The goal of the Montana Master Naturalist Program is to increase natural history knowledge and promote awareness, understanding, and stewardship of Montana’s natural environment by developing a corps of well-informed citizens dedicated to conservation education and service within their communities. The core of this program is the Montana Master Naturalist Certification Course, which is approximately 45 hours of classroom and field time. The Montana Audubon Center is the home for this program in Billings and works with the Montana Natural History Center (MNHC) in Missoula to offer state-wide certification. Students who complete the course become certified as Montana Master Naturalists through the MNHC. To maintain their certification, Montana Master Naturalists are required to log 20 hours of volunteer service and participate in 8 hours of continuing education annually.
This course is designed for adults who want to deepen their knowledge of the natural world. 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.
The course is taught by the MAC’s Community Programs Coordinator and certified Montana Master Naturalist Heather Bilden. Guest instructors from Rocky Mountain College, MSU-Billings and local government agencies lend their expertise on several of the subjects. The weekly classes include lectures, labs, and field trips. View the previous course syllabus here: Syllabus MAC S2020 (some elements are subject to change). Contact Heather with questions about the course.
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“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
Field Days provide opportunities for continued in-depth and hands-on field experiences that build on the knowledge gained in the Master Naturalist Certification Course. Geared toward the Master Naturalist, but open to any curious outdoor explorer, our Field Days explore a variety of subjects and environments across the region. Stay tuned for future offerings!