Montana Natural History Center

miniNaturalist Pre-K Program
2026-09-01 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-09-08 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-09-15 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-09-22 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-09-29 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-10-06 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-10-13 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-10-20 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Denver) and 1 more date | Montana Natural History Center
The miniNaturalist pre-K program encourages curiosity for the natural world.
Dates: Every Tuesday, September – May
Time: 10:00-11:00 am
Location: Montana Natural History Center, 120 Hickory Street.
The miniNaturalist program encourages curiosity for the natural world through exploration and play. We sing songs, read books, play games, and develop skills with art and science tools. Each program begins with songs, movement, and stories. We then provide materials for learner directed discovery in our garden. We look for bugs and birds, color on rocks, build with branches, experiment with science tools and play with a variety of art materials.
Please bring clothes for outdoor play! We have some snow clothes to borrow.
Best for ages 2-4, though any age is welcome!
Cost: FREE!

Adult Bug Hunting & Happy Hour
2026-09-04 17:00 - 19:00 | Montana Natural History Center
Date: Friday, September 4th
Time: 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Location: Native Plant Garden at Fort Missoula
Cost: $15 MNHC members/$20 non-members
Who says kids should have all the fun? Grab a sweep net, dust off your sense of adventure, and join us for an evening of bug hunting at the Native Plant Garden at Fort Missoula!
REGISTER HERE!
We’ll spend two hours exploring the garden, catching insects, and using field guides to identify our finds before releasing them back where they belong. Whether you’re a seasoned naturalist or someone who’s simply curious about the tiny creatures living all around us, this is your chance to slow down, look closely, and rediscover the joy of exploring nature.
Bring your favorite beverage (BYOB) to enjoy while you wander! The program begins at 5:00 p.m. and all insect-hunting equipment will be provided.
FAQs
What’s the refund policy?
The 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.
Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?
Nope! We will have a list of all the attendees.

Volunteering at Fort Missoula Native Plant Garden
2026-09-06 09:00 - 11:00, 2026-09-13 09:00 - 11:00, 2026-09-20 09:00 - 11:00, 2026-09-27 09:00 - 11:00 | Fort Missoula Native Plant Garden, 404 H Road, Missoula, MT, 59804, United States
Dates: Select Sundays, May-September
Time: 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.
Location: Fort Missoula Native Plant Garden
The beautiful Native Plant Garden at Fort Missoula could use volunteers to weed, transplant plants out of the walkways and prune shrubs. Volunteering is available most Sunday mornings from 9:00-11:00 a.m. and you can pop in and out any time during that period. We will supply the gloves and tools but if you have your own feel free to bring them. In addition to working, you can learn about the plants, birds and ecology of the garden from Elena Ulev, the Garden Manager.
DIG IN! For more information on programs happening at the Fort Missoula Native Plant Garden, click here!

Virtual Naturalist Book Club #1
2026-09-08 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-10-13 18:30 - 20:30 | Virtual Zoom Classroom
Date: Monthly, on the second Tuesday of the month
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location/Platform: Virtual Zoom Classroom
The 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.)
Your hosts are Master Naturalist Suzanne Hendrich and Deborah Drain.
You will need a computer that can access the internet and Zoom platform in order to participate.
There are some spaces available in this book club. Contact cmorris (at) montananaturalist.org to sign up.
Group is limited to 10 participants.

Master Naturalist Club
2026-09-09 14:00 - 16:00, 2026-10-14 14:00 - 16:00 | Montana Natural History Center
Date: Monthly, on the second Wednesday of the month
Time: 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Location: Various – contact club host
Share 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.
June Topic: TBA
Club hosts: Master Naturalists Sarah Elsasser, Bill Buseman, and Elizabeth Johns
Interested in joining? There are spaces available! Email Christine at cmorris@montananaturalist.org to sign up.

