The Montana 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 hope that participants will not only build the skills to interpret Montana’s flora, fauna, and landscape, but that they will also gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the natural world, and therefore become better stewards of it. This program is an excellent certification for those looking to pursue a career in environmental education or interpretive guiding, or those just looking to enhance their connection to place. 

During this experiential, field-based education, participants learn to identify species, interpret behaviors, and affirm ecological relationships. This foundational, applied knowledge not only enriches a sense of place, but also builds the confidence, attention, and curiosity to respect and conserve ecosystems.

2025 Courses

WEEKEND WARRIOR MASTER NATURALIST (Lower Swan)

  • May 3rd & 4th, 2025

  • July 19th & 20th, 2025

  • October 11th & 12th, 2025

  • January 17th & 18th, 2026

Over the course of a year, join us for 4 weekends in the lower Swan River Watershed to engage in experiential, field-based education. Participants learn to identify species, interpret behaviors, and understand ecological relationships.

*This course is based out of Bigfork, Montana
Food and lodging not provided.

$600 FOR TUITION AND MASTER NATURALIST CERTIFICATION

This course will also feature guest instructor Cedar Mathers-Winn!

Cedar is a naturalist, biologist, and educator based in Bozeman. He earned his Master’s degree studying animal communication in southwestern Montana, and has studied ecology and animal behavior in mountains, tropics, and desert. As an educator, Cedar emphasizes the everyday subtleties of nature, revealing worlds of wildness hidden in plain sight.

6-DAY COURSE
August 16-21, 2025
Condon, Montana

SVC will provide field guides and naturalist kits for use in the field.
Food and lodging not provided.
See example syllabus below

$450 FOR TUITION AND MASTER NATURALIST CERTIFICATION

“My knowledge of the natural world has grown so much through my participation in Swan Valley Connections’ Montana Master Naturalist program. This was thanks to their knowledgeable and patient teaching staff. 10/10 stars.”

-Monro Obenauer, Master Naturalist ‘22

After earning your Montana Master Naturalist credentials with SVC, you can maintain your certification by completing 20 hours of volunteer service and 8 hours of continuing education each year. From tracking classes to bird counts to river cleanups, SVC offers many ways for naturalists to meet their volunteer service and continuing education requirements, so please reach out to Sara Lamar to learn more. You can also find a full set of ideas and instructions on this page from the Montana Natural History Center, our partner who serves as the statewide host for maintaining certification.

Field journal entry by Master Naturalist alumna Kelly Stone

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  • Everyone! Participants must be able to walk 2 miles with a light day pack on uneven terrain. As naturalists, we move slowly along the trail, stopping frequently to discuss our observations. We welcome all ages and backgrounds.

  • Yes! Our Master Naturalist programs can also be taken for college credit through University of Montana 
(you do not need to be a UM student to receive credit). There is a $155 processing fee to receive credit.

  • We accept Americorps Segal Education Award vouchers and Montgomery/Post9/11 GI Bill®* education awards.

    If you are eligible for either of these options and intend to use them for tuition, please let us know as soon as possible because processing of these awards can take some time. While Swan Valley Connections is not itself a Title IV school, our courses are offered for credit through the University of Montana, with credits being processed through UMOnline. In most cases, VA benefits do not cover food, lodging or credit processing fees.

    
*GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill

    You can also apply for a scholarship here.

  • The Wildlife Society will allow the following Continuing Education Units (CEUs) in Category I of the Certified Wildlife Biologist® Renewal/Professional Development Certificate Program for participation in Montana Master Naturalist - 20.5 CEUs

  • Wildlife in the West and the weeklong Wildlife Tracks and Sign courses require non-refundable deposits.

    If a student must cancel due to sickness or other emergency, SVC will credit the deposit towards another program.

    For all other programs:

    A 100% refund can only be issued if your spot can be filled, minus a $25 per person processing fee. If your spot cannot be filled, 90% refunds can be issued for cancellations 60 days prior to the course date.

    After 60 days, 50% of tuition can be refunded up to three weeks before the course start date. No refunds can be issued for cancellations less than three weeks before the start date or for no-shows.

    If SVC cancels a course, all tuition paid, including deposits, will be refunded.