Upcoming Events
FireSafe Swan Public Meeting & Field Tour
Join us for a FireSafe Swan public meeting and field tour of the recent shaded fuels break on Elk Flats Road. The purpose of Firesafe Swan meetings is to provide a space where various stakeholders and community members are welcomed to share current projects, available resources, and community-led project initiatives.
We’ll meet at the Swan Valley Community Hall (6803 MT-83) and carpool to the site.
Firesafe Swan is made up of individuals, neighborhoods, businesses, organizations (Swan Valley Connections, MT Department of Natural Resources & Conservation, US Forest Service, and Swan Valley Emergency Services), and wildfire professionals working together to create fire-adapted communities in the Swan Valley by providing leadership, technical assistance, education, and resources.
FireSafe Swan:
Is inclusive and welcomes all partners interested in creating fire-adapted communities.
Empowers residents in preparation before a wildfire starts. Preparation includes: awareness of seasonal conditions, home-hardening, creating and maintaining a Home Ignition Zone, coordinated fuels reduction for wildfire-resilience and forest health, family evacuation planning, and wildfire recovery
Assists landowners in understanding and reducing wildfire risk through educational home and property assessments
126th Annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count
The Upper Swan Valley Christmas Bird Count (CBC) will take place on December 20th, 2025. This will be the 126th year the National Audubon Society has sponsored this event, and you can contribute to this impressive dataset by counting all the birds you see or hear (by numbers and species within our count circle) on Saturday, December 20 from 12 am to 11:59 pm.
To tally our results, we will gather for a light potluck at the Swan Valley Connections office on Monday, December 22nd from 5:30 pm-7 pm, hosted by Taylor Tewksbury.
A virtual Zoom option is also available (link below). To sign up for this year's count, please email Taylor at taylor@svconnections.org, or call our office (406-754-3137).
Optional Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89299787333?pwd=KLsSb7b7JCtyXvdti2jb1KX8wN61K0.1
Here are a few notes to keep in mind:
Please also report any new bird species seen three days before or after December 20th. You just need new species (not numbers) for these "count week" birds. If you do get more "count week" birds after our Zoom tally, or if you are not available for the tally, please send your results by email to taylor@svconnections.org.
Please be prepared to report your hours, miles, weather, and means of birding (driving, skiing, walking, window-watching, etc.) while counting on December 20th.
Bears will increasingly move towards hibernation over the next month, but right now the bears are still out, so bird feeders are not advised.
Christmas Bird Count Potluck & Tally
The Upper Swan Valley Christmas Bird Count (CBC) will take place on December 20th, 2025. This will be the 126th year the National Audubon Society has sponsored this event, and you can contribute to this impressive dataset by counting all the birds you see or hear (by numbers and species within our count circle) on Saturday, December 20 from 12 am to 11:59 pm.
To tally our results, we will gather for a light potluck at the Swan Valley Connections office on Monday, December 22nd from 5:30 pm-7 pm, hosted by Taylor Tewksbury.
A virtual Zoom option is also available (link below). To sign up for this year's count, please email Taylor at taylor@svconnections.org, or call our office (406-754-3137).
Optional Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89299787333?pwd=KLsSb7b7JCtyXvdti2jb1KX8wN61K0.1
Here are a few notes to keep in mind:
Please also report any new bird species seen three days before or after December 20th. You just need new species (not numbers) for these "count week" birds. If you do get more "count week" birds after our Zoom tally, or if you are not available for the tally, please send your results by email to taylor@svconnections.org.
Please be prepared to report your hours, miles, weather, and means of birding (driving, skiing, walking, window-watching, etc.) while counting on December 20th.
Bears will increasingly move towards hibernation over the next month, but right now the bears are still out, so bird feeders are not advised.
Winter Wildlife Tracks & Sign Course
Spend a week in the field with us, earn two credits through the University of Montana (WILD 291), and gain your Wildlife Tracks & Sign Certification through CyberTracker North America!
Not exclusive to college students & does not need to be taken for credit - all are welcome!
Cost: $1,600 + $155 University of montana credit fee
10% non-refundable fee due at registration
(Includes: food, lodging, transportation around the Swan Valley, and pick-up from Missoula)
*See email for actual start and end times
Meet Your Certification Evaluator:
SAGE RAYMOND
Sage began using tracking professionally in 2017 while working as a bear-viewing guide in the interior temperate rainforest of southeastern British Columbia. Since then, she has used tracking for various conservation-oriented wildlife biology jobs, targeting species ranging from bats and toads to moose, caribou, and grizzly bears.
