CARES Program Wraps Up a Successful Year and Looks Ahead to Summer Conservation Opportunities

From researching pollinators to removing invasive species, CARES students spent the year making meaningful contributions to conservation while building valuable STEM skills. As we celebrate another successful season, we’re also excited to announce a new Summer CARES opportunity focused on noxious weed education and management, made possible through support from the Montana Noxious Weed Trust Fund. Read on to learn how students are making a difference and how local high schoolers can get involved this summer.

Posted on 06/05/26 | News | Read More
A Record Breaking Year for Audubon Naturalist in the Schools

This year marked a milestone for our Audubon Naturalist in the Schools (ANTS) program, with a record 74 classrooms participating across south-central Montana. Through 19–21 hours of hands-on learning, students connected with local ecosystems, wildlife, and Montana’s natural heritage. Thanks to our partnership with the Bureau of Land Management, many students were also able to explore and learn on nearby public lands. We are grateful to the Fortin Foundation, Indian Education for All, the Harry L. Willett Foundation, Yellowstone River Parks Association, and our BLM partners for helping make these experiences possible.

Posted on 06/05/26 | News | Read More

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

Weekend Wonders Family Program: 2nd Saturday of the month from 10:30 am-12 pm

Theme: International Migratory Bird Day

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.

This month, learn about the history of World Migratory Bird Day, and explore our different interactive Migratory Bird-themed stations.

Register Here

Date
May. 9, 2026
Time
10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Location
Montana Audubon Center
Family
Montana Audubon Center
Join us at the Montana Audubon Center for an unforgettable evening of celestial discovery! We are thrilled to partner with the Yellowstone Valley Astronomy Association to bring the wonders of the night sky down to earth. Whether you are a seasoned stargazer or picking up a telescope for the first time, this event offers a unique opportunity to explore the cosmos from the beautiful, dark-sky setting of the Audubon Center.
What to Expect:
  • Expert Guidance: Members of the Yellowstone Valley Astronomy Association will be on hand with high-powered telescopes to guide you through the constellations, planets, and deep-space objects.
  • Night Sky Education: Learn about the seasonal stars visible over Montana and the importance of dark sky preservation for local wildlife.
  • Family-Friendly Fun: An educational experience perfect for curious minds of all ages.
Event Details:
  • What to Bring: Please dress in layers (Montana nights get chilly!), bring a red-light flashlight if you have one to preserve night vision, and feel free to bring your own binoculars or telescope.
  • Weather Note: This event is weather-dependent. In the event of heavy cloud cover or rain, check our social media for updates on a backup “indoor sky” presentation.
Date
May. 9, 2026
Time
8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Location
Montana Audubon Center
Adult
Family
Montana Audubon Center
Event
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