RSVP TODAY FOR OUR ANNUAL BANQUET & AUCTION!
10.25.2024

Just to get you dreaming . . . and thinking about your bids!

From joining a dinosaur dig and a private Yellowstone tour, to beautiful art, an e-bike, canoe and so much more! Here are some of the fabulous items you can bid on LIVE at our Annual Banquet & Auction:

Brasserie Porte Rouge dining

Dinner for Eight at Brasserie Porte Rouge

Missoula’s Brasserie Porte Rouge likes to tell their customers, “it’s okay to have fun here.” And with this dinner and drinks for eight at one of the region’s favorite new restaurants, you’ll not only find a good time on the menu, but good food that includes a cuisine focused on simplicity and superb execution, with a varied wine list, 12 taps, great vegan options, an oyster bar and specialized plates that include quail, lamb, trout, steak frites and more.

Brasserie Porte Rouge is a French-inspired restaurant focused on the dinner hour. “Porte Rouge” means “red door” and you can’t miss this brasserie’s dynamic entrance on Missoula’s downtown Front Street. Inside it’s “good vibes” only, with an atmosphere that’s intimate, comfortable and inviting, and even a little theatrical. Chef Walker Hunter was recently nominated for the James Beard Foundation Award for Best Chef: Mountain Region. With this fantastic dinner for eight, come taste for yourself what makes Porte Rouge such a fulfilling dining experience!

Estimated Value: $750. Dinner for 8. Meal includes draft beers and wine by the glass, does not include bottles of wine, bottled beer, or gratuity. To be used before April 25, 2025. Thank you to the good folks at Brasserie Porte Rouge!

Six-Day Salmon River Trip with Lewis and Clark Trail Adventures

The free-flowing Salmon River flows for 120 miles through the largest contiguous wilderness area in the U.S. Much of it is the same as when Lewis and Clark investigated it more than 200 years ago. This trip for two includes a guide, incredible food, and breath-taking scenery. It also includes all camping equipment, river equipment, and transportation based out of Missoula.

Choose your craft each day – relax in an oar boat or paddle in a smaller paddle team raft – handled by an experienced guide or for the more adventurous, jump in an inflatable kayak. Have your own raft? We can also arrange for you to “row your own.”

We’ve chosen a date after the crowded peak summer floating season for more solitude. Plus, you’ll be joined with an MNHC Naturalist for some extra knowledge and open discussions about the natural environment, river conservation, and rich history of the Salmon River.

Value: $3700. 2 Guests, 6 Days. Dates: August 26-31, 2025 Thank you to the river experts at Lewis and Clark Trail Adventures!

The Perfect Canoe for Montana Rivers

Live the river adventures of your dreams in this like-new 2001 Mad River Explorer. The Explorer is Mad River founder Jim Henry’s original benchmark design, and 40 years after its advent is still the standard for versatile performance.

This Mad River Explorer 16 foot — Royalex, Spruce — was generously donated by John and Linda Pilsworth; long-time valued supporters and volunteers at the Montana Natural History Center who have given so much of their time and talent to the organization and our programs.

Hank and Mad River Canoe With a timeless design, it’s as close to an all-purpose canoe as you’ll get, competent for fishing, camping, cruising or pushing the limits of exploration. With a capacity of 1,100 lbs, most will find this canoe is robust enough for their purposes, unless you intend on hitting the jackpot while panning for gold.

Includes center seat, paddles, life jackets, dry bags, and resources on Montana lakes and rivers.

Value: $1,100. Thank you to Linda and John Pilsworth!

A Week in Baja for Two*

For many years, Montana-based Sea and Adventures, Inc., representing the La Paz-based Mar Y Aventuras S.A. de C.V. adventure travel company, has provided MNHC supporters with incredible whale watching and sea kayaking opportunities!

They have again donated an adventure for 2 people to enjoy any Sea and Adventures trip for 7 days or fewer, such as this fabulous option:

Espirito Santo Wildlife Expedition – sea kayaking, snorkeling, sea lions, hiking, and fishing.

The “quick getaway” trips for whale watching for 2 people are also available if you prefer a shorter outing. All trips originate in La Paz, Mexico and include double occupancy accommodations for 2 nights in La Paz, camping in tents on cots and pads, meals, juice, and evening cocktails at camp, and all camp equipment except for personal sleeping bags (available for rent in La Paz).

*Sea and Adventures is also offering the winner of this trip the option to apply the maximum value ($3,000) to any other trip that costs more, and the winner will simply pay the difference. So many adventurous options!

Value: $3,000 Trips can be scheduled any time during the 2024-2025 season (Oct. to April) pending availability.
Does not include airfare. Thanks to Sea & Adventures, Inc.

