Events Archives
JULY 2009
July 1. UM Sustainable Campus Committee meets. WHEN: 3:10-4:45pm; UM Main Hall 004 (downstairs). For more info, contact cherie.peacock
July 3. One River One Voice Float and Party. Daniel Kiely is checking the health of the Clark Fork by floating 320 miles of river. On July 3, he'll float through Missoula and you can join him, Mayor John, Governor Brian and others for the float & party. Put in at Sha'ron in the afternoon and take out that evening at Caras Park, where you'll find food & drink available for purchase, and free music by Cold Hard Cash courtesy of the Clark Fork Coalition. More info from Stacy.
July 5. Stark Mountain Lookout Bird & Plant trip. with MT Native Plant Society. Info: Kelly 258-5439.
July 9. Understanding River Channel Migration. An educational presentation on how rivers move over time, why this is important to river health, and how understanding channel migration helps us protect rivers, lives and property. WHEN: 6 PM, July 9; WHERE: Missoula Public Library, 301 E. Main St. » Presentation by Karin Boyd of Applied Geomorphology. Refer to the Streamside Protection website for more info: www.co.missoula.mt.us/rural/StreamProtection
July 9. MT Water Policy Interim Committee (WPIC), created by Senate Bill No. 22 in the 2009 legislative session, will hold its first meeting on July 9 at 9 a.m. in room 172 of the capitol. WPIC will decide what issues to discuss and how to allocate staff and committee resources toward resolving those issues. An agenda and other meeting information is available on the WPIC website at leg.mt.gov/water. New this interim, and also available on the committee's website, is an audio guide to the work of the WPIC. The aim of this new feature, "Water World", is to provide another way for interested Montanans to follow and participate in the committee's work.
If you have questions, please contact Joe Kolman at 444-9280 or email jkolman.
July 10-12. Protect & Enjoy the Rockies on Wilderness Trips With Great Burn
Volunteers needed for summer field projects. Join experienced leaders for 2-4 day trips in the roadless backcountry. We will monitor weeds, wildlife, trail conditions, signs, and other information critical to understanding and managing northern Rockies wildlands. Contact Beverly Dupree at 406-240-9901 or thegreatburn@yahoo.com for more information or to sign up. This week's trip is to: Ward-Eagle
July 10,11,18. Forest Stewardship Workshops. 1-day workshops on setting property goals, plant identification, property delineation, stewardship inventory techniques, data summarization and interpretation, cost analysis, and the legal issues of forest land ownership. WHERE: Swan Ecosystem Center in Condon. Register for them at the MSU Extension Forestry website: www.cfc.umt.edu/extensionforestry.
July 11. 4th Annual Bitterroot Floating Weed Pull. Volunteers float Bitterroot River from Darby Bridge to Wally Crawford Fishing Access pulling noxious weeds along the way. Volunteers meet at Wally Crawford between 8 and 8:45 to catch the shuttle to the Darby Bridge so float can begin at 9 am and finish by 3 pm, followed by a BBQ and prize drawing (sponsors Ravalli County Weed Districy & USFS). More info, email Melissa or call (406) 777-5842.
July 17-19. Montana Native Plant Society State Meeting
July 18. Trail Monitoring Workshop. One-day workshop with Tim Peterson from Great Old Broads for Wilderness, CO. Phil Knight, Montanans for Quiet Recreation Coordinator, will be signing people up for monitoring trips, and MQR will loan digital cameras and GPS locators to those who dont have them. If you do, please bring them. We'll learn to document abuse from off-road vehicles in key areas on the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forests. This information will be used to support trail protections during Forest Service actions, and also to educate citizens and local officials to protect our public lands. Please RSVP to Carolyn, or call 406-225-3668.
July 18. Greywater Workshops in Missoula. Recycled bath and laundry water can irrigate home gardens and orchards. Learn to build simple, low-cost systems that increase your backyard harvest, protect the aquifer, and lower your water bill.
WHEN: July 18, 2009, 10 am to 3 pm--Branched drain greywater installation workshop. This system uses gravity to send greywater from the shower to the garden. Participants learn design principles, basic plumbing skills, infiltration strategies, and how to integrate greywater and rainwater harvesting systems. Cost (includes lunch): $20-$50 sliding scale. Workshops require 10 participants to run, and space is limited, so sign up now! Contact Summer Nelson at 406-880-1038. For a consultation at your site, contact Cleo or Oskar at 406-546-4566.
