Adult Programs

Natural history education isn’t just for kids! We have lots of great opportunities for adults as well. Join us for an Evening Program or dive in and become a certified Montana Master Naturalist!


The Montana Master Naturalist Program is designed for adults who want to stoke their curiosity and deepen their knowledge of the natural world. We offer a range of programs to fit the needs of a diverse community, but all the classes share a common goal of providing participants with the skills to interpret the Montana landscape. The core class is the Master Naturalist Certification course, which we offer in spring and summer in slightly different formats.


In the tradition of our high-quality Master Naturalist Courses, Naturalist Field Days pair expert instructors with hands-on field experiences for truly engaging learning opportunities. Geared toward the Master Naturalist, student, and curious outdoor explorer, our programs help participants develop key naturalist skills.


From September through May we offer special evening programs for adults. Attend a lecture, hone your artistic skills during a Sip & Sketch, or match wits with other naturalists at Naturalist Trivia Night. Take advantage of the amazing intellectual resources Missoula has to offer and learn about local research projects and current topics of interest!


A group of Montana Master Naturalists watches for birds on a sunny summer day.

Throughout the year we offer a variety of Discovery Days, some for the whole community, some for members only. The majority are geared toward families, but some are best for adult participants. From beginning birding trips at nearby wildlife refuges and natural areas to wintry snowshoe excursions to seed-collecting workshops at our Native Plant Garden, our Discovery Days offer fun forays into many different natural history topics.


The Ralph Lee Allen Environmental Education Library has a variety of field guides, curriculum guides, and books on a range of natural history topics, as well as a great selection of children’s books with nature themes. Need a field guide on birds, insects, flowers, tracks? We can help you out!

Montana Natural History Center trips are permitted on the Lolo National Forest (Clause VII.B).
Montana Natural History Center is an equal opportunity service provider.