Teller Wildlife Refuge Newsletter | 2023

2023

to inspire, educate, and demonstrate conservation in action

WHAT ’S INSIDE On the Cover.............................................................. 2 From the Director................................................... 3 Charlotte’s First Hunt........................................... 4 Ways to Give............................................................... 5

Spotlight on Education...................................... 6 Native Plants + Bitterroot Birds..................... 8 A Wetland Face-lift.............................................. 10

BOARD OF TRUSTEES Arden Bucklin-Sporer, Chair San Francisco, CA Herb Depp , Vice Chair Hamilton, MT John Talia, Secretary/Treasurer Hamilton, MT Chad Bishop Missoula, MT Nina Bonnie Prospect, KY/Hamilton, MT Bill Dagley San Rafael, CA/Corvallis, MT

ON THE COVER: A Western Meadowlark perches on a snowy fence post. Did you know the Western Meadowlark isn’t just Montana’s state bird? Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oregon, and Wyoming also proudly claim this small songbird as their state’s bird Image by Alex Kearney

Lisa Henske Victor, MT Lucy Tompkins Portola Valley, CA/Hamilton MT Wendy Raynal Corvallis, MT Scott Woolfolk Hamilton, MT

BOARD EMERITUS Keith Johnson San Diego, CA/Darby, MT Grant Parker Missoula, MT Paul Thomas Rancho Santa Fe, CA/Hamilton, MT

STAFF Dan Bailey Executive Director Heather Tellock, Director of Communication, Lodging + Events Nicole Ballard Education Director Tim Peterson Lands Manager Karen Blackwood Administrative Assistant

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www.tellerwildlife.org

FROM THE DIRECTOR My conservation career in Montana led my wife and me away from the Bitterroot Valley for the last five years but we always hoped that our path would lead back to this magnificent landscape and community we called home. When the opportunity presented itself to lead such an incredible organization as Teller it was an easy decision to pack up and move from Livingston, MT back to our home outside of Victor. I had the great fortune of working for outgoing Executive Director, Sam Lawry, while we both were at Pheasants Forever, and it was during this time that I learned the importance that Teller had with so many folks in the Bitterroot Valley.

Over the last six months I have spent time building relationships with the incredible team at Teller, that ensures we are excelling at living by our mission to inspire, educate and demonstrate conservation in action. This work includes everything from hosting a weekly stream of excited youth getting ready for a fun-filled day of education on the refuge to working with our land management partners to implement new conservation tools on Teller’s 1,300 diverse acres. I have spent time with our dedicated Board of Directors to understand their vision for Teller now and into the future. We have focused our work with local NGO partners and educators to begin implementing a comprehensive youth conservation education program across schools in Ravalli County. All-in-all these last six months have been better than I could have ever hoped!

One of the most inspiring aspects of this job is the opportunity to explore Teller’s landscape. Walking the refuge has given me space to think about what Otto Teller was hoping to achieve with the way we approach the property’s management. Teller was created as a classroom, a space to educate youth on how to become well rounded conservationists, farmers on how to operate in the most environmentally conscious way, hunters and anglers about ethics and conservation, and local community members about the history of Teller and conservation in the valley.

Teller is a protected landscape in the heart of the Bitterroot Valley, serving as a living conservation landscape that has had a positive impact on so many lives in. In true sincerity that is my interpretation of Teller and I look forward to sharing this landscape with so many of you. As we wrap up an exciting 2023, I would ask that you consider supporting Teller. Community support is critical to keeping Teller at the heart of conservation in the valley. Everyone here at Teller would like to thank you for helping to make Teller what it is today, and we look forward to continuing this momentum as we charge into 2024. Thank you for everything you do to support Teller Wildlife Refuge.

Dan Bailey, Executive Director

406.961.3507

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CHARLOTTE’S FIRST HUNT

by Bob Davis, Teller Volunteer Every Tuesday a dedicated group of men volunteer their time to work at the Teller. Our duties include general maintenance, wildlife enhancement, and an array of other projects to help better Teller’s landscape and facilities. It’s incredibly rewarding to have direct involvement with giving legs to Teller’s mission. Personally, most rewarding is serving as a mentor for Teller’s conservation education programs.