July 18. Blackfoot Clearwater Stewardship Project. Senator John Tester will meet with you and others concerned about this project to discuss how it could be accomplished. This project is intended to provide the Forest Service with the resources it needs to conduct 10 consecutive years of forest stewardship projects, bring a biomass facility to Seeley Lake to make use of woody debris, and add 87,000 acres to the Bob Marshall and Mission Mountains wilderness areas. This will create over 50 jobs in Seeley Lake, will increase annual wages by about $1.3 million, and will increase local small business income by about $370,000 annually. WHEN: noon; WHERE: Seeley Lake Chamber of Commerce (the Barn) is on the east side of Hwy 83 just past the golf course. ALL welcome. For more info, email Megan Birzell or call (406) 677-0069
July 18. Beneficial Insects and Beautiful Birds. Naturalists help you identify the diverse birds and bugs of the PEAS farm. WHEN: July 18, 10 am -2 pm. WHERE: meet at MNHC, 120 Hickory street -- then we go to the farm. Cost:$10 MNHC members, $15 non-members, call about family rates. Target Age: All (Children under 18 need to be accompanied by an adult) Call 327-0405 to register. Registration required.
July 18-19. Old Growth Western Red-Cedars & Fishing, Great Burn Backpack. Just 30 miles west of Missoula lies the famed Great Burn Roadless Area. In addition to jagged granite peaks and expansive sub-alpine meadows, hidden pockets of ancient western red-cedar, spared by the great fire of 1910, remain in several drainages. Some of these giants are more than 500 years old! An easy 10 mile (round-trip) overnight backpack up the west fork of Fish Creek. Anglers, bring your fly rod. Space is limited. To sign up, email trip leader Bob Clark at bob.clark@sierraclub.org.
July 20-22. Montana Floodplain Resource Seminar at UM-Helena College of Technology. Info and registration, at www.mtfloodplain.mt.gov or call 406-444.0862
July 22. Quinn Farm Tour. WHEN: 9am-4pm; WHERE: Big Sandy, MT.
Speakers include 3 MSU ag researchers discussing organic cropping techniques, soil fertility, and weed management, three experts on oil seed fuel production, and corn breeder Dave Christensen, talking about high protein, dryland corn.The tour features organic cereal and legume cropping systems, drought tolerant corn, and oilseeds to fuel. A $15 fee for the tour includes a bountiful local foods lunch. For pre-registration (required), directions to the Quinn farm, and more information, email AERO or call (406) 443-7272
July 23. Wildfire Hazard Reduction for Your Forest. 1-day workshop on reducing fire risk on your property. WHERE: Lubrecht Experimental Forest in Greenough. Register for them at the MSU Extension Forestry website: www.cfc.umt.edu/extensionforestry.
July 23. MUD Mingle. WHEN: July 23, 6-9pm. Potluck at MUD
July 24. Crown of the Continent Celebration & Art Auction Fundraiser. WHEN: 5 PM, July 24
Alpine Artisans and the Swan Ecosystem Center have joined hands as co-producers of the 2nd annual “Crown of the Continent” celebration at the beautiful Mercer Ranch in the heart of the Swan Valley. This fund raising event features a steak pitchfork fondue, Drum Brothers, and silent and live auctions of artwork and outdoor experiences guided by area guides. Proceeds benefit land acquisition for the Swan Valley community forest, cultural arts corridor, cultural tourism development, and arts education for our community youth. For info and tickets, email swan or call SEC at 754-3137 or Martha at 593-5706.
July 24 & 25.Kids Workshop: Action! Science & Nature Filmmaking. This 2-day workshop brings together MSU’s TerraPod program and the Big Sky Institute to teach students how to create science and nature films, from storytelling to music to style. It is recommended that students enroll in the Camp Big Sky filmmaking camp (July 20-23) or have previous experience before enrolling for the workshop. Ages: Entering grades 5th-8th. Time: 9am to 3pm. Cost: $100, registration required
July 25. Ninemile Watershed Restoration Day. at Little McCormick Creek (a tributary of Ninemile Creek) northwest of Missoula. Help collect fish and invertebrate data, install erosion controls, pull weeds, and rescue plants in key trout habitat. Part of a watershed restoration project of TU, Sierra, Lolo National Forest, and MT Fish, Wildlife & Parks. If coming from Missoula, meet at Missoula Public Library parking lot at 8 am or (from the Ninemile) meet at the Ninemile Ranger Station at 9 am. Return to Missoula by 5 pm. All Welcome; lunch and transportation provided. Info, call 406-549-1142.
July 25. Blackfoot River Clean Up. WHEN: begins 8:30 AM, July 25. WHERE: meet at 3898 Rainbow Bend (between mile marker 8 & 9 on Hwy 200 east). Free BBQ follows the cleanup.
» Contact Marietta Pfister, Blackfoot Home & Community Club for more info: 244-5442.
July 25. Beartooth Environmental Awareness Days: Saving the Yellowstone Cutthroats Workshop
1:00-5:00 p.m. Saturday, July 25 ath the Range Rider Lodge in Silver Gate, Montana, Admission: Free.
Hybridization, competition, and water pollution threaten pure strains of cutthroat trout throughout the West. The free workshop, sponsored by Beartooth Alliance, brings agencies and the public together to assess the invasion by rainbow and brook trout and to identify steps to maintaining pure strains of Yellowstone cutthroats, with a special focus on upper Soda Butte Creek in Yellowstone National Park.