*CANCELED* Weekend Warrior Master Naturalist (4 of 4)
Topics: Wildlife Ecology and Tracks & Sign with Sara Lamar
Over the course of a year, join us for 4 weekends in the lower Swan River Watershed to engage in experiential, field-based education. Participants learn to identify species, interpret behaviors, and understand ecological relationships. This experiential education strengthens both a sense of place and the confidence, curiosity, and attention needed to respect and conserve diverse ecosystems.
Course Dates:
May 3rd & 4th, 2025
July 19th & 20th, 2025
October 11th & 12th, 2025
January 17th & 18th, 2026
This course is based out of Bigfork, Montana.
Learn more on our Montana Master Naturalist page
*Actual start times will be communicated via email before the course begins
Wildlife Tracks & Sign
Spend a day honing your senses to the subtle signs left by wildlife on the landscape.One week prior to our field day we will send out a link to an informational lecture and overview of tracking techniques. We will then apply these techniques in the field during our time together. You’ll become familiar with gait patterns and how to measure the stride (length) and straddle (width) between tracks, you’ll learn of signs, other than tracks, to be on the lookout for, and you’ll gain knowledge of some of the common behaviors of our wild neighbors.
Enrich your future walks through the woods and deepen your connection to the natural world around you!
$100 per person
Limited to 12 participants.
Snowshoes available if needed.
Wildlife Tracks & Sign Family Day!
Join us for a hands-on day of discovery as we explore the subtle signs that animals leave behind on th landscape! Designed for kids and their grown-ups to learn side by side, this workshop will introduce you to the art of wildlife tracking in a fun and engaging way.
You’ll learn how to identify animal tracks, measure stride and straddle, recognize different gait patterns, and spot other clues like scat, fur, and feeding signs. We’ll also talk about the everyday behaviors of our local wildlife—and how to read the landscape like a nature detective.
$25 per person
Limited to 15 participants
For more information and to register, please reach out to taylor@svconnections.org
Wildlife Tracks & Sign
Spend a day honing your senses to the subtle signs left by wildlife on the landscape.One week prior to our field day we will send out a link to an informational lecture and overview of tracking techniques. We will then apply these techniques in the field during our time together. You’ll become familiar with gait patterns and how to measure the stride (length) and straddle (width) between tracks, you’ll learn of signs, other than tracks, to be on the lookout for, and you’ll gain knowledge of some of the common behaviors of our wild neighbors.
Enrich your future walks through the woods and deepen your connection to the natural world around you!
$100 per person
Limited to 12 participants.
Snowshoes available if needed.
Wildlife Tracks & Sign
Spend a day honing your senses to the subtle signs left by wildlife on the landscape.One week prior to our field day we will send out a link to an informational lecture and overview of tracking techniques. We will then apply these techniques in the field during our time together. You’ll become familiar with gait patterns and how to measure the stride (length) and straddle (width) between tracks, you’ll learn of signs, other than tracks, to be on the lookout for, and you’ll gain knowledge of some of the common behaviors of our wild neighbors.
Enrich your future walks through the woods and deepen your connection to the natural world around you!
$100 per person
Limited to 12 participants.
Snowshoes available if needed.
Spring Break Wildlife Tracks & Sign Course
Spend a week in the field with us, earn two credits through the University of Montana (WILD 291), and gain your Wildlife Tracks & Sign Certification through CyberTracker North America!
Not exclusive to college students & does not need to be taken for credit - all are welcome!
Cost: $1,600 + $155 University of montana credit fee
10% non-refundable deposit due at registration
(Includes: food, lodging, transportation around the Swan Valley, and pick-up from Missoula)
Limited to 10 participants
*See email for actual start and end times
Wildlife Trailing Workshop
Join SVC’s Luke Lamar for a wildlife trailing workshop!
Participants will be taught how to follow an animal's trail, how to recognize and interpret tracks & sign, anticipate where the trail is going, read the trail for danger, interpret the ecological context of the trail, and approach the animal (undetected), if the occasion arises.
