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DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260217T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260217T203000
DTSTAMP:20260414T202812
CREATED:20260112T171012Z
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SUMMARY:Reimagining Relatedness Writing Workshop: Lessons from the Fluvial\, Fungal\, and Forestal
DESCRIPTION:Date: Tuesday\, February 17\, 2026\nTime: 5:30-8:30 p.m.\nLocation: Montana Natural History Center\nCost: $110 MNHC members\, $125 non-members. You can purchase an MNHC membership when you register. \nREGISTER HERE!\nJoin MNHC for an evening of creative imagining of and exploratory writing about systems and relationships. Everyone is welcome. Ahead of our session together\, you’ll be invited to read a few pieces of remarkable\, thought-provoking prose that challenge traditional concepts of the “nature writing” genre. You’ll also be invited to respond to a prompt with your own writing and/or art. During our workshop together\, we’ll write more\, bravely share our work\, and playfully grapple with evolving questions around relationality\, collaboration\, and natural systems. Chandra Brown\, founder of the Missoula-based outdoor arts organization Freeflow Institute\, will facilitate. \nEarly registration is encouraged to allow time for reading materials prior to the class. \nInstructor Chandra Brown is an educator\, river guide\, and writer originally from Alaska. She has worked within the realm of river conservation since her 2010 Fulbright grant to Ecuador\, and she founded Freeflow Institute in 2017. Her stories can be found in places like Adventure Journal\, The Dirtbag Diaries\, Kayak Session\, NRS\, and Patagonia. Chandra earned her M.S. in Environmental Studies from the University of Montana and has called Missoula home since 2014. \nLight refreshments provided. Attendees are welcome to bring additional food\, snacks\, and/or drinks. \nBecause of the pre-work participants will be asked to do\, we ask you to register by Thursday\, February 12th. \nFAQs \nWhat’s the refund policy? \nThe course fee (minus a 25% administrative fee) is refundable if a cancellation is made up to 7 days before the event. No refunds will be issued for cancellations made after this deadline. See our full refund/cancellation policy here. \nDo I have to bring my printed ticket to the event? \nNope! We will have a list of all the attendees.
URL:https://www.montananaturalist.org/event/reimagining-relatedness-lessons-from-the-fluvial-fungal-and-forestal/
LOCATION:Montana Natural History Center
CATEGORIES:Community Event,Evening Programs
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260218T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260218T210000
DTSTAMP:20260414T202812
CREATED:20260105T192212Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260122T231302Z
UID:10003346-1771441200-1771448400@www.montananaturalist.org
SUMMARY:Wild Love Trivia Night!
DESCRIPTION:Date: Wednesday\, February 18th\nTime: 7:00-9:00 p.m.\nLocation: The Balsamroot Conference Room at the Missoula County Extension Office\, 1075 South Ave W at the Missoula Fairgrounds\nCost: $10 a person\, $5 for university/college students – this is an ages 18+ event 😉 \nREGISTER HERE\nJoin us for a special Naturalist Trivia Night at the Missoula County Extension Office at the Fairgrounds! This “Wild Love” Naturalist Trivia\, created by volunteer hosts Leigh and Kylie\, is a hilarious hit every year with questions focused on…you know it! Plant and animal anatomy and mating. \nYou can bring a team or join one when you arrive. Naturalist Trivia Nights are a great way to learn about our local natural world. Come to show off your skills or acquire new knowledge. \nThere are usually 4 rounds of questions. Some rounds are verbal\, others visual or even auditory (guess that sound!). Two hours later\, one team will be the winner. \n\nPlease note the location for this event: Missoula County Extension Office’s Balsamroot Conference Room at the Missoula Fairgrounds! In the past we’ve over-filled the room at MNHC and needed a bigger spot.\nFood will not be served at this event and it is BYOB.\nTickets are $10 a person or $5 for university/college students. Teams can be made up of 5-10 people!\nThis is a popular event and registration is recommended to save your spot.\n\nFAQs:\nDo I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?\nNope! We will have a list of all the attendees.
URL:https://www.montananaturalist.org/event/wild-love-trivia-night-2/
CATEGORIES:Community Event,Evening Programs,Naturalist Trivia Night
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260219T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260219T200000
DTSTAMP:20260414T202812
CREATED:20260126T224059Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260126T224100Z
UID:10003371-1771524000-1771531200@www.montananaturalist.org
SUMMARY:Scavengers Photography Club
DESCRIPTION:Dates: Third Thursday of the Month\nTime: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.\nLocation: Montana Natural History Center \nCome find community and inspiration for your nature photography passion at our Scavengers Photography Club! Everyone is welcome – hobbyists\, enthusiasts\, professionals\, and new beginners! Peggy Christian\, artist\, author\, and Master Naturalist\, hosts this unique club. \nAt each session we will share our photos (up to 6 per person) and discuss current projects\, interests\, successes\, and challenges. Some sessions will feature a guest presentation on an aspect of photography. \nphoto by Kathy Eyster \nFor February’s class\, we’ll focus on still life photography. Still life photography is all around us in images of food and cooking\, in fine art creations\, as well as advertisements for products of all kinds. Photographer Kathy Eyster will offer suggestions on arranging and photographing this widely used genre. \nNote: Please bring your photos to share on a thumb drive to use in our computer. \n“A great photograph is one that fully expresses what one feels\, in the deepest sense\, about what is being photographed.”\n― Ansel Adams \nShare your perspective and connection to nature through photography!
URL:https://www.montananaturalist.org/event/scavengers-photography-club-3-2-2-2-3-8-2/
LOCATION:Montana Natural History Center
CATEGORIES:Community Event,Discovery Day,Presentation
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260220T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260220T200000
DTSTAMP:20260414T202812
CREATED:20260128T202151Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260128T203556Z
UID:10003383-1771614000-1771617600@www.montananaturalist.org
SUMMARY:Cabin Fever Lecture! Glacial Ice History in Mission Valley and Vicinity
DESCRIPTION:Date: Friday\, February 20\nTime: 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.\nLocation: Montana Natural History Center\nCost: Free\, but please register. Donations accepted. \nIt’s that time of the year! Time to contemplate ice ages and glacial lakes.Time for the Glacial Lake Missoula Chapter of the Ice Age Floods Institute’s Cabin Fever Lecture!  Warm up your curiosity about glacial ice history in the Mission Valley with geologist Skye Cooley. \nREGISTER HERE!\nAbout the Instructor: Skye Cooley is a Montana-based field geologist and geomorphologist specializing in quaternary geology\, paleosols (ancient soils)\, and GIS mapping\, currently focused on the Mission Valley. Based in Ronan\, MT\, he has a diverse background including contract mapping for the Idaho Geological Survey\, teaching at Boise State\, and serving as a soil scientist.
