The Owl Research Institute (ORI) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to owl and wildlife research, conservation, and education.
We conduct long-term research on owls, their prey species, and their relationship to the habitat in which they live. We use these data to help maintain viable populations.
Additionally, we collaborate on strategic projects; educate the public about owls; and provide research data to land management agencies and conservation partners.
WHAT WE DO
We focus our time and efforts in the field, with the owls, making observations and logging data. Our commitment to long-term research is rooted in natural history and requires patience, dedication, and a vast awareness of ecosystems at large.
​
Our studies are conducted in natural, uncontrolled habitats. Wild owls are extremely difficult to find, not to mention capture, for research – none of our research is conducted on captive owls and we are very conscious of handling times. Study sites are always subject to change, due to owl behavior, migration, or human encroachment, and are unpredictable.
​
We share findings with resource managers, scientists, and the public, to improve environmental decision making. Our data assists with forest management plans, habitat conservation efforts, and the listing and de-listing of critical species.
BOOTS ON THE GROUND RESEARCH
It's one of the core tenets of the ORI. We spend hundreds of hours each year in the field and pride ourselves on the ability to operate in a variety of landscapes, uncertain conditions, and the ever-present logistical challenges that accompany working outdoors with wild animals. We often experience exhaustion, frustration, and exasperation. Things break, cars die on the side of the mountain, essential equipment gets stolen, and weather can stall our efforts at any time. Sometimes it all seems to happen at once.
​
But when it's all said and done, we love what we do. For all the challenges that we face in the field, we have at least as many moments that inspire us to look further and to go farther. We are grateful for the opportunity to study these owls in their natural environments and are compelled by each and every one of these species to continue to try to understand them.
OUR VISION
It all began with a fascination for owls. In 1988 when the Owl Research Institute became official, we didn't really imagine ourselves as a conservation group. It was just about the owls.
​
Climate issues, habitat loss and declining owl populations, however, have forced us to approach research in a new light.
More and more, a substantial portion of our work focuses on understanding causes behind trends in the data. It is our hope that this information can be used to support better decisions for natural resources management.
After 30+ years of field work and research, it is less about discovering owls, more about protecting their future.
Location and Facilities
The ORI is headquartered out of a farmhouse near the small town of Charlo, Montana. Located on the Flathead Indian Reservation, we are surrounded by an ecologically diverse landscape containing unique habitat for most of Montana's 15 owl species. Important neighbors include the National Bison Range and the Ninepipe Wildlife Refuge.
​
The Institute houses office space, living quarters for visiting professionals, a lab and classroom, a writing hut, and many outbuildings and barns for equipment.
​
From the ORI, researchers have close access to field sites and program participants have opportunities for in-the-field experience and wildlife observation. While most of our studies are based in western Montana, each summer we migrate to Barrow, Alaska to conduct our Snowy Owl research.
OUR COMMUNITY
The ORI intentionally maintains a small staff. Being small poses challenges, especially during the busy field season, but it also allows us to remain field-based and efficient. It would be remiss, however, to think that we do it alone.
Ranchers and community members keep us informed about what they see in their barns, fields, and creek beds; volunteers, interns, and seasonal employees contribute hundreds of hours every year to our projects; cam watchers send us important video highlights; and talented photographers capture the owls in the most incredible ways
They are all vital to our success. Their work and dedication are invaluable to us and we thank them all.
Staff
DENVER HOLT
Founder and President
Denver Holt is the founder and president of the ORI, a nonprofit he started over 35 years ago. Today, it is one of the premier owl research centers in the world, just as Holt is one of the leading experts. He has published numerous scientific papers and also assisted in the publishing of a children's science book on owls.
​​
Holt is a widely published author who has been featured in many articles from National Geographic to the New York Times, as well as in many television programs. He has educated and entertained people from all walks of life and enjoys guiding, meeting new people, and expanding his knowledge of wildlife and the natural world.
BETH MENDELSOHN
Research Biologist
Beth Mendelsohn earned her graduate degree from the University of Wyoming with an emphasis on Great Gray Owl genetics. While Beth has a long volunteer history with ORI, she officially joined our team in 2019. She is a lifelong naturalist and is passionate about all raptors and their conservation.
Her research, focused primarily on North American owls, has afforded her the opportunity to travel and work throughout western Montana, Alaska, and Wyoming. She shares her passion for field biology, natural history, and long-term research through public speaking, scientific papers, and bringing the public into the field to observe research in action.
STEVE HIRO, MD
Volunteer Biologist
Steve Hiro has been a volunteer with the Owl Research Institute for over 20 years. He assists with all field projects but has a special interest in Pygmy Owls - dedicating hundreds of hours each year to finding, observing, and documenting their behavior.
​
Steve is a retired heart surgeon. He connected with the ORI when he won a Day in the Field auction item at a fundraiser. Since that time, his involvement continues to grow and his knowledge continually expands. Steve leads the Pygmy Owl study and has been instrumental in documenting several new discoveries about their behavior.
JEANNA CLIFFORD
Director of Communications & Development / Office Manager
Jeanna Clifford joined ORI in September, 2023 as the Director of Communications and Office Manager. She has been working in marketing, branding, graphic design and direct mail space for 25+ years and also has experience with non-profits. Her goal is to make ORI shine even brighter in their printed, website, and email communications. She practically grew up in ORI's backyard, just a stone's throw away from our office on an organic farm (although she has worked in variety of places like Texas, California, and South Africa). So, she's not just here to work; she's here to embrace the culture of wildlife conservation and research in the stunning Mission Valley and ready to make a positive impact together!
​
Reach Jeanna by email:
​
HAYLEY MADDEN
Field Technician
Hayley Madden grew up surrounded by the Coast Mountains around Vancouver, BC, which is where she first fell in love with exploring the outdoors.
After getting her Biology degree from the University of British Columbia, she got the chance to work on a study researching the Swainson’s Thrush, where she discovered a passion for field research. Her childhood love of owls eventually led her to work with Northern Spotted Owls. She is excited to learn all about the owl species of Montana and develop her skills in wildlife research with ORI.
In her spare time, Hayley enjoys hiking and camping, reading, and exploring local coffee shops.
LAUREN TATE
Field Technician
Having grown up in Idaho, Lauren discovered her interest in the natural world through her proximity to endless miles of beautiful foothills and rivers.
Lauren graduated from the University of Portland with a degree in Environmental Science and Biology, and since then has worked with breeding and migratory songbirds in Oregon, Colorado, Idaho and Wyoming. Her most recent position as a part time owl bander at the Intermountain Bird Observatory affirmed her passion for owls and she is looking forward to learning more about what the state and birds of Montana have to offer.
In her free time, Lauren enjoys fly fishing, silversmithing, climbing, knitting, and birding.