Master Naturalist Level II Course - Spring 2025

You asked, and we delivered! We've created a level II Master Naturalist Course for nature-lovers who want to dive even deeper into their understanding of the natural world.

About this event

Spring 2025 Master Naturalist Certification Level II Course

Thursdays, February 13 – May 15, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

This course is for anyone who has certified as a Master Naturalist in Montana or elsewhere or has the professional/academic background to begin with a level II course. This level II certification course consists of at least 40 hours of instruction in a mix of lectures, in-class labs, and outdoor field trips. We will build on the foundations established in our Master Naturalist level I course by advancing skills in topics such as birding, geology, and nature journalling, and by delving into new subjects such as aquatic invertebrates, winter adaptations, and foraging.

We heard your requests and we are so excited to offer this class for the first time in 2025! The course will be taught by an amazing selection of instructors, all experts in their field. Visit the UM Flight Lab, catch aquatic invertebrates, practice nature journaling with renowned artists, go birding by ear, forage cottonwood buds, make an herbarium sheet, and so much more in these 13 weeks.

See sample syllabus here (some elements could be subject to change).

Coordinated by MNHC Naturalist Christine Morris, this class:

• is a 13-week course
• runs on Thursdays from 10:00 a.m -1:00 p.m. (no class on March 20, the week of UM’s spring break)

The class will be be based at the Montana Natural History Center. Travel to field sites will be by MNHC bus. We will have a quick break for lunch at MNHC or eat in the field. Walking level will be easy to moderate with potential extended time standing and/or sitting in the field.

Registration Information:

• Cost: $450/$425 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.
• Some scholarships are available - please contact us at 406.327.0405 for details

Master Naturalist Certification requirements:

• Be present for at least 40 hours of instruction.
• Complete assigned journal entries and a final project.
• If you want to maintain your certification in years to come (and earn successive Master Naturalist pins), you’ll have to log 20 hours of volunteer service per year with organizations connected to the natural world, as well as 8 hours of continuing education per year.

For more information on volunteer service & continuing education requirements, click here.

Recommended Materials:

The only required material is a blank journal. We will provide details and recommendations for your journal on the first day of class. Everything else can be borrowed or used in class from our supply. Each student will receive a Master Naturalist Handbook.

• binoculars (we have plenty to borrow)
• 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 Wildflowers of Montana or Plants of the Rocky Mountains
• insect guide such as Kaufman’s Guide to Insects of North America