Peatlands of the Flathead Region – Kalispell

Wednesday, March 4 – starting at 7 pm – in the Montana FWP meeting room at 490 N Meridian Road in Kalispell

Peatlands are a widespread and common wetland type in the boreal regions of the world, but rare in Montana’s temperate climate. What exactly are peatlands? What makes them unique? How do they form?  What native plants and animals call this unique vegetation type home? Learn this & more in a presentation by plant ecologist Maria Mantas.

Maria has researched native plants in northwest Montana for more than 40 years.  Her graduate work focused on rare plants of peatlands in the Swan Valley, with particular emphasis on terrestrial orchids. She’s published several scientific papers related to rare flora and wetlands, and she completed the first floristic survey of the Bob Marshall Wilderness. She worked as Forest Botanist for the Flathead National Forest, as the Western Montana Science Director for The Nature Conservancy, and as Director of Swan Valley Connections.

Maria was a founding member of MNPS and established the Flathead Chapter with Anne Morely. She currently serves as Membership Chair for the state MNPS.

Before the presentation, join other Chapter members at 5:30 pm to make plans for future activities.  Have ideas but can’t make the meeting?  Please email us at mnps.flathead@gmail.com.