During the workshop, trout experts will discuss current management activities on Soda Butte Creek and other streams with similar threats to Yellowstone cutthroat trout. They also will pose solutions to maintaining a pure strain of Yellowstone cutthroats in streams invaded by other species of trout.
There will be a homemade-pies auction. Beartooth Alliance is an affiliate of Northern Plains Resource Council, a family agriculture and conservation group that organizes citizens at the grassroots to protect Montana’s water quality, family farms and ranches, and our unique quality of life. CONTACT: John Oldemeyer, Beartooth Alliance, (406) 838-2431
July 27-Aug 6. River Assessment & Monitoring course by Dave Rosgen at Lubrecht Experimental Forest. register at www.wildlandhydrology.com
July 27. COMMENTS DUE ON MT RESTORATION PROGRAM PLAN. Created to oversee and coordinate Montana's restoration economy, this program envisions a future where Montanans are employed to restore degraded land and water to healthy ecosystems with self-sustaining ecological structure and function. A draft of the State Restoration Plan is available at: www.restoration.mt.gov Comments must be received by July 27, 2009 and can be sent to Linda Brander, State Restoration Coordinator at LLbrander@mt.gov
July 28. GRASP (Growing Resources and Sustaining People) a project of the Montana Food Bank Network, WHEN: July 28, 10am to noon. WHERE: Marcus Daly Hospital, Conference Room B. Get involved in a project to improve access to food and nutrition for low-income people in our community. We'll review results of food assessments and set priorities for small projects that will make a big difference in expanding access to nutritious food for all our neighbors. Contact: Bernadette Gunn 721-3825 Ext. 227.
July 28. Science & Nature Hike: A Naturalist Tour. Join Jessie Wiese, an expert in restoration biology, and Twila Moon, BSI assistant director, as we take a closer look at the ecosystems in our backyard. The hike will take place on private lands close to the Yellow Mule trail, so don’t miss this opportunity to learn something new and explore a place that is off the beaten track. Time: 9:00am – 1:00pm Registration required. Free.
JUNE 2009
June 16-19. UM Conference on long term global monitoring of vegetation using satellites.
June 18. Greening your Business Workshop offered by Missoula Sustainable Business Council. Space limited, reservations required. For more info, email SBC or call Susan at 543-5323.
June 18. Public Hearing on proposed changes to Missoula Air Pollution Control Program Rules. WHEN: 7pm; WHERE: UM's University Center ballroom (3rd floor). Hearing is before the Air Pollution Control Board. Agenda: www.co.missoula.mt.us/healthboards/boardofhealth/agendas.htm. More info at www.co.missoula.mt.us/airquality/CurrentIssues/RegulationChanges.html.
June 23. UM Climate Action Plan meeting. WHEN: 12-2 pm. WHERE: University Center Theater. UM's green house gas inventory will be discussed and ideas brainstormed for emissions reduction strategies on campus.
June 23. Public meeting on Clark Fork Cleanup. WHEN: 6pm. WHERE: Deer Lodge Community Center. Join CFRTAC, MT DEQ, NRDP, EPA and others fun members of the alphabet and bring your questions and concerns about the cleanup. For more info, contact Mary Ann Dunwell, DEQ, (406) 841-5016.
June 23. Clearwater Resource Council and The Nature Conservancy meet to discuss the MT Legacy Project in the Clearwater Valley. WHEN: 7pm; WHERE: Seeley Lake Community Hall. All Welcome.
June 23-25. Rattlesnake Watershed Group needs volunteers to pot plants at the UM plant nursery out at Fort Missoula (June 23-25). We have 700 bare root plants to put in one gallon pots. If you have some extra gallon sized pots, please bring. The plants will be used in restoration projects this fall. To help, call Andrew at (406) 531-2527.
June 24. Local Currency in the Bitterroot. WHEN: 6pm. Enjoy an evening of music and fun in Darby Town Park as Bitterroot Barter celebrates it's first community event. Barter members will receive hOURS and Directories. Fundraiser Raffle and Potluck Dinner. Wear your dancing shoes as live music will be provided by Joan Zen (6:30-8:30 pm). Questions? Call Amy 821-0178 or
Christina 239-0546. or go to www.bitterrootbarter.com.
June 24. Butte Silver Bow County Commissioners meet at 7:00 pm at the Butte courthouse to discuss the ordinance to mandate that all future transmission lines be buried within Silver Bow County. This will affect the 500 kV transmission line that Northwestern Energy wants to build in Southwest Montana. For more info, contact Marie of Move MSTI 782-5164.
June 24-25. Missouri Basin Climate Variability Workshop. WHERE: Helena Park Plaza Hotel.
June 25. MUD Mingle (potluck). WHEN: 6-9 pm. WHERE: MUD, 629 Phillips, Msl.
Did you buy too many Jerusalem artichokes at the farmer's market and don't know what to do with them? Find a recipe and experiment on the folks who attend these monthly potlucks. Or if you prefer, pick up a growler from the new Kettle House on North 1st Street and head on over to enjoy live music from the Mason Jar String Band. Free and open to all.