URL:https://www.montananaturalist.org/event/cabin-fever-lecture-glacial-ice-history-in-mission-valley-and-vicinity/
LOCATION:Montana Natural History Center
CATEGORIES:Community Event,Evening Lecture,Evening Programs
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260225T113000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260225T130000
DTSTAMP:20260414T202812
CREATED:20250804T203050Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260330T183906Z
UID:10003018-1772019000-1772024400@www.montananaturalist.org
SUMMARY:Drop-In Nature Journaling
DESCRIPTION:Date: Last Wednesday of the Month\nTime: 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.\nLocation: Montana Natural History Center\nCost: Free with admission/membership! \nFellow naturalists! Are you looking for community\, accountability\, inspiration\, and more? We’re excited to offer monthly drop-in nature journaling / phenology wheel / nature writing sessions September-May. Bring your nature journals\, phenology wheels\, pens\, pencils\, and paints\, and have fun crafting your observations in community. We’ll have some supplies available (colored pencils\, micron pens\, watercolor pencils\, etc.)\, as well as field guides and specimens\, and we’ll provide a fun journal prompt\, too! For those working on phenology wheels – whether daily\, monthly\, or seasonal – this is a great time to work on your wheel template for the next month or catch up on your daily or monthly observations. \nScheduled over the lunch hour\, this is a perfect mid-day break; please feel free to bring lunch or snacks. \nThis program is FREE with admission/membership! \nCome join us for fun\, creativity\, and naturalist exploration! \n2025-2026 dates:\nSeptember 24th\, 2025\nOctober 29th\, 2025\nNovember 26th\, 2025\nNO SESSION in DECEMBER\nJanuary 28th\, 2026\nFebruary 25th\, 2026\nMarch 25th\, 2026\nApril 29th\, 2026\nMay 27th\, 2026 \nWe’ll be back in September!
URL:https://www.montananaturalist.org/event/drop-in-nature-journaling/2026-02-25/
LOCATION:Montana Natural History Center
CATEGORIES:Community Event,Drop in With a Naturalist
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.montananaturalist.org/wp-content/uploads/monthly-nature-journaling.jpg
GEO:46.8706038;-114.0060024
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260225T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260225T193000
DTSTAMP:20260414T202812
CREATED:20260126T225845Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260205T154306Z
UID:10003382-1772042400-1772047800@www.montananaturalist.org
SUMMARY:The Blackfoot Place Map: Prehistoric Land and Animal Management
DESCRIPTION:Date: Wednesday\, February 25\, 2026\nTime: 6:00-7:30 p.m.\nLocation: Montana Natural History Center\nCost: $10 MNHC members/$15 non-members\nFree for Native people. \nREGISTER HERE. \nSouta Calling Last\, has made it a mission to map significant sites of traditional Blackfoot places of creation\, animal management\, prehistoric presence\, and more for the Blackfoot Place Map that is part of the watershed and land management tool. From bison corrals to fasting shelters\, and from buffalo jumps to rock art and effigies\, she has spent more than 10 years mapping 1\,000 sites (200 of them public) not only in Montana but in Alberta\, Saskatchewan\, Manitoba\, Idaho\, Wyoming\, Colorado\, Nebraska\, Utah\, Nevada\, Arizona\, and New Mexico. Join us on February 25th to learn more about Souta Calling Last’s work. \nMore about Souta Calling Last: Souta Calling Last\, Blackfeet/Blood Nations\, is the Founder and Director of Indigenous Vision\, Inc.\, a non-profit whose mission is to re-vitalize Indigenous peoples\, culture and land. For over 18 years she has focused her efforts around water quality\, mining contamination clean-up\, and water-treatment working for tribal and federal governments. She believes that land and Indigenous peoples knowledge are inextricably linked and that sustainable land management must include Indigenous perspectives.
URL:https://www.montananaturalist.org/event/an-evening-with-souta-calling-last/
LOCATION:Montana Natural History Center
CATEGORIES:Community Event,Evening Lecture,Evening Programs
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260227T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260227T120000
DTSTAMP:20260414T202812
CREATED:20251202T210857Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251212T201343Z
UID:10003253-1772182800-1772193600@www.montananaturalist.org
SUMMARY:Confident Color Mixing for Journaling with Nancy Seiler (Part 2)
DESCRIPTION:Date: Friday\, February 27\nTime: 9:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.\nLocation: The Montana Natural History Center\nCost: $45 MNHC members\, $50 non-members \nREGISTER HERE! \nMaster color mixing with artist Nancy Seiler! \nHave you been nature journaling for a while and feel a bit overwhelmed when mixing colors? This class is for you! As a follow up to the August\, 2025 color mixing class\, which will be summarized before we start\, you’ll continue to understand how to choose colors to match the natural objects that you see. Nancy will explain pigments so that you will come away understanding how to obtain bright and dull colors\, use complimentary colors\, mix grays\, and utilize whatever watercolors you have on hand. \nPlease note that participation in Part 1 of this workshop is NOT a requirement for the February class. All interested parties are welcome. \nNancy will be teaching from the QoR Mini 12-pigment set. We’ll start with swatching to understand the pigments you have\, tricks for blending and layering color\, and how values play a big part of helping your drawings pop. The first two hours will be teaching and working with your pigments. The last hour will be color mixing on your own from provided natural objects. Nancy will assist you to achieve color matches. \nInstructor: Nancy Seiler received her Visual Communications degree from The Art Institute of Pittsburgh in 1981. She has taught classical botanical illustration and nature journaling since 2003. Nancy has been painting in acrylics since 2009. She has exhibited her paintings and classical  botanical illustrations since 2002. Her work is represented by Frame of Reference Fine Art in Whitefish and Bigfork\, Montana. \nWhat to Bring: \n\nyour watercolor set\nwatercolor paper or watercolor/mixed media journal\n#8 round brush or smaller\ngraphite pencil and eraser\nmicro pen any size point\nwe will have some of these materials available to use at MNHC if you need them!\n\nFAQs: \nWhat’s the refund policy?\nThe course fee (minus a 25% administrative fee) is refundable if a cancellation is made up to 7 days before the event. No refunds will be issued for cancellations made after this deadline. See our full refund/cancellation policy here. \nDo I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?\nNope! We will have a list of all the attendees. \nRegister here:
URL:https://www.montananaturalist.org/event/confident-color-mixing-for-journaling-with-nancy-seiler-part-2/
LOCATION:Montana Natural History Center
CATEGORIES:Community Event,Naturalist Field Experience,Sip & Sketch
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.montananaturalist.org/wp-content/uploads/unnamed-13-e1751915756960-1.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260305T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260305T190000
DTSTAMP:20260414T202812
CREATED:20260210T205423Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260212T155636Z
UID:10003384-1772733600-1772737200@www.montananaturalist.org
SUMMARY:iNaturalist Workshop
DESCRIPTION:Date: Thursday\, March 5th\nTime: 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.\nLocation: Montana Natural History Center\nCost: FREE\, but please register \nREGISTER HERE \nSnap a photo of your nature observations wherever you roam to conserve our state’s remarkable wild diversity!  \nCan using a phone app help scientists with conservation work? Bryce Maxell\,  program director at the Montana Natural Heritage Program\, will show you how to collect and access information on Montana’s plants and animals using iNaturalist. He’ll also explain how agencies use your data to inform conservation of native species and control of invasive species. Come learn about this fun interactive learning tool! \nThe Montana Natural Heritage Program (MTNHP) is Montana’s source for reliable and objective information on over 18\,000 different species and habitats that occur in Montana\, emphasizing those of conservation concern. The MTNHP has centralized over 6.1 million observation records and over 515\,000 surveys for species\, assigned conservation status ranks to over 5\,000 species\, constructed predicted habitat suitability models for over 2\,300 species\, and created predicted biodiversity layers for vertebrates\, species of conservation concern\, and noxious weeds. This and other information the MTNHP manages informs stakeholders in a variety of environmental review\, permitting\, and planning processes and it can be easily accessed by anyone on the program’s Montana Field Guide\, Map Viewer\, Species Snapshot\, and other web pages. \niNaturalist is an online social network of people sharing biodiversity information to help each other learn about nature. iNaturalist helps you identify the plants and animals around you while generating data for science and conservation. Get connected with a community of millions scientists and naturalists who can help you learn more about nature! What’s more\, by recording and sharing your observations\, you’ll create research-quality data for scientists working to better understand and protect nature. \nInstructor: Bryce Maxell (PhD in Fish and Wildlife Biology from the University of Montana) is the Program Coordinator with the Montana Natural Heritage Program. He has worked with the MTNHP in various capacities dating back to 1996 and has led the program in since 2015. Bryce has conducted research on seaweeds in the Puget Sound\, a number of species in Australia and New Zealand\, and Harlequin Ducks\, amphibians\, reptiles\, bats\, and invasive species in Montana.
