Montana Natural History Center | Montana Natural History Center

Check out our FREE online educational resources!

Let us help you stay entertained and educated during this time of physical distancing for social solidarity. We’ve put together a great collection of educational resources to keep you curious, learning, and connecting with nature.

Find them here!

Give the Gift of Nature!

“If we are to preserve our natural world, the next generation of leaders must be inspired and involved.”

~Jackie Wedell, Master Naturalist & MNHC Volunteer

Watch our five-part webinar series: The Age of the Coronapocene

Our panel of experts answers some of the big questions: What are viruses? Where did COVID-19 come from? Why is social distancing so important? What does the science tell us?

Webinar recordings available here!

Join the Montana Natural History Center

Become a member today!

Upcoming Events

Check out the great programs coming up at MNHC!

Come visit us!

Check out our exhibits, Naturalist Lab, Nature Adventure Playground, and more!

Visiting Naturalist in the Schools

70 classrooms, 1700 students. Learn more about our keystone program.

Montana Master Naturalist Course

Become a certified Master Naturalist!

Check Out Our Free Online Educational Resources!

The Age of the Coronapocene

Watch all five webinar recordings here.

Science Shorts on YouTube

Check out our educational science videos!

Give the Gift of Nature: Donate to MNHC!

Field Notes from the Montana Natural History Center

A collection of 134 Field Notes in a beautiful book. Order here!

MNHC offers free admission for EBT card holders!

Join a global movement and another way to support MNHC.

Volunteer at the Montana Natural History Center!

Field Notes on Montana Public Radio

Listen and learn about Montana’s flora, fauna, geology, ecology, and more.

Naturalist Blog

Get tips and tricks for outdoor explorations, learn about Montana’s flora and fauna, and read about fun happenings at MNHC!

Museum Field Trips

Bring your class or community group to MNHC for a guided program.

MNHC is a member of the ASTC!

Check out all the museums and science centers you can visit for FREE with your MNHC membership!

Montana Naturalist Magazine

Check out our Annual Report! (It's really pretty.) (And informative.)

Follow us on Facebook!

Teacher Benefits Program

A FREE program for K-12 educators.

mtnaturalhistorycenter

Join us in wishing MNHC's Museum Programs Coordina

Join us in wishing MNHC's Museum Programs Coordinator & Volunteer Coordinator Drew Lefebvre a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Our October Saunter with a Naturalist program is i

Our October Saunter with a Naturalist program is in the books. Our participants were delighted with the slow pace and opportunity to discover whatever was to be seen - like this Clark’s Nutcracker.

Sign up to join the November morning or evening saunter (or both!) at the link in our bio.

#discovernature #naturewalk #missoulaevents #exploreoutside

Looking for a unique gift? Our Online Auction is f

Looking for a unique gift? Our Online Auction is filled with incredible gift ideas, trips and artwork and all the proceeds go to supporting our nature education programs. Bidding CLOSES TODAY at 7:00 p.m. Bid using the link in our bio. ⠀
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Thanks to Native Yards for sponsoring #montananatureweek!

Who’s going to check some Christmas gifts off th

Who’s going to check some Christmas gifts off their list? Who’s going to spruce up their outdoor living space with a custom designed planter or treat the kids to ice cream at Big Dipper and an afternoon at Currents pool? The answer could be YOU!⠀
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Tomorrow is the last day of our online auction —you have until 6:59 p.m. MDT tomorrow, Saturday, October 17 to place your final bids. Follow the link in our bio to place your bids.⠀
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Thanks to #montananatureweek sponsor The Shirt Shop!⠀
#explorenature #getoutside #getkidsoutside #missoulaevents

Don’t miss your chance to order a Montana Nature

Don’t miss your chance to order a Montana Nature Week t-shirt designed by artist and MNHC Naturalist @jenahmead ⠀
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Orders must be placed by Sunday, October 18. All proceeds from our Montana Nature Week go directly to supporting our nature education programs. Sizes for the whole family, YS-XXXL. Order at the link in our bio.⠀
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Thanks to #montananatureweek Event Sponsor, @republic_services, for connecting people with nature!⠀
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#connectwithnature #missoulaevents #naturalistdesign #coolshirts

We’re excited to launch a new partnership with t

We’re excited to launch a new partnership with the Missoula-based Rocky Mountain School of Photography! In this three-part workshop, you’ll work with experienced photographers and educators to break down the sometimes-intimidating process of photo critique.

