Center Activities and Updates- February 2017

On Tuesday, January 24th, nearly 30 educators came together at the Montana Audubon Center to learn from Northern Cheyenne Ethnobotanist Linwood TallBull and to explore the relationships between Western science and Native ways of knowing. Participants were about an equal mix of Billings high school and middle school science departments, School District 2 Indian Education staff, and staff from the Center. Even the Fledglings preschool students, whose classroom is on site at the Center, were able to come in and learn about the plants and materials brought by TallBull.

The group spent a few hours at the end of the day brainstorming about programs, lessons, and educator training that would expand the integration of Indian Education content in both schools and non-formal programming.

Carolyn Sevier, Center Director and one of the organizers of the event, was glad to see so many people in attendance. “The place-based education we do at the Center is so much richer when we include human culture as a part of place. I would love to see us become a conduit for the sharing of these kind of stories and knowledge about the natural world.”

Knowledge-keepers from the Crow tribe were also on the schedule but had to cancel due to weather conditions. A follow-up session, possibly involving a field trip to TallBull’s residence or to Lodge Grass, is in the works.

Reminders

Check the Center calendar for upcoming events, including the Great Backyard Bird Count, Yellowstone River Walks, and Kids Campfire Fridays.

Center Membership Drive! We’re hoping to grow by 100 new members in February. Members enjoy program discounts, exclusive member events, and more.

Preschool registration begins March 1st, and summer camp registration will be open shortly after.

Restoration Update

Looking for a break from the winter doldrums? Our recent warm weather is lovely but how about a toasty 85 degrees? Divest your layers and join us in the Grassland Greenhouse as we take refuge and commune with jovial seedlings! The greenhouse is an essential component of our overall restoration effort for the Montana Audubon Center site. Contact Trinity Pierce for more information: [email protected]