URL:https://www.montananaturalist.org/event/inaturalist-workshop/
LOCATION:Montana Natural History Center
CATEGORIES:Community Event,Educator Program,Evening Programs,Naturalist Field Experience,Presentation
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GEO:46.8706038;-114.0060024
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260309T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260309T203000
DTSTAMP:20260414T202812
CREATED:20250812T183018Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260106T190209Z
UID:10003032-1773081000-1773088200@www.montananaturalist.org
SUMMARY:Virtual Naturalist Book Club #2
DESCRIPTION:Date: Monthly\, on the second Monday of the month (except January\, June\, July\, and August)\nTime: 6:30 p.m.\nLocation/Platform: Virtual Zoom Classroom \nThe only thing better than reading a fascinating natural history book (and there are so many of them!) is getting to discuss it with a wonderful group of like-minded people. We can help you do that! Join one of our free naturalist book clubs\, where you can read and discuss a great new book each month\, enjoying various perspectives and insights\, all from the comfort of your own home. (Cozy pjs are perfectly acceptable attire.) This book club meets September-May and breaks for the summer. \nBook List \nSeptember: Light Eaters\nOctober: The Serviceberry\nNovember: The Stubborn Light of Things\nDecember: Flight Paths\nJanuary: no meeting this month\nFebruary: Woman Among Wolves\nMarch:  What an Owl Knows\nApril: Restoring the Kinship Worldview                                                                                                                May: Tenacious Beasts \nYour hosts will be Sherry Staub and Cas Kendley. Sherry has led the Sacajawea book club for over two years in Bozeman and has extensively read in the nature book genre. Cas started and led a book club as a UM student and is looking forward to starting an advanced degree in forestry at the UM. \nYou will need a computer that can access the internet and Zoom platform in order to participate. \nInterested in joining? There are spaces available! Email Christine at cmorris [at] montananaturalist [dot] org to sign up. \nGroup is limited to 10 participants.
URL:https://www.montananaturalist.org/event/naturalist-book-club-2/2026-03-09/
LOCATION:Virtual Zoom Classroom
CATEGORIES:Community Event,Evening Programs
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.montananaturalist.org/wp-content/uploads/depositphotos_219045558-stock-photo-reading-outdoor-theme-image-open-e1760043072780.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260310T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260310T203000
DTSTAMP:20260414T202812
CREATED:20231214T180948Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250107T173314Z
UID:10001318-1773167400-1773174600@www.montananaturalist.org
SUMMARY:Virtual Naturalist Book Club #1
DESCRIPTION:Date: Monthly\, on the second Tuesday of the month  \nTime: 6:30 p.m. \nLocation/Platform: Virtual Zoom Classroom \nThe only thing better than reading a fascinating natural history book (and there are so many of them!) is getting to discuss it with a wonderful group of like-minded people. We can help you do that! Join one of our free naturalist book clubs\, where you can read and discuss a great new book each month\, enjoying various perspectives and insights\, all from the comfort of your own home. (Cozy pjs are perfectly acceptable attire.) \nYour hosts are Master Naturalist Suzanne Hendrich and Deborah Drain. \nYou will need a computer that can access the internet and Zoom platform in order to participate. \nThere are some spaces available in this book club. Contact cmorris (at) montananaturalist.org to sign up.  \nGroup is limited to 10 participants.
URL:https://www.montananaturalist.org/event/virtual-naturalist-book-club-1-2/2026-03-10/
LOCATION:Virtual Zoom Classroom
CATEGORIES:Community Event,Evening Programs,Virtual Class
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.montananaturalist.org/wp-content/uploads/book-and-cup-of-coffee-in-hands-of-girl-on-winter-evening-near-picture-id909045284-e1736271185658.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260311T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260311T160000
DTSTAMP:20260414T202812
CREATED:20260225T215847Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260226T164733Z
UID:10003134-1773237600-1773244800@www.montananaturalist.org
SUMMARY:Master Naturalist Club
DESCRIPTION:Date: Monthly\, on the second Wednesday of the month\nTime: 2:00-4:00 p.m.\nLocation: Various – contact club host \nShare outdoor explorations and learning experiences with other curious naturalists at our monthly Master Naturalist Club! We will connect with experts and hone our skills\, meeting at field locations around Missoula. \nMarch Topic: Uschi Carpenter’s Bird Photography and Presentation \nUrsula “Uschi” Carpenter is a photographer based in Missoula\, Montana. She passionately pursues the alchemy of turning birds into poetry with both images and words. It is her hope to reveal the healing power of birds by showcasing their beauty and to raise awareness for the need to safeguard their future in our wounded world. In her presentation “Savor what Remains – Affirmations of Wonder in a Wounded World\,” Uschi will talk about her approach to nature and bird photography and share with us a selection of her “bird poetry.” \nClub hosts: Master Naturalists Sarah Elsasser\, Bill Buseman\, and Elizabeth Johns \nInterested in joining? There are spaces available! Email Christine at cmorris@montananaturalist.org to sign up.
URL:https://www.montananaturalist.org/event/master-naturalist-club-2/
LOCATION:Montana Natural History Center
CATEGORIES:Community Event,Discovery Day,Drop in With a Naturalist,Naturalist Field Experience
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.montananaturalist.org/wp-content/uploads/IMG_2784.jpg
GEO:46.8706038;-114.0060024
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260318T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260318T193000
DTSTAMP:20260414T202812
CREATED:20251216T185151Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260129T174948Z
UID:10003339-1773856800-1773862200@www.montananaturalist.org
SUMMARY:Jurassic Park: Fact or Fiction? with Kallie Moore
DESCRIPTION:Date: Wednesday\, March 18\nTime: 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.\nLocation: Montana Natural History Center\nCost: $10 MNHC members/$15 non-members \nREGISTER HERE \nJoin UM Paleo Collections Manager and PBS Eons co-host\, Kallie Moore for a night of fossil facts and fiction! When the original Jurassic Park movie came out in 1993\, it gave the most up-to-date look at dinosaurs and their behaviors. But we’ve learned a lot over the past 30 years. Join us to find out what still holds up\, what doesn’t\, and how close we are to using ancient DNA to create a real-life Jurassic Park! \nFAQs:\nWhat’s the refund policy? \nThe course fee (minus a 25% administrative fee) is refundable if a cancellation is made up to 7 days before the event. No refunds will be issued for cancellations made after this deadline. See our full refund/cancellation policy here. \nDo I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?\nNope! We will have a list of all the attendees.