$175 per person
Limited to 6 participants
Wildlife Tracks & Sign Standard Certification
The CyberTracker Track and Sign Certification is an internationally applied, professional-level certification used to promote wildlife tracking and knowledge. This two-day field experience is both an assessment and a training, with an emphasis on open dialogue and real learning.
STANDARD CERTIFICATION $400
Class size is limited to 10 people; lodging and food not provided.
This course fills quickly — early registration recommended.
If you have questions, please email taylor@svconnections.org
Meet David Moskowitz…
A photographer, naturalist, and educator, David has an approach that is highly interactive; he actively engages participants in identification and interpretation of tracks and signs, and allows plenty of time for questions and discussion.
David is a Senior Tracker through Cybertracker Conservation.
Wildlife Trailing Standard Certification
At a CyberTracker Trailing Evaluation, every participant takes a turn as lead tracker. The goal is to follow an animal’s fresh spoor to locate it on the landscape, guide the group to approach and observe it, and, finally, to exit the area without alerting the animal to any human presence. Every tracking situation is different, so we are always in the position of having to “figure it out.” This uniqueness also results in variations to the exact experience of each participant, dictated by field conditions and animal behavior.
Limited to 4 participants
Wildlife Tracks & Sign Standard Certification
The CyberTracker Track and Sign Certification is an internationally applied, professional-level certification used to promote wildlife tracking and knowledge. This two-day field experience is both an assessment and a training, with an emphasis on open dialogue and real learning.
STANDARD CERTIFICATION $400
Class size is limited to 10 people; lodging and food not provided.
This course fills quickly — early registration recommended.
If you have questions, please email taylor@svconnections.org
Meet David Moskowitz…
A photographer, naturalist, and educator, David has an approach that is highly interactive; he actively engages participants in identification and interpretation of tracks and signs, and allows plenty of time for questions and discussion.
David is a Senior Tracker through Cybertracker Conservation.
Summer Wildlife Tracks & Sign Course
Spend a week in the field with us, earn two credits through the University of Montana (WILD 291), and gain your Wildlife Tracks & Sign Certification through CyberTracker North America!
Not exclusive to college students & does not need to be taken for credit - all are welcome!
Cost: $1,600 + $155 University of montana credit fee
10% non-refundable deposit due at registration
(Includes: food, lodging, transportation around the Swan Valley, and pick-up from Missoula)
Limited to 10 participants
*See email for actual start and end times
Montana Master Naturalist Course
The Montana Master Naturalist Program is designed for adults who want to stoke their curiosity, deepen their knowledge of the natural world, and give back to their communities in new ways.
We hope that participants will not only build the skills to interpret Montana’s flora, fauna, and landscape, but that they will also gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the natural world, and therefore become better stewards of it. This program is an excellent certification for those looking to pursue a career in environmental education or interpretive guiding, or those just looking to enhance their connection to place. During six days of experiential, field-based education, participants learn to identify species, interpret behaviors, and affirm ecological relationships. This foundational, applied knowledge not only enriches a sense of place, but also builds the confidence, attention, and curiosity to respect and conserve diverse ecosystems.
Find more information and an example syllabus on our Master Naturalist Page
Bear Trivia at Flathead Lake Brewing Co!
Join Swan Valley Connections and Swan Valley Bear Resources for a fun night of bear trivia at Flathead Lake Brewing Company.
Bring your friends and test your bruin knowledge; winners will go home with bear-related prizes provided by yours truly!
“Where the Wild Things Are”Trail Cam Movie Night at The Hungry Bear
Join us for a Trail Camera Movie Night at The Hungry Bear in Condon!
Tucked between the Bob Marshall and Mission Mountains Wilderness, the Swan Valley is a wild and special landscape. Join us as we share the best of our trail camera footage from the past year in celebration of this place, and our Wild for Wildlife match campaign, happening throughout the month of October!
Quarterly Potluck & Presentation - Road Ecology with Kylie Paul
Join us for a community potluck and presentation at the Swan Valley Community Hall in Condon.
Wildlife take a risky chance every time they cross a highway — yet these movements are vital for accessing food, water, safety, and mates. Motorists run the wildlife gauntlet while driving in Montana, especially in autumn with the rut and increased darkness. Fortunately, we can make roads safer for both animals and drivers. This discussion will explore the science and planning behind wildlife crossing structures, as well as the dedicated efforts and people working to address these challenges across Montana and the region.
