W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation, University of Montana

A transformative gift to the UM Foundation from Jim Kennedy, Chairman Emeritus of Cox Enterprises and Chairman of the James M. Cox Foundation, will strengthen research, education and collaboration at the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation. 🦆

Kennedy’s $5.5 million gift will establish the James C. Kennedy Waterfowl and Wetlands Center at a time when more than half of North America’s wetlands have been lost. The Center will help researchers map, monitor and protect these vital ecosystems while supporting sustainable waterfowl populations for generations to come. His investment also helps propel the “Treasure Montana: Cultivating Our Tomorrow” campaign, which advances construction of a new, state-of-the-art hub for conservation research and education on the UM campus.

Together, we’re building a future where science, innovation and collaboration drive real solutions for our natural world.

Read more:
https://www.umt.edu/news/2026/06/061626cntr.php

Deep in the wilderness of Montana’s Bitterroot Mountains, Josh Beisel studied one of the West’s most imperiled tree species: the whitebark pine. 🌲

Beisel graduated last weekend with his PhD in Systems Ecology after successfully defending his thesis on the relationship between whitebark pines and wildfire.

🔗 Read more about Dr. Beisel's work at the link below!

High Above the Valley Floor, a UM Researcher Studies a Vanishing Tree Species Recent UM graduate Josh Beisel became part of the fight to save the whitebark pine.

Congratulations to our 2026 graduates!!! 🎉🎓

At FCFC, it's tradition for our faculty and staff to celebrate our graduates with tree boughs after receiving their diplomas. This year's boughs came from Prof. Solomon Dobrowski's grand fir tree since commencement is the "grandest" of days! 🌲🌲🌲

We wish all our grizzlies well in their next grand adventure!

University of Montana Alumni
Wildlife Biology Program, University of Montana

When your classroom is a national park 🐺

Students in the Yellowstone Field Studies spring course visited Yellowstone National Park this month. Along the way, they connected with park staff and observed wildlife, gaining insight into the natural processes shaping this remarkable ecosystem. This year's students spent several hours observing the Junction Butte wolf pack with researchers from the Yellowstone Wolf Project. The Wilderness Institute’s Andrea Stephens and PTRM Director Jenn Thomsen offer this course every spring. Contact them for more information.

📸 1 - Taylor Bland with the Yellowstone Wolf Project
📸 2 - Sadie Arnold
📸 3 - Adelaine Frazier
📸 4/5 - Brooks Whitman
📸 6 - Brooks Davis
📸 7 - Daniel Besel
📸 8 - Marlaina Ellis





Photos depicting a student trip to Yellowstone national park in the snow, where students observed many incredible rock formations, as well as wolves and bison.

✨THANK YOU ✨ Because of your generosity during The Big Give we raised $9,122!

Students at the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation will continue receiving scholarship support, personalized student success resources, and access to transformative learning experiences.

Together, we are investing in Montana’s lands, waters, and communities by empowering the next generation of environmental leaders. We are deeply grateful for every gift and every share.

🚨The final countdown is on!

The Big Give ends at noon today. Thanks to your generosity, we've already raised $7,744! Help us close strong and continue expanding opportunity for students at the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation.

Remember, your gift is still being matched dollar-for-dollar!

🦫Give now: donate.supportum.org/schools/UniversityofMontanaFoundation/the-big-give-march-25-26-2026/pages/academics/forestry

🌄 We’ve reached the evening of the Big Give and the support thus far has been incredible! We’ve already raised $6,544!

Thank you to everyone who has donated. Your generosity is already expanding scholarship access and helping build the future home for environment and conservation at UM.

Your gifts support students like Chloe Brown (first photo), who discovered her passion for forestry at Lubrecht and is now thriving and competing with the Woodsman Team.

In her words, “Joining the team helped me find myself… It feels good to know I belong here and I’m on the right path, and I’m deeply grateful.”

There’s still time to double your impact with our 1:1 match. Let’s keep the momentum going! 🐾

🦌 Give now: donate.supportum.org/schools/UniversityofMontanaFoundation/the-big-give-march-25-26-2026/pages/academics/forestry

🌲 The Big Give has officially begun! 🌲

For more than a century, the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation has been preparing students to lead in environmental science, land stewardship, and sustainable resource management.

Our students learn in classrooms, forests, ranches, and wildlands—but access to these transformative, hands‑on experiences depends on opportunity and support.

🎯 Today only, gifts are matched dollar‑for‑dollar up to $5,000, doubling your impact on student scholarships, experiential learning, and the future of conservation.

⛺ Give now: donate.supportum.org/schools/UniversityofMontanaFoundation/the-big-give-march-25-26-2026/pages/academics/forestry

One day to go.⏳🌲

Tomorrow at noon, the Big Give begins. When you give to the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation, you are investing in scholarships, student success, and the future hub of conservation education.

Through our Treasure Montana Campaign, we are building a new hub for environment and conservation, including a Student Success Center designed to support students from day one through graduation.

Your gift will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $5,000. Give early and kickstart our efforts to support student success!

🪓Donate early here: donate.supportum.org/schools/UniversityofMontanaFoundation/the-big-give-march-25-26-2026/pages/academics/forestry