Good morning, Missoula.

Missoula’s Five Valleys Audubon Society is marking 50 years by engaging birdwatchers and protecting local wildlife habitat.

The organization partners with landowners and the city on projects such as creating important bird areas and managing ponds near Fort Missoula.

Kitten season has begun at the Humane Society where 7 Layer, an 8-week-old kitten, is ready for adoption and the shelter needs fosters for kittens until they are housed permanently.

The society is open today through Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at 5930 Highway 93 South.

Federal statistics (from recent reports) show Missoula outgrew all other Montana cities between 2024 and 2025, although county-level growth was lower statewide (according to federal data).

A statewide poll shows 71% say losing public lands is a serious problem and 84% support a ban on selling them.

With leaders finishing their terms, conservation laws are urged to protect wildlife and jobs (supporting outdoor recreation) and maintain public land funds (a key revenue source).

Missoula transportation committees are seeking a federal Safe Streets For All grant to pilot safety improvements on Reserve Street.

If funded, the project will invest up to $1.5 million with a 20% local match for quick fixes at four intersections + tests of pedestrian and speed management upgrades.

Crews from MDT and Riverside Contracting will start resurfacing a 4-mile stretch of I-90 between Saltese and Haugan on the week of May 25 — traffic will slow to 35 mph with one lane available until the project finishes by the end of August.

Missoula County has secured an $838,722 federal grant to fund upgrades at Marshall Mountain Park between East Missoula and Bonner.

Final design work is underway in 2026 and construction will begin in 2027 to enhance safety, access and visitor experience.

Missoula City Council approved the Midtown Commons redevelopment plan, which will convert a long-vacant lot near Southgate Mall into housing, park space, and trails after hours of debate on housing and environmental concerns (the plan includes an owner-occupancy rule to limit quick rentals).

The Montana Department of Transportation said Skalkaho Pass on Highway 38 will reopen on Friday, May 22 at 10 a.m. It marks the seasonal resumption of access and improved travel conditions for winter-closed roads.

Montana EMS staff were honored at the Capitol on Tuesday after being called 162,000 times last year as part of EMS Week; five providers from across the state received recognition from the Department of Public Health & Human Services for their service.

Averi Larson and Cormack Batt from Big Sky High are finalists for the KPAX-Scheels Sports Awards today; Larson played four sports and led student government, and Batt is a three-sport captain (with 100+ volunteer hours), with winners to be announced later today at the banquet and on 10 o'clock news.

2nd Annual Sidewalk Sale

2nd Annual Sidewalk Sale, with racks starting at $5. The sale is from 10-4 at 1008 Burlington Ave. Missoula.

Trey Anastasio Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — The Wilma — Cost info not available — Experience an evening of exceptional music from renowned composer and guitarist Trey Anastasio.

Missoula Villages Downtown Walking History Tour

1-2:30 p.m. — The Wilma — Free for Village members — Discover untold stories of Missoula's historic district through a unique walking tour.

Bruce Molsky Concert

7-11 p.m. — Longstaff House — Ticket prices TBD — Experience Grammy-nominated Bruce Molsky as he brings traditional sounds to life with fiddle, banjo, and guitar.

Trails, Rivers, and Forests Expo

5-9 p.m. — Trail Head River Sports — Free entry — Celebrate the outdoors with activities and live music at this community-focused expo featuring local non-profits and businesses.

First Friday at the Missoula Art Museum

5-7 p.m. — Missoula Art Museum — Free entry — Enjoy live music by Tom Catmull as part of the First Friday celebration.

Carpentry for Gardeners Workshop

10 a.m. – 2 p.m. — Northside Community Gardens — Scholarships available — Master the basics of carpentry to build trellises and tomato cages with repurposed materials.

2026 Full Draw Film Tour

7-11 p.m. — The Wilma — $11-$26 — Experience the excitement of bowhunting films and a chance to win premium gear at this thrilling cinematic event.

4th Annual Indigenous Made Summer Market

9 a.m. – 3 p.m. — Caras Park — Free entry — Explore an array of unique, locally crafted items from over 60 vendors at this summer market in Missoula.

Zootown Festival Featuring The Chicks and More

June 18-19 — Missoula County Fairgrounds — VIP packages available — Experience a diverse lineup with top country and folk artists in a vibrant festival atmosphere.