Montana Audubon Spring 2012 Magpie Muse by Amy Cilimburg

e were told we couldn’t do it. The Rim Rock Wind Farm, with its proposed 126 turbines, was already under construction and expected to be operational by October 2012. The state of Montana has no rules, regulations, or guidelines for wind farm projects on private land—so companies can do whatever they want, wherever they want. And although Montana Audubon had tried to influence the design of this project for years, company officials had rejected our concerns outright. But we kept pushing—and in the last 90 days, we have convinced an international company to move 25 of their 126 wind turbines farther away from raptor nests within the Kevin Rim Important Bird Area (IBA)! “When we met with NaturEner on February 2,” reports Janet Ellis, Montana Audubon’s Program Director, “they said that they couldn’t move any of their turbines. But after we carefully outlined why it was critical for them to keep turbines as far away as possible from the rim, which is chock full of raptor nests, they came back in March and said they would consider moving turbines.” Now for some background: Kevin Rim (pronounced Key’ – vin) is an IBA located about 20 miles northwest of Shelby. Its prominent sandstone cliffs and outcrops, and steep, eroded hillsides make the area ideal for numerous raptors to nest, both on the cliff faces and on the ground. In fact, raptor nest concentrations are so high that the Bureau of Land Management documented more than 530 raptor nests between 1988 and 2004. In all, ten raptor species breed along the rim, including species that are of Global (Ferruginous Hawk), Continental (Swainson’s Hawk, Prairie Falcon), or State (Golden Eagle) conservation concern. In a given year as many Nesting Ferruginous Hawks at Kevin Rim. Photo by K risti Du b ois . as 24 Ferruginous Hawk nests, Spring 2012

19 Prairie Falcon nests, and 4 Golden Eagle nests have been documented at Kevin Rim. Because of the density of raptor nests, Kevin Rim became an IBA. However, because of its wind resources, this site also drew the attention of the Spanish wind farm company, NaturEner. Until March of this year, NaturEner’s wind farm design called for turbines to be only ¼ mile away from raptor nests. Continued on page 3

Brett Thuma’s Original Wings Across the Big Sky for 2012 What a grand work of art! We will auction Brett Thuma’s original painting Saturday night at the festival. You do not want to miss this opportunity. For more about Brett and his gallery in Bigfork, visit www.brettthumagallery.com.

ear Fellow Conservationists, In this issue of Magpie Muse we highlight the remarkable corps of hard-working volunteers who support the Audubon cause. These folks include dozens of Audubon chapter leaders and organizers, “citizen scientists,” office workers, college interns, and community educators throughout Montana. Audubon chapter activists play a pivotal role in the identification, monitoring, and stewardship of Important Bird Areas; and they organize and conduct annual Christmas Bird Counts. Chapter field trip leaders and others submit their bird sightings to eBird and Montana’s Natural Heritage Program Database, contributing key information to the Montana Bird Distribution Project. Montana Audubon’s policy work Steve volunteering at Audubon depends on hundreds of Auduboners who call, write, and meet with Center’s Fourth Annual Earth Day event, 2012. their state and federal representatives to influence legislation in ways that advance the protection of wildlife and wildlife habitat. In a vast, sparsely populated state like Montana, there is so much we don’t know about our birdlife— hence the work of volunteer “citizen scientists” is crucial to our understanding of species occurrence, population health, and impending threats. In Montana, birders are gathering critical data on nesting Golden Eagles and Black Swifts, monitoring the abundance of Greater Sage-Grouse at breeding leks, and conducting nocturnal counts of nighthawks and poorwills. Our Audubon Conservation Education Center in Billings has attracted a great many volunteers to pull invasive weeds, plant trees and shrubs, write grants, enter data, make quilts to hang on the Center’s walls, care for live animals, organize special events, assist with education programs, and serve on our local Advisory Board. If you are already involved in one or more chapters or Montana Audubon–sponsored projects, THANK YOU! If you have some free time and wish to contribute, please visit our website, contact your local chapter leaders, or give us a call at the Helena office. And please know that your generous financial support is also greatly appreciated—and essential to our ongoing success! For the birds,

Montana audubon board of directors

officers Dan Sullivan, President Fred Weisbecker, Vice-President Elsie Tuss, Secretary Bernard Rose, Treasurer

delegates Bitterroot Audubon Becky Peters

Five Valleys Audubon Pat Little Carolyn Goren

Flathead Audubon Bob Lee

Last Chance Audubon Bob Martinka Coburn Currier

Mission Mountain Audubon Bob Bushnell Craig Barfoot

Pintler Audubon Jack Kirkley

Sacajawea Audubon Wayne “Wano” Urbonas

Upper Missouri Breaks Audubon Nora Flaherty-Gray Bill Miller

Montana audubon PO Box 595, Helena, MT 59624 Phone: (406) 443-3949 Fax: (406) 443-7144 Email: mtaudubon@mtaudubon.org Website: www.mtaudubon.org audubon Conservation eduCation Center 7026 S Billings Blvd Billings, MT 59101 Phone: (406) 294-5099 Website: www.mtacec.org

www.mtaudubon.org

Helena staff: bird Conservation/Climate Policy: Amy Cilimburg, Steve Hoffman, Director of Bird Conservation Executive Director amy@mtaudubon.org shoffman@mtaudubon.org Phone: (406) 465-1141 Janet Ellis, Program Director audubon Conservation jellis@mtaudubon.org education Center staff: Norane Freistadt, Darcie Vallant, Center Director Development Director dvallant@mtaudubon.org norane@mtaudubon.org Heather Ristow, Education Director Larissa Berry, Office Manager hristow@mtaudubon.org lberry@mtaudubon.org Mihail Kennedy, Cathie Erickson, Business Manager Land Stewardship Coordinator cerickson@mtaudubon.org mkennedy@mtaudubon.org Carol Ward, Teacher Naturalist cward@mtaudubon.org

Spring 2012

Yellowstone Valley Audubon Bill DeMeyer Rita Harding

at-large board Members Jim Brown Lou Ann Harris Cary Lund Bob Mackin Harriet Marble Peter Norlander Donald Seibert Judy Tureck

Continued from page 1

Montana Audubon has been advocating for keeping turbines at least ½ mile from all historic raptor nests. How do we know that ½ mile setbacks from raptor nests will be enough to protect the birds long-term? We don’t. Our request for these setbacks relies on the best research available throughout the West regarding raptors and wind farms. Last fall, when we knew time was running out, we redoubled our efforts to influence this project, including locating every study ever completed at the site (15 years’ worth), making maps, contacting project funders, researching the best available science, educating ourselves about the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, and continuing to articulate our position to NaturEner. Although nothing is signed in stone, NaturEner has agreed to move 25 of its turbines. On the rim, where raptor nests are the densest, 7 turbines will remain less than ½ mile from a nest—and those turbines will be from 0.45, to 0.49 miles from historic nests. On the south side of the project, there are 2 additional nests that will remain between 1⁄3 and 1⁄2 mile from turbines. It is not a perfect outcome—but a significant improvement nonetheless—and a genuine triumph on behalf of Montana’s raptors! The moral to this story: nothing ventured, nothing gained; it ain’t over ’til it’s over. For more information on this ongoing work, visit http://mtaudubon.org/birds/kevin.html.

Kevin Rim. Photo by K risti Du b ois .

Map showing Kevin Rim IBA, with historic raptor nest locations and the general location of 126 turbines from the Rim Rock Wind Farm. M aP by a My CiliMburg .

