January 2020
School’s Out Camp | Bugs and Nature
Throughout the year there are a few days that schools across Missoula close for teacher development programs, spring break, or other events. The Montana Natural History Center hosts School’s Out Day Camps on many of these dates to give kids a fun, safe place to explore and learn while school is out of session and their parents are at work. Leave your kids with us for an exciting day full of exploration, discovery, hands-on activities, field trips, and more! Learn…
Find out more »Seasonal Round Workshop, 4-Part Class
LOCATION: MNHC DATES: January 7, 14, 21, 28 TIME: 4:00-6:00 p.m. Call 327.0405 to ask about our scholarships! We want everyone to be able to take this class! Explore your personal connection to nature during this informative, reflective, and artistic four-part class. Instructors: Christine Wren, naturalist and educator, and Sally Thompson, anthropologist. Gain inspiration from a variety of traditions that intimately relate to the annual cycles of the seasonal round to explore and extend your own views through artistic means.…
Find out more »Nature Connection Through Reflection 4-Part Class
Dates: Wednesdays, January 8, 15, 22, and 29 Time: 10:00 a.m. - noon Location: Montana Natural History Center Start the new year strengthening your connection to nature and cultivating peaceful reflection. This 4-part series is composed of activities designed to promote a mindful and observant presence in nature whether out in the wild, walking along the river trail, or in your own backyard. Course instructors are artist Kate Crouch, author Peggy Christian, and naturalist Christine Morris. January 8: Meditative Art…
Find out more »Drop in with a Naturalist
Second and fourth Wednesday of the month Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. January Theme: Drawing Winter Foliage with Jenah Mead Spend a relaxing morning drawing and painting specimens from MNHC's collections alongside artist and naturalist Jenah Mead. Jenah will share her techniques and offer guidance as you create your own nature-themed art based on this month's theme of winter foliage. All skill levels are welcome to drop in for all or part of the session. Drawing materials will be…
Find out more »Naturalist Trivia Night with the Montana Wilderness Association and the Great Burn Conservation Alliance
Spend a fun filled evening competing in Naturalist Trivia with special guests from the Montana Wilderness Association and the Great Burn Conservation Alliance. You can show off your skills or come to learn more about Montana's wilderness areas and the Great Burn recommended wilderness. Join a team when you arrive or bring a crew. These trivia nights are a wonderful way to meet other naturalists or hang out with friends. Four rounds and two hours of questions will result in…
Find out more »miniNaturalist Pre-K Program
The miniNaturalist pre-K program encourages curiosity for the natural world. Dates: Every Thursday, September – May Time: 10:00-11:00 am NEW in 2020! To meet the needs of multiple ages, the program will focus on learner directed stations including sensory, art, imaginative play, literacy, and science. We have an adult station too! With coffee, tea, natural history explorations and tips on how to engage your child with nature. Connect with other parents as your children explore. Feel free to stay and spend…
Find out more »Discovery Day: Winter Plant Walk
Date: January 25 Location: Montana Natural History Center Time: 1:00-4:00 pm If you think you can’t identify plants in the winter, you’re wrong! Join members of the Montana Native Plant Society in a slow walk along the Clark Fork River to identify trees and shrubs in their winter condition. By the time we’re done, you’ll recognize your friends even without leaves and flowers. We will start inside with a slide show, tea, and hot cocoa. Our instructors will talk about using…
Find out more »Saturday Kids Activity | Hibernation Celebration
Celebrate hibernating animals during this engaging Saturday Kids' Activity. You will learn about the various ways some Montana creatures hibernate. A frog that can freeze solid! A cozy ball of snakes underground! Bears in their lairs! From intermittent torpor to 8 month slumber these creatures cope with the worst of the winter weather by sleeping through it. Stories, crafts, and science activities will entertain the entire family. Drop in anytime between 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. on Saturdays, January 11th or…
Find out more »Seasonal Round Workshop, 4-Part Class
LOCATION: MNHC DATES: January 7, 14, 21, 28 TIME: 4:00-6:00 p.m. Call 327.0405 to ask about our scholarships! We want everyone to be able to take this class! Explore your personal connection to nature during this informative, reflective, and artistic four-part class. Instructors: Christine Wren, naturalist and educator, and Sally Thompson, anthropologist. Gain inspiration from a variety of traditions that intimately relate to the annual cycles of the seasonal round to explore and extend your own views through artistic means.…
Find out more »Nature Connection Through Reflection 4-Part Class
Dates: Wednesdays, January 8, 15, 22, and 29 Time: 10:00 a.m. - noon Location: Montana Natural History Center Start the new year strengthening your connection to nature and cultivating peaceful reflection. This 4-part series is composed of activities designed to promote a mindful and observant presence in nature whether out in the wild, walking along the river trail, or in your own backyard. Course instructors are artist Kate Crouch, author Peggy Christian, and naturalist Christine Morris. January 8: Meditative Art…
Find out more »Echoes on the Land: Glacial Lake Missoula Film Viewing
Join the Glacial Lake Missoula Chapter of the Ice Age Floods Institute at the Montana Natural History Center for the premiere of "Echoes on the Land," a series of videos about the ice age floods and how they impacted our region. This is the subject of the second annual "Cabin Fever" lecture series. The videos are part of the new interactive exhibit at the Montana Natural History Center. This event is free and open to the public. More information is…
Find out more »miniNaturalist Pre-K Program
The miniNaturalist pre-K program encourages curiosity for the natural world. Dates: Every Thursday, September – May Time: 10:00-11:00 am NEW in 2020! To meet the needs of multiple ages, the program will focus on learner directed stations including sensory, art, imaginative play, literacy, and science. We have an adult station too! With coffee, tea, natural history explorations and tips on how to engage your child with nature. Connect with other parents as your children explore. Feel free to stay and spend…
Find out more »February 2020
Nature Writing Workshop, 4-Part Class
Location: MNHC Dates: February 5, 12, 19, 26 Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Explore various forms of nature writing, then research and write your own Field Note during this workshop-based four-part class! Instructors: Allison De Jong, writer, naturalist, and editor of Montana Naturalist magazine and Field Notes on Montana Public Radio Drew Lefebvre, naturalist, writer, and MNHC's Museum Programs Coordinator In this four-part class, you'll work with Field Notes editor Allison De Jong, naturalist Drew Lefebvre, and your fellow participants to research, write, and workshop your…
Find out more »miniNaturalist Pre-K Program
The miniNaturalist pre-K program encourages curiosity for the natural world. Dates: Every Thursday, September – May Time: 10:00-11:00 am NEW in 2020! To meet the needs of multiple ages, the program will focus on learner directed stations including sensory, art, imaginative play, literacy, and science. We have an adult station too! With coffee, tea, natural history explorations and tips on how to engage your child with nature. Connect with other parents as your children explore. Feel free to stay and spend…
Find out more »Geology 4-Part Brown Bag Lunch Lecture Series
DATES: February 6, 13, 20, 27 TIME: 12:00-1:00 p.m. Bring a sack lunch if you like and make it a geology lunch break! LOCATION: Montana Natural History Center Join geologist Bruce Baty for a 4-part series of illustrated geology lectures. This program provides an overview of geological concepts through specific examples. Bruce will guide you on a geologic tour of Glacier and various Utah National Parks, discuss the eruption of Mt. Saint Helens, and demonstrate the stories rocks tell if…
Find out more »Saturday Kids Activity | Animals in Winter
How do animals stay warm in winter and navigate the snow and storms? Find out during this drop-in program! Come see and touch a variety of winter animal furs and learn about the winter animal lifestyle. Deer grow special hollow hairs to trap insulation. Weasels turn white to blend in with their surroundings. Great blue herons can stand in frigid rivers without getting frost-bite. Drop in anytime between 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. on Saturdays, February 8th or 22nd.
Find out more »School’s Out Camp | Winter Exploration Extravaganza
Throughout the year there are a few days that schools across Missoula close for teacher development programs, spring break, or other events. The Montana Natural History Center hosts School’s Out Day Camps on many of these dates to give kids a fun, safe place to explore and learn while school is out of session and their parents are at work. Leave your kids with us for an exciting day full of exploration, discovery, hands-on activities, field trips, and more! Learn More…
Find out more »Nature Writing Workshop, 4-Part Class
Location: MNHC Dates: February 5, 12, 19, 26 Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Explore various forms of nature writing, then research and write your own Field Note during this workshop-based four-part class! Instructors: Allison De Jong, writer, naturalist, and editor of Montana Naturalist magazine and Field Notes on Montana Public Radio Drew Lefebvre, naturalist, writer, and MNHC's Museum Programs Coordinator In this four-part class, you'll work with Field Notes editor Allison De Jong, naturalist Drew Lefebvre, and your fellow participants to research, write, and workshop your…
Find out more »Sip and Sketch: Feather Zentangle with Kate Crouch
Create a beautiful work of art in a meditative style with artist, educator, and yogi Kate Crouch. Zentangling is a calming art method in which abstract repetitive patterns flow organically within a shape. Tonight we will be using the outline of a feather and filling the inside with intuitive simple patterns. Shading and watercolor will provide color and dimension to the piece. Kate will guide you through the process. A wide variety of feathers from turkey to pheasant to owl…
Find out more »miniNaturalist Pre-K Program
The miniNaturalist pre-K program encourages curiosity for the natural world. Dates: Every Thursday, September – May Time: 10:00-11:00 am NEW in 2020! To meet the needs of multiple ages, the program will focus on learner directed stations including sensory, art, imaginative play, literacy, and science. We have an adult station too! With coffee, tea, natural history explorations and tips on how to engage your child with nature. Connect with other parents as your children explore. Feel free to stay and spend…
Find out more »Geology 4-Part Brown Bag Lunch Lecture Series
DATES: February 6, 13, 20, 27 TIME: 12:00-1:00 p.m. Bring a sack lunch if you like and make it a geology lunch break! LOCATION: Montana Natural History Center Join geologist Bruce Baty for a 4-part series of illustrated geology lectures. This program provides an overview of geological concepts through specific examples. Bruce will guide you on a geologic tour of Glacier and various Utah National Parks, discuss the eruption of Mt. Saint Helens, and demonstrate the stories rocks tell if…
Find out more »Discovery Day: Cyanotype Winter Plants
DATE: Saturday, February 15 TIME: 1:00-3:00 p.m LOCATION: Montana Natural History Center Capture the beautiful forms of winter plants, grasses, and dried flowers in your own cyanotype! Photographer and author Peggy Christian leads this special Discovery Day: Cyanotype Winter Plants. The photograms will be made using a photosensitive surface, organic material, and exposure in a light box. Learn about this photographic printing process and then head out to our Discovery Garden to cut dried specimens. We will identify the plants…
Find out more »Closed for Presidents Day
MNHC will be closed on Monday, February 17th, for President’s Day. Enjoy the long weekend!
Find out more »School’s Out Camp | Bugs and Nature
Throughout the year there are a few days that schools across Missoula close for teacher development programs, spring break, or other events. The Montana Natural History Center hosts School’s Out Day Camps on many of these dates to give kids a fun, safe place to explore and learn while school is out of session and their parents are at work. Leave your kids with us for an exciting day full of exploration, discovery, hands-on activities, field trips, and more! Learn More…
Find out more »Nature Writing Workshop, 4-Part Class
Location: MNHC Dates: February 5, 12, 19, 26 Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Explore various forms of nature writing, then research and write your own Field Note during this workshop-based four-part class! Instructors: Allison De Jong, writer, naturalist, and editor of Montana Naturalist magazine and Field Notes on Montana Public Radio Drew Lefebvre, naturalist, writer, and MNHC's Museum Programs Coordinator In this four-part class, you'll work with Field Notes editor Allison De Jong, naturalist Drew Lefebvre, and your fellow participants to research, write, and workshop your…
Find out more »Treading Lightly Lecture Series: Bitterroot Valley Winter Eagle Project: The Rise of Scavengers and Citizen Scientists
From time immemorial, humans have found ways to explore, learn from, and connect with the natural world. We do this in a variety of ways, some of which leave more footprints than others. This year, our lecture series explores how we can study and observe the natural world while doing our best to minimize our impact. Join us as biologists, philosophers, conservationists, and more share their work and their views on how to learn from nature while treading lightly. Our…
Find out more »miniNaturalist Pre-K Program
The miniNaturalist pre-K program encourages curiosity for the natural world. Dates: Every Thursday, September – May Time: 10:00-11:00 am NEW in 2020! To meet the needs of multiple ages, the program will focus on learner directed stations including sensory, art, imaginative play, literacy, and science. We have an adult station too! With coffee, tea, natural history explorations and tips on how to engage your child with nature. Connect with other parents as your children explore. Feel free to stay and spend…
Find out more »Geology 4-Part Brown Bag Lunch Lecture Series
DATES: February 6, 13, 20, 27 TIME: 12:00-1:00 p.m. Bring a sack lunch if you like and make it a geology lunch break! LOCATION: Montana Natural History Center Join geologist Bruce Baty for a 4-part series of illustrated geology lectures. This program provides an overview of geological concepts through specific examples. Bruce will guide you on a geologic tour of Glacier and various Utah National Parks, discuss the eruption of Mt. Saint Helens, and demonstrate the stories rocks tell if…
Find out more »Saturday Kids Activity | Animals in Winter
How do animals stay warm in winter and navigate the snow and storms? Find out during this drop-in program! Come see and touch a variety of winter animal furs and learn about the winter animal lifestyle. Deer grow special hollow hairs to trap insulation. Weasels turn white to blend in with their surroundings. Great blue herons can stand in frigid rivers without getting frost-bite. Drop in anytime between 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. on Saturdays, February 8th or 22nd.
Find out more »Creative Creatures Afterschool Club
Location: Montana Natural History Center Dates: Every Monday from Feb. 24 - April 6, except March 16. Time: Drop off is anytime between 4:00 - 4:15 p.m. Pickup is promptly at 5:30. Ages: Grades 1st - 5th This camp sits right at the intersection of art and science. Thanks to an exciting new partnership between the Montana Natural History Center and the Missoula Butterfly House & Insectarium, campers will have a chance to work with specimens and educators from both organizations.…
Find out more »Nature Writing Workshop, 4-Part Class
Location: MNHC Dates: February 5, 12, 19, 26 Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Explore various forms of nature writing, then research and write your own Field Note during this workshop-based four-part class! Instructors: Allison De Jong, writer, naturalist, and editor of Montana Naturalist magazine and Field Notes on Montana Public Radio Drew Lefebvre, naturalist, writer, and MNHC's Museum Programs Coordinator In this four-part class, you'll work with Field Notes editor Allison De Jong, naturalist Drew Lefebvre, and your fellow participants to research, write, and workshop your…
Find out more »miniNaturalist Pre-K Program
The miniNaturalist pre-K program encourages curiosity for the natural world. Dates: Every Thursday, September – May Time: 10:00-11:00 am NEW in 2020! To meet the needs of multiple ages, the program will focus on learner directed stations including sensory, art, imaginative play, literacy, and science. We have an adult station too! With coffee, tea, natural history explorations and tips on how to engage your child with nature. Connect with other parents as your children explore. Feel free to stay and spend…
Find out more »Geology 4-Part Brown Bag Lunch Lecture Series
DATES: February 6, 13, 20, 27 TIME: 12:00-1:00 p.m. Bring a sack lunch if you like and make it a geology lunch break! LOCATION: Montana Natural History Center Join geologist Bruce Baty for a 4-part series of illustrated geology lectures. This program provides an overview of geological concepts through specific examples. Bruce will guide you on a geologic tour of Glacier and various Utah National Parks, discuss the eruption of Mt. Saint Helens, and demonstrate the stories rocks tell if…
Find out more »March 2020
Creative Creatures Afterschool Club
Location: Montana Natural History Center Dates: Every Monday from Feb. 24 - April 6, except March 16. Time: Drop off is anytime between 4:00 - 4:15 p.m. Pickup is promptly at 5:30. Ages: Grades 1st - 5th This camp sits right at the intersection of art and science. Thanks to an exciting new partnership between the Montana Natural History Center and the Missoula Butterfly House & Insectarium, campers will have a chance to work with specimens and educators from both organizations.…
Find out more »miniNaturalist Pre-K Program
The miniNaturalist pre-K program encourages curiosity for the natural world. Dates: Every Thursday, September – May Time: 10:00-11:00 am NEW in 2020! To meet the needs of multiple ages, the program will focus on learner directed stations including sensory, art, imaginative play, literacy, and science. We have an adult station too! With coffee, tea, natural history explorations and tips on how to engage your child with nature. Connect with other parents as your children explore. Feel free to stay and spend…
Find out more »Western Wildlife: History and Lore 4-Part Brown Bag Lecture Series
Take an educational lunch break with Lee Silliman presenting Western Wildlife: History and Lore. This 4-Part Brown Bag Lecture Series will provide absorbing details about the history of our iconic wildlife. Pack a lunch, enjoy coffee and tea on us, sit back and learn! This course will vividly sketch portraits of the diverse fauna which were abundant in the North American Great Plains and Rocky Mountain ecosystems during the frontier era. Through vintage imagery and nineteenth century first person narratives,…
Find out more »Creative Creatures Afterschool Club
Location: Montana Natural History Center Dates: Every Monday from Feb. 24 - April 6, except March 16. Time: Drop off is anytime between 4:00 - 4:15 p.m. Pickup is promptly at 5:30. Ages: Grades 1st - 5th This camp sits right at the intersection of art and science. Thanks to an exciting new partnership between the Montana Natural History Center and the Missoula Butterfly House & Insectarium, campers will have a chance to work with specimens and educators from both organizations.…
Find out more »Treading Lightly Lecture Series: Go Find It! Digging Deeper on Conservation Detection Dogs
From time immemorial, humans have found ways to explore, learn from, and connect with the natural world. We do this in a variety of ways, some of which leave more footprints than others. This year, our lecture series explores how we can study and observe the natural world while doing our best to minimize our impact. Join us as biologists, philosophers, conservationists, and more share their work and their views on how to learn from nature while treading lightly. Our…
Find out more »miniNaturalist Pre-K Program
The miniNaturalist pre-K program encourages curiosity for the natural world. Dates: Every Thursday, September – May Time: 10:00-11:00 am NEW in 2020! To meet the needs of multiple ages, the program will focus on learner directed stations including sensory, art, imaginative play, literacy, and science. We have an adult station too! With coffee, tea, natural history explorations and tips on how to engage your child with nature. Connect with other parents as your children explore. Feel free to stay and spend…
Find out more »Western Wildlife: History and Lore 4-Part Brown Bag Lecture Series
Take an educational lunch break with Lee Silliman presenting Western Wildlife: History and Lore. This 4-Part Brown Bag Lecture Series will provide absorbing details about the history of our iconic wildlife. Pack a lunch, enjoy coffee and tea on us, sit back and learn! This course will vividly sketch portraits of the diverse fauna which were abundant in the North American Great Plains and Rocky Mountain ecosystems during the frontier era. Through vintage imagery and nineteenth century first person narratives,…
Find out more »Saturday Kids Activity | Rockhounding
Learn about our local rocks and find a few treasures to take home! Are you interested in becoming a rockhound? At this drop-in activity you can see neat mineral and crystal samples, learn about our most common local rocks and check out some of the tools every rockhound needs. Either in sand or outside (depending on weather) you will be able to dig for your own rocks to start or add to your collection. Come by anytime between 2:00 and…
Find out more »School’s Out Camp | Explore Nature with MNHC for Spring Break
March 16-20th: Explore Nature with MNHC During Spring Break! This MCPS spring break, elementary school students can join MNHC naturalists for a day–or a week–of fun and learning outdoors. Each day will be led by MNHC’s professional teaching naturalists, and will feature different hands-on nature explorations, field trips, creative activities, and time for free play in nature. We will take hikes, explore local natural areas, use naturalist tools, and follow our curiosity as we learn about local plants, animals, rocks,…
Find out more »School’s Out Camp | Explore Nature with MNHC for Spring Break
March 16-20th: Explore Nature with MNHC During Spring Break! This MCPS spring break, elementary school students can join MNHC naturalists for a day–or a week–of fun and learning outdoors. Each day will be led by MNHC’s professional teaching naturalists, and will feature different hands-on nature explorations, field trips, creative activities, and time for free play in nature. We will take hikes, explore local natural areas, use naturalist tools, and follow our curiosity as we learn about local plants, animals, rocks,…
Find out more »School’s Out Camp | Explore Nature with MNHC for Spring Break
March 16-20th: Explore Nature with MNHC During Spring Break! This MCPS spring break, elementary school students can join MNHC naturalists for a day–or a week–of fun and learning outdoors. Each day will be led by MNHC’s professional teaching naturalists, and will feature different hands-on nature explorations, field trips, creative activities, and time for free play in nature. We will take hikes, explore local natural areas, use naturalist tools, and follow our curiosity as we learn about local plants, animals, rocks,…
Find out more »School’s Out Camp | Explore Nature with MNHC for Spring Break
March 16-20th: Explore Nature with MNHC During Spring Break! This MCPS spring break, elementary school students can join MNHC naturalists for a day–or a week–of fun and learning outdoors. Each day will be led by MNHC’s professional teaching naturalists, and will feature different hands-on nature explorations, field trips, creative activities, and time for free play in nature. We will take hikes, explore local natural areas, use naturalist tools, and follow our curiosity as we learn about local plants, animals, rocks,…
Find out more »miniNaturalist Pre-K Program
The miniNaturalist pre-K program encourages curiosity for the natural world. Dates: Every Thursday, September – May Time: 10:00-11:00 am NEW in 2020! To meet the needs of multiple ages, the program will focus on learner directed stations including sensory, art, imaginative play, literacy, and science. We have an adult station too! With coffee, tea, natural history explorations and tips on how to engage your child with nature. Connect with other parents as your children explore. Feel free to stay and spend…
Find out more »Western Wildlife: History and Lore 4-Part Brown Bag Lecture Series
Take an educational lunch break with Lee Silliman presenting Western Wildlife: History and Lore. This 4-Part Brown Bag Lecture Series will provide absorbing details about the history of our iconic wildlife. Pack a lunch, enjoy coffee and tea on us, sit back and learn! This course will vividly sketch portraits of the diverse fauna which were abundant in the North American Great Plains and Rocky Mountain ecosystems during the frontier era. Through vintage imagery and nineteenth century first person narratives,…
Find out more »School’s Out Camp | Explore Nature with MNHC for Spring Break
March 16-20th: Explore Nature with MNHC During Spring Break! This MCPS spring break, elementary school students can join MNHC naturalists for a day–or a week–of fun and learning outdoors. Each day will be led by MNHC’s professional teaching naturalists, and will feature different hands-on nature explorations, field trips, creative activities, and time for free play in nature. We will take hikes, explore local natural areas, use naturalist tools, and follow our curiosity as we learn about local plants, animals, rocks,…
Find out more »Creative Creatures Afterschool Club
Location: Montana Natural History Center Dates: Every Monday from Feb. 24 - April 6, except March 16. Time: Drop off is anytime between 4:00 - 4:15 p.m. Pickup is promptly at 5:30. Ages: Grades 1st - 5th This camp sits right at the intersection of art and science. Thanks to an exciting new partnership between the Montana Natural History Center and the Missoula Butterfly House & Insectarium, campers will have a chance to work with specimens and educators from both organizations.…
Find out more »miniNaturalist Pre-K Program
The miniNaturalist pre-K program encourages curiosity for the natural world. Dates: Every Thursday, September – May Time: 10:00-11:00 am NEW in 2020! To meet the needs of multiple ages, the program will focus on learner directed stations including sensory, art, imaginative play, literacy, and science. We have an adult station too! With coffee, tea, natural history explorations and tips on how to engage your child with nature. Connect with other parents as your children explore. Feel free to stay and spend…
Find out more »Western Wildlife: History and Lore 4-Part Brown Bag Lecture Series
Take an educational lunch break with Lee Silliman presenting Western Wildlife: History and Lore. This 4-Part Brown Bag Lecture Series will provide absorbing details about the history of our iconic wildlife. Pack a lunch, enjoy coffee and tea on us, sit back and learn! This course will vividly sketch portraits of the diverse fauna which were abundant in the North American Great Plains and Rocky Mountain ecosystems during the frontier era. Through vintage imagery and nineteenth century first person narratives,…
Find out more »Saturday Kids Activity | Rockhounding
Learn about our local rocks and find a few treasures to take home! Are you interested in becoming a rockhound? At this drop-in activity you can see neat mineral and crystal samples, learn about our most common local rocks and check out some of the tools every rockhound needs. Either in sand or outside (depending on weather) you will be able to dig for your own rocks to start or add to your collection. Come by anytime between 2:00 and…
Find out more »Creative Creatures Afterschool Club
Location: Montana Natural History Center Dates: Every Monday from Feb. 24 - April 6, except March 16. Time: Drop off is anytime between 4:00 - 4:15 p.m. Pickup is promptly at 5:30. Ages: Grades 1st - 5th This camp sits right at the intersection of art and science. Thanks to an exciting new partnership between the Montana Natural History Center and the Missoula Butterfly House & Insectarium, campers will have a chance to work with specimens and educators from both organizations.…
Find out more »April 2020
miniNaturalist Pre-K Program
The miniNaturalist pre-K program encourages curiosity for the natural world. Dates: Every Thursday, September – May Time: 10:00-11:00 am NEW in 2020! To meet the needs of multiple ages, the program will focus on learner directed stations including sensory, art, imaginative play, literacy, and science. We have an adult station too! With coffee, tea, natural history explorations and tips on how to engage your child with nature. Connect with other parents as your children explore. Feel free to stay and spend…
Find out more »Creative Creatures Afterschool Club
Location: Montana Natural History Center Dates: Every Monday from Feb. 24 - April 6, except March 16. Time: Drop off is anytime between 4:00 - 4:15 p.m. Pickup is promptly at 5:30. Ages: Grades 1st - 5th This camp sits right at the intersection of art and science. Thanks to an exciting new partnership between the Montana Natural History Center and the Missoula Butterfly House & Insectarium, campers will have a chance to work with specimens and educators from both organizations.…
Find out more »miniNaturalist Pre-K Program
The miniNaturalist pre-K program encourages curiosity for the natural world. Dates: Every Thursday, September – May Time: 10:00-11:00 am NEW in 2020! To meet the needs of multiple ages, the program will focus on learner directed stations including sensory, art, imaginative play, literacy, and science. We have an adult station too! With coffee, tea, natural history explorations and tips on how to engage your child with nature. Connect with other parents as your children explore. Feel free to stay and spend…
Find out more »Wildflower Art Lecture with the Native Plant Society
DATE: Thursday, April 9 TIME: 7:00 p.m. LOCATION: Montana Natural History Center The Clark Fork Chapter of the Montana Native Society is hosting a Wildflower Art lecture at the Montana Natural History Center! Stephanie Frostad, Kristi Hager, Kendahl Jan Jub, Rosella Mosteller, and Nancy Seiler will present their wildflower art in an illustrated program and tell us stories about their art and the flowers. This lecture will get you ready for spring flower viewing and maybe flower drawing and painting!…
Find out more »Saturday Kids Activity: Explore the Watershed
Come by and explore our Clark Fork river watershed with a fun interactive floor model. Move people, trees, buildings, and animals around on the map as you learn about the many interrelated parts of our watershed. You can see where the Clark Fork begins, which mountains drain water into our local rivers and learn about human impacts. Create your own beautiful map of the river using tracing paper and colored pencils. Drop-in anytime between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m.
Find out more »miniNaturalist Pre-K Program
The miniNaturalist pre-K program encourages curiosity for the natural world. Dates: Every Thursday, September – May Time: 10:00-11:00 am NEW in 2020! To meet the needs of multiple ages, the program will focus on learner directed stations including sensory, art, imaginative play, literacy, and science. We have an adult station too! With coffee, tea, natural history explorations and tips on how to engage your child with nature. Connect with other parents as your children explore. Feel free to stay and spend…
Find out more »Treading Lightly Lecture Series: Living Museums: Learning in Missoula’s Urban Forests
From time immemorial, humans have found ways to explore, learn from, and connect with the natural world. We do this in a variety of ways, some of which leave more footprints than others. This year, our lecture series explores how we can study and observe the natural world while doing our best to minimize our impact. Join us as biologists, philosophers, conservationists, and more share their work and their views on how to learn from nature while treading lightly. Our…
Find out more »miniNaturalist Pre-K Program
The miniNaturalist pre-K program encourages curiosity for the natural world. Dates: Every Thursday, September – May Time: 10:00-11:00 am NEW in 2020! To meet the needs of multiple ages, the program will focus on learner directed stations including sensory, art, imaginative play, literacy, and science. We have an adult station too! With coffee, tea, natural history explorations and tips on how to engage your child with nature. Connect with other parents as your children explore. Feel free to stay and spend…
Find out more »Saturday Kids Activity: Explore the Watershed
Come by and explore our Clark Fork river watershed with a fun interactive floor model. Move people, trees, buildings, and animals around on the map as you learn about the many interrelated parts of our watershed. You can see where the Clark Fork begins, which mountains drain water into our local rivers and learn about human impacts. Create your own beautiful map of the river using tracing paper and colored pencils. Drop-in anytime between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m.
Find out more »miniNaturalist Pre-K Program
The miniNaturalist pre-K program encourages curiosity for the natural world. Dates: Every Thursday, September – May Time: 10:00-11:00 am NEW in 2020! To meet the needs of multiple ages, the program will focus on learner directed stations including sensory, art, imaginative play, literacy, and science. We have an adult station too! With coffee, tea, natural history explorations and tips on how to engage your child with nature. Connect with other parents as your children explore. Feel free to stay and spend…
Find out more »May 2020
miniNaturalist Pre-K Program
The miniNaturalist pre-K program encourages curiosity for the natural world. Dates: Every Thursday, September – May Time: 10:00-11:00 am NEW in 2020! To meet the needs of multiple ages, the program will focus on learner directed stations including sensory, art, imaginative play, literacy, and science. We have an adult station too! With coffee, tea, natural history explorations and tips on how to engage your child with nature. Connect with other parents as your children explore. Feel free to stay and spend…
Find out more »Saturday Kids Activity: Insect Investigations
Spring brings insect investigations! Drop in anytime between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m. to learn about insect body plans and lifestyles. Models, puppets, and - best of all - collecting materials will be available for use. Find out how to identify an insect and where you might find one. Then borrow some bug catchers and try your luck in our Nature Adventure Garden. Use a field guide outside or bring what you find back in for an identification before letting it…
Find out more »miniNaturalist Pre-K Program
The miniNaturalist pre-K program encourages curiosity for the natural world. Dates: Every Thursday, September – May Time: 10:00-11:00 am NEW in 2020! To meet the needs of multiple ages, the program will focus on learner directed stations including sensory, art, imaginative play, literacy, and science. We have an adult station too! With coffee, tea, natural history explorations and tips on how to engage your child with nature. Connect with other parents as your children explore. Feel free to stay and spend…
Find out more »miniNaturalist Pre-K Program
The miniNaturalist pre-K program encourages curiosity for the natural world. Dates: Every Thursday, September – May Time: 10:00-11:00 am NEW in 2020! To meet the needs of multiple ages, the program will focus on learner directed stations including sensory, art, imaginative play, literacy, and science. We have an adult station too! With coffee, tea, natural history explorations and tips on how to engage your child with nature. Connect with other parents as your children explore. Feel free to stay and spend…
Find out more »Saturday Kids Activity: Insect Investigations
Spring brings insect investigations! Drop in anytime between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m. to learn about insect body plans and lifestyles. Models, puppets, and - best of all - collecting materials will be available for use. Find out how to identify an insect and where you might find one. Then borrow some bug catchers and try your luck in our Nature Adventure Garden. Use a field guide outside or bring what you find back in for an identification before letting it…
Find out more »miniNaturalist Pre-K Program
MiniNaturalists is cancelled on Thursday, October 17 due to jury duty. Come see us again next week! The miniNaturalist Pre-K Program engages young children in the exploration of the natural world through fun, hands-on activities and games. Emphasis is on observation, sensory skills, and imagination to cultivate a positive connection with nature at an age when children are just beginning to investigate the world around them. Each month features a new theme: January: Animals in Winter February: Diggin’ Dinos and Fossils March: Wild…
Find out more »1st Annual Nature Journaling Conference at the Montana Natural History Center
DATES: May 29-31 TIMES: Friday, 4:30-7:00 p.m., Saturday, 9:00- 4:30 p.m. & 7:00 -9:00 p.m., Sunday, 9:00- noon LOCATION: Montana Natural History Center Registration is required. Registration opens at 9:00 a.m. on January 1st. Follow this LINK to register. Learn from four experienced instructors: Hannah Hinchman, Nancy Seiler, Claire Emery and Jenah Mead. Throughout the weekend they will teach a variety of nature journaling tips and techniques- event-mapping, drawing native plants and more- to enhance your joy of nature journaling.…
Find out more »June 2020
Plants in the Park with Peter Lesica
June 6 10:00-4:00 Meet at the Montana Natural History Center Greenough Park along Rattlesnake Creek is one of Missoula’s crown jewels. Spend the day with botanist Peter Lesica learning the flowers, trees and shrubs and their ecology found in this accessible riparian area. Greenough has a lovely variety of plants to behold in late spring; some of them rare in Montana. We will start at the Montana Natural History Center and then travel to the park on the MNHC bus. This class…
Find out more »July 2020
Closed for 4th of July
MNHC will be closed on July 4th. Have a wonderful holiday!
Find out more »September 2020
Closed for Labor Day
MNHC will be closed for Labor Day on Monday, September 7. Have a wonderful weekend!
Find out more »Treading Lightly Lecture Series: The Language of the Wild: Studies in Animal Communication
From time immemorial, humans have found ways to explore, learn from, and connect with the natural world. We do this in a variety of ways, some of which leave more footprints than others. This year, our lecture series explores how we can study and observe the natural world while doing our best to minimize our impact. Join us as biologists, philosophers, conservationists, and more share their work and their views on how to learn from nature while treading lightly. Our…
Find out more »October 2020
Treading Lightly Lecture Series: Treading Lightly in the Anthropocene
From time immemorial, humans have found ways to explore, learn from, and connect with the natural world. We do this in a variety of ways, some of which leave more footprints than others. This year, our lecture series explores how we can study and observe the natural world while doing our best to minimize our impact. Join us as biologists, philosophers, conservationists, and more share their work and their views on how to learn from nature while treading lightly. Our…
Find out more »November 2020
Treading Lightly Lecture Series: Live Community Storytelling: Notes from the Field
From time immemorial, humans have found ways to explore, learn from, and connect with the natural world. We do this in a variety of ways, some of which leave more footprints than others. This year, our lecture series explores how we can study and observe the natural world while doing our best to minimize our impact. Join us as biologists, philosophers, conservationists, and more share their work and their views on how to learn from nature while treading lightly. Our…
Find out more »December 2020
CLOSED FOR THE HOLIDAYS
The Montana Natural History Center will be closed on Thursday, December 24th, Friday, December 25th, and Saturday, December 26th so that our staff can spend time with their families! Happy Holidays!
Find out more »CLOSED FOR THE HOLIDAYS
The Montana Natural History Center will be closed on Thursday, December 31st and Friday January 1st so that our staff can spend time with their families! Happy Holidays!
Find out more »
