INDRELAND AUDUBON WETLAND PRESERVE
UPDATE: APRIL 2025
THE WETLAND PRESERVATION PROJECT (WPP) was initiated to accomplish Sacajawea Audubon Society’s mission to protect and restore increasingly rare wetland and riparian habitats in our region, and to provide educational opportunities and enjoyment for generations to come. The IAWP is the first of our wetland protection projects.
Busy Beaver Volunteer Program
This IAWP program provides a unique opportunity for people to understand up close the value of wetlands and the watersheds they support. We strive to inspire our Busy Beavers to become advocates for wetland conservation and get involved in relevant policy-making, planning and management.
Volunteering at the Indreland Audubon Wetland Preserve (IAWP) as a Busy Beaver is a fun opportunity to get involved with your local urban wetlands! There are many different types of volunteer activities to help support the IAWP. Whatever your skill set or interests, there is a place for you at the IAWP!
Busy Beaver activities can consist from 2 to 3 hours to an all day event at the IAWP and around the Gallatin Watershed. The program benefits include: free monthly workshops, discounted tuition in our Wetland Master Naturalist Program, and access to areas usually closed to the public. Experience the joy of conserving local wetlands and educating our community on their value.
Ready to Join the IAWP Busy Beavers? The first of several Busy Beaver orientation sessions will be held Sunday, April 13 at 1:30 – 3:30pm. Sign-up at https://bozemanwetlands.org. This 2-hour orientation session will cover the natural and human history of the IAWP, highlight 2025 season activities, research projects, and upcoming wildlife & biodiversity workshops. We will also offer a walking tour of the IAWP.
A Summary of Busy Beaver Opportunities:
Restoration Busy Beaver
Get your hands dirty and feet wet by helping us with restoration and management of wetland habitats at IAWP.
Here are just a few examples of the projects/activities you may participate in as a Restoration Busy Beaver:
• Plant Management – non-herbicidal removal of invasive plant species and installation of native plants.
• Trash and debris removal
• Water monitoring
• Beaver management
• Conducting bird and other wildlife surveys
Interpretive Preserve Host Busy Beaver
Our IAWP is open to the public every day along the historic railroad berm trail. This provides the public with the perfect opportunity to view birds and other wildlife while learning about wetland ecology. As an enthusiastic host, you will help welcome visitors to the Indreland Audubon Wetland Preserve, answer questions, and direct them to other available resources. Hosts may at times give tours of the IAWP. This opportunity is less physically demanding. Host training will be provided – NO prior experience is necessary!
Wetland Naturalist Busy Beaver
This is an opportunity that requires more training. The IAWP provides a variety of science-based education programs for ages Pre-K to Adult. Serving as a Wetland Naturalist, you will conduct fun, interactive activities to SAS members and the public, covering various aspects of wetland ecology and history unique to the IAWP. You will get a chance to lead outdoor science workshops and educational tours of the wetlands. As a Busy Beaver you will receive a discount on the Wetland Master Naturalist Course if you choose to dive that deeply. Scholarships will be offered.
Even if you are unable to commit to being a Busy Beaver today, there are many opportunities for you to participate. Check out www.bozemanwetlands.org
Give Big Events for Wildlife Conservation
The IAWP is excited to host two Give Big Events on Saturday April 26 and Friday May 2nd, highlighting the Motus* Wildlife Tracking System Towers. The SAS Board recently voted to support, install and maintain these towers. These towers will enable the IAWP to undertake impactful, cost-effective data collection for research and education on the ecology and conservation of migratory animals that utilize the IAWP. The IAWP Board is thrilled that the SAS Board voted to support the installation of Motus Towers in the vicinity of the IAWP.