Are you looking to improve your nature photography skills? Maybe you’ve been photographing for a while now, you feel confident with your camera’s controls, and you can create images with intention. But what you’re really looking for is real feedback on your work. And the good news is that you’re not alone! Most photographers don’t have supportive groups of other photographers to offer constructive criticism of their work. This course strives to bring together nature photographers of all stripes in an environment where they can learn from, and be inspired by, each other’s successes and failures.

Learn more and register using the link in our bio.

Check out two awesome ONLINE AUCTIONS happening by

Check out two awesome ONLINE AUCTIONS happening by collaborators MNHC and our friends @openairmt

Enjoy artworks, experiences, and more! Both auctions close October 17th @ 7pm.

MNHC: http://bit.ly/OnlineAuctionMNHC
Open AIR: www.openairmt.org/auction

Montana Natural History Center and Open AIR collaborate to host Artist-in-Residence to spend time at MNHC exploring and creating in response to Montana Natural History Center's archives and specimens and exhibits. In 2019 Artist Jessie Smith (featured) spent 10 days drawing from the skull and skeleton collection and offering classes to visiting youth.

COVID forced us to postpone our 2020 residency. We are looking forward to hosting artist Madison Erin Mayfield in 2021!

We look forward to bringing you more information about upcoming residencies and ways to connect with Montana's natural history in the near future.

In the meantime consider supporting our two awesome orgs during this time - www.openairmt.org & MontanaNaturalist.org

#onlineauction #supportmissoulaarts #connectwithnature

Oh, the stories a tree can tell! This original, ha

Oh, the stories a tree can tell! This original, hand-pressed print was pulled from a 85+ year old cedar from the Saint Ignatius area in western Montana. The beauty of Missoula artist Michelle Nowels’ prints are in the rings of the tree. Wind, sun, fire, and insects all leave their mark on the rings of the tree. Lack of water or sun cause the rings to be narrow; wide rings show which years the tree thrived. The imperfections of each piece not only tell the age of the tree but the story of its life. ⠀
This print measures approximately 20” h x 16” w⠀
Thank you @michelle_nowels⠀
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Bidding is open on this and other incredible auction items until Saturday, October 17 at 7:00 p.m. All proceeds go to supporting our nature education programs. Follow the link in our bio.⠀
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Thank you to @blackcoffee.mt for your support in connecting people to nature!⠀
#montananatureweek #connectwithnature #getkidsoutside #cedartrees #missoulaevents

Bring your curiosity and your own naturalist knowl

Bring your curiosity and your own naturalist knowledge and join MNHC Naturalist Ser Anderson on a naturalist saunter. We will focus on exploring the changing seasons, making observations, following our curiosity, and learning from each other. Whether you are an experienced naturalist or just starting out, this walk is for you. Everyone has something to learn and knowledge to share. Learn more and register in the Upcoming Events tab on our website linked in the bio.

Thank you Ink Realty Group for your support in connecting people with nature!

We see you! MNHC Executive Director Thurston Elfst

We see you! MNHC Executive Director Thurston Elfstrom, the entire MNHC Staff and the Board of Directors want to THANK YOU for supporting MNHC’s nature education programs during MONTANA NATURE WEEK!⠀
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It's not too late! You can still order an exclusive Nature Week t-shirt until Oct. 18, bid on the online auction until Oct. 17, make a donation and access great bonus Nature Week programming at the link in our bio.⠀
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Thanks to @atg_consulting for your support!⠀
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#connectwithnature #missoulaevents #kidsinnaturearehappy #missoulaevents #onlineauction

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Upcoming Events

Mon 26

Field Notes Writing Workshop – 6-Part Class

October 26 @ 10:00 am - 11:30 am

Tue 27

Fall Online Master Naturalist Course

October 27 @ 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Wed 28

Canceled – Virtual Nature Photography Workshop – 3-Part Class

October 28 @ 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

Thu 29

(Second Offering!) Geology Tour by Car and Foot 2-Part Class

October 29 @ 10:00 am - 12:00 pm