Teller is home to a variety of conservation education opportunities, but it’s their waterfowl weekends that bring me the most fulfillment. Waterfowl weekends are an opportunity to engage youth and adults in waterfowl hunting. After a day of instruction, participants get the opportunity to head out on the refuge with mentors like myself to utilize their newfound skills.

As a longtime volunteer and Teller supporter, I had looked forward to a time when I could finally introduce my grandchildren to this unique wildlife refuge and engage them in the wonderful education opportunities they offer. At age ten, my granddaughter, Charlotte, began her curiosity for waterfowl hunting.

Being I am an avid hunter, she would often pick my brain about my mornings spent in the duck blinds at Teller. If I harvested a duck, she would hold it, admiring the feathers. We often discussed the ethics of hunting and what hunting means to me. Her interest in hunting continued to grow, so it only seemed fitting to enroll her in the Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks mentor program, allowing her to hunt alongside her grandpa and mentor, as well as giving her the opportunity to have her first hunt at a place near and dear to my heart.

to waterfowl hunting was wonderful.

On the morning of our first hunt, Charlotte awoke well before sunrise, excited for what the day had in store. The two of us made our way in the dark to our blind, tucked amongst cattails on a wetlands edge. We placed our decoys and settled into the blind. While we waited for shoot time, we sat side by side talking about life. For a grandpa this was a dream come true. As the sun rose over the mountains, the first ducks came and went. Charlotte was hesitant to shoot, no doubt because her wheels were turning about her new-found hunting knowledge and the reality of harvesting a duck. When two big Canada geese came over, Charlotte took her shots. That moment she became a hunter. The morning was slow. She harvested one duck. Over the next two hours we sat quietly together, enjoying the antics of small birds, and connecting as hunters.

What more can one ask for, but the simple pleasure of supporting wildlife and introducing the next generation to the enjoyment of our hunting heritage.

Fall arrived, as did Teller’s Youth Waterfowl Weekend.

The weekend gave 10 youth the tools they need to head out for their very first waterfowl hunt. The youth hunt is all about hunting ethics, gun safety, regulations, bird identification and shooting. Her two-day introduction

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e v i g o t s Way DONATE

Looking for ways to support Teller during this season of giving?

Look no further!

As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, Teller relies on the generous donations from supporters like you. Your tax deductible donation directly funds habitat restoration projects, our array of conservation education programs and events, and the maintenance of critical wildlife habitat.

Head to www.tellerwildlife.org, scan the QR code to the left, or drop a check addressd to P.O. Box 548, Corvallis, MT 59828 in the mail to support Teller in our mission to inspire educate and demonstrate conservation in action.

Much of the work on Teller couldn’t be done without our dedicated team of volunteers. From habitat projects, to landscaping, to assisting with the upkeep of our historic homes, there’s no job too big or small. Our opportunities are flexible, feel good and most times a lot of fun. Plus, did you know that studies show volunteering for a meaningful cause can have a stress-reducing effect and even improve your psychological health! Join our team of amazing volunteers supporting on the ground conservation by heading to www.tellerwildlife.org/volunteer

VOLUNTEER

SHARE 406.961.3507

We know life keeps you busy. That’s where this great way to support Teller comes in. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook.... the next time you’re scrolling your feed, click the share button on one of our Trail Talk Tuesdays, like our photos, or spread the word about our upcoming events. It’s an easy and great way to spread our conservation message beyond the Bitterroot!

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n o t h g i l t o p s n o i t a c u ed

IN THE CLASSROOM

Teller’s conservation education program is an integral part of our mission delivery.

This rapidly growing program works to offer opportunities for all age groups and all interests with the goal of inspiring the next generation of conservationists.

