Make a Mini Wreath at MNHC!
2025-12-06 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Denver) | Montana Natural History Center
Location: Montana Natural History Center
Date: Saturday, December 6
Time: 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Cost: $20 MNHC members, $25 nonmembers. You can add your MNHC membership to your order when you register.
REGISTER HERE!
Get crafty with natural materials and create your own mini wreath while enjoying beverages such as cocoa, tea, and beer.
Montana Natural History Center naturalists will provide instruction on how to identify our local conifers by needle and cone and how to recognize a variety of shrubs. These will be your materials!
Next, learn tips and techniques for attaching boughs and accent materials to your wreath. There are so many creative choices – all conifer boughs and cones, winding wild rose, dried grass, and yarrow, or a combination! We will have all the materials you need to create an exceptional 6-inch wreath!
Class Includes:

Conifer identification instruction
Wreath-making instruction
Use of paddle wire, scissors, and ribbon
Your own 6-inch natural wreath frame to take home completed in a bag with hot cocoa and a candy cane

FAQ
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.

Saturday Kids' Activity: Snow Science!
2025-12-06 13:00 - 15:00 | Montana Natural History Center
Date: Saturday, December 6
Time: 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Location: Montana Natural History Center
Cost: Free with membership/cost of admission
Join us for exciting and educational Saturdays filled with delightful activities designed to captivate young minds and inspire a love for nature!
Our drop-in Saturday programs feature activities, art, science experiments, and more. Stop in anytime between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. for the fun! Kids might look for Osprey with binoculars, dissect owl pellets, or walk a model of the solar system. Every month features a new topic. The whole family can be involved, as the exploration and activities are suitable for a wide age range.
On Saturday, December 6th we’ll explore snow science!
Saturday Kids’ Activities are great for kids ages pre-k through elementary school.

Nature Writing "Hush Hour(s)"
2025-12-08 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 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
2025-12-08 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-01-12 18:30 - 20:30 | Virtual Zoom Classroom
Date: Monthly, on the second Monday of the month (except January, 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-May and breaks for the summer.
Book List
September: Light Eaters
October: The Serviceberry
November: The Stubborn Light of Things
December: Flight Paths
January: no meeting this month
February: Woman Among Wolves
March: What an Owl Knows
April: Restoring the Kinship Worldview May: Tenacious Beasts
Your 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.
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.

miniNaturalist Pre-K Program
2025-12-09 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-12-16 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-12-23 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-12-30 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-01-06 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-01-13 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-01-20 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-01-27 10:00 - 11:00 | 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!

Virtual Naturalist Book Club #1
2025-12-09 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-01-13 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
2025-12-10 14:00 - 16:00, 2026-01-14 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.
April Topic: Introduction to Oding: Looking for dragonflies and damselflies (Odonata) in Western Montana
Suzanne 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.
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.

Missoula's Cultural Heritage and the Clark Fork River - An Ever-Changing Landscape
2025-12-10 18:00 - 19:30 | Montana Natural History Center
Date: Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Time: 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Location: The Montana Natural History Center
Cost: $15 MNHC members/$20 non-members
REGISTER HERE!
Historically, the path of the Clark Fork River has both shaped and transformed the appearance of the Missoula Valley. Similarly, the city of Missoula’s diverse cultural heritage has been shaped and transformed by the river as well over the course of the last two centuries. In this presentation, guests will not only gain natural historical knowledge of the Clark Fork River, but also the innate partnership between cultural and natural heritage landscapes. This presentation will primarily examine the heritage of Missoula’s restricted communities between 1860 and 1940.
Light refreshments provided.
ABOUT Sophia Etier: Sophia is a longtime Bitterroot Valley local and public historian, focusing her research on the development of local Montana heritage. Sophia has previously partnered with numerous Montana organizations in hopes of developing authentic community histories including the Montana Historical Society, Daly Mansion, Historic Museum at Fort Missoula, Missoula Historic Preservation Office, and the Missoula Public Library. Sophia also is a lead guide and tour developer for the Unseen Missoula heritage tour program, primarily overseeing the Carnal Enterprises and Screams & Spirits tours. Etier is currently working on the advancement of her research as a doctoral student in the Department of Anthropology at the University of Montana.
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.

Gallery Exhibit Opening: The Artistry of Herbariums
2025-12-12 17:00 - 18:30 | Montana Natural History Center
Date: Friday, December 12
Location: Montana Natural History Center
Time: 5:00-6:30 p.m.
Cost: FREE and open to the public
Join us for a new gallery opening at the Montana Natural History Center, featuring work by Missoula photographer Peggy Christian!
In conjunction with the new Naturalist Field Station exhibit featuring the University of Montana Herbarium, this show contains a collection of photographic prints that explore the beauty of botanical forms found in three different herbariums.
From UM’s, 16 of the most popular Montana wildflowers, chosen by the Missoula Native Plant Society, as well as a selection of specimens from Glacier Park’s Belly River herbarium are rendered in cyanotype. This is one of the earliest photographic printing processes and was used by Anna Atkins for her images of her seaweed collection in the first photographically illustrated book in 1843. In addition there is a collection of hand-painted photographs using botanical inks from John Pierce’s herbarium of the Rattlesnake.
Peggy Christian is a Missoula photographer, writer, and book artist who works in a variety of historical alternative printing processes and is an herbarium aficionado.
Light refreshments provided.