Calling All Autos

onsider this an all-points-bulletin for photos of your autos that sport the stylish Montana Audubon license plate! We are gathering photos of cars and trucks that proudly display our superb license plate in order to tell even more people about this unique opportunity to support bird conservation AND donate to Montana Audubon. We want to show the variety of personalized messages across the state, so be sure to zoom in close. Send your photos to norane@mtaudubon.org or call (406) 4433949 for more info. Don’t already have a Montana Audubon license plate? March right into your local DMV and make your auto a traveling example of your support of birds and their habitats.

Spring 2012 www.mtaudubon.org

New Subdivision Guidelines for Wildlife Montana law requires local governments to consider how a proposed subdivision may affect nearby fish and wildlife resources. In order to provide science-based guidance to local officials, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) recently released a series of recommendations on specific ways local governments can better protect key habitats: wetlands and riparian areas, big game winter range, grasslands, and sagebrush, as well as significant areas for 11 Species of Concern. In recognition of the significant contribution of Montana’s fish and wildlife resources to the state, FWP developed the subdivision guidelines for use by department biologists and other interested entities. Montana FWP’s new subdivision recommendations address protection of nesting Bald Eagles. Audubon contributed significantly to the new guidelines’ development. Photo by K aren l aubenstein , usFWs.

Tackling Climate Change Tackling climate change means moving to new energy sources. Although wind may be part of a low-carbon future, we know big industrial farms come with costs (see front-page article). Isn’t it time to embrace affordable alternatives? Rooftop solar is one option, especially with the current low price for photovoltaic panels. We know a handful of Auduboners who are recent converts to the world of solar; others have even been early pioneers. Read about Kristi Dubois and Bert Lindler’s recent experience. Look for the yellow sun on our homepage: www.mtaudubon.org. The only thing better than new renewable energy is conserving energy. Before considering solar panels, find out how to conserve energy in your own home or business. You can find out more about solar and energy efficiency via a new page on our website developed by our University of Montana intern, Tess. Again, follow the sun.

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Spring 2012

Out and About and Afield This spring and summer Montana Audubon is busier than ever, working with our partners and citizen scientists to add critical information to our understanding of bird species of conservation concern. From peaks to prairies to rivers, here’s a snapshot: w Volunteers visit Greater Sage-Grouse leks in April, counting dancing and mating birds. w Staff, technicians, and volunteers canvass the state, surveying for Long-billed Curlews and other grassland birds this spring. w New summer survey efforts begin along key riparian habitats of the Yellowstone River, gathering data for a potential Important Bird Area, with special efforts to find Red-headed Woodpeckers and cuckoos. w Friends from around the state do their share of birding and then provide their backyard and field trip lists with eBird and the Montana Natural Heritage Program— directly influencing on-the-ground conservation. w Volunteers look for the ever-elusive and fascinating nesting Black Swift. We’ll catch up on our sleep in August!

Erin Fairbank surveying for Long-billed Curlews. Ma Photo.

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2011 Bridger Raptor Results Montana Audubon recently completed the 21st consecutive season of scientific raptor migration counts in the Bridger Mountains near Bozeman. This project is conducted in partnership with HawkWatch International and is designed to monitor the health and trends of raptor populations (especially Golden Eagles) across western North America. The count, conducted from September 1 through November 5, 2011, totaled 2,863 raptors, including 1,431 Golden Eagles. Statistical analyses of the 21-year Bridger data set show a significant downward trend for Golden Eagles. Official observers Brian Connelly and John Martineau (as well as numerous volunteers) enjoyed favorable weather (warm temperatures and little snow cover) throughout the count season. Funding was provided by the U.S. Forest Service, Gallatin National Forest, and individual donors. Montana Audubon plans to continue this project in 2012.

Steve Hoffman with Northern Goshawk. Ma Photo.

Restoration on Tap It has been quite the interesting year. We’ve had no real winter to speak of, and now we have an incredibly early spring. The ticks are out already! This spring the Audubon Center is gearing up for some new restoration projects. For the next couple of years we will focus on wetland rehabilitation and invasive species control. The U.S. Geological Survey will once again collect information on the Center’s invasive American bullfrog population in order to develop a comprehensive extirpation program. This year’s information, coupled with last year’s, will give us a baseline to judge the efficacy of our management strategies. Next winter we will drain bullfrog (Rana the ponds in order to freeze the bullfrogs or drive them American catesbeiana), is an invasive into the mud, depriving them of oxygen. Luckily, the species to Montana. majority of native reptiles and amphibians can cope with the freezing and anoxic conditions we will create. We will also begin to fashion wetland habitats that are more conducive to native amphibians and waterfowl. This requires that we change the topography of the pond bottoms. Using fill dirt and excavation equipment, we can provide ideal bank slopes and water depths to support emergent wetland plants like hardstem bulrush and cattail. We will dig deeper channels to allow year-round water for the bird species that need it; the shallower sections will be ideal for shorebird populations.

Audubon Chapters at Work

he following Montana Audubon chapters recently received small grants from the National Audubon Society: Five valleys audubon of Missoula will combine classroom lessons and field trips for 3rd graders at St. Joseph School. Students will undertake a fire ecology unit emphasizing how trees, plants, wildlife, and fires interact. Flathead audubon of Kalispell hires an environmental educator each year to provide workshops, field trips, and programs to students of all ages and backgrounds. Their grant will support the full array of programs offered, reaching over 4,800 people in the Flathead Valley.

Yellowstone valley audubon of billings

will conduct a series of bird surveys (species, numbers, behavior, location) along the Yellowstone River with the intention of using the information for future conservation and education efforts, including an Important Bird Area. Congratulations to these three chapters for their grant awards!

Spring 2012 www.mtaudubon.org

e want to thank the following organizations, foundations, corporations, and agencies for their support and partnership. Their contributions make our work possible!

Audubon Chapters Bitterroot Audubon Five Valleys Audubon Flathead Audubon Last Chance Audubon Mission Mountain Audubon Pintler Audubon Sacajawea Audubon Upper Missouri Breaks Audubon Yellowstone Valley Audubon Corporate Donations & Grants Allegra Print & Imaging Anderson Zurmuehlen & Co. P.C. Army Navy Surplus Store B-fit Fitness Equipment Base Camp Biggy’s Landscape Service, LLC Bike Shop Billings Collision Repair, Inc. Brown, Fichtner & Associates P.C. Burlington Northern Santa Fe Foundation Cenex Cloud Peak Energy Resources Colton Customs ConocoPhillips Company Cottonwood Inn & Suites Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund Dow AgroSciences, LLC Energy Laboratories, Inc. First Interstate BancSystem Foundation General Mills Foundation GiftMatching Program Ghost Art Gallery Good Earth Market Hanson Chemical, Inc. HawkWatch International Hedger Friend, P.L.L.C. Hilton Garden Inn–Kalispell Hoiness Labar Insurance Holiday Station Stores J Bar L Ranches, LLC Juro’s Medical, Inc.