ON THE REFUGE Teller works closely with schools, community groups and conservation partners to offer an array of opportunities on the refuge. Today, we prouldy offer:

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•

Nature Connections Summer Camp

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Youth Clinics with community partners

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Youth Conservation + Education Expo

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Field Trips

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Volunteer Service Projects

Teller is developing a framework to guide the creation and implementation of a broad conservation education program called Conservation in the Classroom, that will serve seven school districts, four private schools, and homeschool groups within Ravalli County. Its goal is to build a conservation foundation at a young age and progress through the course of their education journey.

ADULT ED In addition to inspiring young conservationists, Teller works hard to ignite the spirit of conservation for all ages. Our adult ed offerings include: •

Summer Speaker Series

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Women’s and College Waterfowl Weekends

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Nature Journaling Clinic

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Volunteer Service Projects

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406.961.3507

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NATIVE PLANTS + BITTERROOT BIRDS

by Karen Blackwood You know that one time you were driving to the store?

You drove the same way you go every single time.

It’s practically instinct. But wait. What? The road is blocked. And no detour sign... Or how ‘bout this one?

Every year you drive across the country to go fishing with your ol’ friend Skip. It’s a long drive, but you look forward to stopping at the Big Beet Cafe for the world famous tuna melt. You exit the interstate, turn west and…and…it’s gone?! How could they do this to you?

Good news! You’re a human and you can find another route and eat a taco instead. Disappointing sure, but you’ll live.

pieces are now fenced and newly landscaped with lawns and plants unfamiliar and useless to our resident and visiting birds.

Songbirds rely heavily on the abundance of native plants.

These plants provide crucial resources such as shelter, nesting sites, and, most importantly, a healthy selection of food. These birds have evolved to feed on these specific plants. Unlike humans who can make a change to their diet without much more than a little belly-ache, a bird needs hundreds of years of evolution to be able to eat something different.

On the other hand, if you happen to be a songbird genetically programmed to migrate through the Bitterroot Valley to, say, somewhere in South America and your way is blocked or the plants you need for food are not to be found you might be scrooged. Every year we lose an unacceptable number of birds due to unnatural changes in their habitat.

Migrating songbirds, in particular, embark on impressive journeys, covering thousands of miles during their annual migrations. The Bitterroot Valley, situated along major bird migration corridors, serves as a vital pitstop for these weary travelers. As they make their way south for the winter, our region provides a crucial rest area, allowing them to refuel and replenish their energy reserves before continuing their long journey.

The Bitterroot Valley is a haven for humans and wildlife. As the population of the valley continues to grow, large pieces of land, once forested or farmed, are now fragmented into smaller acreages. These smaller

As a member of this community, whether you live in an apartment in town or on 20-plus acres, you play a vital role in making sure that songbirds that leave this valley in the winter, make it back in the spring.

above: Evening Primrose, Mallow Nineback, and Chokecherry

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Did I hear you ask, “But how?” (Brown Cow…I digress) The answer is simple. Plant native plants. Plants that are supposed to grow in Western Montana and the Northern Rocky Mountains. Plants that we call “native” have adapted over centuries to the specific climate, soil, and other environmental factors of the Bitterroot Valley.

Plant them in a pot on your porch, plant them in a corner of your yard, or just go crazy. Probably better to start with a couple and go from there.

wholesale but you can place an order with them or visit one of the local nurseries that carry their plants.

I thought of a slogan. Keep Montana Montana. Plant Native. Or Embrace Your Place! Plant Native. When I get some stickers made, I’ll let you know.

Until then, here are five workhorse plants you can include in your yard right now. Or In the spring.

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Evening Primrose

Hey! Birds provide us with so much more than visual enjoyment. They are part of our web of life and yes I said, “Our”. We live here but they’ve been here longer than us. Let’s be good neighbors and do all that we can to keep them coming back.

