June 3, 2025, 7:00 PM, The Shane Center

Rob Thomas, Presenter

Join us for a FREE lecture by Rob Thomas, PhD, as he discusses the Geologic History of Montana, including many of the significant natural history events that shaped our state over billions of years. Starting with the formation of the first continental crust through plate collisions 3.6 billion years ago, to the arrival of the first people of Montana over 14,000 years ago, this is the greatest story seldom told. Buckle up and get ready for the ride of a geologic lifetime!

Dr. Thomas holds a PhD in Geology and is a Regents' Professor at the University of Montana, Western. He recieved the national Carnegie/CASE Professor of the Year award in 2009 and is a fellow of the Geological Society of America. His current research is on the provenance, sediment transport, and tectonic significance of Miocene river deposits shed off the Yellowstone thermal bulge. 

This lecture is presented in association with Elk River Arts & Lectures, The Park County Community Foundation, The Park County Environmental Council, Carol and Sal Lalani, Yellowstone Forever, The Friends of Park County, and The Tom Miner Basin Association. 

December 4, 2025, 7:00 PM

Joanna Lambert, Presenter

Dr. Lambert explores the intricate relationship between humans and wolves. Using fossil records, human history, and current conservation efforts, she provides a unique evolutionary perspective on wolf reintroduction to Yellowstone National Park. Dr. Joanna Lambert is a renowned Professor of Animal Ecology at the University of Colorado, Boulder, and a Senior Science Advisor to the Rocky Mountain Wolf Project. With over 35 years of fieldwork experience on endangered species, including the wolves of Yellowstone, her insights promise to be both educational and inspiring. Presented in association with: Elk River Arts & Lectures, The Park County Community Foundation, The Park County Environmental Council, Carol and Sal Lalani, Yellowstone Forever, and The Tom Miner Basin Association.

View program on at: https://youtu.be/IwKVTFAAlrQ?si=b3djeDVhsqPlVIQ3