Summer Wildlife Speaker Series of SW Montana

A free, fun, and educational event series about Southwest Montana’s wildlife, hosted by local conservation groups. The goal is to inform and inspire people to care about local animals and the ecosystems we share.

Wildlife Speaker Series: Moose Talk with Nick DeCesare

Date: Tuesday, June 18

  • 🥘 Potluck Dinner at 6:00 PM
    (Last names A–L: bring bread or dessert | M–Z: bring a side)

  • 🎤 Presentation begins at 6:30 PM
    Location: TK Ranch Indoor Arena, McAllister, MT
    📍 North Meadow Creek Road — follow arrow signs (approx. 7.5 miles)
    🧭 Coordinates: 45°31'23"N, 111°49'50"W

Join us for an evening with Nick DeCesare, Research Biologist with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. If you’ve attended past Wildlife Speaker events, you’ll know Nick as a top-notch presenter — knowledgeable, engaging, and often referred to as Montana’s Moose Ambassador.

This talk will delve into the fascinating world of moose — those great big, funny-nosed critters we so often see roaming our valleys. Learn about their current status in Montana, and enjoy a trove of fun moose facts!

What to Bring:
MVRG will provide the main course. Attendees are asked to contribute to the potluck:

  • A–L: Bread or dessert

  • M–Z: Side dish

Hosted by:
Madison Valley Ranchlands Group (MVRG)

🟢 This is a free community event — all are welcome!

Upcoming Summer Wildlife Speaker Series:

July 31 – Beavers with Torrey Ritter
Host: Ruby Habitat Foundation
Time: BBQ potluck at 5:30 PM (bring side/salad/dessert), Talk at 7:00 PM
Location: Woodson Ranch Visitor Center, near Laurin
Details: Discover beavers’ role in shaping local ecosystems.

August 6 – Golden Eagles with Marco Restani
Host: Madison Conservation District
Time: Free pizza at 5:30 PM, Talk at 6:00 PM
Location: Madison Theater, Ennis
Details: Learn about eagle protection efforts from a Northwestern Energy biologist.

August 9 – Elk Calves with Andi Stewart
Host: Jack Creek Preserve
Time: Potluck at 6:00 PM (pulled pork provided, bring side/salad/dessert), Talk at 7:00 PM
Location: Jack Creek Outdoor Education Center, Ennis (Gate Code: 080925#)
Details: A deep dive into elk population monitoring.

August 19 – Migrating Birds with Mia Cignoni
Host: Madison River Foundation
Time: Food at 5:30 PM, Talk at 6:00 PM
Location: TBD in Ennis
Details: Explore migratory birds like nighthawks and kingfishers.

August 20 – Hummingbirds with Bret Tobalske
Host: Centennial Valley Association
Time: Potluck at 6:00 PM (bring side/salad/dessert), Talk at 7:00 PM
Location: Rosie’s Cantina, Taft Nicholson Center, Lima
Details: Discover the fascinating flight and biology of hummingbirds.

August 27 – Great Horned Owls with Raptor Resource Center
Host: Jackson’s Garden
Time: Talk at 5:30 PM, Meal after (beer brats, hotdogs, sides, and drinks)
Location: Jackson’s Garden, 3 miles east of Sheridan
Details: See Boo the owl up close and learn about raptor conservation.