Stoke your curiosity, deepen your knowledge of the natural world, & give back to your communities with our summer Master Naturalist Course!

About this event

Fall 2026 Online Certification Course

Dates: Wednesdays, September 2 - November 18; field weekend September 12-13.

Time: 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. MDT

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 INFORMATION:

Cost: $400 for members; $425 for non-members
Some scholarships are available! Please contact cmorris@montananaturalist.or for more information
REGISTRATION CLOSES August 12
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. View our full cancellation/refund policy here.

Led 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 12-13
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.

Learn more on our website.

Some scholarships are available–please contact us at 327.0405 for details.

Click HERE TO LEARN MORE on our website.

Contact the host of Fall 2026 Online Master Naturalist Course