Live Auction
1
Copper River Rafting, Alaska!
Live ItemGlaciers and Grizzlies: Copper River Rafting Adventure in Alaska
Everything is bigger in Alaska, and a float down the Copper River with Sundog Expeditions is no exception. Come float America's 8th largest river by volume and spend 7 days floating across an enormous landscape in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and the Chugach National Forest. Experience what it is like to be truly humbled by the size, scale, power, and beauty of a river.
This trip begins in Valdez and ends in Cordova, AK; both cities are accessible via flights or the legendary Alaska Marine Highway Ferry system, which adds a unique element to this multiday rafting adventure. For the first 3 days of the trip, you will float by impressive ice-capped mountains, and experience wildlife such as bears, wolves, seals, and a variety of birds. Towards the end of the trip, you will enter the "Glacier Zone" of the legendary Miles Lake, and float underneath the 300' tall Childs Glacier.
Sundog Expeditions is a premier river outfitter in Alaska; expert guides provide a safe and memorable experience with hiking opportunities, interpretation of the natural and cultural history along the river corridor, exquisite backcountry cooking, and first-class service. Don't miss this opportunity of a lifetime!
Value: $4100
1 person; additional guests are welcomed at booking price
Booking based on availability: July 11-17, 2026 or TBD 2027.
Trip begins in Valdez, Alaska and ends in Cordova, Alaska. Does not include flights.
Includes passenger van transport from Valdez to the Copper River and from the Copper River to Cordova.
Thank you to Brian and Jenni Chaffin at Sundog Expeditions.
4
7-Day Puerto Vallarta Magic!
Live ItemEnjoy a week in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, on the stunning Bay of Banderas!
Situated in historic Old Town*, this vista retreat is only a five-minute walk to the Malecon where incredible food, culture, shopping, and nightlife await to keep you exhilarated or relaxed, depending on your speed. In addition to the attractions of the town itself, there are many opportunities for beachcombing, swimming, fishing, birding, and other nature exploration, and trips to nearby markets and villages, by car, bus, or tour. And did we mention the food? In addition to traditional Mexican, you can find all types of fusion, sushi, Italian, and more. We have many great recommendations and personal favorites to share with guests.
Casa Bella Vista is a unique accommodation broken up into three beautiful units; each one-bedroom apartment has a king bed, a kitchenette, and access to a pool terrace with grill and palapa bar. Two units also have a sleeping couch (great for kids). There is an additional king bed in the aqua studio near the pool on the terrace level. Winning bidders can claim one unit, or book the entire house, making the Casa Bella Vista perfect for a couple's getaway, or a family or friend reunion. Filling the entire house means unlimited use of the new rooftop kitchen, grill, and terrace with amazing views overlooking historic Old Town and the entire Banderas Bay. The house can sleep up to 10, but is recommended for 8 if your party is limited to adults.
Winning bidder can reserve their week by contacting MNHC's Beth Conway at: bconway@montananaturalist.org.
Follow on Instagram: @casabellavista.mx | Facebook: facebook.com/casabellavistamx
Value: $2,450
Availability: Anytime between April 1 and November 30, 2026
Additional dates possible; dates subject to approval
Thank you to Caroline and Willis Kurtz, Gia Randono, and Wayne Fairchild!
*PLEASE NOTE: Casa Bella Vista is located in Colonia El Cerro, which means "the hill." You will need to be able to walk up many uneven stairways and along uneven (though charming) streets. The house itself contains numerous stairs so, unfortunately, is not recommended for people with mobility issues or children under 6. We also have many close neighbors, with whom we have good relationships. It's a family-friendly, lively environment that can be active at times but offers a very special window into Mexican life beyond the typical tourist experience.
5
Painting: "Looking Skyward"
Live ItemThis incredible painting must be seen in person to truly appreciate the size, texture, and perspective. "Looking Skyward" was inspired by Nancy's love of trees. Her dad would climb a giant oak next to her childhood home in Ohio. She loved looking up through the branches to find him so high up. She adapted her aspen series to this different perspective.
Artist Nancy Seiler is a longtime friend of MNHC, and has served on the Auction Committee the last two years! Many of the amazing items in our live and silent auction were procured by Nancy this year.
Nancy Seiler received her Visual Communications degree from The Art Institute of Pittsburgh in 1981. In 1988 she started her graphic design business which she had for over 35 years. She taught classical botanical illustration and nature journaling on her own as well as the uses of acrylics, oils and watercolors for GOLDEN Artist Colors. Her work is represented by Frame of Reference Fine Art (FoR) in Whitefish and Bigfork, Montana.
A huge thanks to Nancy Seiler for this amazing donation and all of her hard work on our auction this year!
Value: $9,500
Artist: Nancy Seiler
Title: "Looking Skyward"
Medium: Acrylic on canvas
72"H x 60"W
6
2-Day Fossil Dig for Four!
Live ItemContribute to real scientific research by helping the Elevation Science team uncover 150-million-year-old dinosaurs.
Work alongside scientists and dig for dinosaurs in the fossil-rich and rugged landscapes of southern Montana and northern Wyoming, near Red Lodge.
In this experience, your group will join the field expedition for two days during the 2026 summer season. During your adventure, you'll be doing hands-on work, contributing to decades-long research projects by helping the field teams find and excavate the fossilized remains of dinosaurs and other prehistoric life.
Some of the fossils at this dig site will make their way to the MNHC for preparation and additional discoveries - that includes the ones you unearth during your dig!!
