The 2026 Wildlife Speaker Series
The 2026 Wildlife Speaker Series will inform you, while providing food for thought and your belly!
Several regional organizations are hosting events throughout SW Montana and we hope you are able to make it to one or more. If you have any questions, just email Sunni.
+++++++++++++++++
Date: Thursday, July 16, the Ruby Habitat Foundation welcomes Nick Hudson, Montana State University PhD Fisheries Researcher, for a presentation on Stream Research. Nick’s research focuses on answering important questions about the fisheries production in streams in the Ruby, Beaverhead and Big Hole River systems. The event will also include a short presentation by Jackson Mundell, the Ruby Habitat Foundation’s conservation intern.
The event will begin at 6pm with a potluck meal (we’ll provide the BBQ–thank you, Pig Out BBQ) and ask that attendees bring a side dish, salad, or dessert. Keg beer from Ruby Valley Brew will also be offered for those over 21. The presentation will begin at 7pm and last about an hour.
Location: Ruby Habitat Foundation’s Woodson Ranch Waldie-Kanouse Visitor Center, (2 miles northwest of the Ruby River bridge in the tiny town of Laurin–watch for signs)
Sponsored by: Ruby Habitat Foundation, Ruby Springs Lodge, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services (Frank Colwell), and Ruby Valley Brew
+++++++++++++++++
Other Wildlife Speaker Series Events for 2026
++++++++++++++++
Date: June 13, Jack Creek Preserve Foundation will feature a presentation on Old Growth Forests by Ashley Martens (Old Growth Forest Network).
This event will start with a potluck dinner at 6pm and the presentation will begin at 7pm. Pulled pork sandwiches and a Burnt Tree Brewing keg will be provided, guests bring a side dish, salad, or dessert.
Location: Jack Creek Preserve’s Outdoor Education Center, 1206 Jack Creek Rd, Ennis. NOTE: The GATE CODE WILL BE 061326#. Parking is limited, carpooling is strongly encouraged!
+++++++++++++++++
Date: June 25: The Beaverhead Conservation District and the Land, Water & Sky Center will feature a presentation on collaborative projects and research with University of Montana Western Faculty (Michelle Anderson, Lorrie Carnes, Arica Crootof, Joseph Eason).
Pulled pork dinner is provided starting at 6PM and presentation at 7PM.
Location: Old Depot Theatre, 15 S. Montana Street, Dillon, Montana
++++++++++++++++
Date: July 22: The Big Hole Watershed Committee will host a presentation on Pygmy Rabbits by Owen Kanter (Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks) *To be confirmed.
Potluck Dinner (Main course provided) at 6PM and presentation at 7PM.
Location: Divide Grange Hall, 105 Schoolhouse Road, Divide Montana
+++++++++++++++++
Date: August 5, Madison Conservation District will feature a presentation on Native Fish of Southwest Montana by Keith Wellstone (Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks Biologist).
Pizza from Burnt Tree Brewing will be provided from 5:30pm to 6:00pm at followed by the presentation.
Location: Madison Theater at 115 W Main Street, Ennis, MT
++++++++++++++++
Date: August 18, Jackson’s Garden in Sheridan plans to host a talk on Hawks. Staff from the The Montana Raptor Conservation Center plan to bring featured guests from their facility! NOTE: The meal provided will be garden pasta, salad, bread and dessert and it will be held AFTER the 5:30pm presentation.
Location: Jackson’s Garden, about 3 miles east of Sheridan, MT on Mill Street.
++++++++++++++++
Date: August 20, The Taft Nicholson Center and the Centennial Valley Association are partnering for a presentation on **** at the
There will be a potluck (Please bring a side, salad or dessert) at 6pm, followed by the presentation at 7pm.
Location: This event will be held at the Taft Nicholson Center in Lima; 27700 South Valley Road, Lima, MT 59739.
+++++++++++++++++
Date: August 27, The Greater Yellowstone Coalition and the National Wildlife Federation are partnering for a presentation on Beaver-Human Coexistence, featuring Claire Kirk (Beaver Conflict Resolution Specialist)
Presentation will start at 6:30, followed by an ice cream social at 7:00 pm. Please join us!
Location: This event will be held at the Gallatin Conservation District 120 S Fifth Street, Manhattan, Montana
++++++++++++++++
Date: September 17, Madison River Foundation will feature a presentation on Waterfowl Protection by Mark Mariano (Montana Wetlands and Waterfowl Ecologist).
Pizza from Burnt Tree Brewing will be provided from 5:30pm to 6:00pm, and followed by the presentation.
Location: Madison Theater at 115 W Main Street, Ennis, MT
+++++++++++++++++
The mission and vision of the Wildlife Speaker Series of SW Montana is:
•Mission: To provide free, fun, unbiased and fact-based presentations educating the public about wildlife of SW Montana and the issues facing these animals and their habitats. These events are organized and sponsored by a collaborative of local, conservation-oriented groups.
•Vision: We will educate and inspire people to care more about local wildlife and the ecosystems we share with them.
+++++++++++++++++
We are all proud to host these events which provide both educational and inspirational content, and we could not do this alone. Thanks to the valued sponsors who support all these events.