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Billings, Mont. – May 22, 2026 – NorthWestern Energy employees recently visited third-grade classrooms in Yellowstone County to read “Oliver the Osprey,” an educational children’s book that introduces young readers to avian conservation through the story of a remarkable Montana bird.

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

The book highlights the recovery of ospreys after they were nearly wiped out in parts of the United States due to the widespread use of DDT. While osprey populations have made a strong comeback, the species still faces ongoing threats, including entanglement in baling twine and interactions with power lines. “Oliver the Osprey” explains how nesting platforms help keep birds safe and shows how individuals — especially young readers — can play a role in protecting wildlife.

“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.”

The enthusiasm and curiosity shown by the students during visits was impressive. A thank-you note made it clear students are excited and ready to help osprey and other birds however they can.

NorthWestern Energy offers free copies of “Oliver the Osprey” at its Customer Service Walk-In Offices as part of the company’s Avian Protection Plan. The 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.

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 - Delivering a Bright Future

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

866-622-8081

jodee.black@northwestern.com