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Hop Aboard the 2019 Research Cruise: An Afternoon of Science and Sun on Flathead Lake


We had incredible weather and an outstanding time hosting the 2019 FLBS Research Cruise! The Research Cruise gives us the chance to connect with people from the community on more a personal level. It's also a time for us to share what we know about Flathead Lake, present new Bio Station developments and give key insights into our research and programs.

FLBS Director Jim Elser kicked things off with an overview of FLBS happenings, and FLBS Lake Ecologist Shawn Devlin followed up with an update on our expanding Flathead Lake Monitoring Program. FLBS Technologist Cody Youngbull discussed a few exciting activities coming to SensorSpace, while FLBS educators Holly Church and Monica Elser gave a rundown of our FLARE K-12 Program. Many of our interns also came along, and gained valuable experience in the importance of engaging with local community members as they discussed and presented their work. 
A tremendous thank you goes out to The Raven in Bigfork for supplying us with the great food, to Whistling Andy for stirring up a delicious signature cocktail, and to The Bad Larrys for their wonderful  music and entertainment. A special acknowledgement and thanks goes out to Far West Boat Tours in Lakeside for providing the venue and giving us such a smooth and enjoyable tour around Flathead Lake. 

We are so grateful for our sponsors, and truly appreciate everyone who was able to make it out this year! We're already counting the days to the 2020 Research Cruise! 

The Art of Summer: Meet our New Artist-in-Residence Debby Kaspari 


We have a special guest staying with us this summer! We are excited to welcome Debby Kaspari, our first summer Artist-in Residence at the Bio Station.

Debby is an Oklahoma-based artist and illustrator of landscapes and wildlife, working primarily in pastel and oil, as well as drawing in graphite and mixed media. She has exhibited nationally and internationally and most recently illustrated E.O. Wilson’s book Genesis: The Deep Origin of Societies. Debby has painted and sketched in field stations around the world and was awarded Residencies for Harvard Forest in Massachusetts, H.J.Andrews Experimental Forest in Oregon, and Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve in California. She is married to ecologist and University of Oklahoma professor Mike Kaspari, another field station aficionado.

For the next month, Debby will be staying on-site at Yellow Bay, where she will have the opportunity to engage with our scientists and integrate our research into her incredible artwork. Debby’s residency is generously funded by Bio Station supporters who are Yellow Bay neighbors and want to foster art at FLBS.  Stay tuned to our website and social media for updates on Debby's residency!
Visit Debby Kaspari's Website

2019 Flathead Lake Secchi Dip-In:
Taking a Dip with the Flathead Lakers


Calling all Flathead Lake Citizen Scientists!

FLBS and the Flathead Lakers are looking for Citizen Science volunteers to take part in the second annual Flathead Lake Secchi Dip-In the last week of July.

The Flathead Lake Secchi Dip-In is one of several opportunities in the Flathead Lakers Citizen Science program that gives people the chance to conduct meaningful research to help us better understand and monitor the clean waters of Flathead Lake and watershed. This is your chance to play a significant role in protecting Flathead Lake’s beautiful, clear water while participating in a family-friendly week of scientific, summer fun!

 
For more information about the Flathead Lake Secchi Dip-In registration, or if you already have a Secchi disk and would like to participate, contact Flathead Lakers Education and Outreach Coordinator Hilary Devlin at hilary@flatheadlakers.org.
Register for the 2019 Secchi Dip In!
See results from the 2018 Secchi Dip-In

Introducing Conna Bond:
Our 2019 Environmental Science and Natural Resource Journalism Intern


Conna Bond is working toward her master’s degree in Environmental Science and Natural Resource Journalism at the University of Montana. She also holds a law degree from the University of Florida's Levin College of Law. Conna developed a deep interest in environmental issues while teaching marketing and business ethics at a private university in Washington. When she isn't researching or writing her next story, she enjoys climbing mountains and exploring Glacier National Park.
 
We're so excited to have Conna help us tell our stories! Our interdisciplinary internship program, which includes Environmental Science and Natural Resource Journalism Internship opportunity, is made possible by philanthropic support. We consider ourselves very fortunate to have Conna working with us this summer. Be sure to be on the lookout for her impressive story-telling in the months ahead!

