The Montana Master Naturalist Program is spreading across the state! For those of you outside of the Missoula area, there are now several other options for getting your Montana Master Naturalist certification.
Bozeman Master Naturalist Course
When: March 4 – May 22, 2020
Wednesdays, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Overview: The Montana Outdoor Science School (MOSS) Master Naturalist Program is designed to familiarize adults with the ecosystem of the northern greater Yellowstone area and through this practice become more ecologically informed citizens. Simply put, we will cultivate the skills to take notice. We will develop foundational ecological knowledge that will open your eyes, ears, and nose to the subtleties of nature. We will begin by exploring the organisms and habitat in our local area, with the intent that these lessons may be applied anywhere you may find yourself on the planet.
The course meets weekly for 12 weeks on Wednesdays from 5:30 – 8:30pm (March 4 – May 22) and includes two Saturday field trips (March 28 and May 30).
Cost: $395 ($350 for MOSS Members). Master Naturalist certification included in cost.
Registration: Click HERE for more information about the Montana Audubon Conservation Center, and HERE to register for the course.
Contact MOSS at 406.582.0526 with any additional questions.
Billings Master Naturalist Course
When: March 19 – June 4, 2020
Thursdays, 5:30-8:00 p.m., with two Saturday field trips (9 a.m.-4 p.m.) on April 25 and May 30
Overview: The Billings Montana Master Naturalist Program is designed for adults who want to deepen their knowledge of the natural world. Its curriculum is field-oriented and place-based, focusing on the ecosystems and landscapes of South-Central Montana—the mixed-grass prairies, mountain ranges, and river basins that define the area. We’ll explore everything from birds and insects to geology and plant ID. You’ll hone your naturalist skills as we practice journaling, animal tracking, and the art of observation.
Official Master Naturalist Certification from the Montana Natural History Center is included in the course fee. The course has been approved for 40 OPI credits. We are also pursuing approval for step-up credits with School District #2 and professional development credits with MSU-B’s extended campus.
“The Master Naturalist class has truly enriched my life. I am more observant now than I ever was. How rewarding to know even more about the living things I share the environment with.” ~a former Billings Master Naturalist student
COST: $350 / $315 for Audubon Center members
Registration: Click HERE for more information about the Montana Audubon Conservation Center, and HERE to register for the course.
Contact Heather at 406.294.5099 or by email at hbilden@mtaudubon.org with any additional questions.
Glacier Institute Master Naturalist Course
When: June 22-26, 2020
Overview: The Master Naturalist course is designed to enrich the learner with a broad set of naturalist skills that demand a ready willingness to explore and learn. The core of this course will be developing skills to read the landscape. We’ll use big themes of biogeography, succession, and habitat to frame our knowledge. Through this five-day intensive course, participants will cultivate an ability to accurately interpret and understand the plants and animals whose presence tells the story of the landscape. Come prepared to work at developing these skills with the satisfaction of learning in one of the most scenic places in North America!
Cost: $900 (the course fee includes four nights of lodging and all meals from Monday lunch through Friday lunch). Master Naturalist certification is also included in course fee.
Registration: Click HERE for more information and to register.
Swan Valley Connections Master Naturalist Course
When: June 28 – July 3, 2020
Overview: The SVC Montana Master Naturalist program is a place to develop skills that deepen understanding, appreciation, and stewardship of the natural world. During six days of experiential, field-based education, participants learn to identify species, interpret behaviors, and affirm ecological relationships. This foundational, applied knowledge not only enriches a sense of place, but also builds the confidence, attention, and curiosity to respect and conserve diverse ecosystems.
Meals, lodging, and transportation provided during the course.
SVC will also provide field guides and naturalist kits for use in the field.
Cost: $825 for tuition, food, and lodging.
An additional $25 fee is required for Master Naturalist certification.
For more information, visit SVC’s website. To register, please call 406.754.3137 or email info@svconnections.org.
Helena Master Naturalist Course
When: June 22-26, 2020
Overview: Whether you are an accomplished scientist or just enjoy spending time in the out-of-doors, this class is for you! Course topics will include: field journaling, plant & animal identification, living with wildlife, and interpretive and citizen scientist skills. Classes will meet at Montana WILD and conclude with an overnight trip to FWP’s Beartooth Wildlife Management Area near Holter Lake. Participants will be required to complete a community service component to maintain their annual Master Naturalist Certification. Click here for the proposed class schedule.
Cost: $170, includes Montana Master Naturalist Certification. Class size is limited to 15 participants. The course fee is refundable ONLY if cancellation is made a week prior to the first class session. No refunds will be issued for cancellations made after June 10th.
Registration: To register and for more information please contact:
Montana Discovery Foundation
2880 Skyway Dr.
Helena, MT 59602
Phone: 406.495.3718
Checks should be made to the MT Discovery Foundation.
See a general/sample schedule for the week here.