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Spring 2012

Kenco Security and Technology Kohl’s Lowe’s McCall Development, Inc. Montana-Dakota Utilities Co. MPG Ranch National Audubon Society Nemont Telephone Cooperative, Inc. Nord West Composites Northwestern Energy Patagonia Employee Matching Gift Program Patagonia Outlet Dillon Pathway Occupational Medicine Center Pepsi Plum Creek Timber Company Prudential Foundation Matching Gifts Rocky Mountain Bank Royal Bank of Canada Sam’s Club Foundation Sanderson Stewart Saturn Resource Management Scheels Spoke Shop Sunburst Consulting, Inc. Sunshine Sports Toyota–Audubon TogetherGreen Partnership Trail Creek Investments Tru-life Taxidermy Valley Bank of Helena Western Sustainability Exchange Wild Birds Unlimited Wyo-Ben, Inc. Yellowstone Cellars and Winery Yellowstone Valley Brewing Company ZooMontana Foundation Grants Brainerd Foundation Cadeau Foundation Charlotte Martin Foundation Cinnabar Foundation

David F. and Sara K. Weston Fund Donald and Carol Roberts Foundation Drollinger Family Charitable Foundation Foundation for Community Vitality Harry L. Willett Foundation High Stakes Foundation Homer A. & Mildred S. Scott Foundation Jerry Metcalf Foundation L.E.A.W. Family Foundation Maki Foundation Margaret V. Ping Foundation Mary Alice Fortin Foundation for Youth Enrichment My Good Fund Trust Whitmire Foundation Wolf Creek Charitable Foundation Agency Partners Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Nation Intermountain West Joint Venture MT Dept. of Natural Resources & Conservation MT Dept. of Admin, Labor & Industry MT Fish, Wildlife & Parks Natural Resources Conservation Service Northern Great Plains Joint Venture Prairie Pothole Joint Venture U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs U.S. Bureau of Land Management U.S. Bureau of Reclamation U.S. Dept. of Energy, Western Area Power Administration U.S. Environmental Protection Agency U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service U.S. Forest Service, Gallatin National Forest U.S. Forest Service, Flathead National Forest Yellowstone River Conservation District Council

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n a chilly February morning, Graff Elementary School students depart their bus at the Audubon Center. They’ll spend the morning learning about animal adaptations to winter, skull identification, and the basics of birding through hands-on stations with real specimens. Upon entering the classroom, students burst into exclamations and questions as they notice the classroom’s live and preserved animal displays. “Look—there’s an owl! I wonder if it’s real.” “Oh cool, look at the baby turtle”

Mattie Clark, Teacher Naturalist and Big Sky Watershed Corpsmember, shows students how to tell whether a plant’s branches grow opposite to or alternate from each other. Students then use a dichotomous key to identify the plant. Ma Photo.

Before the scheduled day begins, students have a few minutes to look around at the myriad displays of animals in the classroom and formulate their questions. Most often, students want to know where everything came from, and whether they will see the same animals during their afternoon hike. With luck and focus, some classes have glimpsed Students practice focusing their binoculars in the elusive Great Horned Owl the classroom before heading out on a birding hike. Ma Photo. or majestic Bald Eagle. On an average winter day, groups typically observe 10–15 species of resident birds. Rarely do we see jackrabbit, deer, or fox, but we know they are here from their tracks in the snow and mud. The day is jampacked with lessons on local ecology and cultural history. These students are participating in the yearlong Audubon Naturalist in the Schools program—just one way we make science come alive through hands-on explorations at the Audubon Center. Students and teachers alike come away from the day with great memories. As one student said: “I liked the hike because I got to go outside; I just don’t get to do that often.” According to his teacher, Mrs. Garner, “We’ve learned more today than during any other single day at school!”

Get Outside Montana: Bigger Than Ever!

n its second year, Get Outside Montana (GOM) has doubled its partners, thereby increasing the number of outdoor activities and conservation areas offered during this free back-to-nature event. GOM aims to motivate schoolchildren and their families to spend more time participating in outdoor recreation and to make them aware of the wealth of recreational opportunities in Billings, Red Lodge, and surrounding areas. Participating families will function as a “team” and are encouraged to engage in friendly competition as they explore local recreational areas. The GOM program is coordinated by the Audubon Center. For more about GOM, including a list of our partners, supporters, and sponsors, see www.mtacec .org/programs/get-outside-montana.

2011 GOM team collecting macroinvertebrate. Ma Photo.

Spring 2012 www.mtaudubon.org

olunteers and student interns play key roles at Montana Audubon. In this issue of Magpie Muse, we profile (and honor) one of our incredibly hardworking interns and two exemplary Montana Audubon volunteers. Amy Cilimburg, our Director of Bird Conservation and Climate Policy, worked with four University of Montana (UM) Climate Change Studies Program students. These highly motivated students gained useful organizing and media skills while putting on a UM student/Missoula community 350.org event to bring attention to global warming. The star of that team was Yaicha Bookhout. Most impressively, in February Yaicha organized a hugely successful weekend conference for over 250 youth from Montana and surrounding states: Rocky Mountain Power Shift (see http://www.mtaudubon .org/issues/global/events.html).

AC: What skills did your Montana Audubon–sponsored internship provide? YB: I learned about the power that comes from organizing and the impact that educational events can have on students and community members. I got first-hand experience learning about strategies to talk about climate changes, linking various topics to different groups of people. AC: What is your favorite bird? YB: Common Loon!

Carol Ward, Teacher Naturalist and Volunteer Coordinator at Montana Audubon’s Conservation Education Center in Billings, interviewed Boris Krizek, one of several treasured “super volunteers” who make Montana Audubon’s work possible through their enthusiasm and commitment to conservation and education efforts. Carol (CW) talked with Boris (BK) at the fourth annual Earth Day Celebration at the Audubon Amy (AC) visited with Yaicha (YB) this spring: Center where, dressed in chef ’s cap and apron, he was AC: Did you know about Montana serving up a free BBQ lunch. Audubon before this internship? CW: How long have you been volunteering at the YB: I knew about National Center? Audubon from an outing I did BK: This is my third year volunteering on Earth Day as as a kid in Minnesota—but not a member of the Audubon Center’s Advisory Council. about you! We fed over a hundred hungry folks after our morning AC: Why do college students and of planting, weeding, and cleaning the Center’s grounds. 20-somethings care about climate CW: How did you first learn about the Center? change? BK: Through the Yellowstone River Parks Association. I YB: The effects are going to hit us attended my first YRPA hardest when we are leaders and meeting in 2009 after parents. We’re dealing with major stumbling upon the new impacts to things we care about facility that they built by today—less snow, less water in our Norm’s Island, a popular rivers, hotter summers. dog-walking spot. AC: What are you most optimistic Yaicha Bookhout. Ma Photo. CW: What sparked your about? interest? YB: Students becoming more engaged around climate BK: As an environmental issues, allowing them to find their voice in society. engineer with the City AC: Pessimistic? of Billings Public Works YB: The opposition. All the negative arguments and Department, I hoped portrayals of youth and environmental activists are so to see YRPA use the frustrating when the science is so clear. facility for education and outreach. My hopes Boris Krizek. Ma Photo.

