Montana Audubon Center
The 27-acre core of the Montana Audubon Center campus, along with the Norm Schoenthal Field Lab, yurt classroom, and other structures, are owned by YRPA. Through a lease agreement and MOU, Montana Audubon operates their conservation education programs on site, reaching more than 20,000 students and families each year. YRPA also helps to maintain the nearby Norm’s Island and Riverfront Park, frequently used by Montana Audubon programs.
The Montana Audubon Center campus is open to the public but is a dog-free space (other than service animals). Please be respectful of program staff and participants.
Activities
Walking
Biking (please stay on trails and keep speed <5mph)
Fishing (with Montana license)
Please no dogs, motorized vehicles, fires, horses, or camping.
Partners and Supporters
An outdoor education and research facility was an early dream of YRPA and many of its partners. The old gravel mine property was donated by Joel Long to YRPA in 1998, and a group of teachers including Jean Smith and Norm Schoenthal set out to build programming and direct the habitat restoration. Montana Audubon came in as a partner in 2004, and the Norm Schoenthal Field Lab was opened in 2009. YRPA continues to provide support as the property owner and through contributions of volunteers and expertise.
Other partners include: