Lake station holds open house Aug. 5

The University of Montana’s Flathead Lake Biological Station is sponsoring a free open house on Aug. 5 featuring live raptors, boat trips and educational displays.

Participants can explore the station from 1 to 5 p.m., learning about its research and education programs, particularly those pertaining to the Flathead watershed. 

Participants can visit with the biological station’s researchers about their work. Special guests will attend, including UM mascot Monte, who will entertain with his acrobatics and antics from 1:30 to 3 p.m.

New this year will be Doug “Butch” MacCarter of Montana Wild Wings Recovery and his twin brother, Don “Buzz” MacCarter, who are bringing live birds, primarily raptors. The MacCarters spent many years at the biological station conducting osprey research.

Biological Station Director Jack Stanford will give a presentation on “Threats to the Integrity of the Crown of the Continent Ecosystem” at 3:15 p.m.

Research boat tours will depart at 1:05, 1:50, 2:35, and 4:05 p.m. Those interested can reserve a space on a tour by picking up a ticket during the open house. Guided nature walks will take place at 2:40 and 4:10 p.m.