous supporters, Montana Audubon continues to positively impact the conservation of native birds, other wildlife and their habitats across Montana. Thank you for your exceptional level of support for our vital conservation work!

We are fortunate to have permanent endowments at both the Montana Community Foundation (MCF) and Billings Community Foundation (BCF). MCF manages three endowment accounts with one benefiting bird distribution information and special projects, one for general support of Montana Audubon’s conservation programs, and the George and Laurene Engler Montana Audubon Conservation Fund, providing support for all Montana Audubon programs. BCF manages three separate endowment a k

accounts—for the Montana Audubon Center, our Public Policy program, n i t r and for general support of Montana Audubon. We invite you to consider a M

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these options of giving to help ensure the bright future of Montana’s B native birds and wild places. For more information please contact Norane Freistadt, Development Director, at 406-443-3949. Thank You for Supporting Montana Audubon Statement of Financial Position 12-month Fiscal Year Ending 9-30-18 MONTANA AUDUBON DEPENDS ON the generous gifts of individual donors who support our mission to protect Montana’s bird species, wildlife, and habitat. The following people Unrestricted Net Assets $ 548,867 contributed to a variety of projects from April 2018 through March 2019. Due to space constraints Board Designated Endowment $ 969,142 in this publication, we have listed donors with gifts totalling $100 or more. We also express our Temporarily Restricted Net Assets $ 22,132 sincere appreciation to the additional 500 supporters who gave gifts under $100 this year. Permanently Restricted Net Assets $ 51,744 Total Net Assets $ 1,591,885 Jim & Sue Brown Donna Hoffman $2,500 & Up $500 – $999 Joe & Lana Batts Gretchen Burke, Kim Erway Birck & Richard Dum Gary & Norma Buchanan Burke Family & William Birck Judy & Bob Hoy Richard Gillette Foundation Diana Blank Beth & Lynn Kaeding & Susan Hinkins Lisa Canter Marie Brown John & Michelle Kochel Roger Jones Bill & Anne Cole Dan & Lynn Carter Land Lindbergh & Janine Moseley Ken & Karen Dial, Tim Crawford & Janet McMillan Robert Mackin Drollinger Family & Kathy Hansen Cary Lund & Susan Witte & Elizabeth Adcock Charitable Foundation Shari & Bob Dayton Tom & Laurie McGuane Susie Maclin Tom & Karen Duncan Bill & Nancy Decou Precious McKenzie-Stearns Revenue Expenses Bernard McHugh Jo Ann Eder Joel & Rachel Degenstein & William Stearns & Frances Clark Donna & Don Dale & Nancy Detrick John & Debbie Miller Earned Income $ 349,140 Programs $ 654,719 Mark & Laura Nicholson Eisenmenger Carol Drum Becky & Bill Peters Donald & Carol Roberts Ron & Cheryl Farmer Gail Engler Dorothy & Randy Poulsen Grants & Contracts $ 311,041 Administrative $ 151,806 Bernard Rose Nora Flaherty-Gray Steve & Elisa Eshbaugh Kristin Prewitt Jean Setter & Randy Gray Brian & Kelly Ewing & Micah Puyear Contributions $ 216,828 Fundraising $ 41,642 Jennifer Speers Jim & Lillian Hartung Christian Frazza Richard & Sharon Investment Income $ 46,738 Total $ 848,167 Mitchell Stocks Caroline & Willis Kurtz Susan Gilbertz Schaefer Kendrick Wilson III Curt & Mary Larsen Richard Gordon Mike & Christine Total $ 923,747 Janice & Martin Miller & Cheryl Watkins Siddoway Roy O’Connor, Carolyn Goren Rita Solem $1,000 – $2,499 Larry & Sherry Berrin The Merlin Foundation Lara & Brian Guercio & Mark Sevier Hal Boylan Norm Schoenthal Marshall & Gwen Tancy & Ralph Spence Randolph & Rhonda Carolyn & Morgan Sevier Haferkamp Tim Speyer Montana Audubon is a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization under 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code. Bradley Dan & Delight Sullivan Brian & Molly Harrington Karen & Robert Stears This financial information is drawn from audited financial statements by the accounting firm John & Lauren Wright Lou Ann & John Harris Douglas Wilson & Company, PC. more...

