A gathering of art, science, and story in the North Hills

This event series brings together voices from science, storytelling, and creative practice to explore the layered landscapes at Missoula’s edge — where urban and wild meet, and where land holds the memory of those who’ve walked it before.

11am: Book reading: Rooted at the Edge: Ranching Where the Old West and New West Collide. In the North Hills next door to where she grew up, Donna Erickson will share a reading from her new book, Rooted at the Edge. This book paints a portrait of the North Hills ranching community in a threatened landscape steeped in history, conflict, and beauty..

12:30pm: Geology talk: The Ancient Plants that Fueled Early Missoula. UM Fossil Librarian, Kallie Moore will share about the geology and history of coal mining in Missoula’s North Hills.

2pm: Art workshop: Improvisation with Trees: drawing, movement, sound and taste explorations in collaboration with the Moon-Randolph Homestead orchard, with OpenAIR artist-in-residence, Anne Yoncha.

Layers of the Land will take place outside, so make yourself comfortable with blanket or chair, food and drink. Come to one or all events. There will be time in-between to relax and explore the site. These events are FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC, though donations are appreciated.