Loading Events

« All Events

  • This event has passed.

Fall Online Master Naturalist Course

November 15, 2022 @ 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

$325 – $355

Fall Online Certification Course 2022

Tuesdays, September 6th – November 22th, 2022

4:00-6:00 p.m.

Our immersive online certification course will help you develop a naturalist state of mind and essential skills through a blend of recorded webinars, live online classes, guided independent study, and an in-person field weekend. Engage with the course anytime, anywhere. The online format can fit your schedule. Though attending the field weekend and live online classes is highly encouraged, they will be recorded and supplemental material can be provided.

REGISTER FOR THE COURSE!

Taught by MNHC Naturalist Christine Morris, this class:

  • meets virtually once per week for 12 weeks
  • includes in-person weekend field experience in and around Missoula, September 24-25 (COVID-19 conditions permitting)
  • includes course workbook
  • includes an online classroom platform to receive guidance from the instructor throughout the course

We’ll cover a wide breadth of topics with the goal of giving you a foundation of naturalist skills and knowledge on which you can build. Learn how to identify butterflies by family, insects by order, birds, mammal skulls and tracks, and more. From landscape processes to lichen we will look at specific details and how each part contributes to the greater ecology.

Knowledgeable guest instructors include Missoula College instructor and botanist Greg Peters, Glenn Marangelo of the Missoula Butterfly House and Insectarium, MNHC communications coordinator Allison De Jong, botanist Peter Lesica, fuels technician Geoff Farinholt with the U.S. Forest Service, curator of the Philip L. Wright Zoological Museum Angela Hornsby, and Rob Rich with Swan Valley Connections.

View the course syllabus (some elements may be subject to change). 

Upon course completion, students:

  • Will receive a Master Naturalist Certificate and pin
  • Be a part of an engaged and curious Master Naturalist community
  • Have the knowledge and skills to perform environmental stewardship

To complete this certification course, students are expected to attend classes/view webinars, complete weekly self-guided study assignments, keep a nature journal, and complete a final class project.

Plan on putting in about 5-6 hours per week including class time, independent study assignments, nature journaling, and final assignment.

Certification is maintained by completing 20 hours of volunteer service and 8 hours of continuing education each year. You will receive a new pin each year you certify!

Recommended Materials:

  • binoculars
  • hand lens or loupe
  • blank journal (required)
  • micron or small sharpie pen
  • colored pencils or watercolor pencils
  • bird guide such as Sibley’s Field Guide to Birds of Western North America
  • Botany in a Day by Thomas J. Elpel (for sale at MNHC’s gift shop)
  • plant/flower guide such as Wildflowers of Montana. Other guide book recommendations coming soon.

Registration Information:

  • Cost: $325 members/$355 non-members
  • Full payment due upon registration. The course fee (minus a $100 administrative fee) is refundable ONLY if a cancellation is made 30 days before the first day of class. No refunds will be issued for cancellations made after this deadline. Exceptions will be made for COVID-19-related refunds. Read our full cancellation/refund policy.

REGISTER HERE FOR THE FALL 2022 ONLINE MONTANA MASTER NATURALIST COURSE!