2021 Schedule of Events
Virtual Presentations
March 20 9:00am-11:00am
Plants in Our Parks- Nick Miller, City Horticulturist, Billings Parks and Recreation
Nick will be sharing regionally specific plants that have been utilized by the parks department. He will also include updates on current projects.
Growing A Healthy Soil- Mike Choriki, Soil Scientists, B & C Ag Consulting
Learning to grow healthy soil is a key concept in sustainable gardening in the same location year after year. We look at the science of soil and how the soil's biology helps to maintain the soil's chemistry which keeps your plants healthy and producing. We also summarize the basic best practices of growing healthy soil with a focus on spring tasks
March 27 9:00am-11:00am
Drama at Riverfront Park: Played by Invasive Buckthorn and Five Native Shrubs- Steven McConnell, City Forester, Billings Parks and Recreation
An overview on ecology of riparian cottonwood forests along unregulated rivers. Invasive Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) dramatically changes the ecology of these forests. Come learn about five common native shrubs in this ecosystem, their relation to Indigenous people, and their ecological role.
Xeriscaping and You- Emilie Burditt, Billings Metro Vista Project, City of Billings' Community Development Division
In this detailed presentation, AmeriCorps Volunteer in Service to America (VISTA) Emilie Burditt takes you through the ins and outs of all things xeriscaping. Learn about saving money on your water bill, supporting the environment, and the seven steps to a successful – and sustainable – xeric garden.
In-Person Workshops
We are taking the following precautions during COVID-19:
* We ask that participants maintain a safe (minimum 6-foot distance) from others. If you come in a small group, your group may stay together
* Masks or a facial covering are required during all indoor activities.
* Masks or a facial covering are required during outdoor activities when participants are unable to maintain a 6-foot distance from each other.
* Participants under 5 years of age are not required to wear a mask, although children 2 - 4 years of age are encouraged to wear them.
* We are not allowing the public to enter the building unless you are participating in a class.
* Our outdoor bathrooms are open to the public.
* Please bring your own drinking water.
* All gear will be thoroughly sanitized between uses.
* Please stay home if you feel sick or have a fever.
Please dress appropriately for various outdoor and weather conditions
April 10
9:30 am-11:00 am: Dendrology Identification- Steven McConnell, City Forester at Billings Parks and Recreation
Meet at the front of the Montana Audubon Center -parking lot
Join Billings City Forester, Steve McConnell, for a jaunt around Norm's Island and Riverfront Park, while learning identification skills for our native trees and shrubs.
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm: Composting- Cynthia Jessie, Songbird Community Garden
Meeting at Songbird Community Gardens (1559 Songbird Drive, Billings, MT 59101)
Join Songbird Community Gardens, Cynthia Jesse in this basic composting workshop. Learn how to keep the right balance in your compost and some beneficial best practices.
May 1
9:30 am - 11:00 am: Integrated Weed Management- Megan Hoyer, Educational Specialist, Yellowstone County Weed District
Meet at the Montana Audubon Center- Building , Registration Open, Register Here! Walk-ins also welcome
As a landowner, you have two main goals when it comes to weeds: prevention and control. A successful approach will be to combine both of these goals in an integrated weed management plan. Join in learning about several weed management tools, plant identification, mechanical treatments, herbicides, and biological treatments to add to your toolbox. No single method is likely to control weeds, so it’s important to apply an appropriate combination to have or obtain a successful integrated weed management plan.
1:00 pm - 2:30 pm: Goodness Gracious, Seed Balls are Fire- Emilie Burditt, Billings Metro Vista Project, Riverside Middle School's Builders Club
Meet at the Montana Audubon Center- Building , Registration Open, Register Here! Walk-ins also welcome
Engage at the Montana Audubon Center as Riverside Middle School’s Builder’s Club presents to you an interactive, family-friendly workshop on how to make your own seed balls. Watch a pre-recorded video as Riverside students take you through each step of making seed balls. Then make them yourself with provided supplies at the workshop. And, of course, don’t forget to plant, throw, or launch your seed balls into the backyard at home! Seeds will be for native wildflowers.
June 12
10:00 am - 12:00 am: Soil Science- Rocky Mountain Compost and NRCS
Meet at the Montana Audubon Center- Building, Registration Open, Register Here! Walk-ins also welcome
Lets get dirty with soil! Join us for the final day of Native Plant Symposium workshops! During this session, staff from Rocky Mountain Compost and NRCS will talk about the basics of assessing soil health, and the best ways to help care for your own soil. Afterward, join our staff for a walk to some local soil pits to practice some basic soil health assessment.
1:00 pm - 3:0 pm: Plant ID- MAC Staff and RMC Botany Professor Megan Poulette
Meet at the Montana Audubon Center- Building, Registration Open, Register Here! Walk-ins also welcome
Enjoy a summer saunter focusing on plant id, common plant families, the ecological roles of plants, human uses, and interesting history related to particular plants and families. Bring your field notebooks and water bottles!