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Spring 2012

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aligned with the plans for the facility, and I quickly In addition to our learned of YRPA’s partnership with Montana Audubon. features here, please Soon after, I joined the Center’s new Advisory Council. visit the website (link below) for interviews CW: How have you been involved at the Center? BK: I’ve helped with fundraising events like our annual with our first Carroll concerts at Josephine Crossing and the Yellowstone College interns in Valley Brewing Company. I also helped revive Riverfest, the Helena office, the canoe and bike race in Riverfront Park. On a more Courtney Jones and personal note, my wife, Jane Nelson (who’s also on the Kelly Meros. We are Advisory Council), and I were the first people to get ever so thankful for their lively spirit and married at the Center! Suzanne Thweatt. Ma Photo. hard work!! Larissa Berry (LB), our Office Manager, interviewed Suzanne Thweatt (ST), a dedicated volunteer in our Helena office. LB: What motivated you to get involved with Montana Audubon? ST: I love birds! Montana Audubon is close to home, unlike former places I’ve volunteered that were not accommodating in terms of days, hours, and variety of tasks available. Montana Audubon provides more varied tasks and is flexible. LB: What are some of your favorite projects? ST: I enjoy working on the silent auction for the bird festival. I’m kind of a compulsive organizer. LB: Do you see yourself doing this for awhile? ST: It’s been going really well. I can see this long-term. I’d like to be even more involved. I look forward to doing something more creative, such as research and editing. LB: Of Montana Audubon’s conservation issues, what do you value the most? ST: I’m always very interested in more natural open space, as habitat for our birds and wildlife. LB: What is your favorite bird or animal? ST: Magpie. They’re all around, funny, goofy, and smart. Their interpersonal relationships are so fascinating to watch. I really like nuthatches, too. They are so faithful, busy, and quick. For more on Suzanne, go to our website at mtaudubon .org/about/staff.html. When she came in with her cockatiel, some raised their eyebrows …

THANKS to ALL our Volunteers!

lthough this newsletter features a few of our “star” volunteers, we want to express our deepest appreciation to dozens of others who have helped to support Montana Audubon’s mission and work in so many important ways.

Candi Beaudry, Karen Berry, Robert Berry, Ted Brewer, Jeremy Brooks, Cindy Butler, John Carlson, Jeannette Davis, Tom Davis, Shari Dayton, DD Dowden, Paulette Epple, Al Harmata, Marina Higuera, Katelan Jennings, Mary Johnson, Cedron Jones, Matt Keefer, Jack Kirkley, Boris Krizek, David Laufenberg, Cary Lund, Jennifer Lyman, Bob Mackin, Beth Madden, Bob Martinka, Janice Miller, Stephanie Naftal, Jane Nelson, Dianne Nickmann, John Parker, Ken Reiter, Susan Russell, Norm Schoenthal, Donald Seibert, Harold Silkwood, Jean Smith, Ron Smith, John Spencer, Precious Stearns, Colby Sterns, Howard Strause, Dan Sullivan, Gary Swant, Suzanne Thweatt, Nancy Toole, Bo Walker, Roger Williams, Don Wirth interns: Tess Barker, Missoula; Courtney Jones, Helena office; Kelly Meros, Helena office

Spring 2012 www.mtaudubon.org

Montana Audubon depends on generous gifts from numerous individual donors. The following individuals contributed to a variety of Montana Audubon projects between October 16, 2010 and April 16, 2012: Donors: $1000 & up: Brittan, Gordon and Vanessa Ballard, Bill and Lee Broadbent, Toni and Clark Brown, Jim and Sue Brown, Rockwood Butler, Steve and Cindy Carpenter, Vincent and Janet Crawford, Tim and Kathy Hansen Davis, Jeannette and Tom Dayton, Bob and Shari Drum, Carol Duncan, David Duncan, Tom and Karen Durrett, Steven and Julie Ellis, Jane Ann Ellis, Janet and Jim Hansen Farmer, Ron and Cheryl Fay, Mary Flaherty-Gray, Nora and Randy Gray Goren, Carolyn Haferkamp, Marshall and Gwen Harper, Ed and Susan Scott Harris, Lou Ann and John Hartung, Jim and Lillian Hoffman, Donna and Richard Dum Hoffman, Steve and LisaBeth Daly Jones, Robert and Carolyn Krizek, Boris and Jane Nelson Leppert, Mark and Tami Lindbergh, Land and Janet McMillian Loehnen, Paul and Elizabeth Mackin, Robert and Elizabeth Adcock Maclin, Susie and John Whitmire Marble, Harriet Marks, Barbara Marks, Robert and Adrianne Martinka, Bob and Kathy McHugh, Bernard and Frances Clark Mowat, George and Bernice Nixon, Chris Orser, David and Ossie Abrams Peck, Loretta Roberts, Andrew Salisbury, Russell Seibert, Donald and Leila Farnum Sells, Jean and Jim Setter, Jean Sheckleton, Martha Smith, Jean and Ronald Speers, Jennifer Stevens, Hope and Bob Sullivan, Dan and Delight Sutherland, Jean Thweatt, Suzanne and Dick Wambach, Carla Weisbecker, Fred and Carolyn Wilson, Kendrick Wolcott, Robin and Richard

Donors: $500 - $999: Blank, Diana Barnes, Margaret Britton, Michael and Kathy Carlson, Terry Decou, Bill and Nancy Desonia, Bruce Detrick, Dale and Nancy Dowden, DD Eder, Jo Ann Epstein, Susan and Spencer Shropshire Frazer, Eliza and Barry Hood Frazza, Christian Geary, Michael Gniadek, Steve and Susan Sindt Gordon, Richard and Cheryl Watkins Halaby, George and Mary Harrison, Lee Heath, Chuck and Carol Hicks, Kathryn Hoffman-Morris, Janet Kaeding, Beth and Lynn Keaveny, Theresa Kochis, Sandra Kuhl, Richard and Marylane Pannell McGuane, Tom and Laurie Miller, John and Debbie Nelson, Alan and Jeanne Hansen Oates, James O'Neil, Don and Kay Owen-Still, Sally and Thomas Still Parker, John and Tamie Peters, Ann Marie Peters, Justin Poulsen, Dorothy and Randy Rose, Bernard Ross, Sig and Bev Sarkisian, Judy Scott, James and Christine Sheckleton, George and Olivia Silkwood, Harold and Beverly Speers, Randolph Stocks, Mitchell Strause, Howard and Shawna Lane Taylor, James and Anne Tuss, Elsie Vanderhorst, Ruth Ward, Carol and Charles Weber, Gordon Youmans, Clifton and Heidi Donors: $250 - $499: Berner, David and Caroline Ballou, Jody Beaudry, Candis Bennett, Adele Birnbaum, Dana Bishop, Lila Blye, Robert and Carol Buchanan, Gary and Norma Bungarz, Judith and Robert Cain, Kay and James Caldwell, Robert and Dana Hillyer Carlson, Chuck and Jean Carlson, Helen Carpenter, Bill and Sylvia Caruso-Hirst, Donna Coates, Ladd

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Spring 2012

Corcoran, Linda and Joe Court, Jim and Virginia Cronholm, John and Carla Cronin, Margaret Dayton, Katherine Dirnberger, Jerry Duff, Susie and Douglas Duncan, David and Mary Susan Finegan, Bonnie Freistadt, Norane & Robert Garrelfs, Iris Gorseth, Lois Graham, Jennifer Hawk-Johnson, Anjanett Hegyes, Mark Heymann, Rusty and Nancy Hickman, Paul & Sally Jackson, Susan Jaffray, Patricia Jennings, Chuck and Gerry King, Lyle and Shelly Knell, Charlie and Marcia Knight, Ellen and Bob Lund, Cary and Susan Witte Lyman, Jennifer and Tom Magness, Tim Martinka, Matt Mays, Todd and Heather McGuire McClelland, Riley and Pat McKelvey, Robert McKittrick, Allan McNutt, Robert and Moira Miller, Bill and Joyce Moore, Robert and Betty Muller, Christopher Murdock, Don and Marilyn Nicholson, Mark and Laura Olewine, Benjamin Quinlan, Thomas and Elizabeth Reiter, Ken Ristow, Susan Robinson, Laura and Kayhan Ostovar Sample, Michael Skari, Darlene and Arlo Smith, Farwell and Linda McMullen Susie, Charles and Michele Swant, Gary and Laura Lee Sweet, Thaddeus and Marguerite Sylling, Rose Tangel, Richard and Diane Townsend, Karen and Burke Tureck, Judy and Hugo Tyrell, Nancy and David Vallant, Darcie and Shawn Howard Wilke, Kathleen Williams, Rebecca and Larry Donors: $100 - $249: Alexander, Stephanie Adams, Diane and John Akland, Rosanna Aley, Matt and Heather Allard, Deb and Mike Small Allen, Donald and Judy Ambruster, John and Joyce Anderson, Lawrence Anderson, Sandra Aragon, Charles and Kathy Baird, Margaret and Bill

