Montana Natural History Center, Inc.

We offer full-day, week-long, nature-themed camps that run all summer long for 1st-5th grade kids. Each week features a different theme where the kids explore various aspects of local nature. Pre-K Family Camps share the same weekly themes as the bigger kids’ camps. We provide scholarships for families who would otherwise not be able to afford this program.

The STEEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Environment, and Mathematics) Program aims to inspire the next generation of female scientists through hands-on learning and real-world experiences. We run a 2-week STEEM camp each summer. Through this program girls build trust, confidence, and courage in the fields of science, technology, engineering, environment, and math. These fields have a disproportionately lower percentage of PhDs earned by females; this program aims to close that gap in our community. Scholarships are available for families that would not otherwise be able to afford the program.

The Wings Over Water (WOW) Osprey Program brings STEM research into middle and high school classrooms across the U.S. and sparks student interest in biology, physics, chemistry, math, and engineering through the study of Ospreys. The program starts by building STEM capacity for teachers through a week-long workshop in Missoula. Teachers return to the classroom with a rich curriculum which is built around Next Generation Science Standards and can be tailored to each classroom’s needs. Grants and donations make this program free for participating teachers.

Twice a month on Saturdays during the academic year we hold drop-in programs for kids of all ages. The kids learn all about animal tracks and how to identify them, examine various kinds of skulls, compete in Animal Olympics and learn about the specialized things that animal bodies can do, and so much more! Every month features a new topic. The exploration and activities are suitable for a wide age range, so the whole family can be involved!

The miniNaturalists Pre-K program engages young children in the exploration of the natural world through fun hands-on activities and games. The program emphasizes 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.

The Master Naturalist Program is designed for adults who want to stoke their curiosity, deepen their knowledge of the natural world, and give back to their communities in new ways. We offer a range of programs to fit the needs of a diverse community, but all the classes share a common goal of providing participants with the skills to interpret Montana’s flora, fauna, and landscape. Scholarships are available for people who would not otherwise be able to afford the program.

Every week since 1991, Field Notes, written by naturalists, students, and listeners, has inquired about Montana’s natural history. Field Notes airs two times per week on Montana Public Radio: Wednesday at 3:55 p.m. and Saturday at 11:54 a.m. Field Notes is also available as a podcast! Subscribe on iTunes, Google Play, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

In partnership with the National Association for Interpretation, MNHC offers a Certified Interpretive Guide course for present and future interpretive program educators. Through classroom and field sessions, this course teaches the fundamentals of program development, delivery, and excellence in interpretation.

Learning and nature exploration aren’t just for kids! We provide nature-based education for adults who are fascinated by the natural world and want to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of Montana’s wild places and creatures, become better writers, and hone their artistic abilities. Topics include geology, Indigenous culture, nature journaling, biology, and many others.