UMW’s “On the Rocks” Series to Host Speakers Matthew Heller and Erica Wolfe

September 18, 2026

The University of Montana Western’s Environmental Science Department is excited to host Matthew Heller and Erica Wolfe from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as part of the “On the Rocks” lecture series. Heller and Wolfe will present “U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Geospatial Applications: The River Conditions Tool and Mapping Invasive Phragmites australis” on Wednesday, September 30, at 4:00 p.m. in UMW’s Lucy Carson Library.

Matt Heller joined the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 2012 and specializes in GIS, project management, data management, and cartography. His work supports landscape conservation and science applications across the Mountain-Prairie Region.

Erica Wolfe is a Remote GIS Data Management Fellow with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and is completing a master’s degree in GIS. Her research focuses on using remotely sensed data to map invasive Phragmites australis in Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge.

Heller will present on the River Conditions Tool (RCT), a resource that provides easy access to real-time data to support watershed groups in their drought management and resource conservation activities. Wolfe will present her research capstone project, which focuses on using multiple remotely sensed datasets to conduct land-cover classification and map the extent of invasive Phragmites australis in Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge.

The “On the Rocks” series is an excellent opportunity for students, faculty, and the public to engage with experts in the earth sciences and learn more about developments in hydrology and geomorphology. Each presentation will be preceded by a social gathering at 3:30 p.m., offering light refreshments and snacks. We look forward to seeing you!

For more information, please contact UMW Assistant Professor of Surficial Processes Lorraine Carnes at [email protected].