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
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.
Community Activities
Bull Trout Lecture and Native Plant Sale
Join the Endangered Species Coalition and the Montana Natural History Center in celebrating Endangered Species Day!
Events
- 5:30-7:00 pm. Native Plant Sale. We will have an information booth set up to assist you with garden questions and plant identification. Learn about local endangered plants too! All proceeds benefit the Fort Missoula Native Plant Gardens.
- 7:00 pm. Evening Lecture- Bull Trout Recovery in the Clark Fork: From Boundary to Butte presented by USFWS Bull Trout Biologist Wade Fredenberg. Learn about this iconic Montana species and the work done towards its recovery.
Date: Thursday, May 16th
Time: 5:30-7:00 pm Plant Sale, 7:00 pm Lecture
Location: the Montana Natural History Center, 120 Hickory St.
Admission: FREE
