Wildlife photography exhibit benefits nonprofit

Wildlife photographer Tom Ulrich’s annual photography show opens today in Whitefish.

The show starts at 7 p.m. at Grouse Mountain Lodge. It will continue at 7 p.m. Dec. 2 at the Museum at Central School in Kalispell.

Ulrich will present his annual slideshow for a nominal charge of $5 per person, with the proceeds benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flathead County.

Big Brothers Big Sisters program participants get in for free.

“As a former Big Brother, Tom understands the impact of the Big Brothers Big Sisters program in the life of a child,” said Tim Sievers, executive director. “Tom has been a longtime supporter of Big Brothers Big Sisters, and we’re pleased to offer this event not just to the youth and mentors in our program but the entire community.”

Ulrich has been a freelance photographer since 1975 and is acclaimed for his nature photography skills. Many of his more than 600,000 transparencies have been used in magazines and other publications, including National Wildlife, Audubon, Outdoor Oklahoma, Sierra, American Hunter, Ranger Rick, Alaska, National Geographic, Montana Outdoors and Life.

Ulrich also has published seven nature books.

“This year’s show will catalogue Tom’s photographic journeys to Florida, Glacier National Park and to Texas for the bird migration,” Sievers said. “Also included will be fall colors on the Flathead River and an epilogue featuring photos from Rome and the Mediterranean.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for community members to explore the wonders of our planet and gain a fresh perspective on the majesty and wonder that it offers.”