W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation, University of Montana

How does a career as an ecologist sound?🌱 Ecologists play a vital role in environmental conservation and planning. From researching water samples to planning city growth while preserving natural areas, this field of work allows you to take on diverse tasks. Becoming an ecologist typically involves earning a bachelor's degree in environmental science (one of our fastest-growing majors!), gaining work experience, obtaining professional licenses, and considering certifications for career advancement. Wanna learn more? Read more about this career: https://loom.ly/rfERQr4

📸 Claire Utzman (M.S. Systems Ecology 2023)

We're hiring! Join us in the Franke College as our new Admin Assistant! This full-time position located in Missoula oversees support for students and faculty, developing, organizing, and coordinating the overall direction of programs. Applications close June 30.

Job Opportunities | University of Montana, Helena College & UM Western Welcome to the job application process for the University of Montana, Helena College, and the University of Montana Western!

“A scientists’ mindset doesn’t just involve finding cures and creating new technologies; it can be, if we let it, a practice of spiritual self-salvation. An act of love.” Writes Dr. Alan Townsend, dean of the Franke College, in his new memoir - a profound discourse on scientific inquiry as a source of wonder and hope.

“This Ordinary Stardust” is out today! Get your copy at the link below.

University of Montana Grand Central Publishing

This Ordinary Stardust "[A] remarkable account of a shifting consciousness” - Publisher’s Weekly, starred review “An extraordinary, powerful book” - Da...

🎓✨ "The biggest surprise of my life!" ✨🎓 At 86, Roger Savage received a call informing him that he had finally earned his master's degree in forestry from UM, decades after he began. Despite leaving to pursue a career as a pilot, Roger spent years digitizing historic smokejumper records, preserving their legacy. On May 11, Roger’s lifetime contributions to the smokejumpers were publicly celebrated as he walked across the stage at the Adams Center to claim his diploma. Roger, you are truly an inspiration to us all!

Read Roger's incredible story in the article below and stay tuned for a video on Roger's graduation day.
Missoulian article: https://loom.ly/_LVPkxE

📸 1. Antionio Ibarra Olivares; 2-3. Tommy Martino; 4-5. Ryan Brennecke; 6-9. Courtesy of Roger Savage.

University of Montana National Smokejumper Association U.S. Forest Service United Missoulian University of Montana Alumni

🎓 "I could do anything." 🎓 These inspiring words from MarraLynn Rodriguez, who graduated on May 11 from UM with a degree in environmental science and sustainability and minor in wilderness studies, remind us that it's never too late to follow your dreams. 🌿✨ From raising five children in eastern Washington to becoming an environmental advocate, MarraLynn's journey is a testament to perseverance and passion. Read more of her story at the link below!

University of Montana The Wilderness Institute at the University of Montana University of Montana Alumni

UM Grad Journeys From Suburban Mom to Environmental Advocate MarraLynn Rodriguez dedicated herself to raising her five children. But as life unfolded and her children grew up, Rodriguez found herself yearning to fulfill a long-held aspiration: completing her undergraduate degree.

Franke College faculty and staff made commencement extra festive for our graduates by crafting a spirit tunnel adorned with blue spruce bows. Montana Climate Office's Kyle Bocinsky said the beautiful bows came from a pruning project right in his yard. 😁

📸 Ryan Brennecke, Coral Scoles-Coburn, Kyle Bocinsky

University of Montana Wildlife Biology Program, University of Montana University of Montana Alumni

Our Franke College students are officially on summer break. We wish everyone a safe, fun summer!

Wildlife Biology Program, University of Montana

Sending our heartfelt wishes to our Franke College graduates for a memorable graduation day tomorrow as they take the stage and turn those tassels! 🎓 We already miss our amazing students and look forward to seeing them take on big things. They will always have a place here at UM. Happy Commencement, graduates!
Link to livestream and info: https://bit.ly/UMcommSpring24
📸 Ryan Brennecke
University of Montana University of Montana Alumni Wildlife Biology Program, University of Montana

Meet Toby Dunn, another one of our standout graduates! 🎓 Toby came to UM from just down the road in Victor, MT. She has shown remarkable leadership and dedication throughout her academic journey here, while also handling the demands of parenthood. Toby graduates this weekend with a degree in environmental science and sustainability with a concentration in water resources and a minor in mathematics.

Described by UM Regents Professor of Ecology Cory Cleveland as the epitome of an outstanding student, Toby's leadership was evident through her role as a student researcher at the Montana Climate Office.

Toby plans to pursue graduate school, where she will continue her research to enhance drought monitoring and water supply assessments.

