About Montana Audubon

Montana Audubon is a statewide grassroots non-profit organization made up of members and supporters from across the state of Montana and beyond. It is governed by a Board of Trustees consisting of representatives from each of the Audubon chapters in Montana and other dedicated conservation leaders who share a common interest in implementing Montana Audubon’s goals and mission.

The education programs of Montana Audubon take place primarily at the Montana Audubon Center, based out of the Norm Schoenthal Field Lab and 54 acres of restored habitat along the Yellowstone River Corridor in Billings. These programs serve a critical role in connecting individuals, especially youth, to the natural world. They also are a key component of building a conservation ethic in future generations, thus growing and sustaining the policy and science work associated with the Audubon name.

To promote appreciation, knowledge and conservation of Montana’s native birds, other wildlife, and natural ecosystems and to safeguard biological diversity for current and future generations.

In our vision for the future, we seek to create an environment in which all of Montana’s native bird species have healthy, sustainable populations, ensured by long-term habitat security. Montana Audubon uses science, conservation education and engages in public policy work to protect our state’s incomparable wildlife and landscapes.

For most of its more than 40-year history, Montana Audubon has included education in its programs, and an effort to establish education programs at a site-based “Center” began in the late 90’s. Meanwhile, in Billings, the Yellowstone River Parks Association, in the early years of its organization, took on the ownership and reclamation work at a gravel mine near the Yellowstone River, with an eye toward involving teachers and classrooms in the ongoing efforts. These two groups joined forces in 2004, and in 2008 construction began on the Norm Schoenthal Field Lab. Since that time, both the plant communities and the education programs have grown into one of the largest nature education operations in Montana. In 2019, the Center provided programming to more than 20,000 annual daily participants -- aimed at providing each person with an opportunity for meaningful, personal connection with the natural world. Those programs are built on strong community partnerships, professional staff and high-quality education programs, and an ideal location at the front-country edge of the area’s largest metropolitan area. In addition to growth as a cultural and ecological asset for the community of Billings, our future also includes the export of our programs to other geographic areas through direct program delivery, resources for educators, and professional development opportunities based on our specific programs.

Yellowstone River Parks Association (YPRA)

Yellowstone Valley Audubon Society

School District 2

Bureau of Land Management

City of Billings

Wild Birds Unlimited

Indian Education for All

MSUB

Rocky Mountain College

Billings Parks and Rec

Song Bird Community Gardens

Yellowstone County Weed District

Yellowstone County Conservation District