Audubon Center Hosts Family Activities

The Audubon Conservation Education Center is now offering family- and children-targeted events that make the most of Montana’s winter wonderland.

Enjoy the great outdoors and learn more about the critters who live there at the snow tracking workshop for families from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, February 4, at the Red Lodge Nordic Center with Custer National Forest and Audubon Center staff. Learn how to cross-country ski. Then explore the trails in search of animal tracks. Participants must bring their own skis. Children ski free. There is a $5 trail use fee for adults.

It’s Nature Night at the Audubon Center on Friday, February 10. Drop off children for an evening of outdoor adventures with the center’s teacher naturalists. This program is open to first- through sixth-grade students and runs from 6-8 p.m. The fee is $10 per child.

On Sunday, February 12, prowl for owls from 6:30-8 p.m. Learn amazing owl facts and go on a hike in search of the resident great-horned owls on Norm’s Island. This activity is free.

In honor of President’s Day, kids can learn about famous animals in the White House, in Hollywood, and in the wild at the Celebrity Critters School Break Camp from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Friday, February 17. This day camp is open to students in first through sixth grades. The fee is $40 per child.

On Sunday, February 26, take part in the Winter Ecology Weekend Wonders family workshop from 1:30-3 p.m. Learn about amazing adaptations that help critters in Montana survive until spring. This workshop is free.

Dr. Bernie Quetchenbach, MSU Billings writing and literature professor, presents “Writing the River,” a reflection on the Yellowstone River landscape including weather, geology, and wildlife on Tuesday, February 28, from 7-8 p.m. This free lecture unites Quetchenbach’s passion for literature, writing, and the environment. No registration is required.

Unless otherwise noted, all events are at the Audubon Conservation Education Center. Register for children’s and family workshops by calling 294-5099 or visit www.mtacec.org for more information. The Audubon Conservation Education Center is located at 7026 South Billings Blvd. in Billings. Take I-90 Exit 447 and turn south.