Baker, Tim and Beth Banks, Anne Barfoot, Craig and Patricia Baughan, Kalon Bayley, Robert and Shirley Benedict, Lyn and Bruce Berry, Robert and Karen Bilden, Bart Birck, Kim Erway and William Birck Bishop, Don and Joan Bradshaw, Stan and Glenda Braxton, Elizabeth and Robert Brett, Lynne Brewer, Cynthia Brinton, Judi Bruno, Lou and Bill Cardin Bryant, Don Butler, Byron and Margaret Butzel, Henry Campanella, Darcee Carlson, John and Laura GittingsCarlson Caughey, Winslow Cetrone, Rita and Donald Chart, Therese Chenoweth, Joe Cilimburg, Robert and Kathryn Clagg, William Clendenin, Susan Clough, Mary Coddington, Lane and Darci Thorsrud Colmore, Susan and Jo Colvin, Susan Cone, Clancy Cunningham, Penelope and William Curriden, Nancy Currier, Coburn and Emily Cushman , Bob and Susan Daly, John and Nita Darrow, George Davis, Ervin Davis, Kate Day, Karen De Clue, Anita and Gregg Messel DeGrandpre, Michael and Kate Lindner DeKort, Linda and Frank Deveny, Tom and Kathy Knudsen Dewart-Hansen, Sharon and Doug Hansen Dietrich, Anne and John Dietrich, Janet and Daniel Erikson Dimond, Roy Dinwoodie, Marie Dussault, Ann Mary Easterling, Allison Eshbaugh, Hardy and Barbara Ewer, David Farling, Bruce Field, Chris Field, Dana FitzGerald, Bill and Vicki Flammang, Julie Fogelsong, Mark and Ethel Frisbie, Mary and Andrew Willett Fulton, Kay Gaffney, Laurie Garcia, Michael

Gillespie, John and Bernice Gillette, Richard and Susan Hinkins Goldes, Jeff and Elizabeth Good, Bill Good, James and Margaret Greenfield, John and Mary Jo Gregovich, Barbara Grove, John and Darlene Guggenheim, Mary Anne and Jan Donaldson Gutsche, Gail Haddenhorst, George Hamann, Betsy Hansen, Kathleen Hansen, Ken and Kymberly Harbert, Hugh Harding, Rita Hebert, Dorothy Hepp, Craig and Tori Heron, Willis Herrington, Michele Hiestand, Kathryn and Neal Miller Hildebrand, Kathryn and James Boelter Hill, Beth and Russell Hoag, David Hockett, Glenn and Laurie Hoffman, Donald and Caroline Holton, George and Virginia Houser, Marjorie Howe, Katherine Hutchins, Judith James, Doug and Kathy Jenkins, Walter Jensen, Bill and Carole Jensen, Jim Johnston, Elizabeth Johnston, Robert Johnstone, Silke Jones, Carole and Everett Jones, Deborah Jorgensen, Dorothy and Henry Kaufmann, Christine and Pat Kemp Kelly, Lynn Kirkley, Jack and Brenda Kitchens, Rachel and Jeffrey Knaphus, Kathleen and Kristopher Knick, Hannah Kohler, Nathan and Patti Jo Lacey Kollmeyer, Jane and Terry Chute Krizek, Steven Kurtz, Caroline and Willis Lamb, Nick Lance, Donna and William Land, Susan Landis, Connie and Bob Lang, Diane Latham, Surry Lechner, Charles and Ruth Lehman, Tim Lesnik, Mike Leuschen, Lucille Levin, Randi Little, Patrick and Anne Lund, Curtis Lundgren, Diane and William Lunn, Betty and Bart Ekren Maas, Brenda and Brett Mackin, Blake Maheras, Mary and Joseph

Marks, Jeff Marts, Karen and Steven Maxell, Bryce and Sarah Mazurski, Madeline and Peter Landres McLane, Adam and Nancy McLaughlin, Poody and Joseph Regan Meccage, Cindy Melton, Margie Micheletti, Greg and Lois Millenbach, Mathew and Linda Miller, Janice and Martin Mitchell, Brent and Kay Mohr, Sue and Howard Reid Moll, Graydon and Robin Moore, Richard Moore, Robin and Bob Morgan, William Morrison, Ken and Sherry Mueller, Deborah and David Mular, Gerta Munoz, Madeleine and Miguel Munsell, Janice and Randy Spear Murray, Donald and Char Murray, Peter and Mary Swanson Neff, Samuel and Ruth Neff, Susan Nicholson, Alan and Nancy Noddings, Joan and Cavin Nordhagen, Ted Nunn, Frances O'Connor, Roy Ohnstad, Milton and Jane Oitzinger, Sandy and John Olson, Jeanne Oncken, Penney Orth Geoghegan, Beverly and Theodore Geoghegan Owings, Cynthia and Graham McIlwaine Pasini, Pat Patten, Duncan and Eva Patterson, Don and Mary Paulus-Warner, Dominique and Jeff Warner Penfold, Mike and Dona Petaja, George Pickett, Beverly Prach, Ed Probasco, Elaine Rana, Paul Raymond, Gregory and Lynne Rea, Bayard Reed, Scott and Mary Lou Regele, Deborah and Stephen Richard, Jim and Barbara Richardson, Larry and Margaret Ristow, Bruce Ritter, Sherry Robinson, Betsy and Steve Gehman Rolfson, Robert Roos, Carolyn and Paul Roser, Patricia and Andrew Langford Royter, Ruth and Russell Saberhagen, Camilla Safford, Jeffrey and June Schaub, Joyce Schlenker, Robert and Kimberly Schramm, LeRoy and Diana Sentz, Linda and Gene Shirley, Rebecca

Shores, Karen Slayton, Ron and Becky Slicer, Deborah Smith, Franklin and Irmeli Smith, Paula and Bob Smith, Roger and Elisabeth Speckart, Stephen and Patricia Forsberg Sperry, Janet Spettigue, Betsy Stauffenberg, Ron Stephens, Ralph and Betsy Stevens, Rick and Starr Stevens, Velinda and Mark Stickney, Suzann and Peter Stoll, Linda Strazdas, Pete Sturgis, Nathaniel and Margo Sundberg, Vernon and Debra Szenter, Linn and Val Taft, Alex Tannehill, Bruce and Gail Cleveland Taylor, Elaine and David Scrimm Tennefoss, Lynn and Johnnie Moore Thomas, Mary Tingle, James Toldness, Marie Ann and Loren Torrence, David and Ruth Toubman, Sara and Cedron Jones Townsend, Gene Tureck, Marlene Uecker, Bobbi and Rock Ringling Undem, Obert and Virginia VanOppen, Rose Marie Vignere, Joel and Barbara Wade, Anne-Marie and John Stoddart Watson, Vicki Weber, Carol Weber, Edward and Gail Weeks, Larry Weisenbach, Jacquinot and Bob Wiancko, Judith Wickliffe, Steve Wiens, Gary Williams, Burton Williams, Judy and Jerry Wilson, Douglas Winestine, Zachary and Joanne Pawlowski Woods, Ronald and Judith Zackheim, Hugh and Karen Zetler, Alan Zuuring, Hans Donors: Less than $100: Abbey, Frances and Gary Alexander, Robert Allen, Jocelyn and Ed Allison, Janet Ames, Vince and Mary Anderson, Kathleen Anderson, Terry Artale, Geraldine Ash, June Atkins, Marlyn Auerbach, Richard and Sharon Ausmus, William and Ruth Axenfield, Virginia Babington, Carol Baldwin, Scherry and Edmond Ball, Jeffrey and Katherine Ballou, Bucky

