SAS Annual Meeting & Potluck

Please join us for our annual membership meeting and Sweet & Savory Potluck. A main dish, plates and utensils will be provided. Bring a sweet or savory dish to share. Your participation in this Annual SAS Membership Meeting and Board of Directors Election is requested and highly valued. SAS is among the few remaining local member driven environmental not-for-profits. All of you as members make it what it is and determine what it will become!

Following the potluck and board elections, we will feature a presentation by Montana Wetlands & Waterfowl with Marc Mariano: The Last Best Flyway: Conservation in an Unexpected Landscape

Montana Wetlands and Waterfowl is a grassroots conservation organization based in Butte, Montana, focused on wetland health, waterfowl conservation, and public education across the state. The organization was founded to address a gap between scientific understanding and on-the-ground conservation, particularly in landscapes influenced by mining and restoration, like the Upper Clark Fork.

It was started with a simple goal: connect people to wetlands and waterfowl while contributing meaningful data and restoration work. Over time, that mission has expanded into a blend of education, applied science, and habitat improvement. Our work includes school and community outreach, wetland restoration projects, and collaborative research—such as ongoing efforts to understand contaminant exposure in local waterfowl populations.

Southwest Montana sits within a major migration corridor of the Pacific Flyway, where seasonal movements of waterfowl depend heavily on the availability and quality of wetlands. These habitats provide critical stopover, overwintering, and nesting areas, making their health essential not only locally but across the broader flyway. Ultimately, Montana Wetlands and Waterfowl exists to ensure that wetlands remain healthy, waterfowl populations remain strong, and communities across Montana remain connected to both.

Bio

Mark Mariano is a co-founder and serves as President of Montana Wetlands and Waterfowl, a Butte-based conservation organization dedicated to wetland health, waterfowl conservation, and public education. His work is rooted in a deep appreciation for the ecological and cultural importance of wetlands in southwest Montana, particularly within the Pacific Flyway migration corridor.

Mark has helped guide the organization from a grassroots idea into a growing nonprofit engaged in habitat restoration, scientific research, and statewide outreach. He plays a leading role in developing collaborative projects with landowners, agencies, and academic partners, including research focused on contaminant exposure in local waterfowl populations.

With a background that blends conservation, communication, and hands-on fieldwork, Mark is passionate about connecting people to the landscapes and species that define Montana. His work emphasizes practical solutions, strong partnerships, and ensuring that wetlands and waterfowl remain a vital part of the region’s future.