Botanical Imprints: Creating Clay Vessels
2026-09-09 19:00 - 21:00 | Montana Natural History Center
Date: Wednesday, September 9th
Time: 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Location: Montana Natural History Center
Cost: $40 MNHC members/$45 non-members
Join us for a relaxing fall evening of nature and creativity.
REGISTER HERE
In this botanically inspired workshop, you’ll craft your own custom clay vessel—whether it’s a bowl, plate, cup, or vase—using simple hand-building techniques. Ceramics artist Donna Flannery will guide you through the process and help you achieve your vision.
We’ll use plants gathered from MNHC’s vibrant native plant gardens to imprint intricate botanical designs right into the clay, capturing the beauty of fall foliage forever.
Naturalists will be on hand to help identify the plants you choose.
Note: Finished pieces will be fired, glazed, and ready for pickup two weeks after the workshop.
Enjoy sparkling water and light snacks as you work!
Instructor: Teaching Artist Donna Flanery lives and works in Missoula MT. She has an MFA from The University of Florida and BFA from The University of Montana. Her playful painted pottery has taken her to residencies in China, Germany, Minnesota and Helena, MT.
FAQs
What’s the refund policy?
The 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.
Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?
Nope! We will have a list of all the attendees.

Nature Writing "Hush Hour(s)"
2026-09-14 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-10-12 18:00 - 20:00 | Montana Natural History Center
Date: Second Monday of the Month
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Location: Montana Natural History Center
Cost: Free, but please register
REGISTER HERE.
Whatever 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.
In 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.
Bring 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).
Feel free to BYOB and snacks. We’ll have light refreshments available.

Virtual Naturalist Book Club #2
2026-09-14 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-10-12 18:30 - 20:30 | Virtual Zoom Classroom
Date: Monthly, on the second Monday of the month (except January, May, June, July, and August)
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location/Platform: Virtual Zoom Classroom
The 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-April and breaks for the summer.
Book List
SEPTEMBER: “In Trees: An Exploration” by Robert Moor
OCTOBER: “The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating” byElizabeth Tova Bailey
NOVEMBER: “Rooted: Life at the Crossroads of Science, Nature and Spirit” by Lynda Lynn Haupt
DECEMBER: “The Secret Wisdom of Nature” by Peter Wohllleben
FEBRUARY (NO MEETING IN JANUARY) “Made for Each Other: A Symbiosis of Birds and Pines” by Ronald M Lanner
MARCH: “A Year in the Maine Woods” by Bernd Heinrich
APRIL: “The Secret Life of Clams” by Anthony Fredericks
The club pauses for January and breaks from May-August.
Your hosts is Sherry Staub. Sherry has led the Sacajawea book club for over two years in Bozeman and has extensively read in the nature book genre.
You will need a computer that can access the internet and Zoom platform in order to participate.
Interested in joining? There are spaces available! Email Christine at cmorris [at] montananaturalist [dot] org to sign up.
Group is limited to 10 participants.

Birding Extravaganza at the Fort Garden and River
2026-09-15 09:00 - 11:00 | Montana Natural History Center
Date: Tuesday, September 15
Time: 9:00-11:00 a.m.
Location: Native Plant Garden at Fort Missoula
Cost: $20 MNHC members/$25 non-members
(1 child free per ticketed adult!)
REGISTER HERE!
Migratory birds have returned for breeding season! The garden and the adjacent Bitterroot River corridor host a symphony of sounds. We will easily hear and see 30 species, including a nesting osprey and house wrens, gray catbirds and warblers. We will bird in the garden then walk down to the river to see waterfowl, raptors and woodpeckers.Your guide for this afternoon is MNHC’s Garden Steward and Master Naturalist Elena Ulev.
DIG IN! For more information on programs happening at the Fort Missoula Native Plant Garden, click here!
FAQs
What’s the refund policy?
The 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.
Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?
Nope! We will have a list of all the attendees.

