When: 10am - 10:45am

Where: Auditorium

What: Panel discussion

Explore how a changing climate threatens the state’s natural resources, which are crucial for tourism and outdoor recreation activities like downhill skiing, fishing, hunting, and hiking. Moderated by Mady Rigg, Miss Montana USA.

Mayre Flowers, Co-chair, Citizens for a Better Flathead

Mike Koopal, Executive Director and Founder, Whitefish Lake Institute

Chris Bachman, Conservation Director, Yaak Valley Forest Council

Dawn LaFleur, Vegetation Program Manager/Biologist, Glacier National Park

Chad Sokol, Public Relations Manager, Whitefish Mountain Resort

Josh Arrants, Owner, Arrants Outdoors

When: 10am - 10:45am

Where: AT 203

What: Workshop presented by Citizens' Climate Lobby

We have most of the solutions we need to address the climate crisis, but how do we get them supported and implemented?

64% of Americans rarely or never talk about climate change, creating a chasm for shared support.

Join this workshop to learn and practice communication skills to have more meaningful and effective climate conversations with your family, friends, and colleagues.

When: 10am - 10:45am

Where: AT 204

What: Workshop

Dirty energy has been emitting heat-trapping carbon pollution into our atmosphere for decades, raising our planet's temperature and affecting how we live here in the valley. The glaciers in the Park are melting more rapidly and the number of days our valley is filled with wildfire smoke keeps increasing. This workshop reviews common sources of carbon pollution and then drills down to specific sources in the Flathead. A comparison of pollution quantities is made between Flathead County and other Montana counties. Next, several climate solutions are examined at the macro level for effectiveness. Finally, using this knowledge, several ideas for reducing pollution here in our home towns are offered. This presentation includes analysis using ICLEI's ClearPath tool and the En-ROADS global climate solutions simulator.

Robin Paone, MT State Coordinator, Citizens' Climate Lobby

Karin Hilding, Engineering & Sustainability Project Manager, City of Whitefish

When: 12pm -12:45pm

Where: Auditorium

What: Panel discussion

Local youth will discuss their concerns and hopes for the future, encouraging an intergenerational dialogue. Moderated by Annie Gustafson, Kalispell Middle School Teacher.

When: 12pm -12:45pm

Where: AT 203

What: Workshop

Who: Presented by Land 2 Hand, Dirt Rich & North Valley Food Bank

A discussion about the climate impacts of reducing food waste and diverting organic materials from the landfill. We will be discussing local food acquisition, food rescue, composting, and zero waste events. This will be an engaging conversation with opportunities for audience involvement and community engagement.

Presented by: Whitney Pratt, Education, Land to Hand

Gretchen Boyer, Executive Director, Land to Hand

Sophie Albert, Executive Director, North Valley Food Bank

Alissa LaChance, Owner, Dirt Rich

When: 12pm -12:45pm

Where: AT 204

What: Workshop with advice on rebates, tax credits & financing.

This workshop will discuss options available through local bank(s) and the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to fund electrification of your home or business.

Presenters:

Andy Masa, Energy Services Supervisor, Flathead Electric

Meranda Bass, Energy Resource Professional, Montana DEQ

When: 2pm - 2:45pm

Where: Auditorium

What: Panel discussion

Highlight local businesses that have successfully implemented sustainable practices without sacrificing profitability. Hear from the team at the City of Kalispell and the City of Whitefish and their latest work on the municipal side with rain gardens, community solar and more!

Moderated by Mady Rigg, Miss Montana USA.

Panelists:

Alissa LaChance, Owner, Dirt Rich

Klaus Pfeifer, VP and Co-Owner of Kettle Care Organics

Charles Gale, Strategic Business Analyst, Smartlam

Margarite Thomas, Environmental Coordinator, City of Kalispell

Karin Hilding, Engineering & Sustainability Project Manager, City of Whitefish

Joel Robinson, Owner, Carbon Recall

When: 2pm - 2:45pm

Where: AT 203

What: Workshop presented by CCL Regional Director Bill Barron

Explore how to transform your passion for outdoor adventures into powerful advocacy for climate action.

Learn to navigate the path from local initiatives to influencing policy on Capitol Hill, all while having fun and making a tangible impact.

Bill Barron is a Protect Our Winters athlete, and a four time political candidate. As a skilled communicator and CCL leader, he combines his passion for sustainability with a pragmatic and fun focused approach to advance climate solutions.

When: 2pm - 2:45pm

Where: AT 204

What: Valley nonprofits you might like to support!

A Lightning Round of Opportunities to Take Action: Come and learn about some of the amazing organizations in our community and their missions as well as what they are doing to address local issues, including climate change. You may discover that you want to become a member, volunteer or participant, making a difference and giving you an opportunity to be a part of the solution.