Doors Open: 5:30PM
Potluck Begins: 6:00PM
Presentation Begins: 6:30PM
Questions? Contact Taylor - taylor@svconnections.org
Kylie Paul works at the Center for Large Landscape Conservation as a road ecologist, advancing the development and implementation of wildlife friendly transportation policies and projects in international, federal, state, tribal, and local contexts.
Swan Lands Coordinating Network Public Meeting
Join SVC and local agency and NGO partners at the Swan Valley Community Hall to hear about what we’ve all been working on or accomplished in the Swan Watershed this past year and what’s coming up in 2026!
The purpose of the Swan Lands Coordinating Network is to provide agencies, organizations, and civic groups working in the Swan Valley a venue for coordinating with one another, and to share a flow of information with interested members of the community.
This event is free and open to all!
Participating agencies and organizations (more to be added):
Montana Department of Natural Resources & Conservation
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks:
Fisheries
Nongame and Furbearers
Wolves
Big Game
Swan Lakers
USFS Swan Lake Ranger District:
Recreation
Timber
Swan Valley Connections
Forest Stewardship
Wetland Restoration
Swan Valley Bear Resources
Mission Mountains Youth Crew
Swan Valley Native Fish Research
Swan Valley Bear Ranger
"Where the Wild Things Are" Trail Camera Movie Night at The Roxy Theater
Tucked between the Bob Marshall and Mission Mountains Wilderness, the Swan Valley is a wild and special landscape. Join us as we share the best of our trail camera footage from the past year in celebration of this place, and our Wild for Wildlife match campaign, happening throughout the month of October!
SVC staff will be there to share info and answer questions about the animals and behaviors seen in the videos.
Doors open at 5:00, the screening begins at 5:30, the Q&A begins at 6:45.
Space is limited. $7 per ticket
Please purchase your seats on The Roxy Theater website!
*We’ll also have merch and goods for sale in the lobby
AND we’ll be announcing our Griz for Grizzlies Raffle winner at the event!
“Where the Wild Things Are”Trail Cam Movie Night at A Bar
Join us for a Trail Camera Movie Night at A Bar!
Tucked between the Bob Marshall and Mission Mountains Wilderness, the Swan Valley is a wild and special landscape. Join us as we share the best of our trail camera footage from the past year in celebration of this place, and our Wild for Wildlife match campaign, happening throughout the month of October!
11032 MT State Highway 83 Bigfork, MT 59911
Pile Burning Workshop with Montana DNRC
Join SVC and the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation for a pile burning workshop for landowners!
Gain hands-on experience and learn from experienced wildfire and forest stewardship professionals about using pile burning as a tool on your property.
Meet at the SVC Office (6787 MT Hwy 83) at 10AM
Please bring water and snacks/lunch
Griz for Grizzlies Raffle Opens!
Calling all Griz fans!
Griz Athletics has donated a football signed by the 2025 UM Grizzlies team and two tickets to the UM vs. Eastern Washington game on November 8th.
Buy a raffle ticket, support grizzly bear habitat, and cheer on the Griz! 🐻🏈
🎟️ How to Enter
Tickets: $5 each or 5 for $20
Sales open: October 20–27
Payment methods: Cash, check, e-check, or debit card (no credit cards)
Eligibility: Must be 18+ and physically in Montana to purchase. Swan Valley Connections staff and their households are not eligible.
📍 Where to Buy Tickets
In Person
SVC Office – 6787 MT Hwy 83, Condon, MT | Mon–Fri, 9 am–4:30 pm
“Where the Wild Things Are” Trail Cam Movie Night – A Bar, 11032 MT Hwy 83, Bigfork | Oct 23, 6:30–8:00 pm
“Where the Wild Things Are” Trail Cam Movie Night – The Roxy Theater, 718 S Higgins Ave, Missoula | Oct 27, 5:00–6:30 pm
By Phone
Call (406) 754-3137 (Mon–Fri, 9 am–4:30 pm) | Debit card only
🎉 Winner Announcement
The winning ticket will be drawn at Where the Wild Things Are at the Roxy Theater on October 27th.
You do not need to be present to win.
Women's Chainsaw Workshop
This beginner-friendly course is designed to create a supportive learning environment for women. Open to participants 18 and older, this workshop covers the fundamentals of safe and effective chainsaw operation, including basic use, maintenance, and safety practices.