“Bison Range Balsamroot”

This incredible painting must be seen in person to truly appreciate the size, texture, and perspective. “Bison Range Balsamroot” was inspired from a springtime view from the top of Red Sleep Mountain Drive on the Bison Range north of Missoula looking south over the native species, arrowleaf balsamroot, that covered the range.

Artist, Nancy Seiler, is a longtime friend of MNHC, and has even served on the Auction Committee this year! Many of the amazing items in our live and silent auction were procured by Nancy this year.

Nancy received her Visual Communications degree from The Art Institute of Pittsburgh in 1981. As a Golden Working Artist for Golden Artist Colors she presents lectures, demonstrations and workshops in acrylics, watercolors, and oils in Southern California and Montana. She has taught classical botanical illustration and nature journaling since 2003. Her work is represented by Frame of Reference Fine Art in Whitefish and Bigfork Montana.

A huge thanks to Nancy Seiler for this amazing donation and all of her hard work on our auction this year!

Value: $9,000. Artist: Nancy Seiler. Title: Bison Range Balsamroot. Medium: Acrylic on canvas. 60” x 60”

Bisbee AZ: The Ideal Depth of Winter Excursion + Birder’s Delight

This funky art town of Bisbee, Arizona, is but a 90-minute drive from Tucson yet it offers world-class birding in two separate locations. Your base will be a five-star, art-filled apartment in the heart of “Old Bisbee” and next door to the iconic Copper Queen hotel. This large, comfortable apartment has two bedrooms, two baths (with steam showers), a living room, dining room, and kitchen — all with a balcony view of the Mule Mountains.

You can visit nearby Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area to see Sandhill Cranes (42,000 in mid-January, 2024), Vermilion Flycatchers, Loggerhead Shrikes and many species of shorebirds, herons, and raptors. The other nearby wildlife hotspot is Ramsey Canyon, where you might see a Flame-Colored Tanager, an Aztec thrush, and Eared Quetzal or any one of six species of hummingbirds.

The town itself is very entertaining, with galleries and antique stores nestled between coffee shops and galleries. Historic Tombstone is only a 20-minute drive to the north.

Value $1800. Up to 4 guests. 5-night stay. Must book stay by April 30, 2025.

Thanks so much to Bisbee resident and owner, Jim Mullen, for this fantastic winter getaway!

Week Long Puerto Vallarta Magic at Casa Bella Vista

Enjoy a week in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, on the stunning Bay of Banderas!

Situated in historic Old Town*, this vista retreat is only a five-minute walk to the Malecon where incredible food, culture, shopping, and nightlife await to keep you exhilarated or relaxed, depending on your speed. In addition to the attractions of the town itself, there are many opportunities for beachcombing, swimming, fishing, birding and other nature exploration, and trips to nearby markets and villages, by car, bus or tour. And did we mention the food? In addition to traditional Mexican, you can find all types of fusion, sushi, Italian, and more. We have many great recommendations and personal favorites to share with guests.

Casa Bella Vista is a unique accommodation broken up into three beautiful units; each one-bedroom apartment has a king bed, a kitchenette, and access to a pool terrace with grill and palapa bar. Two units also have a sleeping couch (great for kids). There is an additional king bed in the aqua studio near the pool on the terrace level. Winning bidders can claim one unit, or book the entire house, making the Casa Bella Vista perfect for a couple’s getaway, or a family or friend reunion. Filling the entire house means unlimited use of the new rooftop kitchen, grill, and terrace with amazing views overlooking historic Old Town and the entire Banderas Bay. The house can sleep up to 10, but is recommended for 8 if your party is limited to adults.

Winning bidder can reserve their week by contacting MNHC’s Beth Conway at: bconway@montananaturalist.org.

Value: $2,450. Availability: Anytime between April 1 and October 15, 2025. Additional dates possible, subject to approval. Thank you to Caroline and Willis Kurtz, Gia Randono and Wayne Fairchild!

* PLEASE NOTE: Casa Bella Vista is located in Colonia El Cerro, which means “the hill.” You will need to be able to walk up many uneven stairways and along uneven (though charming) streets. The house itself contains numerous stairs so, unfortunately, is not recommended for people with mobility issues or children under 6. We also have many close neighbors, with whom we have good relationships. It’s a family-friendly, lively environment that can be active at times but offers a very special window into Mexican life beyond the typical tourist experience.

Your Ultimate E-Bike!

Whether you’re heading out with the family for a weekend cruise, grabbing a pastry at the bakery, making your way over the Beartracks Bridge, or cruising the River Trail on your way to the Montana Natural History Center, the Specialized Turbo Como 4.0 e-bike with a low-entry design will get where you’re going in stylish comfort.