18 MONTANA AUDUBON 2018 ANNUAL REPORT a k n i t r a Barred M

b Owl MEMORIAL GIFTS o B We are deeply grateful to Please consider those who have made generous including Montana gifts and lasting tributes in Audubon in your estate Robert Lee & Leslie Kehoe Lee Ballard memory of: plans to ensure a Ted & Bess Lovec Anne & Jim Banks bright future for Diane & William Carole Baumann Natalie Dietrich Montana’s birds and Lundgren Betsy & Andy Baur George & Laurene Engler other wildlife. Marian Lyman Kirst Benjamin & Lindsey Lorraine Hummel & Michael Kirst Beasley Robert Lynagh James & Priscilla Bell Pat Larmoyeux Harriet Marble Mervyn Berrin Jim Manning Bob & Kathy Martinka Dana Birnbaum Mary Munsel Pat & Riley McClelland Gael Bissell & Rick Mace Robert & Rachel Senner Allan McKittrick David Boggs Jessica Nagle Shirley Bollinger Dwayne Zimmerman Linda Newgard Rosemary Boston Don & Mary Patterson & Kathryn Daley

Loreene Reid Jacob & Kristen Bramante a k n i t

Stan & Pat Senner Elizabeth & Robert r a

Jean Sutherland, Kimberly Dale Cliff Sheets Braxton M

b The Sutherland Karen Davidson & Catherine Metsch Douglas Broadie o Snow Geese B Family Fund Bruce Desonia Paige Spalding Jeri Ann Browne Karen & Burke Townsend Tom Deveny & James Hummel Peter Brumm Elsie Tuss Susan Epstein Nathaniel & Margo Don Bryant Rose Marie Van Oppen & Spencer Shropshire Sturgis & Veronica Stirewalt Kay Fulton Stephen & Marilyn Louise & Marvin Parker Thomas & Donna Jenny & Mike Walker Mimi Falivene Jim & Anne Taylor William Bucher H. William Gabriel Kramer Franki & Dean Parson Tarantino Sas & Stuart Weber Leila Farnum Fred & Carolyn Deb Cabin Laurie Gaffney Bob Landis Duncan & Eva Patten Dennis & Michelle Tighe Becky & Larry Williams Eliza Frazer & Barry Hood Weisbecker Jean Carlson Barbara Gregovich David Lehnherr Thomas Patterson Jay Tischendorf Con & Daphne Gillam Kathleen Wilke James Carney Mary Anne Guggenheim Roger & Laurie Lohrer Thomas & Myra Pierce Heidi & Sean Tureck Gayle & Robert Gregovich Roger & Patricia Williams Deborah Carter-Drain $250 – $499 & Jan Donaldson Bob Lopp Justin & Julie Price Stephen & Patty Turner Kenneth & Sharee Kelli & Tim Hall Robin & Richard Wolcott Joe Chenoweth Laura & Andrew Nancy Matthews Elizabeth Pugrud Ruth Vanderhorst Ballinger Ed Harper & Susan Scott William Clagg Gundlach Susan Mavor Thomas & Elizabeth Pam & Sandy Volkmann Lisa & Mike Bay Lee Harrison Pat & Beverly Clancey $100 – $249 L. Leilani Hadd Bryce & Sarah Maxell Quinlan Annette Walker Debra & Randy Bell Beth & Russell Hill Loren & Evelyn Acton Ladd Coates John & Betsy Hamann Carolyn Mazurek Bayard Rea Steve Wallingford Robert Caldwell Glenn & Laurie Hockett Stephanie Alexander Clancy