The University of Montana Western Environmental Sciences Department introduces the “On The Rocks” seminar series, dedicated to environmental science community topics. With captivating presentations by professionals and experts, the series seeks to offer exploration of diverse subjects within the field.
Unless otherwise noted:
Location: First floor of Montana Western Library
Time: Social 3:30 – 4:00 PM | Presentations are 4:00-5:00 PM
2026-2027 Schedule
Wednesday, September 2nd
Block 1: Undergraduate Research Opportunities with Environmental Sciences Faculty
- Investigate brine infiltration of the McMurdo Ice Shelf from Antarctica
- Design and build ‘dataloggers’ (i.e. temperature, air quality, sky view camera)
- Co-design Whitebark Pine Friendly Ranching Certificate
- Explore how to integrate agricultural perspectives to enhancing drought management in Southwest MT
- Study and monitor active rock glaciers to estimate total ice volumes, annual discharge, and contributions to late-season streamflows
- Map Landslides in Southwest Montana
- Evaluate benefits of low-tech river restoration techniques
- Figure out how old is the Sphinx Mountain
Wednesday, September 30th
Block 2: The River Conditions Tool and Mapping Invasive Phragmites Australis
Presented by: Matthew Heller & Erica Wolfe | U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Wednesday, October 28th
Block 3: Geology talk with UMW Alum Rachel Howard (’25)
Wednesday, December 2nd
4:00 – 6:00 PM in Montana Western’s Lewis and Clark Room
Community Water Conversations
Join us for a conversation examining the connection between water policy and implementation in Montana.
Together, we will explore the underlying values, needs, tradeoffs, and multiple pathways involved in addressing water-policy challenges. Participants will consider the practical tensions that arise in pursuing shared outcomes—and how civil dialogue can help identify workable solutions.