Congrats, Toby!

University of Montana College of Humanities and Sciences, University of Montana University of Montana Alumni

The semester has flown by! Let's take a look at our students' FCFC Wrapped for this semester 🌲📚
University of Montana Lubrecht State Experimental Forest

Maggie Woods, from Seattle, WA, is gearing up to walk the stage next week to receive her degree in Political Science and Environmental Science and Sustainability (ESS), plus a Wilderness Studies minor. 🎓 Maggie believes in collaboration and community involvement in shaping effective policies and sustainable solutions. What's next for Maggie? This summer, she sets out to map invasive species in Montana, driving real change in environmental sustainability. 🌿

Congrats, Maggie! We can't wait to see the impact you make!

University of Montana The Wilderness Institute at the University of Montana University of Montana Alumni

Do you follow us on Instagram? Last week, Assistant Wildlife Biology Professor Erim Gómez took over our Stories to share the exciting life of a professor, from classroom lectures to adventures in the field and even a peek into the International Wildlife Film Festival. Follow on IG to check out the Takeover Highlights and see Erim's day-in-the-life of a professor.

Erim is also founder and leader of the Charismatic Minifauna Lab at UM. As a first-generation college graduate, he's inspiring the next generation of scientists advocating for underrepresented groups in the sciences. When he's not shaping the future of conservation, he's documenting wildlife with his photography, enjoying river floats, and tearing up the dance floor with his Latin moves!

University of Montana Wildlife Biology Program, University of Montana SACNAS Advancing Hispanics/Chicanos & Native Americans in Science

It's graduation season! 🎓 Meet Junior Burks, an honors student originally from San Bernardino, CA. Junior is graduating with a degree in environmental science and sustainability. His journey through the ESS program at UM has equipped him with invaluable skills, recognized by his professors for his exceptional research. Junior was nominated by faculty for the President's Outstanding Senior Award and is ready to dive into a Ph.D., poised to make a meaningful impact in the field of environmental science.

University of Montana Davidson Honors College - The University of Montana - DHC University of Montana Alumni

🩸 Join us for the Wildlife Biology Program's Blood Drive with the Red Cross on Wednesday May 1, 10:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. at the James E. Todd Center!
💉 Schedule your donation appointment at redcrossblood.org (sponsor code: WBIOUM) or and/or sign up to volunteer here: https://loom.ly/0nZ55BA

There are only a few spots left! Let's fill every appointment slot and save lives together!

W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation, University of Montana American Red Cross of Montana

🌳 Happy Arbor Day! 🌳 Did you know the University of Montana has been a Tree Campus USA for years? We're committed to managing our trees and fostering healthy urban forests. Plus, our campus is home to the State of Montana ArboretUM, showcasing over 2,000 trees from across North America. Celebrate today by taking a stroll through campus and appreciating the beauty of trees!

Arbor Day Foundation

Introducing Alex Kaper, a remarkable nontraditional student and captain of the UM Woodsman Team! From Illinois lumber yards to five military deployments, he found his way to UM. For Alex, a management information systems major, being part of the Woodsman Team goes beyond the thrill of timber sports; it's about mentorship, teamwork, and fostering future leaders. Catch Alex and the team in competition April 26-27 at Fort Missoula for Forestry Days at Fort Missoula!

Forestry Days Details here: https://www.forestrydays.com

📸 Alex Kaper and UM Woodsman team members.

University of Montana UM Woodsman Team University of Montana College of Business

Today, let's take a moment to reflect on the beauty and wonder of our planet and the importance of protecting it for future generations. Earth Day is a reminder that we all share this incredible home, and it's up to each of us to do our part in caring for it.

Whether you're working in environmental planning or simply spending time outdoors appreciating nature's beauty - every action, no matter how small, makes a difference. Happy Earth Day! 🌱

University of Montana
EarthDay.org
University of Montana Alumni
Wildlife Biology Program, University of Montana

Join us for a piano recital exploring the music and ecology of fire!

Mark Kreider is a WI PhD student in Forestry and Conservation as well as a classical pianist, and the recital will focus on how we as a society respond to the growing wildfire crisis and climate change.