June 25. Mt Jumbo Wildflower Walk. Join Morgan Valliant, Missoula's Conservation Land Manager, for a 'ride' on the saddle of Mt. Jumbo. Learn native plants and invasive species that threaten them and about local restoration efforts in Missoula's open space. Be prepared for a light hike and hundreds of wildflowers. WHEN: June 25, 7pm; WHERE: Meet at Lincoln Hills Trailhead parking lot below Mt. Jumbo Saddle . Call MT Natural History Center - 327-0405 or e-mail Morgan.
June 25. Seeley Lake Regional plan update. When: June 25, noon - 1pm. WHERE: UM, Fine Arts Building, Room 302. We'll discuss what's at risk, where the plan stands, and how we can help protect the working landscape and wildlife habitat in rural Missoula County. Please RSVP by emailing (sarah) or calling Sarah (542.1055).
June 26-27. Bitterroot BioBlitz. Science, education, fun -- we have it all. Enjoy the beautiful Metcalf Wildlife Refuge (Stevensville) while watching crazed scientists scurry around to see how many species they can count in 24 hours. Or if that is too strange, enjoy activities, presentations, and exhibits. Details here.
June 27. Sierra Club Service Outing. Weed pull & tour of Sawmill Gulch Elk Habitat. Meet at the Rattlesnake Recreation Area Trailhead north of Missoula at 8 a.m. We'll be done by noon. After weeding, we'll hike through the wildland-urban interface forest thinning demonstration project and learn about the latest habits of the North Hills Elk Herd, which winters in the area. This outing is a joint venture with Great Old Broads for Wilderness. Long sleeve shirt, long pants, sturdy footgear, work gloves, and protective eyewear are required. Bring your own gloves and hand clippers if you have them (we have some extras). Email Bert Lindler or call 542-7645.
June 27. Birding Hike (half day) up Mt. Sentinel, down the Hellgate Canyon Trail, and along the Kim Williams Trail Saturday, June 27. Meet at 8:00 a.m. in parking lot at the base of the M trail. Five Valleys Audubon hosts this five-mile hike, which is free and open to the public. For more info, contact Larry Weeks at 549-5632.
June 27. Basics of Composting workshop. WHEN: 1pm, WHERE: MUD, 629 Phillips, Msl.
Come to MUD's composting for dummies workshop and you'll learn how to get the right mix of materials, to create the best soil for your garden babies, and how to not stink up the neigborhood.
June 27. Water-wise Landscaping: Bitter Root Water Forum hosts a free forum on Xeriscaping (water-wise landscaping) Saturday, June 27 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Bitterroot Public Library Community Room (downstairs) . See how beautiful gardens can be with very little water. Attendees will receive a free packet of xeriscape plant seed while supplies last. For more info, contact Kielien DeWitt, 406-381-1101.
June 28. Bitterroot Native Plant Garden Tour. WHEN: 10am - meet at Sam's Spade, 111 S. 4th St., Hamilton to carpool; or at 10:30 maps with directions to gardens with descriptions available at the Stevi cutoff river access. Reception after tour to hug fellow plant huggers and enjoy local food. www.mtnativeplants.org Info: Kelly @ 258-5439.
June 28. Wildflower Hike to Packer Meadow/Lolo Pass. Join Sierra Club members for this annual 8 mile hike on the Lee Ridge or (depending on conditions) the Lewis and Clark/Nez Perce Trail as we hike from Lee Creek campground (Hwy 12) up to Packer Meadow to see spring wildflowers, including the deep blue Camas blooms in Packer meadow. This is a moderately strenuous hike. Horticulturist Adrienne Hopkins will help us identify plants along the way. Bring your lunch and plenty of water. Watch for more info as we monitor spring snow conditions. contact Outings Coordinator, John Wolverton.
June 30. Move MSTI meeting in Beaverhead County. WHEN: 7pm; WHERE: Dillon Middle School, 14 N Cottom, Dillon. This group is concerned about the 500 kV transmission line that Northwestern Energy wants to build in Southwest Montana. For more info, contact Marie 782-5164.
MAY 2009
May 1-3. Western Sustainable Living Expo. Billings. Celebrate sustainable living in our communities -- for people, for businesses and for the environment. Enjoy more than 100 exhibits, showcasing everything from sustainable land management to green building design, renewable energy, green home care products to recycled art and jewelry. Special events include a green transportation show, hands-on kids’ activities, delicious, sustainable food and lots of learning opportunities.
APRIL 2009
Aporil 1. Renewable Energy Workshop
7 pm - 9 pm, Fort Peck Community College, Greet the Dawn Auditorium, 605 Indian Avenue
Poplar, MT (Wolf Point).
April 2. Renewable Energy Workshop
7 pm - 9 pm, Job Service Workforce Center, 74 4th St. N, Glasgow, MT.
April 8. Bozeman NCC Kick-Off AERO and the City of Bozeman invite you to attend the kick-off of the Neighborhood Conservation Clubs in Bozeman on April 8th at the Bozeman City Hall. More details soon.