The bike’s 1.2 motor features a silent operating design that takes the output and makes it the most usable for an urban environment. Think of it this way: The more power you put out, the more power the motor puts out, and this makes accelerations from a standstill both quick and efficient. The belt driven motor is smooth, silent, and free of annoying vibrations.

This Turbo Como 4.0 also has a custom Specialized U1-500 battery that seamlessly integrates into the frame, is lockable, and easily removable for simplified charging. In other words, there’s plenty of juice to take you to and from work, a trip to the grocery store, or even to that brewery on the other side of the city. Plus, it communicates with the display and has multiple modes to maximize the overall efficiency and range.

Value: $3750. Large (fits 5’8″ to 6’2″) in the Charcoal Black Chrome color. Nimbus 2 tires in size 27.5″ x 2.3″. Thank you to Ian Foster and Big Sky Bikes!

Two-Day Fossil Dig for Four with Elevation Science Institute for Natural History Exploration

Contribute to real scientific research by helping the Elevation Science team uncover 150-million-year-old dinosaurs.

Work alongside scientists and dig for dinosaurs in the fossil-rich and rugged landscapes of southern Montana and northern Wyoming, near Red Lodge.

In this experience, your group will join the field expedition during the 2025 summer for two days. During your adventure, you’ll be doing hands-on work, contributing to decades-long research projects by helping the field teams find and excavate the fossilized remains of dinosaurs and other prehistoric life.

What will you be excavating? Based on the success of previous field seasons, you’ll have the chance to work on the Morrison Formation, which hold the remains of some of the largest animals ever to walk the Earth. Allosaurus, Stegosaurus, Diplodocus, and more are the dinosaurs they uncover every day in the field. They’re preserved with the remains of many other lifeforms — all important pieces of the larger puzzle we’re trying to assemble.

Whether you’ve held fossils before or you are a complete novice, the paleontologists on site will teach you everything you need to know. This will be an experience of a lifetime and you’ll never look at the Montana landscape the same way again.

Value: $1600. 4 guests, 2 days. Ages 8 and up. Does not include lodging or transportation.

For booking details see: elevationscience.org/fossil-dig-day-trips

Thank you to Elevation Science Institute for this unique opportunity!

A few more details:

Winner should email jschein@elevationscience.org and Beth Conway at bconway@montananaturalist.org as soon as possible to ensure your best possible date. Day trips are limited to 5 people per day and they book fast.

This auction item does not include lodging.
Guests can contact Elevation Science with advance notice to arrange lodging at the Yellowstone Bighorn Research Association. The additional cost is $150/person/day, which includes lodging and food.

Very limited availability. Must be approved by Elevation Science Institute staff before purchase.
A camp stay is not required – just offered to those who might want it.

Visit elevationscience.org/fossil-dig-day-trips for more information about your trip and keep these tips in mind as you plan.

Transportation

Daily Expedition Visitors must arrange their transportation. Each morning of your visit, you’ll meet Elevation Science staff at a prearranged location in Red Lodge and will follow them to the field sites.

Must provide your own transportation and SUVs or high-clearance vehicles are recommended. We also recommend that you carry at least one can of Fix-A-Flat or similar product.
Each day starts at 8 a.m. and guests must meet the group in Red Lodge for departure by 8:10.
Commute to field site may take 45-70 minutes each way.

Storytelling in the Sky: Bob Marshall Flight

Experience the grandeur of the Bob Marshall Wilderness by flight!

All 1,009,352 acres of the Bob Marshall Wilderness are housed in Montana. Managed by the Spotted Bear and Rocky Mountain Ranger Districts, the Bob Marshall Wilderness – or as it’s often lovingly and simply referred to as the “Bob” — was named after early forester, wilderness preservation pioneer, and Wilderness Society cofounder Bob Marshall. In this remote and unique location you can find one of the most completely preserved mountain ecosystems in the world, the kind of wilderness most people can only imagine.

This 1.5 hour adventure takes you over some of the most famous portions of the Bob Marshall and Mission Mountains Wilderness. The flight will head north up either Monture Creek or the North Fork of the Blackfoot toward the Chinese Wall escarpment, take a U turn at Hungry Horse Reservoir, and return along the east side of the Missions. Your pilot, Owen Gue, and his Cessna Turbo 182 RG, know this region like a close friend.

Your flight is joined by one of our region’s celebrated storytellers and friends of the Bob. Depending on dates, listen to the legends from Arnold “Smoke” Elser, or author Eva-Maria Maggi who will share their deep knowledge and personal connections with this incredible and beloved region of Montana.