Bangert, Judy Banks, Nan Barnard, Grant Basta, Iris Baumler, Jill Bayer, Barbara Bebich, Jolene and Dave Becker, Dale and Marilyn Becker, Mike and Stephanie Becker, Steve Beckes, Joyce and Sam Sperry Beers, John Belt, Barbara Bennett, Dan and Judy HinderksBennett Bergquist, Ed Bernal, Jason Berry, Arnold and Jeraldine Berry, Jeff and Gabriella Sanna Berry, Larissa Berry, Travis Berry, Troy Bethel, Howard Bibler, Carol and J.B. Watson Bishop, Marcella Bjornlie, Harvey and Sheila Blake, Mary Blee, Catherine Block, Billie and Carl Blohm, Sally Blood, Lex Bodurtha, Timothy and Susan Bollinger, Shirley Bonham, Doug Boone, Jean Borton, Linda Bowers, David and Kirsten Boyd, Arleen and Frank Willett Boyett, Sara Bradley, Randolph and Rhonda Bradshaw, Mary Brandborg, Stewart and Anna Brandt, Barney and Judy Breakenridge, Jodi Brinton, Kathryn Brooks, Kevin and Stacey Brososky, Charles and Jeanne Brosseau, William Brown, Bob and Sue Brown, Kizzie Browne, Jeri Ann Bruzek, Bill and Judy Bryan, Kirk and Harriet Bucher, Wayne and Rena Bueling, Adam Butcher, Margaret and Gerald Byrd, Caroline Cahill, Susan Cantrell, Jeannie and Mike Carey, Steven and Ellen Carlson, Edith Carlson, Martin and Jayme Carney, Eileen Casey, Dan and Susannah Cayemberg, Merlin and Linda Chamberlin, S. Wayne Childers, Robin and Amy Gentry Christensen, Bryce and Christine McCarthy-Christensen Cicon, Gail and Rudy Clancey, Pat and Beverly Clark, C.L. and Pat

Clark, Dennis and Marilyn KellyClark Clark, Eva Clark, Mary Cloud Ammons, Mary Coffin, Christine and Rick Fuhrmann Cohea, Teresa Cohen, Connie and Isaac Colligan, Daphne Coltom, Barbara and Ron Cooper, Wilena Copenhaver, Larry Copenhaver, Sharon and Terry Coulston, Linda and Lane Cox, Vicki and James Craig, James and Ila Crane, Gayle Crane, Jody and Bill Cronenwett, David Crosby, Nancy and Gloria Garrett Crump, Juliette and William Bevis Cummins, Milla Curtis, John and Jean Curtis, R. Eugene Dague, Karin Dale, Kimberly and Matthew Darling, Andrea Day, James and Jean Deeble, Benjamin Delaney, Kelli and Tim Delsordo, Geoff Deluca, Emily Delvin, Andrea and Robert Detmers, Bob and Linda Devey, Jennifer DeVoe, Merle and Jenny Dibenedetto, Jeff and Barb Pitman Divoky, Dennis and Terry Dobney, Anne Dolack , Monte Donaldson, William Doney, Charlotte Dorr, Kay Dorrington, Jeff and Phyllis Downey, Janet and David Drobish, Lois Dubois, Kristi and Bert Lindler Dunn, Craig and Cynthia Ebeling, Christine and Lee Eichhorn, J.W. Elliott, Alice Ellis, Darlene Elmore, Louis Elsaesser, Matthew Ennis, Felicia Epple, Andy and Paulette Erickson, Cathie Erickson, Laura Erwin, Mike and Jeannette Evans, Clancy Evans, Roger and Jerry Evenson, Brian Fager, Mike Fahrenbruck, Catherine and David Fallon, Jane Fanning, Mike and Jill Farley, Joseph Feathers, Jesse Feaver, Eric and Ellen Fevold, Jeane Filardi, Catherine and Christopher Fink, Thomas and Naomi

Fischer, Doris Fitzpatrick, Mary Flath, Dennis Forbis, Adelle and Marnie Foster, Pat and Becky Fowlkes, Charles and Marjorie Fradette, James and Diann French, Brett Gabriel, Bill Gabster, Jeff Gale, Janet Gandulla, Julie Gard, Linda Gardner, Elizabeth Geary, Robert Geer, Janice Geis, Anthony and Mary Genter, David Gerhart, Zoe Ann Gilbertz, Susan Gillam, Con and Daphne Glick, Dennis Gomez, Daniel and Rosa Good, Mark Goodrich, Laurie Conway-Gordon, Giles Gray, John Green, Dorie Greene, Erick and Anne Gregovich, Gayle and Robert Gresham, Diane and Ed Grimes, Barbara and Michael Grose, Amy Grzebielski, Gary and Lois Menzies Gum, Mary and John Parker Gundersen, Liz Gustafson, Charles Haberkern, Richard Hackley, Pam and Bob Lippman Hafner, Lee and Diana Hall, Bradley Hall, Kevin Halverson, Dorcas Hames, Lewis and Pauline Hammer, Elizabeth and Todd Hammerquist, Randall Hannum, Martin and Ruth Hansen, Barbara Harger-Allen, Peggy Harrington, Thomas and Kathleen Harris, Beverly Harrod, Annemarie Hart, John and Melissa Hasenkrug, Marie Hash, Bonnie Haslem, Pax Canfield, Deborah and Richard Hecht, John and Mary Hefenieder, Ann Heffernan, Kathy and John Helvey, Patricia Hendricks, Lisa and Paul Hess, Kurt Hewitt, Arch and Gail Hickman, John Higgins, Susan and Scott Gill

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Hilden, Alan and Diana Hildner, Richard and Suzanne Hill, Geoffrey Hinz, Tom and Candace Hoell, Melanie Hoffart, E. Corrine Hoffer, Michael Holbrook, John Holden, Shirley Holste, David and Margaret Holt, Phyllis and Robert Houser, Alvin and Bernice Hubber, William and Janet Huffsmith, Kristina and Randy Hughes, John and Kathy Hunt, William Hunter, Carol and Chris Husby, Peter and Linnea Wang Huso, Pam Hutchison, Alice Ingram, Dorothy Iwen, Wayne Izurieta, Sharlyn and Clemente Jaeger, Christina and Matthew Jaeger, Sarah Jamieson, Patricia Jamruszka, Cathy Janson, Reuel and Julia Jarrett, Margie Jobe, Cindie Jobst, Joel Johnson, Dorothy Johnson, Edwin and Connie Johnson, Rod and Valerie Johnson, Steve and Mary Johnson, Susan Jenny Joki, Kenneth and Peggy Jones, Chase Jones, Donald Jones, Ilo Jones, John and Anna Jones, Mitchell and Mary Judge, Pat Judy, Beth Jurovich, Daniel Kammerer, E. Keightley, Louise and Willard Kelly, George and Jo Newhall Kennedy, Mihail Kiely, Judith Kienas, Janice Kingsland, Margaret Kinter, Ed Klarich, David and Elizabeth Klein, Jerome Klenn, Bill Knodel, Beth and Sam Kocher, Carol and James Kohn, Jon Kolstad, Iva Kortuem, Bob and Sharon Kosnar, Stephen and Margaret Kostolecki, Kevin Kotur, Kim Kowalski, John and Renee Krawiec, Richard