April 13-17. Home Energy Rater Training by NCAT. Butte, Montana. This workshop is a comprehensive energy auditor training with an emphasis on new residential construction and the HERS rating process. This workshop will incorporate information about how the Energy Star New Homes program is operated both nationally and in the four northwest states. This training is intended to prepare the participant to take the tests necessary to become a certified HERS Rater, an Energy Star Homes Northwest Energy Star Verifier, and an Energy Star Homes Northwest Performance Tester. This training is the first step to becoming qualified to provide certification for the Federal Tax Credit for energy efficient new homes. The National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) is a RESNET accredited HERS Rater Training Provider. Call if you have questions. Dale Horton 406/721-9908.
April 20-25. Gallatin Earth Celebration. Bozeman’s second annual Gallatin Earth Celebration is inviting community participation during the week of April 20th. The week-long celebration will encompass outreach, education and service focusing on celebrating, protecting and enhancing the beautiful Gallatin Valley community. Projects and events currently scheduled include an e-waste event, community clean-up, sustainability forum, bicycle tune-up, vendor fair, national video conference on climate action, school outreach and more.
To get involved, contact Jodie DeLay at 994-2502 or jdelay@montana.edu.
April 30-May 3. Waste Not Montana Conference & Sustainable Living Expo, Billings, April 30-May 3
Early registration is only $99 until March 15! For recycling businesses & small community programs. Training in construction/demolition recycling, marketing & getting maximum value for materials, funding, getting the right equipment, etc.
MARCH 2009
March 3. UM FILM FEASTIVAL kicks off. Increase your food literacy with free local food snacks & films that raise issues of food democracy & security. WHERE: UC Theater. WHEN: 4-6pm on these dates: March 3- King Corn; March 10- Real Dirt on Farmer John; March 13- Ripe for Change; March 24- Good Food. Thanks to University Dining Services.
March 3. MT Legislative Briefing by MT Environmental Info Center. WHEN: Mar 3, 6:30pm; WHERE: Rankin Peace Center, 519 S. Higgins,Msl. Snacks & CFC light bulbs. Questions: Sara
March 5. homeWORD invites everyone to Homeownership Center's 10 Year Anniversary party. WHEN: 5-6:30pm; WHERE: 127 N. Higgins Ave, Ste 303, Missoula. Providing affordable housing locally.
March 9. "Montana's Energy Outlook: Policy and Practice." Come to City Club Missoula's March forum, where a panel of three speakers will talk about where we are and where we're going with energy in Montana. March panel speakers are Bob Rowe, President/CEO of NorthWestern Energy, Chuck Magraw, alternative energies representative, and Public Service Commissioner Gail Gutsche.
Holiday Inn Downtown at the Park, Missoula. The event runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Reservations can be made by e-mail to ccm@cityclubmissoula.org or online at http://www.cityclubmissoula.org by noon Thursday. Registrants should indicate if they want lunch at $11 for members or $16 for nonmembers or the no-lunch option of forum only for $5.
March 10. UM FILM FEASTIVAL continues. Increase your food literacy with free local food snacks & films that raise issues of food democracy & security. WHERE: UC Theater, University of Montana. WHEN: 4-6pm on these dates: March 10- Real Dirt on Farmer John; March 13- Ripe for Change; March 24- Good Food. Thanks to University Dining Services.
March 10. Neighborhood Conservation Club Planning Workshop Come learn how to get involved in Helena’s Neighborhood Conservation Club project on Tuesday March 10th from 6:30-8:30 at the Helena Neighborhood Center, 200 South Cruse Ave. Participants will learn how to get involved in the project and take home a plan to save money and conserve resources with their friends and neighbors.
March 12. The Heat is On: Yellowstone National Park in a Changing Climate. Big Sky, Montana Ever wonder how Yellowstone deals with huge visitor numbers and a changing ecosystem? Jim Evanoff, Sustainability Coordinator for the park, will discuss the many ways climate change is impact Yellowstone’s natural systems, and the innovative and proactive approach the park is taking to reduce its carbon footprint.
Location: Big Sky Community Library at Ophir School, Big Sky, Montana Time: 7:00 pm Co-Sponsored by: Big Sky Institute and Big Sky Chamber of Commerce. For more information, contact Danielle Blank, Senior Outreach Coordinator of NPCA's Yellowstone Field Office at 406.222.4478 or dblank@npca.org.
March 12. “Understanding the Behavior of an Eruptive Native Insect.” University of Montana Forest Entomology Professor Diana Six will lecture on the mountain pine beetle at 7 p.m. in the Helena Middle School auditorium. The presentation is part of the 2009 Sustainable Communities, Sustainable Ecosystems community-forest lecture series, which is sponsored by the Helena National Forest, Montana Discovery Foundation and City of Helena. For more information contact Kathy Bushnell at 495-3747.
March 13. Missoula Conservation Voters Annual meeting. Helena. WHEN: Business meeting 4:30pm; Celebration 5:30-9pm. WHERE: 15 N. Jackson, Helena.
