audubon conservation education center
The Audubon Conservation EduCation Center (ACEC) Story
For several years, under the guidance of dedicated teachers and community volunteers, students from local schools have been diligently transforming a landscape, from gravel pit to wildlife habitat. They have been restoring a tapped out piece of ground as an example to us all. They’ve been planting seeds and seedlings that are taking root in the land and in their minds. Through this process they are changing not only the place but themselves as well. And what is emerging along the Yellowstone River in Billings is a permanent place in the community for birds and wildlife and for people to learn and study and grow. What has emerged is the dream of a program for conservation and education serving the south-central Yellowstone region of Montana for generations to come. View an ACEC Fact Sheet >>
The Audubon Conservation Education Center lies in the heart of the 72,000 square mile Yellowstone River Basin and within minutes of the urban center of Billings. A partnership between the Yellowstone River Parks Association (YRPA), Yellowstone Valley Audubon Society (YVAS) and Montana Audubon has made the Audubon Conservation Education Center possible. YRPA has led efforts to restore the site and they have granted Montana Audubon a 99-year lease on the property for educational programs. The partners are cooperating to build a facility and endow programs. Local teachers continue to provide critical assistance with planning, implementation of school programs, and overall project development.
Initially launched in 1998, an all-volunteer effort has planted more than 45,000 trees and shrubs for habitat restoration, engaged dozens of schools and local businesses, and built community support for a year-round center. Today, Montana Audubon and its partners are prepared to build on this foundation and establish the ACEC as a regional hub for placed-based education, conservation/environmental research and monitoring, citizen science, and Yellowstone River Basin natural history. Local governance from an ACEC Board of Directors, strong community partnerships, and exceptional education programming are the pillars supporting the growth and development of this project.
Target Audience
The ACEC is within the heart of the city of Billings, the largest metropolis in Montana, and will serve much of this population. There are 72 schools and over 28,000 students in Billings. The ACEC programs emphasize grades 3-5 and 7-12. The ACEC will also provide many professional development workshops for teachers and a variety of programs for families and adults.
Site Description
The ACEC site is a 27-acre former gravel mine bordered by 6 acres of private land and 115 acres of city-managed park land. Beautifully situated along the Yellowstone River, the ACEC includes three ponds for scientific research and exploration, and connectivity to the growing greenbelt trail system, an island on the river, and City parks. The site anchors the growing Yellowstone Greenway public trail system. This is an ideal location within Montana’s largest urban center providing easy access and a diversity of habitats and wildlife. See directions to site below
Directions
The ACEC is located 1/4 mile south of I-90 and the South Billings Boulevard interchange. From I-90 head south on S. Billings Boulevard, travel ¼ mile to dirt road on west side of road - look for brown “Conservation Education Center” sign (you missed the turn if you cross the Yellowstone River). Turn right west (right) on to dirt road, travel to trailhead for Norm Schoenthal Island, turn right on access road to ACEC.
At this time, there is no drinking water, trash pickup or shelter available. There is one porta-potty on site.
Transportation
We provide a limited number of transportation scholarships.