Saturday Kids' Activity: Hibernation Celebration!
2025-12-13 13:00 - 15:00 | Montana Natural History Center
Date: Saturday, December 13
Time: 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Location: Montana Natural History Center
Cost: Free with membership/cost of admission
Join us for exciting and educational Saturdays filled with delightful activities designed to captivate young minds and inspire a love for nature!
Our drop-in Saturday programs feature activities, art, science experiments, and more. Stop in anytime between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. for the fun! Kids might look for Osprey with binoculars, dissect owl pellets, or walk a model of the solar system. Every month features a new topic. The whole family can be involved, as the exploration and activities are suitable for a wide age range.
On Saturday, December 13th we’re having a hibernation celebration!
Saturday Kids’ Activities are great for kids ages pre-k through elementary school.

Naturalist Trivia Night: Winter Ecology!
2025-12-16 19:00 - 21:00 | Montana Natural History Center
Date: Tuesday, December 16
Time: 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Location: Montana Natural History Center
Cost: Free and open to the public. $5 suggested donation.
Show 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. This month’s theme is Winter Ecology. MNHC teaching naturalist Ryan Mahar is running the show. We’re excited to bring you another fun trivia night!
This is a FREE event, but registration is required so we don’t overcrowd the space!
REGISTER HERE
BYOB and snacks.
How does Naturalist Trivia work?

Come 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”!).
After each round the answers are divulged and each team’s score is displayed.
Two hours later there will be a winner!

Trivia nights this season are:
November 19th (Wednesday)
December 16th (Tuesday)
January 22nd (Thursday)
February 18th (Wednesday – WILD LOVE TRIVIA!)
March 26th (Thursday)

Sip & Sketch: Create a Phenology Wheel
2025-12-17 19:00 - 21:00 | Montana Natural History Center
Date: Wednesday, December 17th
Time: 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Location: Montana Natural History Center
Cost: $30 for MNHC members, $35 for non-members
REGISTER HERE
Are you looking for a reflective, inspiring, fun new project for 2026? Start a daily phenology wheel! Phenology is the study of change in the natural world – when flowers bloom and go to seed, when birds migrate, when trees leaf out, when butterflies emerge, when the snow falls, and so much more. Taking a few minutes each day to observe and record these changes can add up to something truly beautiful over time, and we’d love to help you get started. And there’s no better time than just before the beginning of a new year!
During this program you’ll create the template for your daily phenology wheel for January 2026, and ponder the possibilities for how you’ll fill it in come the new year. You can experiment with colored pencils and other media, practice different forms of lettering, and look at various examples of other naturalists’ phenology wheels for inspiration.
We’ll provide drawing paper, colored pencils, watercolor pencils, drawing pencils, micron pens, templates, and rulers for you to use during the program, but please feel free to take along your own favorite art materials. (A compass and protractor, if you have them, can also come in handy!) You may also want to purchase a sketchpad for this project (we recommend a larger size, 8.5″x11″ or 9″x12″), but you can easily paste or tape your template into your own sketchbook later.
Ticket includes two beverages! We’ll have alcoholic and non-alcoholic options available.
About the instructor: Allison De Jong is the editor of Montana Naturalist magazine and Field Notes at the Montana Natural History Center. She has no formal art training but has picked up a thing or two about nature journaling in her years at MNHC, and is proof that anyone can learn to keep a nature journal or phenology wheel! She began her first phenology wheel in January 2021, and has been phenologizing daily ever since. She’s looking forward to starting year #6—and to inspiring a few more people to join her.
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.
Register here:

Scavengers Photography Club
2025-12-18 18:00 - 20:00 | Montana Natural History Center
NOTE: There is no December meeting of the Scavenger’s Photography Club. We wish everyone a happy holiday season.
Instead, we encourage everyone to join Peggy Christian for her exhibit opening “The Art of Herbariums” on Friday, December 12, 2025, from 5:00-6:30pm. It is free and open to the public.
———-
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!

MNHC Holiday Closure
2025-12-25 - 2025-12-29 | Montana Natural History Center
MNHC is closed December 25, 26, 27, 28, 29th and January 1st so our staff can celebrate the holidays with their families!
MNHC will be OPEN during our regular hours (10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.) on December 30th and 31st.
Happy Holidays!

CLOSED for the HOLIDAYS!
2026-01-01 | Montana Natural History Center
We will be closed December 25, 26, 27th and January 1st so our staff can celebrate the holidays with their families!
MNHC will be OPEN during our regular hours (10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.) on December 30th and 31st.
Happy Holidays!

