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Montana Natural History Center February 2005 Newsletter

What’s Happening Outside?

Days are getting longer. Listen outside for the calls of mating boreal and great horned owls. They will begin nesting late in the month. Elk shed their antlers this month and will begin growing new ones in late March.

Building Update

The new facility is nearly complete and MNHC will be moving to 120 Hickory St. in March. You can see pictures of the progress on our website under Migration Update. The new space will allow us to do more and better programming for the community and schools. Our special thanks to First Security Bank, Garden City Builders, project manager Laurie Smith, our Board of Directors and supporters. Without their gifts of time and money this new educational facility for Missoula would never have gotten off the drawing board.

Saturday Discovery Days

Saturday, February 12: 10:00am-noon at Pipestone Mountaineering

Beetles: The Good the Bad and the Ugly! Explore the fascinating lives of the beetles found in our region and their adaptations to all sorts of conditions. We will discuss which species homeowners should be aware of and which are harmless. We will be led by UM PhD students, Kjerstin Skov and Kathy Bleiker. Space has been generously donated by Pipestone Mountaineering. Pre-registration appreciated. Cost $5 for MNHC members and $7 for non-members.

Saturday, February 26: 1:00 to 5:00 pm at the University of Montana

Creating a Wildlife Sketchbook, led by natural history illustrator Claire Emery

Working indoors from the University of Montana’s extensive animal collection, we will use many techniques to portray the form, gesture, and detail of the animals around us. No drawing experience required. Materials list available upon registration. Space is limited, registration required. Cost $10 for MNHC members and $15 for non-members.

Community Watershed Education Class

The Montana Natural History Center is once again sponsoring a Community Watershed Education Class at the University of Montana. The class is open to the community and offered through Continuing Education. This class explores the Clark Fork Watershed through field trips and discussions with local experts. The class will also give you the opportunity to share your new watershed knowledge with local school children as you participate in the Eleventh Annual Clark Fork Watershed Festival on April 28-29. Community Watershed Education will be held on Wednesdays through May 4th from 4:10 – 7:00 p.m. in room 205 of the Liberal Arts Building at UM. Space is limited. For more information contact the Montana Natural History Center at 327-0405.

Montana Native Plant Society February highlights

Thursday February 10, 7:30 pm

Native Americans were Montana’s first botanists. Rosalyn LaPier, an historical researcher for the Piegan Institute in Browning, will present Blackfeet Plants, their uses and how they influenced the annual migrations and ceremonies. Room L09 Gallagher Business Bldg, UM Campus.

Tuesday February 22, 7:30 pm

Herbarium Night. Forest Service biologist James Riser will share his excitement with Montana Milkweeds: orchids of the dicot world. Bring a hand lens if you have one. Room 303, Botany Bldg., UM Campus.

MNHC Volunteer Opportunity

Tuesday, March 1 – Volunteer Naturalist Training 7:00 – 8:00 pm
Cost: Free!
Would you be interested in helping with our Visiting Naturalist in the Schools program? Join us for training on March’s classroom topic “Carrying Capacity.” These visits reach 500 Missoula area students each month. Registration Appreciated.

February’s Book of the Month

The Snowflake: Winter’s Secret Beauty. Text by Kenneth Libbrecht, Photography by Patricia Rasmussen. This 112 page hardbound book from Voyageur Press is a must have for winter enthusiasts, photography fans and naturalists. The pictures are incredible and the text is wonderful. Member price $17 plus shipping, non-member price $20 plus shipping. Contact Jazz at [email protected]

February’s Montana Natural History Links

Kudos to MNHC partner Marilyn Marler, former MNHC employee Wendy Ridenour, and UM researcher Ray Callaway for their work on Knapweed. Read the article in Smithsonian Magazine!

http://www.smithsonianmag.si.edu/smithsonian/issues04/dec04/phenomena.html

As you prepare for tax season take a moment to learn about the Montana Non-game Wildlife Program at http://www.fwp.state.mt.us/news/article_2732.aspx You can support this wonderful program by making a donation right on your state tax form.

Educators! Register for the Montana Environmental Education Association 2005 Conference at http://www.montanaeea.org/

Feel free to forward this to friends who might enjoy learning more about the Montana Natural History Center.

Visit us online at: http://www.MontanaNaturalist.org

Copyright © 2005 Montana Natural History Center

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