URL:https://www.montananaturalist.org/event/jurassic-park-fact-or-fiction-with-kallie-moore/
LOCATION:Montana Natural History Center
CATEGORIES:Community Event,Evening Lecture,Evening Programs
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.montananaturalist.org/wp-content/uploads/Kallie-Moore-small.jpg
GEO:46.8706038;-114.0060024
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260319T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260319T200000
DTSTAMP:20260414T202812
CREATED:20260225T170315Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260225T170349Z
UID:10003372-1773943200-1773950400@www.montananaturalist.org
SUMMARY:Scavengers Photography Club
DESCRIPTION:Dates: Third Thursday of the Month\nTime: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.\nLocation: Montana Natural History Center \nCome find community and inspiration for your nature photography passion at our Scavengers Photography Club! Everyone is welcome – hobbyists\, enthusiasts\, professionals\, and new beginners! Peggy Christian\, artist\, author\, and Master Naturalist\, hosts this unique club. \nPhoto by Peggy Christian \nAt each session we will share our photos (up to 6 per person) and discuss current projects\, interests\, successes\, and challenges. Some sessions will feature a guest presentation on an aspect of photography. \nFor March’s meeting\, we’ll focus on a daily practice. Having a daily photography practice\, no matter how small\, can reward the photographer in many ways. Join Peggy Christian as she explores a number of different ways to approach a daily practice\, including a 30-360 day project and other variations on the theme. \nNote: Please bring your photos to share on a thumb drive to use in our computer. \n“A great photograph is one that fully expresses what one feels\, in the deepest sense\, about what is being photographed.”\n― Ansel Adams \nShare your perspective and connection to nature through photography!
URL:https://www.montananaturalist.org/event/scavengers-photography-club-3-2-2-2-3-8-3/
LOCATION:Montana Natural History Center
CATEGORIES:Community Event,Discovery Day,Presentation
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.montananaturalist.org/wp-content/uploads/DSCN7866-3-Edit-e1745957299415.jpg
GEO:46.8706038;-114.0060024
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260325T113000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260325T130000
DTSTAMP:20260414T202812
CREATED:20250804T203050Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260330T183906Z
UID:10003019-1774438200-1774443600@www.montananaturalist.org
SUMMARY:Drop-In Nature Journaling
DESCRIPTION:Date: Last Wednesday of the Month\nTime: 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.\nLocation: Montana Natural History Center\nCost: Free with admission/membership! \nFellow naturalists! Are you looking for community\, accountability\, inspiration\, and more? We’re excited to offer monthly drop-in nature journaling / phenology wheel / nature writing sessions September-May. Bring your nature journals\, phenology wheels\, pens\, pencils\, and paints\, and have fun crafting your observations in community. We’ll have some supplies available (colored pencils\, micron pens\, watercolor pencils\, etc.)\, as well as field guides and specimens\, and we’ll provide a fun journal prompt\, too! For those working on phenology wheels – whether daily\, monthly\, or seasonal – this is a great time to work on your wheel template for the next month or catch up on your daily or monthly observations. \nScheduled over the lunch hour\, this is a perfect mid-day break; please feel free to bring lunch or snacks. \nThis program is FREE with admission/membership! \nCome join us for fun\, creativity\, and naturalist exploration! \n2025-2026 dates:\nSeptember 24th\, 2025\nOctober 29th\, 2025\nNovember 26th\, 2025\nNO SESSION in DECEMBER\nJanuary 28th\, 2026\nFebruary 25th\, 2026\nMarch 25th\, 2026\nApril 29th\, 2026\nMay 27th\, 2026 \nWe’ll be back in September!
URL:https://www.montananaturalist.org/event/drop-in-nature-journaling/2026-03-25/
LOCATION:Montana Natural History Center
CATEGORIES:Community Event,Drop in With a Naturalist
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.montananaturalist.org/wp-content/uploads/monthly-nature-journaling.jpg
GEO:46.8706038;-114.0060024
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260326T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260326T210000
DTSTAMP:20260414T202812
CREATED:20260123T202400Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260226T164959Z
UID:10003363-1774551600-1774558800@www.montananaturalist.org
SUMMARY:Naturalist Trivia Night with co-host Montana Native Plant Society!
DESCRIPTION:Date: Thursday\, March 26\nTime: 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.\nLocation: Montana Natural History Center\nCost: Free and open to the public\, but please register \nShow off your skills or come to learn something new—trivia nights are fun for any background level. Join a team when you arrive or bring a crew to compete in Naturalist Trivia Night. For March’s trivia night we are joined by co-hosts from the Montana Native Plant Society. The first few rounds will focus on native plants and we’ll finish off with rounds on spring migration in the Rocky Mountains and more! \nMNHC teaching naturalist Ryan Mahar is running the show. We’re excited to bring you another fun trivia night! \nThis is a FREE event\, but registration is required so we don’t overcrowd the space! \nREGISTER HERE!\nBYOB and snacks. \nHow does Naturalist Trivia work? \nCome with a team or join up with new friends when you arrive. MNHC staff will help you find a table. There are usually 4 rounds of questions each frequently on a common theme such as “Montana cats” or “poisonous plants.” Some rounds are verbal\, others are visual\, or auditory (such as “guess that bird call”!). \nAfter each round the answers are divulged and each team’s score is displayed.\nTwo hours later there will be a winner!
URL:https://www.montananaturalist.org/event/naturalist-trivia-night-with-co-hosts-montana-native-plant-society/
LOCATION:Montana Natural History Center
CATEGORIES:Community Event,Naturalist Trivia Night
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.montananaturalist.org/wp-content/uploads/Untitled-design-149.png
GEO:46.8706038;-114.0060024
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260331T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260331T210000
DTSTAMP:20260414T202812
CREATED:20260106T192916Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T171115Z
UID:10003347-1774983600-1774990800@www.montananaturalist.org
SUMMARY:Sip & Felt with Claudia Paillao
DESCRIPTION:Date: Tuesday\, March 31\, 2026\nTime: 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.\nLocation: MNHC\nCost: $45 MNHC members/$50 non-members.\nAdd your MNHC membership to your order when you check out! \nREGISTER HERE\nOne of our most popular artists is back with a spring Sip & Felt class! Spend an evening with Claudia Paillao of Patagonian Hands and craft a small\, beautiful Montana bird from wool – a perfect decoration for your home or a unique gift for someone you love. Claudia will instruct you on how to use a special barbed needle and local wool in the needle felting process. Needle felting is the process of using a barbed needle to activate the fibers in the wool\, causing them to compress as you rapidly poke the wool. First you’ll create the shape of the bird\, then finish your piece by layering on colored wool. Claudia will show you how to add just the right details to make your wool creation look like the real thing! Join us for an evening of creating\, relaxing\, and enjoying a beverage (or two). No experience is necessary! \nNote: The bird pictured is an example. The actual species is TBA. \nIncluded: \n\nBarbed needle you get to keep for future projects\nWool\nHandmade creation you bring home\nBeverages – wine\, beer\, cocoa\, tea\, or fizzy water\n\nInstructor: Claudia Paillao is the owner of Patagonian Hands. She is from Coyhaique\, Patagonia\, Chile\, and has been living in Missoula\, Montana\, with her husband Karl since July 2012. She used to be a school teacher in Chile and has become a self-taught fiber artist and jewelry artisan since she moved to the northern hemisphere. Claudia creates animals\, mostly birds\, using only sheep wool that she gets in Hall\, MT\, and some from her family in Chile. She doesn’t use any glues or stitches to keep sculptures together\, but the compression she gets through barbed needles that push the fibers every time she pokes the wool. This process is known as needle felting. \nFAQs\nWhat’s the refund policy? \nThe course fee (minus a 25% administrative fee) is refundable if a cancellation is made up to 7 days before the event. No refunds will be issued for cancellations made after this deadline. See our full refund/cancellation policy here. \nDo I have to bring my printed ticket to the event? \nNope! We will have a list of all the attendees.