March 13-15. Reel to Real Food Film Festival. WHEN: Mar 13 & 14 from 7-9pm; Mar 15 from 4-6pm. WHERE: Roxy Theater, 718 S. Higgins, Msl. Sponsored by CFAC and GFS. Full Schedule here.
March 19. Mayors' Panel on Sustainability Features Mayor Engen, Former Missoula mayor Kadas and Former Bozeman mayor Kirchhoff. WHEN: March 19 (Thurs), 5:30-7:00pm, WHERE: MCT Center for the Performing Arts Mezzanine Room (i.e. Missoula Children's Theater). Free.
March 19. Congressional Delegation Talks on Stimulus Join City Club Missoula for an insider's look at the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Evan Barrett from the Governor's office, Matt Jones from the office of Senator Max Baucus and Jessica Flint from the office of Representative Denny Rehberg have agreed to speak to City Club Missoula on March 19th, from 11:30-1:30pm at the Holiday Inn Downtown at the Park. Additional invitees include the office of Senator Jon Tester. Reserve your seat early, as space is limited! Don't miss this unique opportunity to discuss this monumental legislation!
March 20. The Big Sky Carbon Sequestration Partnership will hold a workshop for legislators and the public to a workshop on carbon sequestration on Friday, March 20, from noon to 1 p.m. in Room 303 of the Capitol.
The event is free and open to the public. The workshop will cover carbon sequestration technologies, including terrestrial and geologic carbon sequestration, developing carbon markets benefits to the state and related legislation.
For more information, please visit: www.bigskyco2.org or call Lindsey Tollefson at 406-994-3755.
March 20-21. Montana Environmental Education Association annual meeting. Helena.
March 23. Climate Change in Montana: It’s all about Fire and Water. Montana Tech, Butte. 7:00 - 9:00 PM Dr. Steve Running, a Terrestrial Ecologist at the University of Montana, will be discussing climate change as it pertains to Montana. The presentation will begin at 7:00 pm in the Montana Tech Auditorium. This presentation is designed for a general audience. All are welcome.
Location: Montana Tech Auditorium Contact: For more information, please contact Dr. Doug Cameron at 406-496-4247.
March 25. Sandra Postel, Director, Global Water Policy Institute & WorldWatch Senior Fellow speaks on
"Food, Fish, and Freshwater Ecosystems: Strategies for Life in a Water-Stressed World" WHEN: March 25, NOON. WHERE: Castles Center, School of Law. Reception following in the Pope Room.
March 25-27. 2009 Missouri River Conference. WHERE: Billings, MT. Focused on broader thinking and action on mitigation, recovery and restoration of the Missouri River. For more info, contact Don Skaar at dskaar[at]mt.gov.
March 26. The Heat is On: Climate Change Solutions for the West. Big Sky, Montana. Carbon cap-and-trade? Increased efficiency? Carbon tax? Education? What solutions can we employ as a nation, a state, and individuals to help us mitigate climate change and its impacts? Join us for a panel discussion on the promises and pitfalls of our options for addressing climate change, and how various policies would impact Montana and our region.
Location: Big Sky Community Library at Ophir School, Big Sky, Montana Time: 7:00 pm Co-Sponsored by: Big Sky Institute and Big Sky Chamber of Commerce. For more information, contact Danielle Blank, Senior Outreach Coordinator of NPCA's Yellowstone Field Office at 406.222.4478 or dblank@npca.org.
March 31. Renewable Energy Workshop
7 pm - 9 pm, Sheridan County Courthouse, Jubilee Room, 100 West Laurel Ave, Plentywood, MT
FEBRUARY 2009
February 2. Clark Fork Task Force meeting. (works to protect stream flows & water rights in the Clark Fork). WHEN: 9:30 to noon. WHERE: Mountain Water Company Conference Room, 1345 W. Broadway, Msla. Agenda: water supply infrastructure, conference planning, legislative update.
February 4-7. The Principles of Community Organizing Training Session teaches new community leaders and organizers how to win campaigns and build strong organizations. Experienced community organizers use small group activities, videos, role plays, and open discussions to provide new leaders and organizers with the skills they’ll need to win and grow their group. WHERE: Home on the Range, 220 S. 27th Street, Billings, Montana. Deadline for applications is Friday, January 23, 2009. Seating is limited. Apply online, or call 406-252-9672 for application information or a brochure.
February 9-13. Fish and Wildlife Conference in Kalispell. Annual meeting of the Montana chapters of the Wildlife Society & American Fisheries Society is Feb 9-13 in Kalispell. Includes workshop on "Human Demographic Impacts: Solutions to Fish and Wildlife Management Challenges" . For land use planners, planning board members, county officials, watershed coordinators and council members, and conservation district folks.
