Missoula County Department of Ecology & Extension

Missoula County Department of Ecology & Extension Providing coordination & ed. for land management, youth development and family consumer sciences

Celebrate Pollinator Week with MCDEE! Did you know Montana is home to roughly 700 species of native bees, with more tha...
06/20/2026

Celebrate Pollinator Week with MCDEE!

Did you know Montana is home to roughly 700 species of native bees, with more than 230 species documented right here in Missoula County? And bees are only part of the story—butterflies, moths, beetles, flies, and wasps all play important roles in pollinating plants and supporting healthy ecosystems.

Pollinator populations are facing challenges, but there are simple actions we can all take to help. Planting native species, reducing unnecessary pesticide use, tolerating a little leaf damage from hungry caterpillars, and leaving some natural debris in place can all make a difference.

Join us this week to learn more:

The Little Things That Run the World documentary screening at the Roxy Theater

Evening garden hours at the Rocky Mountain Gardens

Learn how to use iNaturalist to document pollinators and contribute to community science, build a bee house, or enjoy an evening in the garden.

Want more pollinator-friendly tips? Read our latest blog post, Celebrate Pollinator Week All Year Long!, to learn how you can help make Missoula County a pollinator paradise.
https://missoulaeduplace.org/get-involved/newsroom.html/article/2026/06/19/celebrate-pollinator-week-all-year-long-

Buy tickets to Little Things That Run the World: https://www.theroxytheater.org/show/the-little-things-that-run-the-world-2/

Here's your monthly aquatic invasive species highlight! American bullfrogs are a large species of frog native to Eastern...
06/19/2026

Here's your monthly aquatic invasive species highlight!

American bullfrogs are a large species of frog native to Eastern North America but highly invasive in the West. They are voracious predators, capable of eating anything that will fit in their mouths, from bugs to birds to other frogs, including smaller bullfrogs! They can also carry chytrid fungus, which can harm native amphibian species.

If you see a bullfrog, help protect the native species by reporting the sighting to Montana FWP. You can also learn more about bullfrogs and other aquatic invaders on our website!

Visit missoulaeduplace.org to learn more.

Got WEEDS!?! Join MSU Extension and the Missoula County W**d District for a FREE practical webinar focused on identifyin...
06/18/2026

Got WEEDS!?!

Join MSU Extension and the Missoula County W**d District for a FREE practical webinar focused on identifying and managing common weeds found on horse properties in Western Montana.

On Tuesday, June 23rd, at 12:00 pm, local experts will discuss troublesome species such as knapweed, Canada thistle, whitetop, cheatgrass, and other invasive weeds, covering what causes infestations, effective control strategies, and how to manage weeds safely around horses and livestock.

Participants attending live will have the opportunity to ask questions during the expert panel discussion. The webinar will be recorded, and registration is required to receive access to the recording after the event.

Visit missoulaeduplace.org to register today and take the first step toward healthier, more productive pastures.

Not all damage needs action!Some pests cause cosmetic damage only.👉 Know your thresholds.Check out the weekly update on ...
06/17/2026

Not all damage needs action!

Some pests cause cosmetic damage only.
👉 Know your thresholds.

Check out the weekly update on our Pest Alert Phone Line 406-258-3820 or visit missoulaeduplace.org to learn more!




Missoula County Department of Ecology & Extension and Rocky Mountain Gardens will be closed Friday and Saturday for the ...
06/16/2026

Missoula County Department of Ecology & Extension and Rocky Mountain Gardens will be closed Friday and Saturday for the Zootown Music Festival!

🌿 This Week at the Exploration Center! 🌿🧘 Tai Chi for Arthritis & Fall PreventionTuesday, June 16 | 9:00–10:00 AMJoin Mi...
06/15/2026

🌿 This Week at the Exploration Center! 🌿

🧘 Tai Chi for Arthritis & Fall Prevention
Tuesday, June 16 | 9:00–10:00 AM
Join Missoula Parks & Recreation for this weekly Tai Chi class designed to improve balance, mobility, and overall wellness.