URL:https://www.montananaturalist.org/event/sip-and-felt-with-claudia-paillao/
LOCATION:Montana Natural History Center
CATEGORIES:Community Event,Sip & Sketch
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.montananaturalist.org/wp-content/uploads/western-bluebird-patagonian-hands-copy-e1767733427207.jpg
GEO:46.8706038;-114.0060024
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260408T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260408T160000
DTSTAMP:20260414T202812
CREATED:20251030T151901Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T190829Z
UID:10003135-1775656800-1775664000@www.montananaturalist.org
SUMMARY:Master Naturalist Club
DESCRIPTION:Date: Monthly\, on the second Wednesday of the month\nTime: 2:00-4:00 p.m.\nLocation: Various – contact club host \nShare outdoor explorations and learning experiences with other curious naturalists at our monthly Master Naturalist Club! We will connect with experts and hone our skills\, meeting at field locations around Missoula. \nApril Topic: Introduction to Oding:  Looking for dragonflies and damselflies (Odonata) in Western Montana \nSuzanne Hendrich\, Master Naturalist\, has led dragonfly field trips for MOLLI and is in the midst of a multiyear survey of Odonata in this region. She will share keys to identifying Odonata\, key features of their life cycle\, habitat and ecology\, and good local spots for oding adventures. \nClub hosts: Master Naturalists Sarah Elsasser\, Bill Buseman\, and Elizabeth Johns \nInterested in joining? There are spaces available! Email Christine at cmorris@montananaturalist.org to sign up.
URL:https://www.montananaturalist.org/event/master-naturalist-club/2026-04-08/
LOCATION:Montana Natural History Center
CATEGORIES:Community Event,Discovery Day,Drop in With a Naturalist,Naturalist Field Experience
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.montananaturalist.org/wp-content/uploads/IMG_2784.jpg
GEO:46.8706038;-114.0060024
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260408T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260408T200000
DTSTAMP:20260414T202812
CREATED:20260223T172053Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260330T182926Z
UID:10003387-1775671200-1775678400@www.montananaturalist.org
SUMMARY:State of the Bear + Turkey Talk!
DESCRIPTION:Date: Wednesday\, April 8th\nTime: 6:00-8:00 p.m.\nLocation: Montana Natural History Center\nCost: Free\, and open to the public \nJoin Hellgate Hunters and Anglers\, and Montana Fish\, Wildlife & Parks Region 2 Wildlife Manager Liz Bradley for an update about our area’s bear and turkey populations. This presentation and audience conversation will explore current harvest structure\, trends\, and management thoughts for these species. \nLight refreshments provided.
URL:https://www.montananaturalist.org/event/state-of-the-bear-turkey-talk/
LOCATION:Montana Natural History Center
CATEGORIES:Community Event,Evening Lecture,Evening Programs
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.montananaturalist.org/wp-content/uploads/Untitled-design-162.png
GEO:46.8706038;-114.0060024
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260413T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260413T200000
DTSTAMP:20260414T202812
CREATED:20260401T192744Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260401T192745Z
UID:10003128-1776103200-1776110400@www.montananaturalist.org
SUMMARY:Nature Writing "Hush Hour(s)"
DESCRIPTION:Date: Second Monday of the Month\nTime: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.\nLocation: Montana Natural History Center\nCost: Free\, but please register \nREGISTER HERE!\nWhatever genre you prefer — poetry\, essay\, prose\, flash\, etc. — writing can help us connect with and reflect on our natural surroundings in deeply personal\, unexpected\, rewarding ways. But finding the time to write can often be challenging. This writing “hush hour(s)” is designed to provide nature writers with a quiet\, supportive setting to work on your craft. This isn’t a workshop; this is space to write. \nIn this group\, we’ll spend roughly the first 10-20 minutes inviting individuals to share what projects you’re working on\, questions you might have about your work\, suggest resources\, any hurdles or writing blocks\, and writing successes! Then we’ll write\, write\, write. \nBring your notebook\, journal\, or computer. Writing prompts will be available if you’re feeling stuck\, or just want to play with words. Your MNHC group leaders are Allison De Jong (Montana Naturalist magazine editor and MNHC Field Notes instructor\, and writer) and Beth Conway (Events and Marketing Coordinator\, and writer). \nFeel free to BYOB and snacks. We’ll have light refreshments available.
URL:https://www.montananaturalist.org/event/nature-writing-hush-hours-6-7/
LOCATION:Montana Natural History Center
CATEGORIES:Community Event,Evening Programs
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.montananaturalist.org/wp-content/uploads/nature-writing-2.png
GEO:46.8706038;-114.0060024
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260413T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260413T203000
DTSTAMP:20260414T202812
CREATED:20250812T183018Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260106T190209Z
UID:10003033-1776105000-1776112200@www.montananaturalist.org
SUMMARY:Virtual Naturalist Book Club #2
DESCRIPTION:Date: Monthly\, on the second Monday of the month (except January\, June\, July\, and August)\nTime: 6:30 p.m.\nLocation/Platform: Virtual Zoom Classroom \nThe only thing better than reading a fascinating natural history book (and there are so many of them!) is getting to discuss it with a wonderful group of like-minded people. We can help you do that! Join one of our free naturalist book clubs\, where you can read and discuss a great new book each month\, enjoying various perspectives and insights\, all from the comfort of your own home. (Cozy pjs are perfectly acceptable attire.) This book club meets September-May and breaks for the summer. \nBook List \nSeptember: Light Eaters\nOctober: The Serviceberry\nNovember: The Stubborn Light of Things\nDecember: Flight Paths\nJanuary: no meeting this month\nFebruary: Woman Among Wolves\nMarch:  What an Owl Knows\nApril: Restoring the Kinship Worldview                                                                                                                May: Tenacious Beasts \nYour hosts will be Sherry Staub and Cas Kendley. Sherry has led the Sacajawea book club for over two years in Bozeman and has extensively read in the nature book genre. Cas started and led a book club as a UM student and is looking forward to starting an advanced degree in forestry at the UM. \nYou will need a computer that can access the internet and Zoom platform in order to participate. \nInterested in joining? There are spaces available! Email Christine at cmorris [at] montananaturalist [dot] org to sign up. \nGroup is limited to 10 participants.
URL:https://www.montananaturalist.org/event/naturalist-book-club-2/2026-04-13/
LOCATION:Virtual Zoom Classroom
CATEGORIES:Community Event,Evening Programs
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.montananaturalist.org/wp-content/uploads/depositphotos_219045558-stock-photo-reading-outdoor-theme-image-open-e1760043072780.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260414T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260414T203000
DTSTAMP:20260414T202812
CREATED:20231214T180948Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250107T173314Z
UID:10001319-1776191400-1776198600@www.montananaturalist.org
SUMMARY:Virtual Naturalist Book Club #1
DESCRIPTION:Date: Monthly\, on the second Tuesday of the month  \nTime: 6:30 p.m. \nLocation/Platform: Virtual Zoom Classroom \nThe only thing better than reading a fascinating natural history book (and there are so many of them!) is getting to discuss it with a wonderful group of like-minded people. We can help you do that! Join one of our free naturalist book clubs\, where you can read and discuss a great new book each month\, enjoying various perspectives and insights\, all from the comfort of your own home. (Cozy pjs are perfectly acceptable attire.) \nYour hosts are Master Naturalist Suzanne Hendrich and Deborah Drain. \nYou will need a computer that can access the internet and Zoom platform in order to participate. \nThere are some spaces available in this book club. Contact cmorris (at) montananaturalist.org to sign up.  \nGroup is limited to 10 participants.
