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Lewistown, Mont. – April 13, 2026 – NorthWestern Energy crews had the opportunity last month to read to third-grade students in Lewistown, sharing the story of “Oliver the Osprey,” a Montana‑based children’s book focused on wildlife conservation and environmental stewardship.

“Oliver the Osprey” introduces young readers to Oliver, an osprey who hatched in a nest on a specially designed platform installed by NorthWestern Energy along the Missouri River in Montana. Through Oliver’s story, students learn about the history of ospreys, the challenges they face, and how conservation efforts help protect these majestic birds of prey.

The book takes readers on an engaging, fact‑filled journey that highlights the recovery of ospreys after they were nearly wiped out in parts of the United States due to DDT. While the species has made a strong comeback, ospreys still face threats, including entanglement in baling twine and interactions with power lines. The book explains how nesting platforms help keep ospreys safe and how individuals—especially young readers—can play a role in conservation.

“Connecting with young readers is incredibly important—and rewarding—for our crews,” said NorthWestern Energy Manager Lewistown Operations Ryan Lower. “Being able to share Oliver’s story in person helps bring conservation to life, and it’s meaningful to see kids engaged and excited about protecting wildlife. Those conversations help build awareness that lasts well beyond the classroom.”

NorthWestern Energy offers free copies of “Oliver the Osprey” at our Customer Service Walk In offices as part of the company’s Avian Protection Plan. The Aviation Protection Plan incorporates best practices from the Avian Power Line Interaction Committee, a collaboration among the Edison Electric Institute, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and electric utilities nationwide. The plan focuses on reducing bird injuries and mortalities from power line collisions and electrocutions through engineering solutions, careful planning, and public education.

“Osprey–power line interactions can be complex and require the expertise of engineers, linemen, and biologists,” said NorthWestern Energy Community Relations Specialist Shaye Skovgaard . “Increasing public awareness is a critical part of our Avian Protection Plan, and ‘Oliver the Osprey’ is an educational and engaging way—especially for kids—to learn how we can all help protect these beautiful birds in Montana.”

To learn more about NorthWestern Energy’s avian conservation programs, visit https://www.northwesternenergy.com/clean-energy/our-environmental-projects/avian-conservation

To learn more about “Oliver the Osprey” or to read the book online, visit https://www.northwesternenergy.com/about-us/news-articles-events/oliver-the-osprey

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NorthWestern Energy, provides essential energy infrastructure and valuable services that enrich lives and empower communities while serving as long-term partners to our customers and communities. We work to deliver safe, reliable, and innovative energy solutions that create value for customers, communities, employees, and investors. We do this by providing low-cost and reliable service performed by highly-adaptable and skilled employees. We provide electricity and / or natural gas to approximately 850,300 customers in Montana, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Yellowstone National Park. Our operations in Montana and Yellowstone National Park are conducted through our subsidiary, NW Corp, and our operations in South Dakota and Nebraska are conducted through our subsidiary, NWE Public Service. We have provided service in South Dakota and Nebraska since 1923 and in Montana since 2002.

Media Contacts:

Jo Dee Black

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jodee.black@northwestern.com