February 10. Wilderness Lecture Series starts at UM. Theme: Wilderness Expeditions: Journeys in Conservation. Tuesdays, 7pm. WHERE: UM's Gallagher building, room 106. First lecture: Tree Ants in Australia and the Last Rhinos in India
February 12. The Heat is On: Climate Change in the Yellowstone Ecosystem. Big Sky Community Library at Ophir School, Big Sky, Montana. 7:00PM Keynote Speaker: Cathy L. Whitlock, Professor of Earth Sciences at Montana State University. This is the first lecture of a four lecture series. Co-Sponsored by: Big Sky Institute and Big Sky Chamber of Commerce.
For more information, contact Danielle Blank, Senior Outreach Coordinator of NPCA's Yellowstone Field Office at 406.222.4478 or dblank@npca.org.
February 13. Building a Healthy and Just Montana Food System. Great Falls. 12:30p-4:30p.
Senator Jon Tester has penciled us in. He'll share updates on federal farm and food policy and what it means for Montana.
* Tour the Timeless Seeds facility and other site enterprises (Montana corn flour, Philippine heirloom rice coop and Montana organic feed);
* Learn of recent AERO projects and policy work;
* Discuss AERO's Strategic Plan and provide feedback;
* Discover benefits of farm tours and discuss the 2009 schedule;
* Brainstorm a Food and Ag Blueprint for Montana;
* Bring favorite open-pollinated seeds and local foods to share or sell.
Directions: Timeless Seeds is 12 miles south of Great Falls on I-15. At Ulm take exit 270 and head toward Ulm Pishkun. Timeless Seeds is less than one mile from the interstate on the left in the big green metal building with bins.
Please contact AERO for more information or to add to the agenda at 406-443-7272.
February 18. Green Building Seminar: Small Scale Renewable Energy Applications
WHEN: Wednesday February 18, 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
WHERE: Missoula, COT East Campus, Health & Business Building (909 South Ave West) in Room HB 01
Learn about the wide variety of small scale renewable energy systems available for the home or small business, including solar thermal, solar pv, microhydro and small wind. For contractors, carpenters, home owners, electricians, plumbers, realtors, home improvement retailers, architects, students environmentalists and more! FREE.
February 20-21. Crown of the Continent Symposium. The Crown of the Continent - also known as the Backbone of the World - represents the area that spans the Continental Divide from Crowsnest Pass in Canada to Rogers Pass in Montana. It is considered one of the most intact and pristine ecosystems in the world and is home to many studies on climate change.
During the symposium, University of Montana President George Dennison will join UM professors Rick Graetz and Gerald Fetz to unveil the Crown of the Continent Initiative, a program designed to showcase the beauty of the region and share the research carried out across the Crown.
The symposium is free and open to the public. All events will take place at Flathead Valley Community College in the Arts and Technology Building Room 138. For more information on the symposium, call Rick Graetz at (406) 439-9277.
February 20-22. Bringing GREEN into the Mainstream -- 5th Annual Missoula Building Industry Association Trade Show. Info seminars all day Saturday. Over 100 displays. WHERE: UM's Adams Center; WHEN: Friday 3-8pm. Saturday & Sunday 10am-4pm. Tickets: $3 in advance, $5 at the door.
February 24. Energy Conservation Session - Testing Homes for Energy Efficiency
6:30 - 8:30 pm, Exploration Works, 995 Carousel Way, Helena, MT
Home energy investigations are the first step toward reducing high energy bills, solving moisture problems and improving home comfort.
Session will include demonstrations of the use of diagnostic equipment including infrared camera, blower door, flow hood and pressure gauge. Learn how these devices are used to detect air leakage, under-insulated areas, and moisture and safety issues in the home.
Information on Neighborhood Conservation Clubs including Helena's clubs will be available at the session.
Presented by Paul Tschida of Montana Dept. of Environmental Quality. For more information, contact Paul Tschida at 406-841-5232 or by email, ptschida@mt.gov.
February 26. The Heat is On: Costs of Climate Change Inaction Big Sky, Montana. The potential costs associated with mitigating climate change have received much attention, but what do Montana businesses stand to lose if climate change goes unaddressed? Join us for this panel discussion on what global warming could cost our fishing and tourism industries, and the expense of increased fire activity in our state.
Location: Big Sky Community Library at Ophir School, Big Sky, Montana Time: 7:00 pm Co-Sponsored by: Big Sky Institute and Big Sky Chamber of Commerce. For more information, contact Danielle Blank, Senior Outreach Coordinator of NPCA's Yellowstone Field Office at 406.222.4478 or dblank@npca.org.