URL:https://www.montananaturalist.org/event/virtual-naturalist-book-club-1-2/2026-04-14/
LOCATION:Virtual Zoom Classroom
CATEGORIES:Community Event,Evening Programs,Virtual Class
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.montananaturalist.org/wp-content/uploads/book-and-cup-of-coffee-in-hands-of-girl-on-winter-evening-near-picture-id909045284-e1736271185658.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260415T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260415T193000
DTSTAMP:20260414T202812
CREATED:20251212T220844Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251213T215011Z
UID:10003258-1776276000-1776281400@www.montananaturalist.org
SUMMARY:After the Fire: Ecological Wonders in Burned Areas
DESCRIPTION:Date: Wednesday\, April 15\nTime: 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.\nLocation: Montana Natural History Center\nCost: $10 MNHC members/$15 non-members \nPlease join MNHC and Jane Kapler Smith for a fascinating look into post-fire landscapes and the wonders you can find there. \nREGISTER HERE. \nEvery square foot of dry land in our region has probably burned in the past thousand years. This heritage of fire has shaped every ecosystem in our wildlands; it has given us much of the diversity in wild landscapes that delights us; and\, over many millennia\, it has shaped our native species themselves. \nSo why not get into a burned area this summer and look for some of the botanical treasures that show up only in the first decade or two after fire? This lecture/demonstration can help you get ready for your summer explorations. Jane will suggest some recent burns to visit\, describe how to recognize differences in fire severity within a burn\, and show how plants can survive a fire and even have their best\, most productive years in the decades that follow. \nLight refreshments provided. \nAbout the instructor: Jane Kapler Smith has an M.S. in Forest Ecology from Colorado State University and a B.A. in English and Theatre from Alverno College\, Milwaukee. She worked in fire control and management in Glacier National Park during the 1970s. In the 1980s\, she completed research on fire effects in quaking aspen stands in northern Colorado. From 1992-2015\, she worked at the Fire Science Laboratory in Missoula\, MT\, developing literature reviews on fire effects (https://www.feis-crs.org/feis/) and an educational curriculum on wildland fire (https://www.frames.gov/fireworks/home). She has been VERY happily retired for 10 years. \nFAQs: \nWhat’s the refund policy?\nThe course fee (minus a 25% administrative fee) is refundable if a cancellation is made up to 7 days before the event. No refunds will be issued for cancellations made after this deadline. See our full refund/cancellation policy here. \nDo I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?\nNope! We will have a list of all the attendees. \nRegister here:
URL:https://www.montananaturalist.org/event/after-the-fire-ecological-wonders-in-burned-areas/
LOCATION:Montana Natural History Center
CATEGORIES:Community Event,Evening Lecture,Evening Programs
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.montananaturalist.org/wp-content/uploads/fire_regeneration-e1765662601126.png
GEO:46.8706038;-114.0060024
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260416T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260416T200000
DTSTAMP:20260414T202812
CREATED:20260330T181527Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260401T183252Z
UID:10003373-1776362400-1776369600@www.montananaturalist.org
SUMMARY:Scavengers Photography Club
DESCRIPTION:Dates: Third Thursday of the Month\nTime: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.\nLocation: Montana Natural History Center\nCost: Free\, and open to the public \nCome find community and inspiration for your nature photography passion at our Scavengers Photography Club! Everyone is welcome – hobbyists\, enthusiasts\, professionals\, and new beginners! Peggy Christian\, artist\, author\, and Master Naturalist\, hosts this unique club. \nAt each session we will share our photos (up to 6 per person) and discuss current projects\, interests\, successes\, and challenges. Some sessions will feature a guest presentation on an aspect of photography. \nPhoto by Kathy Eyster \nFor April\, we’ll focus on Photography From One Spot. A way to challenge your skills and spark inspiration is to set limits on where you can shoot pictures. During the meeting we will see how many different pictures we can make from inside a hula hoop circle. Be sure to bring a camera with you; phones are fine. \nNote: Please bring your photos to share on a thumb drive to use in our computer. \n“A great photograph is one that fully expresses what one feels\, in the deepest sense\, about what is being photographed.”\n― Ansel Adams \nShare your perspective and connection to nature through photography!
URL:https://www.montananaturalist.org/event/scavengers-photography-club-3-2-2-2-3-8-4-2/
LOCATION:Montana Natural History Center
CATEGORIES:Community Event,Discovery Day,Presentation
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.montananaturalist.org/wp-content/uploads/DSCN7866-3-Edit-e1745957299415.jpg
GEO:46.8706038;-114.0060024
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260418T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260418T120000
DTSTAMP:20260414T202812
CREATED:20260304T193441Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260316T163246Z
UID:10003391-1776506400-1776513600@www.montananaturalist.org
SUMMARY:Drawing Butterflies: An Introduction to Watercolor Illustration with Rich Adams
DESCRIPTION:Date: Saturday\, April 18\nTime: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.\nLocation: Montana Natural History Center\nCost: $40 MNHC members/$45 non-members \nREGISTER HERE \nRegistration closes April 11 \nJoin artist Rich Adams for an engaging introduction to watercolor illustration! In this workshop\, you’ll explore the fundamentals of natural science illustration and discover the essential tools and techniques used to capture the natural world. Whether you are a total beginner or looking to refine your existing watercolor skills\, this class offers an engaging\, supportive environment to grow as a naturalist artist. And you’ll get to focus on one of the most delightful insects to illustrate: butterflies! Rich will guide you through the process of sketching\, illustration\, and watercolor\, and you’ll go home with a beautiful work of art. \nWe provide all the essential supplies needed to complete the course. For those who want to build their own professional kit\, we’ve also partnered with Frame of Mind to curate a special supplies list! Just bring a pencil\, an eraser\, and your enthusiasm—let’s dive into this amazing world together and sharpen your illustration skills. \nInstructor: Rich Adams has been an illustrator since the early 1990’s\, having bounced through the corporate world before landing back in art full time around 2005. Rich’s artwork is really a reflection of his love for the natural world. If his work can connect with other people’s experiences and love of the natural world\, he feels like it has served its function. \nProvided Materials (You are welcome to bring your own! Do you have a favorite pen or watercolor kit? Bring it!) \n\nwatercolor paper\npens\npencils\nerasers\nbrushes\nwatercolors\nreference illustrations\n\nFor those who would like to own their materials here are some options for purchase at Frame of Mind: \nFrame of Mind’s Drawing Butterflies “Basic” Kit:\nPentel Quicker Clicker 0.5mm Mechanical Pencil\nStaedtler Lumograph HB wooden pencil\nPentel Clic Stick Eraser \nFrame of Mind’s Drawing Butterflies “Essential” Kit:\nPentel Quicker Clicker 0.5mm Mechanical Pencils (2)\n0.5mm 2H mechanical pencil lead\nStaedtler Lumograph HB wooden pencil\nPentel Clic Stick Eraser\nTombow Mono Zero Round eraser\nKneaded Eraser (small)\nSakura Micron Pens in 01\, 03\, 05\nWinsor & Newton Sketchers’ Pocket Set\nPrinceton Heritage Round #2 paintbrush \n$59.09 (this is kit discount of 20%) \nFAQ \nWhat’s the refund policy? \nThe course fee (minus a 25% administrative fee) is refundable if a cancellation is made up to 7 days before the event. No refunds will be issued for cancellations made after this deadline. See our full refund/cancellation policy here. \nDo I have to bring my printed ticket to the event? \nNope! We will have a list of all the attendees.