Krebs, Lisa Kresich, Joan and Robert Newhall Kriskovich, Barbara and Thomas Daniel Krook, Marvin Kuehn, William and Carole Kuropat, Elizabeth and Edward Lamar, Steve and Sharon Lambert, Lorna Lambertz, Gloria Langlinais, JC and Dawn Larmoyeux, Pat Larsen, Bruce Larsen, Vince and Louise Larson, Kris and Tom Golnar Leach, Rosemary Leavitt, Marion and Burton Lewin, Stuart Lindemann, Zona Lindroth, M.L. Lohrer, Roger and Laurie Lopp, Bob and Jane Ludemann, Ruth Lundberg, Renee and Ernest Luse, Linda MacDonald, Margaret and John Smilie MacMillan, Peter Madden, Elizabeth Maddox, Marilyn Makman, Richard and Hermine Manning, Mary and John Caratti Manyx, Sharon Marble, Catherine Marble, Justin Martin, Ronald and Joy Bair Martin Mathews, Jerry and Kellie Goyins Mathson, Debra Matson, Gary and Judy Mattick, Rosemary McCarty, Charles and Anne Lent McGloin, Jerry McKinnon, Rosemary and John McNally, Mary and Monte Smith Merrick, Beth Mesch, Kenneth and Lora Milat, Tina Miller, Alice Miller, Robert Miller, Sharon and Doug Miller, Victor and Jo Anne Milne, David and Jinnie Milne, Lorne and Jon Motl Minor-Smith, Mary Miron, Lauri and Mark Mitchell, John and Marilyn RyleyMitchell Moffatt, Glen Moore, Bill and Pam Moore, Gerald and Joy Mallard Moore, John Moore, William and Peggy Jo Moran, Marlene and Bobby Crowe Morck, Neil and Evelyn Moreledge, Patricia Morgan, Scott Morrison, Robert Munshower, Frank and Eileen Mushel, Mary Ann Nelson, Lorna Newell, Sue and Bruce Newmann, Randall

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Spring 2012

Nichols, Karen and Ben Long Nickmann, Dianne Nimick, Susan Nobles, Victoria Nordhagen, Mary Norlander, Peter and Nancy Norma, Layton North, Dawn and John Novak, Michael and Margaret Novy, Janet and Paul Cartwright O`Mara, Maureen O'Connell, Barb O'Keefe, Mark and Lucy Dayton Olson, Maggie Ormiston, John and Barbara Orvis, Claude Paris, Sharon Parker, Louise Parr, Laura Pascal, Doris Paulsen, Jim and Jan Peete, Dorothy Peters, Rebecca & Bill Petersen, Dorothy Peterson, Donald and Wendy Pflug, Oliver Phillips, Jane Piling, Helen Pitman, Barbara Poletto, Leslie Popp, Gregory and Shelly Powell, Hugh Preso, Tim and Karen Preston, Jay Prosperi, Ross Quist, Charlotte Ragsdale, Doris Rasmussen, Robert Ream, Robert and Ann Brodsky Reed, Laird and Agatha Reineking Family Rice, Eldon and Velma Richardson, Gail and John Richie, Deborah Riggs, Beth and Vic Ripley, Ann Ristow, Heather Ritter, Russell and Linaire Robbins, Dean Roberts, Sheila and Thomas Satterly Robertson, Judy and Daryl Ridenour Robinson, Elizabeth Robison, Roger and Olive Robitaille, Jan Rodden, Barbara and Edward Rogers, Jim and Sherry Jones Rollins, Maryclare Ross, Barbara Ross, Scott Rossbach, William Russell, Ruth and Stephen Ryshavy, M. Joan Safford, Karen Samuels, Scott Sanborn, Robert Sanddal, Charlotte Sauer, Mimi and Len Saunders, Peter Scheuering, John Schmidt, Edward Schneider, Vern and Joan

Schoenthal, Norm Scott, Janet Seidlitz, Patricia and Jack Seninger, Steve and Daphne Herling Shannon, Joan Shea, David and Genevieve Shepard, Robert and Billie Shesne, Ann and Kenneth Shikany, Sandy and Keith Shovers, Brian and Jo Lace Siedschlaw, Darlene Sills, Kaleo and Rebecca Silvers, Ann and Ralph Sinopoli, Theresa and Vito Skumanich, Marina Smith, Duane Smith, Judy Smith, Linda Smith, Minie Smith, Theodora Snider, Linda and Bob Snow, Crystal Snyder, Elaine Sophy, Hagey Sorensen, Robert and Lynnis Wetsch Southey, Mary Spencer, John and Mary Alice Speyer, Tim Spitzer, Jimmy and Billie Spritzer, Kathleen and Don Stacey, Bradley and Diana ReetzStacey Stanley, Susan Steinmuller, David and Patty Steppe, Louise Stevens, Kit Stinson, Juanita Strand, Tim and Sukey Straub, Delbert and Carolyn Struck, Laurel and Matthew Stutzman, Jim and Karen Sullivan, Ellen and Kirk Swanson, Nancy Swenson, Ruth Sykes, Jo Synder, Jane Synness, Melisa Taylor, Barbara Taylor, Doris Teller, Sandra and Peter Thayer, Russell and Martha Therriault, Ginny Thibodeau, Michelle Thieltges, Martha Thompson, Dale Thompson, Malcolm Thompson, Steve Thompson, Vern and Roxana

Tilly, Fred and Cathy Tonnessen, Kathy Toole, Nancy and Ken Toppins, Carole and Terry Tossberg, F. B. and Mildred Trute, Joy Tubbs, John and Stephenie Tuck, Lori and Dave Briar Tully, Thomas and Barbara Archer Turner, Gregg Vanek, Diana Vant Hull, Mary Varricchio, David and Jing Li Vaught, Lynn Vermillion, Margaret and Clinton Vogel-Wright, Hedwig Walker, William and Shayla Waller, Marjorie Walter, Chester and Mary Wamsley, Jere Warren, Rebecca and Bill Rule Watson, Patty Weaver, Robert Webbink, Kate Weber, Sas and Stuart Weeks, Thomas and Linda Weninger, Edmund Wentz, Anne Colston and Dennis Wentz Werner, J. Kirwin and Carol Weston Pierce, Linda Weston, Janet and Bret Whearty, Niki and Jim Reynolds Wheeler, Gregg and Wendy Wheeler, Richard and Dorothy Wick, Edward and Mary Ann Wiggins, James and Nancy Wightman, Catherine and Gregg Doney Wilham, Mary Wilkinson, Freda Williams, , Linda Williams, Roger and Patricia Marshall Williams Wilson, Jacqueline Wilson, John & Jan Jamruska Wilson, Sheena Wiltshire, Daryl Winnie, Linda and John Wright, Beth Wright, Jon Wuerthner, George Young, Clint and Elin Yung, Laurie Zaideman, Julie Zazzarino, Ellen Ziegler, William and Glenn

Many thanks to those who give to Montana Audubon through Montana Shares payroll deductions!

pl sig th w

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he Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced first-ever standards for limiting carbon pollution from new power plants. This won’t solve the climate crisis, but it is a very significant step in reducing harmful industrial pollution that causes dangerous climate change. All of us—birds, wildlife, and humans—will benefit! We need an avalanche of support for the new carbon rule. EPA will accept comments throughout the spring. Please fill out and mail the “Cut Carbon Pollution Now!” postcard. You can find it in Audubon magazine, get one from your local Chapter, or send an electronic version from Montana Audubon’s website (via link on

homepage). Amy Cilimburg (amy@mtaudubon.org) can always provide more for your friends and family. EPA and our elected leaders will take notice once they receive the largest number of comments in support of a rule ever! From rooftop solar, to local foods, to hybrid cars, to these pollution standards—let’s reduce our collective footprints and help change the climate trajectory.