Wild Work: Adventures of Women Field Biologists
2026-09-15 18:00 - 19:30 | Montana Natural History Center
Date: Tuesday, September 15
Time: 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Location: Montana Natural History Center
Cost: Free, but please register
Join Sophie Osborn, Susie Adams, and Lindsay Carlson as they discuss the new collection, Wild Work: Adventures of Women Field Biologists that offers a rare and powerful glimpse into the extraordinary work, risks, and rewards experienced by people who dedicate their lives to understanding and protecting our planet’s wild inhabitants.
REGISTER HERE!
Wild Work is an inspiring and entertaining anthology that brings to light the often untold stories of women in wildlife science. Featuring first-person accounts by dozens of adventurous field biologists, this collection immerses readers in the thrilling and compelling reality of studying and conserving fish and wildlife across the globe.
From playing tag with wolves or cuddling wild foxes to wading through rivers filled with venomous snakes or evading poachers, these women share stories of courage, curiosity, and resilience. Alongside the adrenaline and adventure, they reveal the delicate balancing act of juggling demanding fieldwork with family life, the lifelong friendships they forge in the wild, and the transformative power of connecting deeply with the natural world. They also bear witness to the fact that while women have been integral to fish and wildlife research for decades, their stories have rarely been represented in literature.
Copies of Wild Work will be available for purchase and signing.
About the Speakers:
SUSAN (SUSIE) B. ADAMS is an internationally recognized freshwater ecologist with a PhD in biology and ecology from the University of Montana. As a senior scientist at a federal agency, she researches crayfish and fish ecology in freshwater ecosystems. She has presented her research on four continents and served as president of the International Association of Astacology (study of crayfish). An avid outdoor recreationist, she is committed to helping women find their places in science and the outdoors. Learn more at adamsecology.net.
SOPHIE A. H. OSBORN is an award-winning writer and wildlife biologist who has worked with birds throughout the Americas. She contributed to reintroduction efforts for several endangered species, including as a field manager for the California Condor Recovery Program in Arizona. Her book Condors in Canyon Country won the 2007 National Outdoor Book Award for Nature and the Environment. American Birding Association reviewers chose her second book, Feather Trails: A Journey of Discovery Among Endangered Birds, as their favorite bird book of 2024. Learn more at wordsforbirds.net.
Lindsay Carlson is a field and quantitative ecologist and PhD candidate at the University of Saskatchewan. Her outdoor-centric upbringing sparked an early interest in wildlife and wildflowers that has never diminished. She completed her bachelor’s degree in biology at Montana Technological University and her master’s degree in ecology at Utah State University. Since those formative years, she has pursued opportunities to advance her career across the US and Canada but will always call the rugged peaks and windswept prairies of Montana home.

Scavengers Photography Club
2026-09-17 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-10-15 18:00 - 20:00 | Montana Natural History Center
Dates: Third Thursday of the Month
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Location: Montana Natural History Center
Come 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.
At 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.
Note: Please bring your photos to share on a thumb drive to use in our computer.
“A great photograph is one that fully expresses what one feels, in the deepest sense, about what is being photographed.”
― Ansel Adams
Share your perspective and connection to nature through photography!

Drop-In Nature Journaling
2026-09-30 11:30 - 13:00, 2026-10-28 11:30 - 13:00 | Montana Natural History Center
Date: Last Wednesday of the Month
Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Location: Montana Natural History Center
Cost: Free with admission/membership!
Fellow 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.
Scheduled over the lunch hour, this is a perfect mid-day break; please feel free to bring lunch or snacks.
This program is FREE with admission/membership!
Come join us for fun, creativity, and naturalist exploration!
2026-2027 dates:
September 30th, 2026
October 28th, 2026
November 25th, 2026
NO SESSION in DECEMBER
January 27th, 2027
February 24th, 2027
March 31st, 2027
April 28th, 2027
May 26th, 2027

MNHC Fall Banquet & Auction 2026
2026-10-16 17:00 - 21:00 | Montana Natural History Center
Date: Friday, October 16th, 2026
Time: 5:00-9:00 p.m.
Location: University Center Ballroom
Join the Montana Natural History Center for a fun and nature-filled evening at our Fall Banquet and Auction on October 16th, at the University Center Ballroom!
TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
Gather with us for an evening of food, drinks, and fun to support MNHC’s science and nature educational programming for our community, and support MNHC’s mission of connecting people of all ages to nature.
This fun and rewarding evening starts with a large silent auction, filled with great items donated by local businesses, artists, and friends of MNHC. Grab a drink and mingle as you peruse this diverse array and engage in some fun and fierce bidding all while raising funds for a good cause! Once we have all had a chance to bid (more than once!) we will shift to our main event: the live auction!
This year, we’ll be celebrating our 35th anniversary and the bright future of MNHC! And as always, our auction is full of amazing experiences, adventures, and gear—you don’t want to miss it! LET’S GET WILD!
MNHC is currently seeking sponsors for our 2026 banquet and auction. If you are a business or organization interested in being a sponsor, please contact Kellen Beck at kbeck@montananaturalist.org
THANK YOU TO OUR GROWING ROSTER OF SPONSORS!