The course combines classroom learning with hands-on field practice. Participants must be able to lift at least 20 pounds and are responsible for their own food, lodging, and appropriate clothing.
Chainsaws, tools, and safety equipment are available for participants who do not have their own. SVC will also supply work gloves, safety glasses, and hearing protection as needed. Full details will be provided before the course date.
This is a free event, thanks to generous sponsorship by the Missoula Electric Cooperative’s Operation Round Up® (ORU) charitable giving program!
Details:
Dates: October 18–19, 2025
Time: Meet at 10:00 AM on Saturday, Oct 18, at the SVC office (6787 MT Hwy 83, Condon)
Location: SVC Office and Swan Legacy Forest
Cost: Free! (Thanks to generous sponsorship from Missoula Electric Cooperative’s Operation Round Up® (ORU) charitable giving program)
Capacity: 10 participants
Instructor: Sierra LaBonte -- Sierra has many years of experience on Forest Service trail crews and has led numerous chainsaw trainings.
For questions or more information, please contact the course instructor, Sierra Labonte, at Sierra.labonte@gmail.com, or reach out to SVC's Taylor Tewksbury at taylor@svconnections.org.
Meet Your Instructor
SIERRA LABONTE
With over 15 years of experience on landscaping crews, conservation corps, and U.S. Forest Service trail crews, Sierra has developed strong expertise in functional saw operations and instruction. Most recently, she served as Trails Foreman in the Bitterroot National Forest, training both seasoned professionals and beginners in safe, effective saw use. She is especially passionate about empowering women through technical skills (as we can all forget time to time how capable we are!).
*CANCELED* Weekend Warrior Master Naturalist (3 of 4)
Topics: Forests, Lichen, and Fungi with Taylor Tewksbury
Over the course of a year, join us for 4 weekends in the lower Swan River Watershed to engage in experiential, field-based education. Participants learn to identify species, interpret behaviors, and understand ecological relationships. This experiential education strengthens both a sense of place and the confidence, curiosity, and attention needed to respect and conserve diverse ecosystems.
Course Dates:
May 3rd & 4th, 2025
July 19th & 20th, 2025
October 11th & 12th, 2025
January 17th & 18th, 2026
This course is based out of Bigfork, Montana.
Learn more on our Montana Master Naturalist page
*Actual start times will be communicated via email before the course begins
Staff/Board Retreat *Office CLOSED*
Our office will be closed Friday, October 3rd, as our staff will be out for our annual staff/board retreat!
Annual Community Firewood Day
Join us for our annual Community Firewood Day!
We’ll be splitting, delivering, and stacking for a full list of people in need in the community.
*Meet at the Condon Work Center (6887 MT Hwy 83) at 9AM for a mandatory safety meeting
Please bring your own lunch/snacks, ear and eye protection, and gloves
If you’d like to donate wood, or if you have a splitter to lend for the day, please contact Mike Mayernik or Kirsten Frazer at 406-754-3137 or mike@svconnections.org!
Lunch provided by Bear Track Wood Fired Pizza for volunteers!
Wild for Wildlife Match Campaign Begins!
Join us in celebrating in our fifth-annual Wild for Wildlife Match Campaign!
The health of an ecologically intact ecosystem is reflected in the abundance and diversity of living things. That's why we proudly say we’re wild for wildlife. Every program and service we offer is deeply connected to the animals that share this landscape with us, and it’s your support that makes this work possible.
This October we’re excited to share some of our favorite trail camera videos from the past year, capturing candid moments and rare glimpses into the everyday lives of the Swan Valley’s wildlife. Stay tuned to experience the wonder right alongside us!
Follow the campaign on our Instagram, Facebook & YouTube channels.
All gifts of $500 and above will be matched 1:1 throughout the month of October thanks to the Cinnabar Foundation and a generous, anonymous donor!
Staff Retreat *Office CLOSED*
Our office & visitor center will be closed today, as our staff enjoys an annual retreat day together!
"A Woman Among Wolves" Book Reading with Diane Boyd
Join us at the Swan Valley Community Hall for a co-hosted event with Alpine Artisans, where Diane Boyd will read from her book, “A Woman Among Wolves: My Journey Through 40 years of Wolf Recovery.”
