Waterton-Glacier Science & History Day

Think like a weasel, fly like a swift

Time: 9:45 to 10:15 am

Soar into the world of the endangered black swift. Join us to find out more about why they are endangered, how we monitor them, and what we can do to help these waterfall-loving birds.

Presented by: Michelle Matson and Zoe Furlotte; Ecological Integrity Monitoring Technicians, Parks Canada

Heating up? Pikas and climate change in Glacier National Park

Time: 10:15 to 10:45 am

Pikas are a beloved alpine species across the Peace Park, but the characteristics that make them cute and unique also make them sensitive to heat. Dr. Gavin Jones will share insights from over 15 years of pika research in Glacier looking at how pikas have fared over a period of rapid warming in the park’s mountain ecosystems.

Presented by: Dr. Gavin Jones

Breaking boundaries: the tale of two parks

Time: 11 to 11:45 am

Join Frank Jahn and Brett Hutchinson as they explore the history of the International Peace Park, the people behind its creation, and how collaboration between Waterton and Glacier continues to protect this special place today. By the end of their presentation, hopefully you can answer the question “What does peace mean to you?”.

Presented by: Frank Jahn, Interpretive Ranger, National Park Service; Brett Hutchinson, Interpretation Coordinator, Parks Canada

The road to Oil City: a history of oil in Waterton

Time: 1 to 1:30 pm

Will Pratt will explore the history of oil development in Waterton, including how resource extraction shaped the park’s early history and development. His presentation will look at the oil exploration in the park, including how roads and access routes were influenced by the search for oil, and the unusual history of resource development within a national park.

Presented by: Will Pratt, Parks Canada

History of the Butte Oil Well at Kintla Lake

Time: 1:30 to 2 pm

Prior to the establishment of Glacier National Park, spectators, entrepreneurial spirits, and homesteaders tried their hand at developing mines in this area. One of these sites was at Kintla Lake, becoming Montana's first oil well. However, soon after its establishment, the historic well caught fire and was abandoned. A recent resurvey of the well detected leaking gases, and the park recently completed a project to plug the historic well. 

Presented by: Brent Rowley and Kyle Gates; National Park Service

The evolution of vegetation management at Glacier National Park

Time: 2:15 to 2:45 pm

Dawn LaFleur, Vegetation Management Program Manager at Glacier National Park, will share insights from her 35 year National Park Service career in this overview of how the park’s vegetation program has evolved over time. She’ll reflect on how new challenges, scientific advances, and on the ground experience have shaped the program’s approach to protecting Glacier’s native plant communities. 

Presented by: Dawn LaFleur, Vegetation Management Program Manager, Glacier National Park

Horses helping trees

Time: 2:45 to 3:15 pm

A look at how Parks Canada’s working horse herd supports conservation work in Waterton, including trail access, wildlife protection, and restoration efforts for threatened tree species.

Presented by: Sarah Davidson, Resource Management Officer, Parks Canada