Cone Judy Hanrahan & JP Vilai Helen & Harry McCarty Mary Lee & Richard Carol & Charles Ward & Dana Hillyer Judith Hutchins Deb Allard & Mike Small Giles & Bernadette Roy & Deborah Jane & Kenneth Reese Willard & Nancy Weaver Donna Caruso-Hirst Sue Jackson Jocelyn & Ed Allen Conway-Gordon Hansmann McDonald Reuben Rich Sas & Stuart Weber Chris Clouse & Ed Moffatt Karen & Gene Jarussi Carrie & William Ancell Gary & Kathleen Cooney Christine & Henry Happel Rosemary & John Sheila Roberts Larry Weeks Liz Cole Cynthia & Terry Jessee Dora Anderson Kate Coulton Bonnie & Charles Hash McKinnon & Thomas Satterly Eleanor Weidman Margaret Cronin Ellen & Bob Knight Michael & Toni Baggett Connie Cowett Linda Healow Poody McLaughlin Brad & Susan Robinson Gary Wiens Caryl & Thomas Cox Ty & Ashley Heppner & Joseph Regan Mary Frances Ruffatto Burton Williams Phil Cox Janet Hernandez Doug & Carmen Marlene & Philip Judy & Jerry Williams Darcy Critchfield Nicholas Hether McSpadden Saccoccia Karen Williams Judy & Daryl Dammel Gail Hewitt Bill Mercer Russell Salisbury & Jerome Coffey Brenda & Swep Davis HONORARIUMS Monica Hill & Quinn Diamond Dana & Bjorn Sauerwein Zachary Winestine Kate Davis Grant Hokit Terry & Katy Meyers Joyce Schaub & Joanne Pawlowski Special recognition to Nell Delao the following for recent Shirley Holden John Mitchell & Beth Schecher Dennis & Renee Wizeman David DeLap Michael Howard Marilyn Ryley-Mitchell Ted Scherf JoAnn Wright gifts in their honor: Kristi DuBois & Rebecka Meyers Sue Mohr & Howard Reid Brandae & Jeffrey Scherr Cindy Yarberry & Bert Lindler Lucille Howe Barbara Moll LeRoy & Diana Schramm Sharon & Daniel Yazak Jim and Sue Brown David & Mary Susan & Jeri Plechoski Colleen Moore Kathy & Rex Seeley Catherine Young Sondra Daly Duncan Justine Jam Robert & Betty Moore Kathie & Steve Shandera Michael & Pamela Young Margaret Ewing Ann Mary Dussault Gerry & Chuck Jennings Robin & Bob Moore Linda Shelhamer Hugh & Karen Zackheim Christine & Lee Ebeling Carole Jensen Devonna Morgan & Stephen Haraden Traci Zimmerman Phoebe Ewing David & Linda Eckhoff Gayle Gregovich Ann Mary Scott Morgan Bob & Paula Smith Gary & Donna Zinn Andy & Paulette Epple & Marise Johnson Kate Morris Stephen Speckart Hans & Barbara Zuuring Bob Martinka Cliff & Brooke Everest Kenneth & Peggy Joki Ken & Sherry Morrison & Patricia Forsberg Megan Schendel James Fichtner Christine Jones Marilyn & Don Murdock Pat & Susan Spencer Dan Snedigar Ray Flaherty & Lisa Larsen & Carson Willis Jenna & Brian Murphy Kathy & Donald Spritzer Judy Tureck Julie Flammang Donald Jones Susan & Bruce Newell Olivia Steele-Mortimer Please note this list does Adrienne Fleckman not include festival, tour,