Montana Master Naturalist
During six days of experiential, field-based education, participants learn to identify species, interpret behaviors, and affirm ecological relationships. Upon completing the course, you’ll earn your Montana Master Naturalist Certification! (This course can also be taken for college credit)
The Montana Master Naturalist Program is designed for adults who want to stoke their curiosity, deepen their knowledge of the natural world, and give back to their communities in new ways.
Legacy Planning Workshop with Montana Community Foundation
Curious about how to make a lasting impact in your community through charitable giving?
Join Swan Valley Connections, the Upper Swan Valley Historical Society, and Alley Fontenot from the Montana Community Foundation (MCF) for a practical and engaging presentation on smart giving strategies.
We'll explore how endowments work, the basics of planned and legacy giving, and how the Montana Endowment Tax Credit can help you give more effectively, while saving on taxes.
Montana is currently one of six states that has this tax benefit incentive to build endowments as Montana law. You’ll also learn about Charitable Gift Annuities and Deferred Gift Annuities - powerful tools for turning generosity into long-term benefit.
We’ll wrap up with a look at Transfer of Wealth data specific to Montana and share ways MCF can partner with you to align your philanthropic goals with your financial plans.
There will be time for questions, so come ready to learn and connect!
“Since 1988, the Montana Community Foundation has worked tirelessly to create permanent philanthropy and build stronger communities. MCF manages more than $188.5 million in assets and administers more than 1,470 philanthropic funds and planned gifts. Our work with donors, charitable organizations, cities and towns plays a critical role in both philanthropic and community development. Since our founding, MCF has reinvested more than $100 million in Montana through scholarships, grants, and programs.”
About Alley Fontenot:
Alley joined the Montana Community Foundation (MCF) as a Gift and Estate Planning Director in 2023. Based in Missoula, she brings over a decade of experience in the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors, along with a background in law and business.
A graduate of the University of Montana School of Law (Class of ’96), Alley began her career practicing law at the Crowley Law Firm in Billings. She later spent several years in sales and customer success before following her passion for community impact. In 2014, she stepped into the nonprofit world as Development Director at Watson Children’s Shelter and hasn’t looked back since.
Alley enjoys partnering with donors, nonprofits, and communities across Western Montana to help shape Montana’s future through giving.
In her free time, you can find Alley whitewater kayaking, teaching yoga, or walking her dog, Lyla Garrity, in the mountains around Missoula.
Insects & Disease Workshop with MT DNRC
Join us for a Forest Insects & Disease Workshop led by Montana Department of Natural Resources & Conservation (MT DNRC).
We’ll cover:
How to identify tree damage
Overview of diseases
Overview of insects
How to use a key for I.D.
And we’ll also learn how to:
Assess tree vigor and damage patterns
Identify some insects and diseases
Practice using the same key for I.D.
Please register below, bring a lunch, and be prepared to be outside for half of the day!
Samples, brochures, and field guides (keys) will be provided.
Free & open to all!
Quarterly Potluck: Lessons from the River: Wildlife, Water, & Working with Nature
Swan Valley Community Hall, Hwy 83, mm 42.5, Condon
5:30 pm - Doors Open • 6:00 pm - Potluck Dinner • 6:30 pm - Presentation
Join us for our quarterly community potluck featuring a presentation about managing riparian areas and shorelines for biodiversity by Radley Watkins, Executive Director of Missoula Conservation District.
Lessons from the River: Wildlife, Water, and Working with Nature.
Rivers shape the landscapes we live in, and wildlife has long adapted to their natural rhythms. What can beavers, otters, and bald eagles teach us about creating a home that balances conservation with responsible land use? This talk explores how we can learn from wildlife while also covering the basics of stream permitting. By understanding both nature’s lessons and regulatory tools, we can better steward our waterways for future generations.
Radley Watkins Bio
Radley Watkins is the Executive Director of the Missoula Conservation District. With extensive experience in conservation, natural resource management, and land-use planning, he has worked as a wildlife ecologist, county land-use planner, and lake management consultant. He holds a degree in bio-geography from the University of Montana and a master’s in landscape ecology from Michigan Technological University. Radley is passionate about public education, habitat protection, and biodiversity. Outside of work, he enjoys exploring wild places with his family.
This event is supported by Missoula Conservation District
Elk Creek Conservation Area Kiosk Unveiling Event
ECCA KIOSK BLESSING, UNVEILING + HIKE
WHEN: Wednesday, July 30, 2025 10:45am meet at Community Hall, 11:00am blessing & unveiling event, 12:00pm- Lunch provided, 1:00pm optional naturalist hike to the Swan River
WHERE: We will meet at the Swan Valley Community Hall: 6803MT Hwy 83, Condon, MT 59826 and carpool to the Elk Creek Conservation Area kiosk site.