Birds of Montana Book Project

As always, we are grateful to everyone who he countdown is on! We now have 320 completed species accounts for the has donated funds and to those who have provided comprehensive book, Birds of Montana. This information used in the species accounts. critical resource summarizes information on the status, distribution, biology, conservation, and historical aspects of the known bird species in the state. We expect to complete Birds of Montana by the end of 2013. For sample entries, check out We Are Thankful for Your Service! the five hummingbird species accounts posted on ince it is harder to do, we start with goodbyes. Montana Audubon’s website: www.mtaudubon.org/ We want to acknowledge the superb birds/book.html. representation from Board Members whose To support this project, fifty limited-edition Boreal terms have recently ended: Alex Taft and Paul Owl prints, painted by wildlife artist Albert Gilbert, Loehnen of Five Valleys Audubon Society (FVAS) are available for sale through the Montana Audubon and Deb Regele of Yellowstone Valley Audubon office. Each signed and numbered print is produced Society (YVAS). We will miss your dedicated on museum quality service to the Montana Audubon cause. We always acid-free paper. They keep an open invitation for you to remain involved sell for $300 each in our shared mission. with a small number And hello, new Board Members! We welcome of remarqued prints Pat Little of FVAS, Bill DeMeyer of YVAS, Wayne available for $500. All “Wano” Urbonas of Sacajawea Audubon Society, proceeds go to the and Becky Peters of Bitterroot Audubon Society. book project. Call We very much look forward to working with you. (406) 443-3949 or With sincere thanks to all! email mtaudubon@ —2012 Montana Audubon Board and Staff mtaudubon.org to purchase yours today. Painting by Albert Gilbert.

Spring 2012 www.mtaudubon.org

ou will not find anyone more passionate about the conservation of wildlife and wildlife habitat than Fred Weisbecker! Since he and his wife Carolyn moved from North Carolina to Hamilton, Montana twelve years ago, Fred has been very active with the local Bitterroot Audubon chapter (serving as both President and Vice-President). He joined Montana Audubon’s Board in 2008, and he currently serves enthusiastically as Vice-President. Fred grew up in suburban northern New Jersey, where his interest in nature and conservation blossomed at an early age. Fred enjoyed a distinguished 30-year career as a game warden for the North Carolina Resources Commission. In Hamilton Fred operates a thriving business, the Bitterroot Rafting & Kayaking Company. Fred spends his free time horseback riding in the mountains, floating the Bitterroot River, hunting deer,

birding, and volunteering for Audubon. He is particularly excited about the Bitterroot chapter’s successful new landowner outreach program designed to rehabilitate cottonwood bottomlands within the Bitterroot River Important Bird Area. Fred is especially fond of Montana’s wild Weisbecker braves the Rocky Mountain Front, Fred snow and cold to participate in and his favorite bird is the the recently established Big Hole American Dipper. Montana Valley Christmas Bird Count. Photo courtesy Fred Weisbecker . Audubon is fortunate to benefit from Fred’s expertise, exceptional volunteerism, and enduring commitment to the Audubon cause!

Wildlife Grants Awarded

ew tributes are as lasting as a gift that helps preserve Montana’s birds and their habitats. We owe a special thanks to those of you who have recently made a gift in memory of: Debra Doerflinger, George Engler, Karen Evenson, Thomas Hurtle, Barb Jaquith, Lois Jenkins, Curt Lund, Roberta Mackin, Don Marble, Mary Munsell, Andy Muri, Earl Osse, Frances Robbins, Elaine Sherry, Naomi Smith, Jim Stoltz, Andrea Workman, Phil Wittman

lack Swifts, Osprey, and the latest edition of Montana Bird Distribution benefit from this year’s grants through the Audubon Wildlife Fund, an endowment managed by Montana Audubon. This year’s grants support: Montana Bird Distribution (MBD): for printing the 7th edition of this reference book, which contains distribution maps for all 427 Montana bird species (see related article on back cover). Black Swift Monitoring Project: for using citizen scientists to locate the nests of this little-known Species of Concern, which nests behind waterfalls in western Montana. This species is thought to be particularly vulnerable to climate change. Osprey as a Water Quality Indicator Species:

for establishing reproductive success and metal contamination levels in birds nesting along the Yellowstone River, using citizen scientists from Yellowstone Valley Audubon and Rocky Mountain College.

www.mtaudubon.org

Spring 2012

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ach year Montana Audubon recognizes select individuals and organizations for their outstanding volunteer service, exceptional conservation work, and inspiring education programs for birds, other wildlife, and their habitats. We are now accepting nominations for our 2012 Educator of the Year, Conservationist of the Year, Special Achievement, and Lifetime Achievement Awards. Please consider nominating a deserving individual! Descriptions for each award, a list of past award recipients, and 2012 nomination forms are available at http://mtaudubon . o r g / a b o u t / a w a rd s . h t m l . Nominations are due May 23, 2012. Winners will be announced at our Bird Festival in Kalispell. Need more information? Contact Janet Last year Carla Wambach Ellis at jellis@mt.audubon.org received Montana Audubon’s Educator of the Year Award. or (406) 443-3949.

Montana Audubon’s Annual Bird Festival June 8–10, 2012, Kalispell, Montana

his year’s Annual Bird Festival promises to be better than ever. Co-sponsored by Flathead Audubon, Wings Across the Big Sky offers a full range of activities, including our popular array of field trips. The bird life is first-rate in the beautiful Flathead Valley and the mountains of northwestern Montana. Every year we bring Montana birders and conservationists to a different region of the state to visit birds in their natural habitats. This year’s festival theme is Birding and Conservation: The Crown of the Continent. It’s not too late to register. Visit mtaudubon .org to register online. Or call Larissa at (406) 4433949 to request a registration brochure.

See you in Kalispell!

MA Photo.

Auction Items Needed

eather Ristow (far right), Education Director in Billings, received the Educator of the Year award from the Montana Environmental Education Association (MEEA) at their annual conference in March.

Wings Across the Big Sky

ilent Auction items are needed for Montana Audubon’s Bird Festival, to be held June 8–10 in Kalispell. In the past, people have donated artwork, pottery, bird feeders, birdhouses, homemade cookies, preserves, etc. This year’s auction will benefit our public policy program. Donations can be delivered to a Montana Audubon office, or brought with you to the Bird Festival. Thanks for your generous contributions!

Spring 2012 www.mtaudubon.org

Nonprofit Organization US Postage PAID Great Falls, MT Permit No. 151

Montana Audubon P.O. Box 595 Helena, MT 59624

The new edition of Montana Bird Distribution features artwork by Bozeman artist Andrew Guttenberg.

Printed on FSC Certified stock with 100% soy-based ink.