The Clark Fork Chapter serves the greater Missoula Area and west-central Montana.
For more information check the Chapter Facebook Page, which has field trip details and maps and photos, more on the UM Native Plant Garden, and so on; it’s really the best up-to-the-minute info we have; or contact our president via email: Teagan Hayes
- Interested in Native Plant Landscaping in our area? Click here
- We have reprinted and are now selling Sheila Morrison’s 2003 book, The Magic of Montana Native Plants: A Gardener’s Guide to Growing over 150 Species from Seed. For all the information and to buy the book, click here.
- Here is a link to a page featuring the Lackshewitz – Preece Montana Native Botanic Garden on the University of Montana Campus
Programs include evening presentations, field trips, and other events.
MANY EVENTS ARE SUBJECT TO CANCELLATION.
CHECK LOCALLY BEFORE ATTENDING!
2024 EVENING PRESENTATIONS (held 2nd Thursday of the month, with some exceptions):
Monday January 8, 7:00 pm. Join Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks staff Michael Kustudia and Jess Martin as they introduce us to The History and Diversity of Milltown State Park. Their presentation will cover the role native vegetation played in restoration and opportunities for botanizing and birding. Joint meeting with Montana Audubon, Rm 110 of the Interdisciplinary Science Bldg. at the southwest end of campus (note the different day and place).
Thursday February 8, 7:00 pm Come hear Glenda Scott, a retired Forest Service silviculturalist, share some of her experiences Restoring Forests in the Boreal and Gobi Desert Regions of Mongolia. The forest vegetation is much like in Montana, and the changes are affecting the people and their livelihoods. Rocky Mtn. Exploration Center, 1075 South Ave W. NOTE DIFFERENT LOCATION. Parking area is southwest corner of South and Stephens.
Thursday March 14, 7:00 pm Dr. Gary Laursen, mycologist from the University of Alaska Fairbanks and who is now affiliated with UM, will take us throughout Alaska, a huge and environmentally diverse state, on a mushroom journey entitled, “Alaska’s Seasonal Fungi Underfoot”. His 47-years working with Alaska’s fungi has resulted in many interesting tales, some of which he will share through his photography and research. Rocky Mtn. Exploration Center, 1075 South Ave W. NOTE DIFFERENT LOCATION. Parking area is southwest corner of South and Stephens.
Tuesday April 9, 7:00 pm Urban and suburban areas can support a surprising diversity and abundance of pollinators. Join Marirose Kuhlman, Habitat Coordinator for the Missoula County Department of Ecology, to learn some of our diverse native pollinators and methods for Home Landscaping as a Restoration Practice. Rocky Mtn. Exploration Center, 1075 South Ave W. NOTE DIFFERENT DAY AND LOCATION. Parking area is southwest corner of South and Stephens.
2023 FIELD TRIPS & OTHER EVENTS*
SEPTEMBER
Saturday, September 23 – Lichens of the Bitterroot Mountains (Stevensville). 9:30am-12:00pm. Laura Johnston – Leader. Join Laura Johnston, botanist at Bitterroot NF, to explore lichens of the Bitterroot Valley. Expect an easy, slow-paced walk on the Bass Creek Nature Trail (#391) and along Bass Creek if time allows. Meet at the Nature Trail trailhead at 9:30 am, returning to cars by 12 pm. Parking available at trailhead: (lat/long coordinates: 46.575976, -114.135454). Trail info can be found here (“Larry Creek Trails”): https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprd3790872.pdf. We’ll talk about the unique lichen communities of the Bitterroot Mountains, as well as meet the common species of the foothills and riparian areas. Bring a snack, water, and a hand lens (if you have one!). Limit 12 people. To register email, text or call Laura Johnston: laura.johnsto@gmail.com; (484) 802-4981.
Don’t forget to check out the Clark Fork Chapter Facebook page and the State MT Native Plant Society Facebook page.
*Events could be canceled due to weather.
Hikes typically proceed at a leisurely pace. Please bring adequate food, water, sunscreen, a hat, and be prepared for Montana’s unpredictable, inclement weather. No pets please!
Clark Fork chapter members enjoy a robust schedule of hikes every year. Here a few members stay safe while botanizing together at Cliff Lake.
Camera Geek trips are designed with ample time for photography and exchanging camera tips and techniques.