Please RSVP:
For more information call or e-mail Swan Valley Connections at 406-754-3137 or info@svconnections.org
Swan Valley Connections (SVC) and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT) are excited to host an unveiling event for the new Elk Creek Conservation Area educational kiosk.
The Elk Creek Conservation Area (ECCA) is a square-mile parcel of land at the confluence of Elk Creek and the Swan River, owned and managed by SVC and the CSKT. The land was acquired in 2006 to protect vital fish and wildlife habitat, forest resources, and public access. The ECCA provides important habitat for grizzly bears, big game, and other wildlife species, and Elk Creek itself provides critical bull trout habitat. There is a conservation easement on the property that protects these values in perpetuity.
The new educational kiosk provides visitors with information about the Swan Valley, the cultural significance of this land and its species to the tribes, and the history of the Montana Legacy Project and the Elk Creek Conservation area.
This event is open to the public! We will meet at the Swan Valley Community Hall (6803 MT Hwy 83, Condon, MT 59826) at 10:45AM before heading to the kiosk site for a blessing and unveiling of the new kiosk, with remarks from CSKT elders and members of the Culture Committee. A provided lunch will follow, and attendees are then invited to join a short optional hike on the property, down to the Elk Creek and Swan River.
Sixth-Annual Summer Soirée in the Swan
Join us for our sixth-annual Summer Soirée in the Swan celebration at the beautiful Oro Ranch in Condon!
Early bird tickets: $50
Standard tickets (starting May 15th): $65
SVBR Annual Bear Fair (Condon)
SWAN VALLEY BEAR RESOURCES ANNUAL BEAR FAIR
Come learn about living in bear country from bear management experts, local professionals, and bear-related organizations, including USFS, USFWS, Vital Ground, Montana Land Reliance, and more. We'll also have inert bear spray cans for practice, a food truck, and a kids' activity table!
Presenters: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks' wildlife management specialist Erik Wenum and grizzly bear research team member Milan Vinks.
Vinks will be presenting on his PhD research project:
"The Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem grizzly bear population is influenced by both forest management and wildfire activity. While early successional vegetation promoted by timber harvest and fire can provide forage for grizzly bears, associated roadbuilding and certain disturbance characteristics may negatively impact habitat. My research will provide information to assist managers in developing strategies that balance grizzly bear conservation and forest management."
The event is free & open to all from 12pm - 4pm at the Swan Valley Community Hall in Condon.
This event is made possible through a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, with support from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, in partnership with Heart of the Rockies Initiative.
*CANCELED* Weekend Warrior Master Naturalist (2 of 4)
Topics: Botany, Streams & Wetlands with Cedar Mathers-Winn
Over the course of a year, join us for 4 weekends in the lower Swan River Watershed to engage in experiential, field-based education. Participants learn to identify species, interpret behaviors, and understand ecological relationships. This experiential education strengthens both a sense of place and the confidence, curiosity, and attention needed to respect and conserve diverse ecosystems.
Course Dates:
May 3rd & 4th, 2025
July 19th & 20th, 2025
October 11th & 12th, 2025
January 17th & 18th, 2026
This course is based out of Bigfork, Montana.
Learn more on our Montana Master Naturalist page
*Actual start times will be communicated via email before the course begins
Cedar Mathers-Winn
is a naturalist, biologist, and educator based in Bozeman. He earned his Master’s degree studying animal communication in southwestern Montana, and has studied ecology and animal behavior in mountain, tropic, and desert ecosystems. As an educator, Cedar emphasizes the everyday subtleties of nature, revealing worlds of wildness hidden in plain sight.
Summer Wildlife Tracks & Sign Course
Spend a week in the field with us, earn two credits through the University of Montana (WILD 291), and gain your Wildlife Tracks & Sign Certification through CyberTracker North America!
Not exclusive to college students & does not need to be taken for credit - all are welcome!
Cost: $1,450 + $155 University of montana credit fee
10% non-refundable deposit due at registration
(Includes: food, lodging, transportation around the Swan Valley, and pick-up from Missoula)
*See email for actual start and end times
4th of July Open House
Stop by the SVC office before or after the 4th of July Condon parade for snacks, beverages, or just to enjoy the view from the backyard!
