A Collaboration with Montana Natural History Center and Blue Heron Nature Tours
2025 Montana Master Naturalist Syllabus
Description: 6 Saturdays in the Bitterroot Valley to engage in experiential, field-based education and get certified as a Montana Master Naturalist. Adults will learn how to identify species, interpret behaviors, and understand ecological relationships. This hands-on education strengthens both a sense of place and the confidence, curiosity, and attention needed to respect and conserve a variety of ecosystems in Montana.
Saturday, April 5th, 9:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Introduction to the Master Naturalist course and Nature Journaling
Saturday, April 12th: NO CLASS
Saturday, April 19th, 9:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Identify Birds by Sight and By Sound
Saturday, April 26th, 9:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Tree and Shrub Identification and Forest Ecology
Saturday, May 3rd, 9:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Flower Identification
Saturday, May 10th, 9:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Insect Identification and Riparian Ecology
Saturday, May 17th, 9:00-3:30 p.m.
Mammals of Montana, Bio Blitz and Certification Awards/Celebration
Students need to bring these supplies: Journal with unlined pages, notebook for notes, colored pencils, regular pencils and pens, binoculars, small backpack with lunch and water bottle.
Blue Heron Nature Tours will provide field guides and naturalist field kits, including binoculars if needed.
Requirements:
Class Attendance – Each student is expected to participate throughout the entire course. Please note that to receive the Master Naturalist Certification, students must attend 40 hours of instruction.
Physical requirement: Must be able to hike 1-2 miles on uneven terrain.
Bio: The instructor, Elena Ulev, has a B.S. in Wildlife Biology and has lived in western Montana since 1999. She has worked as a field biologist, technical science writer and educator for the U.S. Forest Service, Missoula County and the Montana Natural History Center. She now owns an educational nature tour service called Blue Heron Nature Tours. Elena’s goal is to work with all ages and abilities to stoke curiosity and reverence for our natural world.