Tuesday, April 23 at 7:30pm in the Music Building

Full event info here: https://umt.campuslabs.com/engage/event/10030941

Photo: Mark Kreider

W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation, University of Montana

Sign up for summer classes today!☀️📚
The Wilderness Policy and Packing is a class offered this summer from May 20 – June 7! In this three-week summer course, students will explore Wilderness policy theory and application. Expert speakers will cover current wilderness issues like land management, recreation, wildfires, wildlife, and tribal involvement. Learn how to write and present policy papers on these topics and how to maintain trails and handle pack animals in wilderness areas. The class is limited to 20 students. Sign up today!
More information: https://loom.ly/E2YPSo4
University of Montana University of Montana Alumni UM Wilderness Policy and Packing

ICYMI, David Ketchum, a 2023 grad of the UM systems ecology PhD program, conducted a groundbreaking 35-year study examining the combined effects of climate change and irrigation on water resources in the Western United States. Ketchum's research challenges the belief that streamflow changes are solely due to climate warming, revealing irrigation's significant impact.

University of Montana
University of Montana Alumni
Nature Portfolio

UM Grad’s Study Reveals Impacts of Climate Change on Irrigation in the West In a groundbreaking study that could reshape our understanding and management of water resources in the Western United States, David Ketchum, a 2023 graduate of the UM systems ecology Ph.D. program, has unveiled a 35-year analysis quantifying the interconnected impacts of climate change and irrigati...

🌲 ⛰️ Introducing ‘Treasure Montana: Cultivating Our Tomorrow’ ⛰️ 🌲
Treasure Montana is a fundraising campaign that seeks to inspire philanthropic support for a new building that will serve as Montana’s hub for environment and conservation on the UM campus. Join us in creating an intentional and iconic space for the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation that enriches teaching, learning, and research while fostering collaboration to address the critical issues facing Montana and the American West. Learn more, give and engage on the campaign website: https://loom.ly/lDA92wY

University of Montana University of Montana Foundation University of Montana Alumni Wildlife Biology Program, University of Montana

We're thrilled to announce that forestry student Jaiden Stansberry has been awarded the prestigious Truman Scholarship! 🎓👏 This national honor recognizes outstanding students pursuing careers in public service, covering the cost of their graduate education. With only 60 of these awards given out each year, it's a testament to Jaiden's dedication and leadership. Her campus leadership and focus on fire management exemplifies her commitment to making a difference. Join us in congratulating Jaiden on this remarkable achievement!

University of Montana Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation Davidson Honors College - The University of Montana - DHC Franke Global Leadership Initiative Foresters' Ball

Catching Fire: UM Forestry Student Awarded Prestigious Truman Scholarship Jaiden Stansberry, a forestry senior at UM who also is part of the Davidson Honors College and completing a Fire Science and Management minor and Franke Global Leadership Initiative certificate, was selected as one of 60 Truman Scholars among 709 candidates this year.

Are you an alum of the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation? Check your email! Help shape the future of your alma mater by sharing your post-graduation experiences and feedback in the alumni survey we sent out today!

This survey will help us understand the career paths of graduates from the Franke College. Participant responses are anonymous and will help us better design programs to serve current and future students and alumni!

📸 Wildlife Biology alumna Jessica Lindsay '15.

University of Montana University of Montana Alumni Wildlife Biology Program, University of Montana

Mark your calendars for April 26th and 27th, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., for Forestry Days at Fort Missoula! 🌲 Co-hosted by the UM Woodsman Team and the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula, it's two days packed with fun for all ages. A collegiate timbersports competition kicks off on Friday, followed by a Professional/Amateur competition on Saturday with pros from around the country. Check out forestry activities like chopping, hot saw, log rolling, and pole climbing. Historical logging machines will be on display at the museum, and we'll have delicious bites from local food trucks. Come celebrate forestry in Missoula!

University of Montana University of Montana Alumni Missoula County, Montana - Government UM Woodsman Team Fort Missoula Regional Park Sonora Shack Montana Kick A BBQ

In national wildfire news, the BC Wildfire Service reports that wildfires, which had been dormant during winter, have resurfaced, emitting visible smoke and smoldering. These "holdover fires" are concentrated mainly in the Prince George Fire Centre. Full article: https://loom.ly/ZByUJrs

🛩️✨ Back in the 1950s, amidst rising tensions during the Cold War, the U.S. military took to the skies to photograph the entire country in case of a Soviet invasion. Fast forward to today, and those historic images have been digitized and merged with modern satellite data, thanks to the incredible work of UM’s Numerical Terradynamic Simulation Group. Now, you can journey back in time and witness the changes our nation has undergone over the past 70 years with Landscape Explorer. Dive into this fascinating fusion of past and present at landscapeexplorer.org and rediscover America from a whole new perspective!
Full article: https://loom.ly/jZoSRy4
University of Montana Wildlife Biology Program, University of Montana