What will you be excavating? Based on the success of previous field seasons, you'll have the chance to work on the Morrison Formation, which hold the remains of some of the largest animals ever to walk the Earth. Allosaurus, Stegosaurus, Diplodocus and more are the dinosaurs they uncover every day in the field. They're preserved with the remains of many other lifeforms -- all important pieces of the larger puzzle we're trying to assemble.
Whether you've held fossils before or you are a complete novice, the paleontologists on site will teach you everything you need to know. This will be an experience of a lifetime and you'll never look at the Montana landscape the same way again.
Value: $1600
4 guests, 2 days
Ages 8 and up
Does not include lodging or transportation.
For booking details see: elevationscience.org/fossil-dig-day-trips
A few more details: Winner should email Jason Schein at jschein@elevationscience.org and Beth Conway bconway@montananaturalist.org as
soon as possible to ensure your best possible date. Day trips are limited to 5 people per day and they book fast.
AVAILABLE DATES FOR THE 2026 FIELD SEASON WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN EARLY 2026.
This auction item does not include lodging.
Thank you to Elevation Science Institute for this unique opportunity!
8
Bisbee AZ: Birders' Delight!
Live ItemThe Ideal Depth of Winter Excursion + Birder's Delight
The funky art town of Bisbee, Arizona, is but a 90-minute drive from Tucson yet it offers world-class birding in two separate locations. Your base will be a five-star, art-filled apartment in the heart of "Old Bisbee" and next door to the iconic Copper Queen hotel.
This large, comfortable apartment has two bedrooms, two baths (with steam showers), a living room, dining room, and kitchen-all with a balcony view of the Mule Mountains.
You can visit nearby Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area to see Sandhill Cranes (42,000 in mid-January 2025), Vermilion Flycatchers, Loggerhead Shrikes and many species of shorebirds, herons, and raptors. The other nearby wildlife hotspot is Ramsey Canyon, where you might see a Flame-Colored Tanager, an Aztec thrush, and Eared Quetzal or any one of six species of hummingbirds.
The town itself is very entertaining, with galleries and antique stores nestled between coffee shops and galleries. Historic Tombstone is only a 20-minute drive to the north.
Value $1800
Up to 4 guests. 5-night stay.
Must book stay by April 30, 2026.
Subject to availability.
Thanks so much to Bisbee resident and owner, Jim Mullen, for this fantastic winter getaway!
12
Yellowstone Adventure for Five
Live ItemTreat yourself to an epic Yellowstone vacation!
Enjoy a 4-night stay in the Tuholske family's spectacular cabin in Cooke City, the ideal base camp for a Yellowstone wildlife adventure. This cabin sleeps five, two in the bedroom and up to three in the loft, and is located within walking distance from the bakery and just about everything else in Cooke City. It's been described as "the nicest cabin within sixty miles of Cooke City," and is normally $400 a night to rent. If that base camp wasn't enough, we have booked some of the best wildlife guides in Yellowstone to show you the ropes.
Early June is a prime season to join the expert guides at Yellowstone Wolf Tracker for a wildlife viewing tour in the park. Wolf Tracker's naturalist guides are skilled, knowledgeable, and dedicated to what they do. Each of their guides knows the park's wolf packs and where they reside. With palpable passion, their guide culture is one of reverence, wonder and awe for a wild Yellowstone. This guided tour for five includes transportation (from meeting spot, noted below), breakfast and snacks.
Lamar Valley meeting spot: The location is a very large pullout with public restrooms in Lamar Valley that we call Hitching Post, also called Lamar River trailhead, 3K1, stock cutoff trail, etc.:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/AVz93cnj5zzrGsZu6 (3K1, google maps)
Suggested meeting time for wildlife tour is 5:30 a.m.
Value of overnight stay and guided trip: $3000
Must be used June 2-6, 2026
Guided wildlife tour is reserved for June 3, 2026
More information on the cabin can be found at vrbo.com/35554
Many thanks to the Tuholskes and the friendly people at Yellowstone Wolf Tracker!
14
A Week in Baja for Two
Live ItemFor many years, Montana-based Sea and Adventures, Inc., representing the La Paz-based Mar Y Aventuras S.A. de C.V. adventure travel company, has provided MNHC supporters with incredible whale watching and sea kayaking opportunities! They have again donated a 7-day Baja adventure for 2 people!
On this Espirito Santo Island Expedition, guests will snorkel with friendly sea lions and among tropical fish, kayak the turquoise waters of the Sea of Cortez, walk among giant cactus or try their hand at fishing!
Upon arrival to the famous Espiritu Santo Island (ESI) National Park you'll settle into a beautiful camp on a white sand beach caressed by turquoise waters with volcanic cliffs and towering cactus as back drop. Camp is comprised of walk-in tents, each complete with 2 cots, pads and pillows for a restful night's sleep.
Professional guides will provide sea kayaking excursions tailored to abilities from beginner to advanced paddlers. As you kayak or travel by boat along the shores of ESI it's common to see manta rays and dolphins leaping from the sea's surface. Having skiffs accompany your trip allows you to participate in activities not possible if traveling by kayak alone.
Don't miss this opportunity to for spectacular wildlife events with kayaking, snorkeling , hiking and fishing while camping in comfort at our luxury camp on the beautiful island of Espiritu Santo.
All trips originate in La Paz, Mexico, and include double occupancy accommodations for 2 nights in La Paz, camping in tents on cots and pads, meals, juice and evening cocktails at camp, and all camp equipment except for personal sleeping bags (available for rent in La Paz).
Value: $3,100
Trips can be scheduled any time during the 2025-2026 season (December to March) pending availability
Does not include airfare