The 2026 Clark Fork Science Forum brings together students, researchers, and professionals working in river and watershed science, restoration, and management. Join us November 4–5 at the Missoula County Fairgrounds to share research and explore ecological resilience in the Clark Fork Basin through presentations, discussions, and collaborative learning.
About the Forum:
Stream and river corridor ecosystems can withstand or even thrive on a broad range of disturbances. Yet, extreme disturbances or anthropogenic factors can challenge this inherent resilience and push these systems outside their natural range of variability. In the face of growing demands on water resources, a changing landscape and climate, and ongoing cleanup work, we ask:
- What does ecological resilience look like going forward?
- How can we interpret and facilitate that resilience in the face of current and future risks and threats?
- What can we learn from the history of this basin, and how should science inform our understanding of resilience or approaches to management challenges?
Through presentations, discussions, and collaborative learning, the forum will create space to share research, connect disciplines, and strengthen our collective understanding of river and watershed resilience.
November 4–5, 2026
Missoula County Fairgrounds | Home Arts Building (35)
1101 South Avenue West, Missoula, Montana
Registration & Schedule Information
Registration is open through October 19, 2026. Please select one of the following ticket types when registering:
- Student registration: $40 (Currently enrolled undergraduate or graduate students)
- General registration: $100 (All other attendees)
Register for the 2026 Clark Fork Science Forum
Posters and Lightning Talks
Participants may choose to present a standard 36-by-48-inch (3-by-4-foot) scientific poster or give a lightning talk (open format, maximum 5 minutes). If you would like to present, please select the appropriate option during registration and provide your presentation title and an abstract (maximum 300 words).
Registration and abstracts are due by October 19. Questions about posters or lightning talks can be directed to Lindsey King at lrking@usgs.gov, or Sheree Watson at swatson@usgs.gov.
A limited number of rooms have been reserved at special group rates for Clark Fork Science Forum attendees at three downtown Missoula hotels. Attendees are responsible for making and paying for their own lodging arrangements. We encourage you to reserve your room early, as rooms are subject to availability.
AC Hotel Missoula Downtown
175 N. Pattee Street
Group rate: $135 per night
Available: November 3–5, 2026
Reservation deadline: October 16, 2026
The AC Hotel offers modern guest rooms, complimentary Wi-Fi, a fitness center, onsite dining, and easy access to downtown restaurants and shops. Breakfast is available for an additional charge, and valet parking is $29 per night.
Residence Inn Missoula Downtown
125 N. Pattee Street
Group rate: $135 per night
Available: November 3–5, 2026
Reservation deadline: October 16, 2026
The Residence Inn offers all-suite accommodations with a kitchen, workspace, and living area in each room. Amenities include a complimentary hot breakfast, indoor pool, fitness center, guest laundry, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a rooftop courtyard. The hotel is pet-friendly for an additional fee, and valet parking is $29 per night.
Book the AC Hotel or Residence Inn group rate
Holiday Inn Missoula Downtown
Group: Clark Fork Science Forum
Available: November 3–5, 2026
Group booking code: CFS
The Holiday Inn provides another downtown lodging option for forum attendees. Use the link below to access the Clark Fork Science Forum group block. Please review the arrival and departure dates before completing your reservation and adjust them if needed.
Book the Holiday Inn group rate
Mountain Line Bus Service
Mountain Line provides zero-fare bus service throughout Missoula. Routes 1 and 7 serve the Missoula County Fairgrounds, with a stop on South Avenue directly in front of the Home Arts Building. Route 1 also connects the Fairgrounds with downtown Missoula, making it a convenient option for attendees staying at the AC Hotel or Residence Inn.
Use Mountain Line’s trip-planning tools or the Transit mobile app to view current schedules, real-time arrivals and service alerts.
Driving and Parking
The Home Arts Building is located at the Missoula County Fairgrounds, 1101 South Avenue West. Approximately 16 parking spaces are available immediately outside the building. Additional parking is available along South Avenue and in the G.W. Marks Exploration Center & Rocky Mountain Gardens parking lot across from the Home Arts Building, near the intersection of South and Stephens avenues.
Parking at the Fairgrounds is free and shared with other visitors. Please park only in designated areas and do not block roadways, rights-of-way or fire lanes
Traveling from the Airport
Missoula Montana Airport is approximately seven miles from downtown Missoula. Rental cars, taxis, Uber and Lyft are available at the airport. Mountain Line’s zero-fare Route 11 also connects the airport with downtown Missoula, where attendees can transfer to Route 1 for service to the Fairgrounds.
Visit the Missoula Montana Airport ground transportation page for current information about rental cars, taxis, rideshare pickup and public transportation.
One thing I’d confirm before publishing: exactly which Fairgrounds parking area attendees should use and whether organizers want them entering from South Avenue, Russell Street or another entrance. Once that is settled, a specific instruction such as “Please enter from South Avenue and park in the lot immediately west of the Home Arts Building” will be much more useful than generic parking language.
If your schedule allows, the G.W. Marks Exploration Center & Rocky Mountain Gardens is well worth a visit. Located just across South Avenue from the forum, the center brings together the Missoula County Department of Ecology and Extension, Rocky Mountain Gardens, Missoula Conservation District, and the Missoula Butterfly House & Insectarium.
The Rocky Mountain Gardens are free and open to the public during seasonal operating hours, offering educational and demonstration gardens focused on the connections between plants, people and Montana’s growing conditions. The gardens typically close for the winter, so attendees should check current hours and seasonal access before visiting.
The Missoula Butterfly House & Insectarium features a tropical greenhouse filled with butterflies from around the world, along with exhibits of insects and other arthropods. It is currently open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 AM–5 PM and Sunday from noon–4 PM. Admission is required; visit its website for current pricing, ticket information and any schedule updates.