a Jack & Brenda Kirkley Keith Newman Greg Stempien k Rachel Van Wingen or event registration fees, n Mark & Ethel Fogelsong i t Marianne Klein Alan & Nancy Nicholson Ralph & Betsy Stevens r a nor does it include sales, Cindy Yarrberry Dick & Jan Franklin Kathleen & Kristopher Dawn North Janet Stevenson M

b William & Patty Fraser auction purchases below o Knaphus Charlotte Orr Sarah Stewart B fair market value, or Katie Knight Douglas Parker Robert & Carol Swiader endowment giving.

Common Redpoll

MONTANA AUDUBON 2018 ANNUAL REPORT Special Thanks g n i b m a

With sincere gratitude, we thank the following Audubon chapters, foundations, L

n h o corporations, businesses, agencies and organizations for their support and partnership IN MEMORY OF OUR FRIEND J over the past year. Their contributions make our work possible. DONALD SEIBERT

Montana-based Corporate/Business Agency Partners City of Billings Audubon Chapters Donations & Grants Bitterroot Audubon Society Abbott Valley Homestead MT Dept of Administration, Five Valleys Audubon Society Allegra Print & Imaging Title and Registration Bureau Flathead Audubon Society Bank of America Charitable MT Dept. of Natural Resources Last Chance Audubon Society Foundation, Inc. & Conservation Mission Mountain Billings Association of Realtors MT Fish, Wildlife & Parks Audubon Society Birds and Beasleys MT Office of Outdoor Recreation Pintler Audubon Society Bison Engineering, Inc. Pompeys Pillar National Monument Sacajawea Audubon Society Buchanan Capital LLC Smithsonian Institution Upper Missouri Breaks Children’s Clinic, P.C. U.S. Bureau of Land Management, Audubon Society Cladis Investment Advisory LLC Montana-Dakotas Yellowstone Valley Crowley Fleck Attorneys U.S. Forest Service, Helena-Lewis Audubon Society Cunningham Crop Insurance & Clark National Forest Dovetail Designs & Millwork, Inc. U.S. Forest Service, Custer Gallatin ExxonMobil Billings Refinery National Forest Foundations AGL Foundation Hanson Chemical, Inc. Yellowstone Conservation District Billings Community Foundation J Bar L Ranches Bozeman Area McCall Development, Inc. Community Foundation Montana-Dakota Utilities Co. Organizations and Educational Institutions Cadeau Foundation (MDU) American Prairie Reserve Community Foundation National Audubon Society Big Sky Economic of Northern Colorado Nemont Telephone Cooperative Development Authority David F. and Sara K. Weston Fund NorthWestern Energy Billings Catholic Schools Don and Carol Roberts Foundation Paillao Billings Junior Woman’s Club Harry L Willett Foundation Phillips66 Billings Public Schools L.E.A.W. Family Foundation Rimrock Foundation Billings Unitarian Universalist Montana Audubon lost a great Margaret V. Ping Foundation River Crossing Real Estate Fellowship friend with the passing of Mary Alice Fortin Foundation The Base Camp Billings Yellowstone Kiwanis Donald Seibert in late February. Mary Alice Fortin Foundation Valley Bank of Helena Blue Creek Elementary for Youth Enrichment Wild Birds Unlimited of Billings School District #3 Montana Community Foundation Yellowstone Naturopathic Canyon Creek School District #4 His distinguished 30-year career with The Cinnabar Foundation Clinic, P.C. Eagle Mount Billings the Bureau of Land Management and He was a great personal friend to The Fanwood Foundation Yellowstone Electric Co. Elder Grove School his extensive knowledge and interest many of us—as well as an advocate Whitefish Community Foundation Elysian School District #23 Wolf Creek Charitable Foundation Friendship House of in western wildlife conservation for Montana Audubon, the greater Christian Service issues made him a perfect fit for world of conservation, and global Glacier National Park Conservancy Montana Audubon’s Board of perceptive thinking. Anyone who had Huntley Project Schools American Joliet Public Schools Directors, where he served for nine the opportunity for an in-depth Avocet Lockwood Schools years. He also played a pivotal role conversation with Donald knew that Meadowlark Audubon Society in creating and leading an active his calculated reasoning was a Montana Conservation Corps Montana Indian Education for All Development Committee, delightful journey that would always Montana Land Reliance successfully advocating for the return you spot-on to the point. Montana Pikemasters expansion of our endowment funds Montana State University and encouraging members to Montana Wildlife Federation We’ll miss Donald’s passion for Owl Research Institute financially support our work. wildlife and habitat conservation, as a k Raptor View Research Institute n well as his invaluable wisdom, humor, i t r RARE a Donald took his volunteer roles gentle spirit, and insight. M Shepherd Public Schools b o seriously and Montana Audubon B State Employees Combined Giving Campaign was lucky to be the recipient of his A memorial service will be held in The Wildlife Society, enduring commitment. Billings, Montana, in the spring. Montana Chapter United Way of Yellowstone County University of Montana Yellowstone Academy, School District No. 58 Yellowstone River Parks Association

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20 TH ANNUAL MONTANA AUDUBON BIRD FESTIVAL June 7 –9, 2019 Cottonwood Inn, Glasgow, Montana

We’re delighted to bring Montana Audubon’s 20th Annual Wings Across the Big Sky Bird Festival to the stunning glaciated plains region of northeastern Montana. We are also pleased to welcome the American Prairie Reserve, our lead sponsor and festival partner!

Registration opens on Friday, June 7 at 3:00 p.m., so plan to sign in and enjoy Friday evening’s dinner buffet and our keynote address by Sean Gerrity, American Prairie Reserve’s Founder and Managing Director. Mr. Gerrity, a Great Falls native, is committed to wildlife conservation and hopes to inspire others to use creative solutions to our world’s conservation challenges.

The featured events are the field trips, planned to a variety of locations that highlight native prairie habitats that support important and uncommon grassland bird species. And of course, fun festival events like our “Cakes for Conservation” dessert fundraiser, Nature Adventure Tour silent auction, and an on-site raffle drawing are lined up. There will be an informative Saturday afternoon presentation with three perspectives on conservation REGISTER NOW – work currently being done in the field trips fill fast! this important Montana We make it easy: register region. online at www.mtaudubon.org, call the Montana Audubon office in Helena 406-443-3949, or e-mail [email protected] to request a registration form. mtaudubon.org/birding/montana- bird-festival/ and click on the 2019 Bird Festival Brochure for complete information on our Festival headquarters, speakers, and birding field trips to help you decide how to spend your weekend in and around Glasgow—Montana that is! 4 2 6 9 5

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