February 26. Sierra Club (MT chapter) monthly Open House. WHEN: Feb 26 (Thurs), 6-7:30pm; WHERE: MCT Center for the Performing Arts at 200 Adams St (corner of East Broadway & Adams) in Missoula. Use the theater entrance. For more info: Contact Chapter Chair Jeff van den Noort <jeff[at]vdnc.com> or staff person <bob.clark[at]sierraclub.org>
February 26-27. 2009 Montana Ambassador Annual Conferrence. Highlights include a 25th Anniversary Celebration and Reunion, Presentations by 2008 Annual Award Winners, Governor's Social and Awards Dinner, T. Boone Pickens - Keynote Speaker, Legislative Leaders Update and Energy Jobs for Montana Panel. Call or email Gloria with your questions. 406.563.5353
February 27. Houses That Work Training. Participants will learn the following and more:
* The elements of high performance homes and how to apply them to buildings
* The fundamentals of air, heat and moisture flow and how they impact performance
* How to apply building science to attics, walls, windows, foundations and HVAC systems
Registration is at 8:30 am with session hours of 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Cost is $125 before 2/20 and $135 after 2/20, special discount for FBA members, $100.
Location - The Lodge at Whitefish Lake, 1380 Wisconsin Avenue, Whitefish, MT, 406-863-4000
Contact Information: Dona/Jill at EEBA, 952-881-1098 or dona@eeba.org or jill@eeba.org
JANUARY 2009
January 9. Irreplaceable Wildlife Photo Exhibit Opening Reception. Come experience stunning wildlife photography and learn how global warming is affecting species big and small – from the majestic polar bears of the Arctic to the mysterious wolverine in our own backyard. Where: A. L. Swanson Gallery—46 South Last Chance Gulch St, Helena, When: Friday, Jan 9th, 6-9PM (exhibit up through January) Visit www.irreplaceablewild.org for more information.
Sponsoring Groups: Endangered Species Coalition, Earthjustice, the Noah Alliance, International League of Conservation Photographers (ILCP), and Conservation International's Center for Applied Biodiversity Science (CABS) Local Sponsors: Montana Audubon, ZooMontana, Caring for Creation Network, and the Montana Chapter of the Society for Conservation Biology.
January 9-10. Realizing Montana's Energy Future. Realizing Montana's Bright Energy Future will facilitate a series of robust and solution-focused dialogues among state and federal policymakers, industry, academe, consumers and the financial community on what policies can best encourage continued economic growth, energy efficiency, conservation, and the provision of highly reliable energy infrastructrue and service for decades to come. WHERE: Carrol College Campus Center, Helena. www.montanasenergyfuture.com.
January 14-15. Energy Summit for Montana Schools. Colonial Inn, Helena. DEQ with funding from the U.S. Department of Energy, State Energy Program, will help sponsor "Repowering Montana's Schools Conference" designed for K-12 superintendents, maintenance supervisors, and school board. Contact School Administrator's Association, www.sammt.org , for registration and agenda.
January 16-17 The Heat is On: Managing our Resources in the Face of Climate Change. Presentation by Bruce Hamilton, Sierra Club National deputy executive director. WHEN: Jan 16, 7-9pm; Jan 17 9am to 4pm. WHERE: Holiday Inn Parkside, 200 S. Pattee St, Missoula. All presentations are free and open to the public. Call 406-549-1142 for more information.
January 25-27. Harvesting Clean Energy Conference. WHERE: Billings. The conference charts the future of rural clean energy in the Northwest. Discussions focus on the steps to successful project development, including financing, to cut costs on the farm and produce power or feedstocks for market. Technologies covered include wind power, biofuels, biopower, geothermal, solar, and energy efficiency.
January 28. Montana Geothermal Working Group, 8:30-4:30, Agenda Chico Hot Springs. Contact Kathi Montgomery, MT DEQ. 406-841-5243
January 28-29. Advanced Oilseed and Biodiesel Production Workshop. MSU -Billings College of Technology Campus. Billings. Farmers, businesspeople, and scientists will present the most current information about processing oilseed crops and on-farm biodiesel production at the upcoming Oilseeds for Fuel, Feed and the Future workshop in Billings on January 28-29, 2009. This workshop builds upon a highly successful conference held last January and will cover more complex oilseed crushing and vegetable oil-based biofuel production and use issues. For more information on, or to register for, this event, contact NCAT at 800-275-6228 or e-mail tammyh@ncat.org.
January 29. Home Energy Efficiency Seminar. Steve Loken, Missoula's own pioneer green builder, will speak about "low–hanging fruit" for home efficiency retrofits. Come to hear about specific projects at specific price points – from pennies to $3000. Also, join Dan Lloyd from AERO for an update on the Neighborhood Conservation Club Project. Free and open to the public. WHERE: Exploration Works, Helena, MT. WHEN: 6:30PM
January 29-30. "Resilient Systems in a Changing Climate." Montana's Soil and Water Conservation Society Annual Technical Conference. Billings. A full agenda and registration form is available by logging on to the Montana SWCS website at http://www.mtswcs.org.
January 30. Lobby Day in Helena, with MT chapter of Sierra Club. WHERE: Lewis & Clark Public Library. Learn about your legislature and how citizens can influence it. There may be chances to attend hearings & testify. No experience needed, just a will to make a difference! This is a full day activity which includes a hosted pizza lunch. Will end at 4pm. There is assistance with travel. Contact Bob Clark at Missoula office to sign up. 406-549-1142 bob.clark@sierraclub.org