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Mallow Ninebark

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Chokecherry

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Black-eyed Susan

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Indian Blanket Flower

If you would like more information on which native plants might work well for your area, check out the Montana Native Plant Society website or the National Wildlife Federation offers a list you can search by zip code. If you want to see some of these plants in real life the University of Montana has a Botanical Garden and so does The Montana Natural History Center. And how lucky are we to have a native plant nursery right here in Hamilton? Great Bear Native Plants sell mostly

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Prairie Coneflower

There are so many more to choose from. I can’t wait to see what you plant next spring. Send me some pictures at karen@tellerwildlife.org.

The birds thank you!

above: Black-eyed Susan, Indian Blanket Flower, and Prarie Coneflower

406.961.3507

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A WETLAND FACE-LIFT In an exciting collaboration, Teller Wildlife Refuge, Montana Water Partnership, and Geum Consulting joined forces to restore vital wetland habitat on Teller.

The expansion of Hamilton Airport, while crucial for regional development, posed a threat to local ecosystems. Wetlands, known for their ecological significance, were directly impacted by this expansion.

Recognizing the importance of these habitats in supporting biodiversity, Teller Wildlife Refuge took the initiative to restore and conserve wetlands on our own 1,300 acres.

The success of this project hinged on strategic partnerships. Teller Wildlife Refuge collaborated with Montana Water Partnership, a non-profit organization dedicated to safeguarding Montana’s water resources, and Geum Consulting, an environmental consultancy with a track record of successful restoration projects.

Funding for the wetland restoration project was made possible through Compensatory Mitigation for Losses of Aquatic Resources, a program established under the Clean Water Act by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This program emphasizes the principle of “no net loss” of wetland acreage and function, requiring developers to compensate for any impact on aquatic resources. The funds provided a lifeline for Teller Wildlife Refuge to undertake the restoration work and ensure the long-term health of the wetland ecosystem.

of the wetland ecosystem against future disturbances.

This multi-faceted approach aimed not only to repair the former wetland landscape but also to create a sustainable and thriving habitat for local flora and fauna.

Throughout the project, community involvement and education were prioritized. Teller Wildlife Refuge organized outreach opportunities to engage community members. This not only raised awareness about the importance of wetlands but also fostered a sense of ownership and responsibility for the restored habitat.

The Teller Wildlife Refuge wetland habitat restoration project stands as a shining example of how partnerships between environmental organizations, consulting firms, and government initiatives can lead to successful conservation outcomes. Through the careful allocation of funds and the dedication of skilled professionals, it is possible to restore and protect essential ecosystems, ensuring a harmonious balance between human development and environmental preservation. As we celebrate the completion of this impactful project, it serves as a beacon of hope for future endeavors in environmental conservation and habitat restoration.

The wetland restoration project kicked off with a comprehensive assessment of the impacted area.

Geum Consulting played a pivotal role in conducting ecological surveys, identifying native species, and assessing the overall health of the proposed wetland habitat. This data formed the basis for developing a tailored restoration plan.

The restoration process included removing invasive species, reestablishing native vegetation, and enhancing water flow patterns. Additionally, the project incorporated measures to improve the overall resilience

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baRn THE

AT TELLER WILDLIFE REFUGE

2024 Wedding Package Our wedding package includes use of the historic Slack Barn and acres of surrounding grounds for an entire weekend, along with lodging for 14 people at our heritage homes.

Host a rehearsal dinner, ceremony, reception and your family or friends all in one place!

Also included in the package: - park-like grounds - game lawn - tables and chairs for up to 200 - assorted wooden benches - dance floor - trash removal - indoor restroom facilities $5,550 (paid in 3 installments) CONTACT TELLER WILDLIFE REFUGE 406.961.3507 | heather@tellerwildlife.org

406.961.3507

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PO Box 548 Corvallis, MT 59828 406.961.3507 www.tellerwildlife.org

below: a cow moose enjoys a drink from a Teller wetland

want to learn more?

Head to www.tellerwildlife.org to sign up for Teller ’s E-newsletters, volunteer opportunities and upcoming Teller happenings... and don’t forget to find us on Facebook and Instagram for Trail Talk Tuesdays, events, and more!