🥕Gardening in Montana: Vegetable Gardening in a Short Season
Wednesday, June 17 | 12:00–1:00 PM or 6:00–7:00 PM
$5 per class
Learn how to make the most of Montana's short growing season with strategies for succession planting, crop timing, irrigation, and season extension to maximize your harvest.

🐴Western Montana Hay Farm Tour
Wednesday, June 17 | 6:00–7:30 PM
Join MSU Extension and Grass Valley Farm for the first annual horse-drawn wagon, Hay Farm Tour. Explore hay production from the grower's perspective and learn how growing conditions and harvest practices influence forage quality.

🍽️Cultivate & Cook: From Soil to Sizzling Sheet Pan
Thursday, June 18 | 6:00–7:00 PM
Discover how to grow sweet, tender Japanese snow turnips, from planting and care to harvest. Then head into the kitchen to transform them into a simple yet delicious roasted dish packed with flavor.

👉 Learn more and register at missoulaeduplace.org.

Keep an eye out for Jointed Goatgrass in Missoula County! While Jointed Goatgrass currently has a limited presence in Mi...
06/14/2026

Keep an eye out for Jointed Goatgrass in Missoula County!

While Jointed Goatgrass currently has a limited presence in Missoula County, we're beginning to find more patches in poorly vegetated areas and other "waste areas." This invasive winter annual bunchgrass is closely associated with winter wheat production and can spread rapidly when left unmanaged.

The easiest way to identify Jointed Goatgrass is by its distinctive seed head. The stacked spikelets give the appearance of being "jointed," which is where the plant gets its name.

Recently, we discovered Jointed Goatgrass growing in our own parking lot landscaping—a reminder that invasive plants can show up almost anywhere. Be vigilant when you encounter unknown grasses on your property, especially in disturbed areas.

Think you've found it?
Email photos and location to [email protected]

Better yet, carefully pull the entire plant, roots and all, and bring it to our Plant Clinic for proper identification.
1075 South Ave W

Early detection makes a big difference in preventing new infestations!

Wouldn't it be COOL to see this site as you tour a newly planted field of Teff Hay in Missoula County? Or listen to a gr...
06/13/2026

Wouldn't it be COOL to see this site as you tour a newly planted field of Teff Hay in Missoula County? Or listen to a grower talk about all the considerations that go into your bluegrass hay, alfalfa/grass blend, or full grass hay? Well, you've got a second chance, folks!!!

We had to cancel the May 20th tour due to a big spring storm, so we've rescheduled for June 17th. *Please register if you'd like to join. Event is FREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

Attendees will be the first to know about low-carb, certified weed-free, and other specialty hays and forage opportunities!

HORSE-DRAWN HAY FARM TOUR!
June 17th, 6 PM off Deschamps Lane, Missoula- NEXT WEDNESDAY!!!
A Belgian horse-drawn tour of a regenerative hay farm in Missoula. Listen to a progressive hay grower talk about his inputs and considerations to make you the best hay possible.

CLICK HERE for details and to register:
https://missoulaeduplace.org/get-involved/event/2026/06/17/hay-farm-tour-for-horse-livestock-owners/567579

Our AIS crew attended the Aquatic Invasive Species Early Detection and Monitoring Training Workshop at the Flathead Lake...
06/12/2026

Our AIS crew attended the Aquatic Invasive Species Early Detection and Monitoring Training Workshop at the Flathead Lake Biological Station last week!

During the workshop, we learned techniques for collecting eDNA samples, using plankton tow nets, and identifying microscopic organisms found in Flathead Lake.

Strong partnerships and collaboration are essential for effective aquatic invasive species management in Montana. We’re grateful for opportunities to learn alongside partners like Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and the Flathead Lake Biological Station, and to continue building the relationships that support this important work.

No trap = no dataCherry fruit fly monitoring prevents maggot-infested fruit👉 Use sticky traps
06/10/2026

No trap = no data

Cherry fruit fly monitoring prevents maggot-infested fruit
👉 Use sticky traps




Address

1075 South Avenue W
Missoula, MT
59801

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+14062584200

Website

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