Nature Writing "Hush Hour(s)"
2026-01-12 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
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.
REGISTER HERE.
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.

Scavengers Photography Club
2026-01-15 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.
Photos by Kathy Eyster
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.
For January’s class, we’ll look back at our 2025 photo adventures by sharing up to 10 of our favorite images from last year. And we’ll look forward to 2026 as we discuss what activities, speakers, photo reviews and other topics you would enjoy. Please bring your ideas and suggestions to share with the group.
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!

How to Know the Minerals: Crystallization and Identification
2026-01-21 09:00 - 11:00 | Montana Natural History Center
Date: Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 11:00
Location: MNHC
Cost: $20 MNHC members/$25 non-members.
Add your MNHC membership to your order when you check out!
Part 1 of a 2-part course. Sign up for one or both! Learn about part 2 here.
REGISTER HERE
Have you ever held a crystal in your hand and wondered how it formed?
Quartz, jasper, agate and chalcedony are all formed from the same elements, silicon and oxygen, yet they display wonderful variation in form and color. The science behind crystal formation and the chemical composition of minerals is a fascinating exploration of our earth’s treasures. Join geologist Bruce Baty and his extensive collection of mineral specimens to learn how to identify minerals and to find out how and why crystals form.
Instructor: Bruce Baty graduated from Bowling Green State University in 1967 with a major in geology. In September of 1967 he enrolled in a master’s graduate program in geology at the University of Montana. While there, he taught some undergraduate geology lab courses and enjoyed the challenge of designing course work, tests, and working with students. As a result of those experiences, Bruce graduated with a master’s degree in geology with a teaching endorsement in earth science. He taught geology and earth science at Hellgate High School for the next thirty years, retiring from teaching in 2001.
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.

Naturalist Trivia Night - Winter Ecology!
2026-01-22 19:00 - 21:00 | Montana Natural History Center
Date: Thursday, January 22
Time: 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Location: Montana Natural History Center
Cost: Free and open to the public. $5 suggested donation.
Show 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. This month’s theme is Winter Ecology. MNHC teaching naturalist Ryan Mahar is running the show. We’re excited to bring you another fun trivia night!
This is a FREE event, but registration is required so we don’t overcrowd the space!
REGISTER HERE
BYOB and snacks.
How does Naturalist Trivia work?
Come 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”!).
After each round the answers are divulged and each team’s score is displayed.
Two hours later there will be a winner!
Trivia nights this season are:
November 19th (Wednesday)
December 16th (Tuesday)
January 22nd (Thursday)
February 18th (Wednesday – WILD LOVE TRIVIA!)
March 26th (Thursday)
Register here:

Winter Fireside Storytelling with Chris La Tray
2026-01-23 18:00 - 21:00 | Montana Natural History Center
Date: Friday, January 23, 2026
Time: 6:00-9:00 p.m.
Location: The Native Plant Garden at Fort Missoula (directions)
Cost: $10 MNHC members/$15 non-members
Free for Native peoples.
REGISTER HERE!
For millennia, Indigenous people passed the winter telling stories. Some stories – particularly trickster stories – were allowed to be told only in winter, or when the land was covered with snow. This winter, spend an evening with Anishinaabe/Métis storyteller and 11th Montana poet laureate Chris La Tray and the Montana Natural History Center in
dipping our toes fireside into this ancient, inter-tribal tradition.
THIS IS AN OUTDOOR, WINTER EVENT
This is an evening, wintry, outdoor event – there will be cold and snow. Please dress for the weather and note that there will be very limited artificial light. There will be an outdoor bonfire to keep us warm and light our way. Guests should bring their own camp chairs (MNHC will NOT be providing). A porta potty will be onsite and available for use.
Includes hot beverages (such as cider and hot chocolate).
About Chris La Tray: Chris La Tray is a Métis storyteller, a descendent of the Pembina Band of the mighty Red River of the North and a citizen of the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians. His third book, Becoming Little Shell: A Landless Indian’s Journey Home, was published by Milkweed Editions on August 20, 2024 and has received a number of accolades including a Pacific Northwest Book Award and a Writing the West Award, and Best Memoir of the Year selections from both People and Esquire magazines. His first book, One-Sentence Journal: Short Poems and Essays from the World at Large won the 2018 Montana Book Award and a 2019 High Plains Book Award. His book of haiku and haibun poetry, Descended from a Travel-worn Satchel, was published in 2021 by Foothills Publishing. Chris served as the 2025 Kittredge Distinguished Visiting Writer at the University of Montana and was awarded the 2025 Montana Heritage Keeper Award by the Montana Historical Society. Chris writes the weekly newsletter “An Irritable Métis” and lives near Frenchtown, Montana. He was the 11th Montana Poet Laureate, holding that post for 2023–2025.
www.chrislatray.com
https://chrislatray.substack.com

FAQ
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.
