Welcome
The mission of the Montana Natural History Center is to promote and cultivate the appreciation, understanding and stewardship of nature through education. MNHC is a non-profit organization founded in 1991 by a group of educators who had the vision to create a natural history center as a resource for schools and the public. Originally housed on the University of Montana campus, MNHC continued to grow and outgrow its rented space at Fort Missoula. In 2004, MNHC purchased its first home at 120 Hickory Street, at the edge of McCormick Park in the heart of Missoula.
Education Programs
Naturalist Field Day
This course in dragonflies and damselflies is led by two Montana experts, Bob Martinka and Nate Kohler. You will gain valuable lessons in identification and have plenty of time for practice in the field. The day will begin with an in-class introduction covering identification and biology. Targeted study and journaling will prepare you for the rest of the day spent outside near Seeley Lake. We will take the MNHC bus to the field site and continue to further our study and discussion along the way. Using nets to catch specimens and guides for identification will provide a spectacular way to learn about these creatures up close. Transportation and light refreshments will be provided.
- We will meet at the Montana Natural History Center and travel by bus to the field site.
- Please bring appropriate clothes for outdoor exploration in potentially marshy areas, water, lunch, snacks, journal, and a guide if you have one.
Recommended Reading:
- Dragonflies and Damselflies of the West by Dennis Paulson
Please call 327-0405 to register. Full payment is due upon registration.
Date: Saturday, August 3rd
Time: 9:00 am- 5:00 pm
Location: meet at the Montana Natural History Center, 120 Hickory St.
Cost: $80/$70 MNHC members. Some scholarships are available.
For more information about Naturalist Field Days and Course Schedule, please visit our Master Naturalist page.
Community Activities
Naturalist Field Day
Join botanist and author, Peter Lesica for a field day investigating our local grasses. Using keys, guides, dissecting scopes, and ecological considerations you will become comfortable identifying grasses. Discover their often hidden distinguishing characteristics and beauty.
After covering the basics in the classroom, we will move into the field to identify grasses in their ecosystems. Several sites will be visited during the day, providing comparative study and a variety of species.
What to Bring:
- Lunch, water, snacks, hiking shoes or boots, warm clothes, rain gear, journal.
Recommended Reading:
- Botany in a Day: The Patterns Method of Plant Identification by Thomas J. Elpel (available at the Naturalist’s Mercantile, 131 E. Mains St. Missoula)
Please call 327-0405 to register. Space is limited. Full payment is due upon registration.
Date: May 25th
Time: 9:00 am- 5:00 pm
Location: meet at the Montana Natural History Center, 120 Hickory St. Transportation to field sites provided.
Cost: $80/$70 MNHC members. Some scholarships available, please call for details.
For more information about Naturalist Field Days and a course schedule, please visit our Master Naturalist page.
