Grasping Grasslands: A Prairie Primer

Dates: November 29 - December 20, 2023
Meets: W from 10:00 AM to 12 N
 Location: Bozeman, MT - Hope Lutheran Church
Cost:  $50.00

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Date Day Time
11/29/2023Wednesday10 AM to 12 N
12/06/2023Wednesday10 AM to 12 N
12/13/2023Wednesday10 AM to 12 N
12/20/2023Wednesday10 AM to 12 N

Please note: This course program requires membership in a 2023-2024 OLLI at MSU Membership

Description

This course will explore Montana's least-known and most-threatened ecosystem: our prairie grasslands. After an overview of the history, geography and culture of the prairies, we'll take a deep dive into their ecology. We'll study the adaptations of the unique plants and animals that live there and the ecosystem services that prairies provide. We will conclude with an overview of conservation initiatives and tips for visiting the prairies.

Course Takeaways

  • A depiction of the Great Plains prairie ecosystem before European settlement.
  • A thorough understanding of grassland ecological processes and how various prairie flora and fauna are adapted to thrive there.
  • An awareness of the magnitude of prairie loss, current conservation efforts and why Montana is a stronghold for these initiatives.
  • Where and how to experience the prairie ecosystem that makes up more than two-thirds of Montana.

Scholarships

Apply for a needs-based scholarship to take this offering.

Meet the Instructor

Fee:  $50.00

Bozeman, MT - Hope Lutheran Church

2152 Graf St
Bozeman, MT 59718
View the location on a map.

Beth Madden

Beth Madden is a wildlife biologist with over 30 years of experience, mostly as a federal biologist in Montana and North Dakota. She has an M.S. in biology from MSU, where her research focused on relationships between prairie birds and fire ecology. Her subsequent work on national wildlife refuges involved managing and monitoring grassland habitats and wildlife. In retirement, she enjoys engaging others in discovering our natural world.
Date Day Time Location
11/29/2023Wednesday10 AM to 12 N Bozeman, MT - Hope Lutheran Church
12/06/2023Wednesday10 AM to 12 N Bozeman, MT - Hope Lutheran Church
12/13/2023Wednesday10 AM to 12 N Bozeman, MT - Hope Lutheran Church
12/20/2023Wednesday10 AM to 12 N Bozeman, MT - Hope Lutheran Church