Montana Natural History Center

Rooted at the Edge: Reading and Book Signing with Donna Erickson
2025-10-02 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Denver) | Montana Natural History Center
Date: Thursday, October 2
Time: 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Location: Montana Natural History Center
Cost: Free, and open to the public
MNHC is excited to host author Donna Erickson for a reading and signing of her book, Rooted at the Edge: Ranching Where the Old West and New West Collide.
Rooted at the Edge paints a portrait of a ranching community in a threatened landscape steeped in history, conflict, and beauty.
Across the West rural lifestyles are increasingly compromised by suburbanization, economic hardship, and family dynamics; a way of life and a way of work are vanishing. Ranchland may be simultaneously cherished by a family for the life its members have made there and coveted by urban neighbors for open space. Community residents may love a place for its scenery and wildlife habitat while others wish it converted to a commercial parking lot. Complex ecological relationships can be bulldozed in a single afternoon. And the threats of climate change and shifting populations compromise the edge even more.
Light refreshments provided. This event is offered in partnership with Fact and Fiction.
About the Author: Donna Erickson is the author of Rooted at the Edge: Ranching Where the Old West and New West Collide (2025), published by the University of Nebraska Press. Erickson grew up on a ranch in Missoula’s North Hills and was a professor of landscape architecture and planning at the University of Michigan for 16 years. She has consulted with land conservation groups across the west from her home in Missoula and has published extensively in design and planning. Erickson’s previous book is MetroGreen: Connecting Open Space in North American Cities.

Owl Pellet Bone Box Sip & Build
2025-10-04 13:00 - 15:00
Date: Saturday, October 4, 2025
Time: 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Location: MNHC
Cost: $30 MNHC members/$35 non-members
REGISTER HERE
Create a uniquely naturalist spooky display with bones from an owl pellet!
Owl pellets are a treasure trove. Filled with bones, fur, and feathers, they tell us what an owl has been eating. We will discuss the science behind owl pellets and we will use charts and guides to identify the bones we find within. After our forensic practice, we will clean the bones and prepare them for our bone box! Materials will include: owl pellets, small boxes, glue, paint, and your own sense of design. These mini shadow boxes are perfect for Halloween decorations or as art to be enjoyed all year. They definitely adorn some desks here at MNHC!
Enjoy a beer, fizzy water, or cocoa and spend a crafty afternoon with us!
Best for ages 12 and up.
Cost: $30 MNHC members, $35 non-members. Add your MNHC membership to your order when you check out!

FAQs
What’s the refund policy?
The course fee (minus a 25% administrative fee) is refundable if a cancellation is made up to 7 days before the event. No refunds will be issued for cancellations made after this deadline. See our full refund/cancellation policy here.
Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?
Nope! We will have a list of all the attendees.