URL:https://www.montananaturalist.org/event/drawing-butterflies-an-introduction-to-watercolor-illustration-with-rich-adams/
LOCATION:Montana Natural History Center
CATEGORIES:Community Event,Sip & Sketch
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.montananaturalist.org/wp-content/uploads/Detail2.jpg
GEO:46.8706038;-114.0060024
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260421T123000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260421T143000
DTSTAMP:20260414T202812
CREATED:20260122T224540Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260414T154236Z
UID:10003362-1776774600-1776781800@www.montananaturalist.org
SUMMARY:MNHC Spring Luncheon
DESCRIPTION:Date: Tuesday\, April 21st\, 2026\nTime: 12:30-2:30 p.m.\nLocation: Missoula Fairgrounds\, Home Arts Building – Catering by River and Range \nPURCHASE YOUR TICKETS HERE!\nJoin us for the 14th Annual Montana Natural History Center Spring Luncheon to support our summer camp scholarship funds! Gather with friends for a good purpose and enjoy a lovely\, fresh lunch in a beautiful setting. Taking advantage of our luncheon location\, guests will have the opportunity to join experts on a tour (optional) of the nearby Rocky Mountain Gardens to learn more about Montana’s native plants and unique ecosystem. See tour details below. \nIn addition\, all guests are also entered into a raffle for a chance to win a gift bag provided by Meadowsweet Herbs! \nAll proceeds go directly to our camp scholarship funds. When you purchase tickets for this event\, you are donating to make a real and tangible difference in a child’s life. \nThe Montana Natural History Center is committed to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to hear meadowlarks warbling\, breathe in the vanilla fragrance of sun-warmed ponderosa pine bark\, and fall in love with Montana’s wild places. Our compassionate\, fun\, and experienced Seasonal Naturalists help guide summer campers through Missoula’s natural spaces and encourage curiosity through the lens of an artist\, writer\, scientist\, and naturalist. Your attendance at our luncheon means we can help break down financial barriers to ensure our camps are exceptional and accessible for all families in our community. \n \nSponsorship Opportunities\nAre you a business interested in being a sponsor for MNHC’s Spring Luncheon? Please contact our Development Director\, Kellen Beck\, at kbeck@montananaturalist.org. \n\n \nTours of The Rocky Mountain Gardens\nFollowing our lunch\, guests are invited to break into small groups and join botanists in a walk through The Rocky Mountain Gardens (optional). A HUGE thank you to the Missoula County Department of Ecology & Extension for volunteering their time and expertise to share the gardens with our spring luncheon guests! \n\nGarden Tours are optional and are offered as an added way for MNHC to show our gratitude for your attendance at our Spring Luncheon and support of our scholarship program. Sign-ups are first-come first-serve\, so don’t wait to reserve your preferred option.\nIf you would like to opt out of a tour\, please choose the option: Opt Out of Garden Tours\nTours will follow lunch. Each tour is ~30 minutes long and requires roughly 10 minutes of walking outside (come rain or shine)\, with the exception of the INDOORS: NATIVE PLANTS and SPRING BLOOMS. This option remains at the Home Arts Building.\n\nMNHC is guided by our values that promote learning\, growing\, and encouraging communities to discover new experiences and different environments in our natural world! We hope you will enjoy your garden tour and that it grows your connections and curiosity with our remarkable Montana! \nChoose from the following tour options. (Garden tours are listed as “free” because they are included in your ticket price) \nROCKY MOUNTAIN GARDEN TOUR\nThe Rocky Mountain Garden tours are similar in experience\, but staggered to keep group sizes small and allow Q&A’s. \nThis guided tour introduces you to The Rocky Mountain Gardens that showcase the diversity of plants and gardening styles suitable for Missoula’s climate. With a focus on soil health and wildlife habitat\, the gardens demonstrate practices that can be transferred to gardens\, farms\, and other landscapes. \n-RM Garden with Steffany Rogge (TOUR 1) – starts at 1:55 PM\n-RM Garden with Bryce Christiaens (TOUR 2) – starts at 2:00 PM \nFRUITING TREES with Sandy Perrin\nJoin Sandy Perrin on a tour focused on fruiting trees in the garden that thrive in Montana’s unique climate. Learn more about care\, and their important role in attracting pollinators and wildlife habitat in our region. \nSPRING BULBS and BLOSSOMS with Molly Anton\nCrocus and alliums and glacier lilies\, OH MY! The earth is starting to wake and April is a great time to learn more about caring for spring bulbs. Come learn more about these early blossoms. \nNATIVE PLANTS and POLLINATORS with Marirose Kuhlman\nThis garden tour focuses on the special relationship plants share with their pollinators. With a focus on native plants\, this walk will leave you amazed at the abundance of native pollinator diversity\, and how they interact with their plant partners! \nINDOORS: NATIVE PLANTS and SPRING BLOOMS with Alexandra Brown\n(Remains indoors at Home Arts Building)\nFind out more about native plants and garden programs happening at The Rocky Mountain Gardens\, including the upcoming Phlox Fest\, celebrating Missoula phlox (Phlox missoulensis)\, a species of concern that has only been found within Missoula County.
URL:https://www.montananaturalist.org/event/save-the-date-mnhc-spring-luncheon/
LOCATION:Montana Natural History Center
CATEGORIES:Community Event
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GEO:46.8706038;-114.0060024
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260423T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260423T173000
DTSTAMP:20260414T202812
CREATED:20260331T194956Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260413T205403Z
UID:10003413-1776960000-1776965400@www.montananaturalist.org
SUMMARY:Mount Jumbo Wildflower Walk with Marilyn Marler
DESCRIPTION:Date: Thursday\, April 23\, 2026\nTime: 4:00 – 5:30 p.m.\nLocation: Meet at the Mount Jumbo Saddle Trailhead at the end of Lincoln Hills Drive.\nCost: $35 MNHC members/$40 non-members.\nAdd your MNHC membership to your order when you check out! \nREGISTER HERE!\nTake time to smell (and identify) the flowers with botanist Marilyn Marler! \nEnjoy a slow paced evening walk to enjoy the early spring bloom on Mount Jumbo’s saddle. We’ll admire and learn the names of at least 10 wildflowers\, including shooting stars\, larkspur\, prairie smoke and arrowleaf balsamroot. We’ll walk up to 1 mile maximum\, on an established trail. Bring a notepad and your camera if you like! \nInstructor: Marilyn Marler is a botanist and the Executive Director of the Montana Natural History Center. Before joining the staff at MNHC she spent 26 as a land steward at the University of Montana\, where she also taught general botany and plant identification. She thinks spring is the best season because of wildflowers. \nActivity Level: Moderate. Uphill walking on uneven trail. 1.5 hours standing and walking. No bathrooms. Be comfortable walking up and down inclines. \nWhat to Bring: \n\nClothes and layers for changing Montana weather conditions\nGood walking shoes or boots\nWater/snacks\nNotebook\, pen\, camera optional\n\nFAQs\nWhat’s the refund policy? \nThe course fee (minus a 25% administrative fee) is refundable if a cancellation is made up to 7 days before the event. No refunds will be issued for cancellations made after this deadline. See our full refund/cancellation policy here. \nDo I have to bring my printed ticket to the event? \nNope! We will have a list of all the attendees.