Bear Safety Pint Night at Blackstar (Whitefish)
Join us and MT FWP at Blackstar Restaurant and Brewery in Whitefish for a pint night, featuring a bear safety presentation, and supporting SVC.
4PM-9PM
Presentation at 5PM
$1 per pint sold will be donated to Swan Valley Connections!
Noxious Weeds Walk & Pull
Join SVC, Loon Lake 4-H, and MSU Extension for a morning walk learning about (and removing) noxious weeds in Bigfork!
Mackenzie Dey, Agriculture Extension Agent with Montana State University, will lead a 45-minute walking presentation on noxious weeds, followed by a hands-on weed pull.
This will be a great opportunity for Master Naturalist alumni looking to log continuing ed/service hours, and for local landowners wanting to learn about integrated weed management options for their properties.
This event is free but registration is appreciated!
Wildlife Tracks & Sign Standard Certification
The CyberTracker Track and Sign Certification is an internationally applied, professional-level certification used to promote wildlife tracking and knowledge. This two-day field experience is both an assessment and a training, with an emphasis on open dialogue and real learning.
STANDARD CERTIFICATION ($375)
Class size is limited to 10 people; lodging and food not provided.
This course fills quickly — early registration recommended.
If you have questions, please email taylor@svconnections.org
Meet David Moskowitz…
A photographer, naturalist, and educator, David has an approach that is highly interactive; he actively engages participants in identification and interpretation of tracks and signs, and allows plenty of time for questions and discussion.
David is a Senior Tracker through Cybertracker Conservation.
Chainsaw 101 Workshop
Join SVC & MT DNRC for a free Chainsaw 101 Workshop for beginners!
Learn about basic chainsaw safety procedures and operations, develop basic thinning skills, and perform basic chainsaw maintenance. We’ll meet at the SVC Office (6787 MT Hwy-83) and caravan to the nearby class location on the Swan Legacy Forest.
Recommended to bring:
•Chainsaw
Functioning saw with appropriate gas and bar oil. Electric Chainsaw ok.
Appropriate chainsaw tools. Scrench, file, etc.
•Personal protective equipment (PPE)
Eye protection. Sunglasses ok.
Ear protection
Gloves
Pants
Long sleeve shirt
Chaps
Boots or closed toe shoes
•Lunch & Water
15 participant limit - please register below:
*Participants will be required to wear all PPE in-order-to operate chainsaw*
If you do not have a chainsaw or the appropriate PPE please contact: Mike Mayernik, Swan Valley Connections, mike@svconnections.org, 406-754-3137.
Wildlife Tracks & Sign Specialist Certification
The CyberTracker Track and Sign Certification is an internationally applied, professional-level certification used to promote wildlife tracking and knowledge. This two-day field experience is both an assessment and a training, with an emphasis on open dialogue and real learning.
The process during the Track & Sign Specialist evaluation is identical to the standard evaluation, excepting the following variation: At least 50 “very complex” spoor will be asked, with not more than 10 “complex” spoor. No “easy” spoor will be asked. In addition to this, 7 “extremely complex” spoor will be asked; No penalty is awarded for an incorrect answer on an extremely difficult question, but three correctly answered extremely difficult spoor cancel the mistake of one incorrect answer; thus, participants can rectify up to two mistakes during an evaluation and still earn their Specialist Certificates. Specialist evaluations are initially open to participants who have earned a Professional certificate. If there is still space two months before the evaluation, we will open the evaluation to participants who have earned a Level III certificate.
SPECIALIST CERTIFICATION ($575)
Class size is limited to 10 people; lodging and food not provided.
This course fills quickly - early registration recommended.
If you have questions, please email taylor@svconnections.org
Meet David Moskowitz…
A photographer, naturalist, and educator, David has an approach that is highly interactive; he actively engages participants in identification and interpretation of tracks and signs, and allows plenty of time for questions and discussion.
David is a Senior Tracker through Cybertracker Conservation.
Meet Michelle Peziol…
Meet Michelle Peziol…
Michelle is a seasoned tracker who embarked on her journey in 2009. Now, she resides in Montana, where her expertise extends to tracking nitrogen in groundwater.
Michelle is a Senior Tracker through CyberTracker Conservation.