Winning bidder will communicate with Owen Gue to arrange the flight date, depending on scheduling and weather. Flight departs from a private hangar at MSO airport.

Estimated Value: $1,000. Includes 2 Guests. Thank you to Owen Gue, Eva-Maria Maggi and Arnold “Smoke” Elser!

Fort Peck Fishing Adventure with “Wild Bill”

If you like to fish and have never been to Fort Peck Reservoir, it should be on your bucket list! It’s one of the best walleye and northern pike fisheries in North America. Walleyes in the 30” class and pike in the 40” class are caught every year. The scenery and wildlife are incredible, and the area around the reservoir is completely undeveloped and spectacular.

Your host for this three-day (June 13-15) outing will be Bill Schneider, former editor of Montana Outdoors magazine, publisher and founder of Falcon Press publishing company and “Wild Bill” columnist for the local (and now defunct) NewWest.Net.

For the last twelve years, Fort Peck has been Bill’s second home in May and June, so he knows the lake as only a few do. This would be an ideal parent-child trip for novice anglers (Bill loves sharing the experience with kids) or an opportunity for experienced fishermen to learn the ropes of fishing Fort Peck and take home some tasty fish for their freezers (Bill always insists on doing the filleting).

Details include: The outing begins at Fourchette Bay Recreation Area on Fort Peck Reservoir. You’ll meet Bill at the campground at Fourchette Bay late afternoon or evening of June 12 and depart the morning of June 15. The nearest town is Malta, 60 miles away on unpaved roads. This is a remote, pack-it-in-pack-it-out campground with no potable water, electricity or cell coverage. You’ll be responsible for your own tent or camper and sleeping equipment. Bill will provide food, fishing gear, bait, and boat that handles three comfortably. Bill will send a list of what to bring in advance.

Prepare yourself for an incredible experience in one of Montana’s remotest locations with an exceptionally interesting trip leader who promises to keep you entertained.

Trip value: $2400. Private guided tour for 2. Dates June 13-15, 2025 (trip starts evening of June 12)

The Ranch at Rock Creek All-Inclusive Grand Luxury Adventure in the Big Sky

Located in one of the region’s most pristine valleys near Phillipsburg, Montana, this Relais & Châteaux, all-inclusive property is the world’s only Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star guest ranch. The Ranch at Rock Creek offers luxurious accommodations for any style to enjoy the best of Montana’s big sky.

This all-inclusive getaway includes a two-night stay for two guests in either a Granite Lodge Room or a Classic Canvas Cabin that provide the definitive “glamping” experience. Enjoy world-class meals and premium wine, beer, spirits, assorted beverages, and snacks, and two-guided activities and gear for each guest. Round-trip ground transportation to and from Missoula, Butte and Anaconda airports is also included.

Between world-class meals and fireside relaxation, The Ranch’s year-round activities provide access to 6,600 acres of ranchland, mountain peaks and trails. Guests accompany knowledgeable guides on daily Western adventures tailored to their expertise and comfort levels.

Enjoy Ranch culture, with over 20 on-ranch activities and optional off-ranch excursions. Leave well-versed in horseback riding, fly fishing, hiking, geocaching, and sporting clay shooting, or opt for more adrenaline with the ropes course or mountain biking adventures. Winter adventures include snowshoeing, horse-drawn sleigh rides, ice skating, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and downhill skiing at nearby Discovery Ski Area. Or simply relax at the spa, or enjoy the nightlife of the Silver Dollar Saloon that offers four lanes of bowling, shuffleboard, karaoke, and more.

Executive Chef Josh Drage prepares inventive multi-course tasting menus featuring the bounty of local Montana farms and ranches to keep you well-fueled and satisfied for your days’ outings.

This is the luxury Montana retreat you’ve been looking for!

Value: $7626. All-inclusive, two nights stay for two guests. Valid Dates: October 25, 2024-October 25, 2025 based on availability. Blackout dates apply.

Blackout dates: November 25-30, 2024; December 20, 2024 – January 3, 2025; February 11-15, 2025; May 18 – September 4, 2025; September 1-5, 2025, September 14-17, 2025; October 3-14, 2025 and all published Seasonal Celebration weekends unless noted by a Reservations Specialist at time of booking. Valid on new reservations only. Certificate is not combinable with other special offers, promotions or donations. Expires on October 25, 2025. Reservations must be made within 60 days of arrival date.

Reservations can be made at 877.786.1545. TheRanchAtRockCreek.com. Thank you to Ranch at Rock Creek!

Three-Night Cozy Condo Stay at Big Sky Ski Resort

Come experience the ultimate summer and winter getaway at this charming two-bedroom, two-bathroom condo nestled at the base of the magnificent Big Sky Ski Resort. With its prime location, forest views, and comfortable accommodations, this is the perfect retreat for ski enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

This condo offers a warm and inviting atmosphere with all the amenities you need for a memorable stay and best of all is a short 5-minute walk to the lifts at Big Sky, granting easy access to the slopes and a wealth of outdoor activities. Wake up in the morning, step outside, and find yourself just moments away from the ski lifts, ready to embark on your alpine adventures. Or in the warmer months, take advantage of incredible hiking, mountain biking, and or fishing.

This getaway also includes a complimentary dinner at Olive B’s Big Sky Bistro restaurant.

Value: $2000. Big Sky Mountain Village Stillwater Condo. Sleeps 6. Weekdays only during ski season; blackout during Xmas to New Years. Dates subject to availability; valid through October 31, 2025.

Note: spiral staircase to second bedroom not suitable for small children and guests with mobility impairment.

Thank you to Scott Pankratz! We also want to thank Scott for stepping in as MNHC’s interim ED who helped steer the ship during our time of transition.

Yellowstone Wildlife Adventure for Five

Treat yourself to an epic Yellowstone vacation! Enjoy a 4-night stay in the Tuholske family’s spectacular cabin in Cooke City, the ideal base camp for a Yellowstone wildlife adventure. This cabin sleeps five, two in the bedroom and up to three in the loft, and is located within walking distance from the bakery and just about everything else in Cooke City. It’s been described as “the nicest cabin within sixty miles of Cooke City,” and is normally $400 a night to rent. If that base camp wasn’t enough, we have booked some of the best wildlife guides in Yellowstone to show you the ropes.

Join the expert guides at Yellowstone Wild for a Bear and Wolf tour in the park. The guides track the movements and behavior of Yellowstone wildlife almost daily and know the best places to find the animals you hope to see. Whether you want to spot foraging grizzly bears, witness the social and behavioral dynamics of Yellowstone’s wolf packs, or search to identify the numerous wild animal and bird species in the park, we make your Yellowstone adventure unforgettable. This day-long guided tour for two includes lunch. Additional participants can be added at the reduced price of $50 each if reservations are made prior to January 1, 2025.

Total estimated value of the overnight stay and guided trip is $2400. Must be used June 3-6, 2025. Guided tour is reserved for June 4, 2025. More information on the cabin can be found at Vrbo.com/35554. Many thanks to the Tuholskes and the friendly people at Yellowstone Wild!

“Great Horned Owl in Flurries” Painting

This beautiful painting capturing a quiet moment of anticipation is based on photos from the Maclay Flat in Missoula, Montana. Artist Jason C. Poole spends a good deal of time at Maclay Flat, finding that unique region endlessly inspiring.

Jason has worn many hats, Adjunct Professor of Paleontology, Scientific Illustrator, art teacher, and Paleontology field instructor. He has excavated dinosaurs on three continents, including Africa, South and North America. Paralititan, Dreadnoughtus, and Suuwassea are three dinosaurs worked on by Poole, all were new to science when discovered and two of which are supermassive titanosaurs. Poole is also a Paleontological Artist who has published in National Geographic and whose art work appears in many museum and private collections.

Jason resides in Missoula, Montana and can often be found sketching in the studio and the great outdoors. Or you may find him at MNHC: Jason has taught various drawing and painting classes, has hosted lectures on Montana’s ancient past, and is currently spending Tuesdays-Fridays at MNHC preparing and conserving 150-million-year-old dinosaur fossils collected by Elevation Science Institute in Carbon County, Montana, during the 2024 field season.

Value: $6,000. Artist: Jason C. Poole. Title: Great Horned Owl in Flurries. Medium: acrylic on canvas. 48” x 48”. Thank you to Jason Poole!

Park City Luxury Condo Winter Getaway

Enjoy a fantastic week-long winter vacation at the Park Plaza Resort! This great resort is located in North Park City, Utah which means you’ll be within a 10-minute drive of Park City Mountain and Deer Valley Resorts. When your legs are too tired to ski or if that’s not your thing, the resort offers a courtesy shuttle that will take you anywhere in Park City (shopping, restaurants, you name it).

Your luxurious condo stay has two bedrooms, three bathrooms, a full kitchen, and jacuzzi, and comfortably sleeps six. This is the winter vacation you’ve been waiting for!

Value: $1,267. Reserved Dates: January 10-17, 2025. Accommodations sleep 6 comfortably. Thank you to Wayne Chamberlain and Betsy Grimley