Field Notes are natural history essays produced by the Montana Natural History Center(MNHC) that air on  Montana Public Radio (KUFM, 89.1 FM), three times per week: Wednesdays at 3:55 pm, Sundays at 9:00 pm and Mondays at 3:00 pm. The pieces highlight observations of the natural world, ranging from concealment postures of owls to the short, hungry life of a water shrew.  The program has been on air since 1992.

Research
Once you’ve made your observations in the field and narrowed down the question that you want to focus on, head to the library or other resource.  First, you will need to identify the species that you observed, if you don’t already know it’s name.  Second, search for the explanation of the behavior or characteristic that you observed. Current professional literature or popular science/nature magazines are good sources and have reliable information.  You can use the internet, but be sure that your source is credible.  Talking with an expert, such as a teacher or other professional is also a good way to learn more about what you observed.

Writing the Field Note
When you sit down to put your observation and research on paper, remember that you are trying to interpret for an audience that may not have a sophisticated understanding of the way natural systems work. Be sure to define scientific terms and avoid errors of generalization (”the osprey always carries fish head first to reduce wind resistance”), anthropomorphisms (”despite her fear, the mother wren fed the nestlings”), and group selection (” this behavior promotes the long-term survival of the species”). Also remember that you want to include the listeners in appreciation the natural events happening around them.  Talking down to listeners by preaching from the soapbox turns people off. Conservation messages are important, but let the wonders that you are describing speak for themselves.

Taking the Final Step
When you are finished with your Field Note, send it to MNHC, 120 Hickory St, Missoula, Mt 59801, attn. Caroline Kurtz.  You can also e-mail it to
editor at MontanaNaturalist.org (note: replace at with@ to have an active e-mail address). Be sure to include your name, address and phone number with your Field Note so we can contact you about any editing and set up a recording date.  We can’t run all the Field Notes that we receive because occasionally pieces don’t fit the Field Note format, or they cover topics similar to those recently-aired Field Notes.  But a high percentage does make it on the radio, and if you want to give us a call we’d be happy to discuss topics or answer any questions that you may have. Happy Field Note writing!

Biocontrol Collection Day- August 8th
Learn about knapweed weevil biocontrol from a local expert and then master the technique of finding and collecting weevils. All participants will get to take a portion of collected weevils home to distribute.
Location: TBD
Time: 1 pm
Contact Melissa-777-5842 for more information.

Create Wildlife Habitat at Silver’s Lagoon - National Public Lands Day- September 26th
Help Silver’s Lagoon with trail development and enhancement, re-vegetation, tree planting and more. Please bring: water, safety glasses and gloves if you have them. We will be able to provide most safety gear if needed. Volunteers under 18 must be accompanied by a parent. Complimentary BBQ for volunteers afterwards. Contact Jason Pignanelli at 552-6271 or jpignanelli@ci.missoula.mt.us. Additional information about the National Event: www.publiclandsday.org.