SOT Reminder: No Science on Tap in July or August


Due to a busy summer schedule, there will be no Science on Tap in July or August. 

The next Science on Tap will be Tuesday, September 3
(topic and location TBD)

Stay tuned for updates and have a safe and happy summer!

Making Waves:
FLBS in the News


Steinkraus Leaves Legacy of Stewardship for Flathead Watershed
Daily Inter Lake
Article/Photo: Duncan Adams


For decades, Robin Steinkraus has been a fixture in freshwater research and conservation in Northwest Montana. After receiving her master’s degree in Environmental Studies from the University of Montana, she and her husband, Mark Potter, started working at the Flathead Lake Biological Station. But while Mark stayed at the Bio Station for many years, overseeing the facilities at Yellow Bay, Robin used her experiences researching and monitoring Flathead Lake to cultivate an impressive resume as a freshwater steward and conservationist. In 1997, she began her term as Executive Director of the Flathead Lakers—a position she held for over twenty years, and from which she recently retired. But just because Robin is taking a break from “regular work” doesn’t mean she won’t continue to stay involved in efforts to help protect the unique environment of Northwest Montana. READ MORE

Mark Your Calendars:
FLBS Summer Events are Here! 


The Flathead Lake Biological Station’s (FLBS) annual Open House provides an opportunity for the interested public to learn more about the ecology of Flathead Lake and its watershed, as well as FLBS and its research around the globe. The Open House allows FLBS scientists to showcase the breadth of their activities, as well as show examples of how ecological research at FLBS benefits Flathead Lake and subsequently area visitors and residents.

Activities this year will include:
- Tours of Biological Station facilities
- Boat trips on our 30' research vessel, the Jessie B
- Exhibits on recent Flathead research, including Flathead Lake ecology
- Presentations by FLBS research scientists and invited speakers
-A visit by Monte, UM mascot

Open to all. No admission fee.
For more information email or call Tom Bansak at events@flbs.umt.edu or 406-872-4503 or visit our website at http://flbs.umt.edu/

Friday, Aug 9, 1-5 pm, Flathead Lake Biological Station

Help Support the Bio Station and
Keep Our Waters Blue!


Proudly display your love for Flathead Lake while supporting our monitoring and research programs. Proceeds from the purchase of our Flathead Lake maps and Keep It Blue license plate help continue the necessary level of sampling to assess trends in water quality not only in Flathead Lake but in many basin tributaries. Flathead Lake is undoubtedly one of the great jewels of the world, and we want to keep it that way! 
The  Bio Station Business Drive directly supports our research and monitoring programs in the Flathead Watershed. This support allows us to utilize technologically-advanced sensor networks, expand our ability to collect and analyze water samples, and increase our chances of detecting unwanted invasive species as early as possible. Healthy waters benefit us all. Your business can make a difference.
The University of Montana is embarking upon the most ambitious fundraising campaign in the school's history. Campaign Montana is an opportunity to think big about our future and be bold in pursuit of our vision. With your generosity, FLBS will ensure strong support for the faculty, staff, and students at the heart of our research efforts, and bolster some of our signature education and monitoring programs. 
Benefit from a Planned Gift to the Bio Station
Did you know that Charitable IRA Rollovers are a tax savvy way to support FLBS? For those 70 ½ or older, up to $100,000 can be transferred directly from your individual retirement account to support the Flathead Lake Biological Station each year. Charitable IRA rollovers avoid federal income tax, even if you no longer itemize under the new tax law!

Additionally, amounts given in this way count toward satisfying your required minimum distribution (RMD) for the year of the gift. Contact director of planned giving, Alison Schultz at alison.schultz@supportum.org or 406.243.5121  for more information about this popular way to give.

The University of Montana Foundation Office of Planned Giving provides information about the benefits of planned gifts and does not provide legal, financial or tax advice. Please consult your advisor(s) before making a gift.
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Flathead Lake Biological Station
32125 Bio Station Lane
Polson, MT 59860

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Flathead Lake Biological Station · 32125 Bio Station Lane · Polson, MT 59860 · USA

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