URL:https://www.montananaturalist.org/event/mount-jumbo-wildflower-walk-3/
LOCATION:Mount Jumbo
CATEGORIES:Community Event,Discovery Day,Sip & Sketch
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.montananaturalist.org/wp-content/uploads/balsamroot-small-photo-by-ADJ.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260429T113000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260429T130000
DTSTAMP:20260414T202812
CREATED:20250804T203050Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260330T183906Z
UID:10003020-1777462200-1777467600@www.montananaturalist.org
SUMMARY:Drop-In Nature Journaling
DESCRIPTION:Date: Last Wednesday of the Month\nTime: 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.\nLocation: Montana Natural History Center\nCost: Free with admission/membership! \nFellow naturalists! Are you looking for community\, accountability\, inspiration\, and more? We’re excited to offer monthly drop-in nature journaling / phenology wheel / nature writing sessions September-May. Bring your nature journals\, phenology wheels\, pens\, pencils\, and paints\, and have fun crafting your observations in community. We’ll have some supplies available (colored pencils\, micron pens\, watercolor pencils\, etc.)\, as well as field guides and specimens\, and we’ll provide a fun journal prompt\, too! For those working on phenology wheels – whether daily\, monthly\, or seasonal – this is a great time to work on your wheel template for the next month or catch up on your daily or monthly observations. \nScheduled over the lunch hour\, this is a perfect mid-day break; please feel free to bring lunch or snacks. \nThis program is FREE with admission/membership! \nCome join us for fun\, creativity\, and naturalist exploration! \n2025-2026 dates:\nSeptember 24th\, 2025\nOctober 29th\, 2025\nNovember 26th\, 2025\nNO SESSION in DECEMBER\nJanuary 28th\, 2026\nFebruary 25th\, 2026\nMarch 25th\, 2026\nApril 29th\, 2026\nMay 27th\, 2026 \nWe’ll be back in September!
URL:https://www.montananaturalist.org/event/drop-in-nature-journaling/2026-04-29/
LOCATION:Montana Natural History Center
CATEGORIES:Community Event,Drop in With a Naturalist
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.montananaturalist.org/wp-content/uploads/monthly-nature-journaling.jpg
GEO:46.8706038;-114.0060024
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260502T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260502T100000
DTSTAMP:20260414T202812
CREATED:20260304T182042Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260316T193925Z
UID:10003390-1777708800-1777716000@www.montananaturalist.org
SUMMARY:Birding by Ear with Ryan Mahar
DESCRIPTION:Date: Saturday\, May 2\nTime: 8:00 – 10:00 a.m.\nLocation: Meet at Greenough Park\, pavilion/playground parking lot. \nCost: $35 MNHC members/$40 non-members \nREGISTER HERE!\nRegistration closes April 25 \nJoin MNHC naturalist and bird enthusiast Ryan Mahar for an immersive two-hour field session designed to help you identify birds by sound. Held in scenic Greenough Park\, this class focuses on the art of active listening. You will learn techniques to distinguish subtle differences in bird songs and develop your auditory memory. Discover the specific voice of each bird\, why they sing and/or call\, and how to emotionally connect to the sounds. \nWhile this session is specifically tailored for beginning birders\, enthusiasts of all skill levels are welcome to come sharpen their ears and enjoy spring’s morning chorus. \nWhat you’ll learn: \n\nHow to recognize common local species by their unique vocalizations.\nStrategies for improving auditory recall in the field.\n\nInstructor: Ryan Mahar is a Teaching Naturalist with MNHC and amateur birder from New England. He took his first birding class in undergrad and fell in love! He holds a master’s degree from the University of Montana in Ecology and Evolution\, and received his Montana Master Naturalist certification in 2024. \nWhat to Bring: \n\nClothes/layers appropriate for changing Montana weather conditions\nHat\, sunscreen\, sunglasses\nGood walking footwear- boots or shoes\nBug spray\nWater\nSnacks\n\nActivity Level:\nEasy. Standing and walking for 2 hours. Bathrooms are at the trailhead. We may walk up to 2 miles. \nFAQ \nWhat’s the refund policy? \nThe course fee (minus a 25% administrative fee) is refundable if a cancellation is made up to 7 days before the event. No refunds will be issued for cancellations made after this deadline. See our full refund/cancellation policy here. \nDo I have to bring my printed ticket to the event? \nNope! We will have a list of all the attendees.
URL:https://www.montananaturalist.org/event/birding-by-ear-with-ryan-mahar/
LOCATION:Greenough Park\, 1001 Monroe Street\, Missoula\, 59802
CATEGORIES:Community Event,Discovery Day,Naturalist Field Experience
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.montananaturalist.org/wp-content/uploads/Yellow-rumped_warbler_singing_41612-1-scaled-e1772749176831.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260506T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260506T193000
DTSTAMP:20260414T202812
CREATED:20251212T230704Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251213T215152Z
UID:10003259-1778090400-1778095800@www.montananaturalist.org
SUMMARY:Checking In On Montana's Moose: A Recap of FWP's 10-Year Moose Study
DESCRIPTION:Date: Wednesday\, May 6\nTime: 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.\nLocation: Montana Natural History Center\nCost: $10 MNHC members/$15 non-members \nREGISTER HERE!\nIn 2013\, Montana Fish\, Wildlife\, & Parks (FWP) began a 10-year study designed to improve our understanding of Montana’s moose population. \nJoin biologist and head researcher of this study\, Nick DeCesare\, in this captivating lecture that summarizes this recently-completed FWP research project concerning the dynamics and decline of moose across Montana. This research was designed to assess the status of moose populations\, potential factors limiting populations\, and how we can best keep track of moose going forward. \nLight refreshments provided. \nRegister here:
URL:https://www.montananaturalist.org/event/checking-in-on-montanas-moose-a-recap-of-fwps-10-year-moose-study/
LOCATION:Montana Natural History Center
CATEGORIES:Community Event,Evening Lecture,Evening Programs
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.montananaturalist.org/wp-content/uploads/moose_study-e1765662703610.png
GEO:46.8706038;-114.0060024
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260511T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260511T203000
DTSTAMP:20260414T202812
CREATED:20250812T183018Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260106T190209Z
UID:10003034-1778524200-1778531400@www.montananaturalist.org
SUMMARY:Virtual Naturalist Book Club #2
DESCRIPTION:Date: Monthly\, on the second Monday of the month (except January\, June\, July\, and August)\nTime: 6:30 p.m.\nLocation/Platform: Virtual Zoom Classroom \nThe only thing better than reading a fascinating natural history book (and there are so many of them!) is getting to discuss it with a wonderful group of like-minded people. We can help you do that! Join one of our free naturalist book clubs\, where you can read and discuss a great new book each month\, enjoying various perspectives and insights\, all from the comfort of your own home. (Cozy pjs are perfectly acceptable attire.) This book club meets September-May and breaks for the summer. \nBook List \nSeptember: Light Eaters\nOctober: The Serviceberry\nNovember: The Stubborn Light of Things\nDecember: Flight Paths\nJanuary: no meeting this month\nFebruary: Woman Among Wolves\nMarch:  What an Owl Knows\nApril: Restoring the Kinship Worldview                                                                                                                May: Tenacious Beasts \nYour hosts will be Sherry Staub and Cas Kendley. Sherry has led the Sacajawea book club for over two years in Bozeman and has extensively read in the nature book genre. Cas started and led a book club as a UM student and is looking forward to starting an advanced degree in forestry at the UM. \nYou will need a computer that can access the internet and Zoom platform in order to participate. \nInterested in joining? There are spaces available! Email Christine at cmorris [at] montananaturalist [dot] org to sign up. \nGroup is limited to 10 participants.
URL:https://www.montananaturalist.org/event/naturalist-book-club-2/2026-05-11/
LOCATION:Virtual Zoom Classroom
CATEGORIES:Community Event,Evening Programs
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.montananaturalist.org/wp-content/uploads/depositphotos_219045558-stock-photo-reading-outdoor-theme-image-open-e1760043072780.jpg
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR