Date: Wednesday, September 3 – November 19, 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. (online)
Location: Online with Field Day Weekend
In-Person Field Weekend: September 13-14
Cost: $325 MNHC members/$355 non-members
Are you a self-directed, curious learner, eager to explore your natural surroundings? Our immersive online certification course will help you develop naturalist skills and a deeper understanding of the natural world through a blend of live online classes, recorded lectures, guided independent study, and an in-person field weekend.
Fall Online Certification Course 2025
Wednesdays, September 3rd – November 19th, 2025
10:00 a.m.-noon MDT
Field Weekend, September 13-14
Engage with the course anytime, anywhere. The online format can fit your schedule. Though attending the field weekend and live online classes is highly encouraged, they will be recorded and supplemental material can be provided. This class works best for independent learners who can complete activities outside of the traditional classroom format. Your instructors will be available throughout the course for one-on-one guidance and mentorship.
REGISTRATION CLOSES Thursday, August 14
Taught by MNHC Naturalist Christine Morris, this class includes:
a live Zoom or recorded lecture once per week for 12 weeks. 6 classes are live, 6 are recorded lectures.
weekly assignments
in-person weekend field experience in Missoula on September 13-14
course workbook
an online classroom platform to engage with instructors and fellow students throughout the course
We’ll cover a wide breadth of topics with the goal of giving you a foundation of naturalist skills and knowledge on which you can build. Learn how to identify common birds, plants, butterflies, insects, mammal tracks, and more. From landscape processes to lichen we will look at specific details and how each part contributes to the greater ecology.
Instructors:
Christine Morris, community programs coordinator MNHC
Kelly Dix, naturalist, MNHC
Allison De Jong, Naturalist Magazine editor/outreach coordinator, MNHC
Ylva Lekberg, soil scientist/ecologist, MPG ranch
Jenah Mead, artist/naturalist
Peter Lesica, botanist, author
Greg Peters, botanist, Missoula College instructor
Geoff Farinholt, BLM fuels technician
Angela Hornsby, previous Philip L. Wright Zoological Museum curator
Glenn Marangelo, Missoula Butterfly House and Insectarium
Rob Rich, naturalist/writer
View the course syllabus (some elements may be subject to change).
Upon course completion, students:
Will receive a Master Naturalist certificate and pin
Be a part of an engaged and curious Master Naturalist community
Have the knowledge and skills to perform environmental stewardship
To complete this certification course, students are expected to attend classes/view recorded lectures, complete weekly self-guided study assignments, keep a nature journal, and complete a final class project.
Plan on putting in about 5-6 hours per week including class time, independent study assignments, nature journaling, and final assignment.
Master Naturalist Certification is maintained by completing 20 hours of volunteer service and 8 hours of continuing education each year. You will receive a new pin each year you certify!
Recommended Materials:
binoculars
hand lens or loupe
blank journal (required)
micron or small sharpie pen
colored pencils or watercolor pencils
bird guide such as Sibley’s Field Guide to Birds of Western North America
Botany in a Day by Thomas J. Elpel
plant/flower guide such as Plants of the Rocky Mountains or Wildflowers of Montana (depending on what you can find in print)
Registration Information:
Cost: $355/$325 members
Full payment due upon registration. The course fee (minus a $100 administrative fee) is refundable ONLY if a cancellation is made 30 days before the first day of class. No refunds will be issued for cancellations made after this deadline. Read our full refund/cancellation policy.
Some scholarships are available! Please contact
Y21vcnJpcyB8IG1vbnRhbmFuYXR1cmFsaXN0ICEgb3I= for more information
REGISTRATION CLOSES Thursday, August 14
You may also like the following events from Montana Natural History Center:
Also check out other
Workshops in Missoula,
Arts events in Missoula,
Literary Art events in Missoula.
|
