Montana Audubon Center

September
12

Enjoy a morning stroll by the river and learn a few birds along the way.

Great for beginning birders!  On this monthly birding adventure, we will cover some birding basics, learn some bird calls/songs for ID by ear, and work on our description skills to visually ID the species that we see.  Come with your own gear or borrow some from us; we have binoculars and guidebooks available to check out.  Rain, snow, or shine, we’ll be out there birding.  We hope to see you there!

$5 per ticket, or free for members

Date
Sep. 12, 2026
Time
8:30 am - 10:00 am
Location
Montana Audubon Center
Adult
Family
Montana Audubon Center
Event

Transform your local outdoor spaces into dynamic learning environments! Designed for teachers, daycare providers, homeschool parents, and nonformal educators working with youth in grades K–8, this interactive professional development workshop demonstrates how to utilize schoolyards, neighborhood playgrounds, and local parks to teach place-based environmental education.

Participants will explore hands-on, inquiry-based Project Learning Tree (PLT) activities—such as Schoolyard Safari, Tree Factory, Web of Life, and Sounds Around—while learning how to accommodate diverse learning styles and address NGSS and Common Core standards. We will also navigate local maps to highlight nearby natural areas, public parks, and access points, providing practical strategies for overcoming logistics and taking your classroom outdoors. Join us to gain actionable time for lesson planning, connect with online PLT resources, and build confidence in using the natural world as your primary teaching tool.

Benefits Include:

  • 6 OPI Renewal Units
  • 96 Ready-to-Use Environmental Education Lessons
  • Aligns with MT Standards Across Science, ELA, Math, Social Studies, and More
  • Low-Cost, Easy-to-Gather Materials
  • Flexible Activities that Complement Any Curriculum
  • Built-in Background Knowledge and Teaching Support
  • Reduced Teacher Prep Time
Date
Oct. 3, 2026
Time
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Location
Montana Audubon Center
Adult
Montana Audubon Center
Event

Can you tell bluebunch wheatgrass from needle-and-thread?

Join the Montana Audubon Center and the Artemisia Chapter of the Montana Native Plant Society for a grass identification workshop with expert Mark Majerus, titled “Identification and Appreciation of Montana’s Native Grasses.”

Learn how to identify Montana’s most important native grasses and discover the vital role they play in restoration, wildlife habitat, and sustainable landscapes.

Whether you’re a landowner, land manager, conservation professional, naturalist, or simply curious about Montana’s prairies, you’ll gain practical identification skills and a deeper appreciation for these often-overlooked plants.

Date
Aug. 18, 2026
Time
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Location
Montana Audubon Center
Adult
Montana Audubon Center
Event

This month we will be doing science experiments!

This expert-led program is perfect for people of all ages! Every month features a nature theme, an outdoor adventure, and a hands-on learning experience from an expert in their field.  Time to get some fresh air, learn something new, and have some fun in nature with your friends and family.

Register in advance here:

https://forms.gle/uvs3PQSdvG1DrWv68

Date
Jul. 11, 2026
Time
10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Location
Montana Audubon Center
Family
Montana Audubon Center

Do you want to learn about the conservation of bumble bees and contribute to a community science project?

On June 6, join Michelle Toshack from the Montana Bumble Bee Atlas to learn and practice Atlas protocols. Anyone with an interest in bees and a desire to help them in a hands-on way is encouraged to attend — no prior experience needed!

The first part of the day will be spent indoors at the Montana Audubon Center. You will learn about bumble bee ecology, life cycle, and conservation issues, as well as an overview of how to participate in the Bumble Bee Atlas.

We’ll then head outside for lunch and some hands-on practice catching, photographing, and releasing bumble bees. Xerces will provide all project equipment (nets, vials, ice) to use during the training. Please bring your own camera (cell phone cameras work!).

Come prepared for the day with lunch, snacks, water, walking shoes, sun protection, and note-taking materials.

Registration is limited! Register here.

You will receive an email with more information one week before the event. Questions? Contact Michelle at [email protected]

Date
Jun. 6, 2026
Time
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Adult
Family
Montana Audubon Center
Event
The Montana Land & Legacy Tour Comes to Billings!
Join us in Billings to learn about how YOU can access new public funding to invest in conservation, public access, and working lands right here in eastern Montana.

The Montana Land & Legacy Tour
The Future of our Wildlife and Working Lands
Tuesday, May 26, 6-8 p.m.
Montana Audubon Center, 7026 S. Billings Boulevard
Free and open to the public

Montana’s House Bill 932, passed in 2025, directs some recreational marijuana tax revenue – about $37 million over the next two years – to be invested in wildlife habitat, public access, working lands, and outdoor recreation across Montana.
The best part? A lot of that funding is available for local folks and groups to make a real on-the-ground impact right here, in your backyard.

At this event, you’ll:

  • Hear how HB 932 works and what kinds of projects are eligible for funding.
  • Learn about new community grant programs through Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.
  • Share your ideas for projects that could benefit Billings, Yellowstone County, and all of eastern Montana.
We’ll be joined by experts including Mike Mershon of Montana Wildlife Federation; Heather Bilden of Coulee Creek Ranch; and Peter Dudley of Montana Audubon.
We hope you’ll join us and help shape the future of Montana’s lands and wildlife!
Date
May. 26, 2026
Time
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location
Montana Audubon Center
Adult
Montana Audubon Center
Event

Celebrate Our Pollinators at Pioneer Park!

Get ready for an immersive, hands-on experience at this year’s Pollinator Fair, hosted by Pheasants Forever! We’re proud to participate in this community celebration highlighting the crucial role pollinators play in our environment.

From an exciting obstacle course and maze to creative face painting, fun games, and delicious food trucks, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

  • Admission: FREE for all ages

  • Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

  • Location: Pioneer Park

Gather the family and join us for a fun-filled afternoon outdoors!

Date
Jun. 20, 2026
Time
11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Location
Montana Audubon Center
Family
Montana Audubon Center
Bring your friends and family down to the Center to celebrate the change of seasons in nature! Explore and enjoy the ponds, the wildlife and the changes in our plants as we move from winter to spring and spring to summer.
Ask a naturalist your essential questions about animals and plants. Borrow field guides, insect nets, and binoculars. Or get in a canoe and explore the ponds with the setting sun. Choose your own adventure and enjoy this special time outside with your friends and family.
Free to attend; $10 per canoe rental for nonmembers.
Date
Jun. 24, 2026
Time
4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location
Montana Audubon Center
Family
Montana Audubon Center

Come join us and Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks for Common Nighthawk Survey Training at the Montana Audubon Center in Billings at 6:30 pm!

Join us for a presentation about the natural history, ecology, identification, and conservation of Common Nighthawks and how to get involved in surveying them around Montana.

No RSVP required, we hope to see you there!

Visit our citizen science website for more information on this survey, and email Casey at [email protected] with any questions!

Special thanks to our funding partners L.E.A.W. Family Foundation and MFWP.
Date
May. 27, 2026
Time
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Location
Montana Audubon Center
Adult
Montana Audubon Center

Join us for the Subaru Loves the Earth Tree Give Away! Register for your free trees, learn the best techniques for planting, and discover the many environmental benefits they provide to our community.

Guests include:

Yellowstone County MSU Extension

Wild Birds Unlimited

Date
May. 15, 2026
Time
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Location
Rimrock Subaru
Adult
Family
Montana Audubon Center
Event
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