Environmental and Natural Sciences projects help youth explore the natural world while developing a deeper understanding of ecosystems, wildlife, forests, and other natural resources. Participants investigate how living things interact with their environments and discover the importance of responsible stewardship of the outdoors.

Outdoor experiences give youth opportunities to build practical skills in observation, identification, conservation, safety, and responsible recreation. They learn to apply what they discover in the field, make informed decisions about natural resources, and develop an appreciation for the environment around them.

 

Project list

Two girls out of focus behind an in-focus hand that's holding a stick bug

Entomology

Discover the fascinating world of insects by learning about their behavior, life cycles, habitats, communication, and identification through hands-on activities.

Photo of a forest in Montana

Forestry

Explore forests and trees while learning about forest ecology, tree health, conservation, and the many benefits forests provide to people and communities.

A young girl wearing glasses and a pink shirt climbing up a wooden climbing wall

Outdoor Adventures

Build outdoor skills through hiking, camping, backpacking, navigation, cooking, safety, and Leave No Trace practices while exploring Montana's natural resources.

A youth with short blonde hair laying prone pointing a rifle at a target

Shooting Sports

Develop safe and responsible shooting skills while building marksmanship, self-discipline, and personal responsibility through activities such as archery, rifle, pistol, and shotgun.

A mentor bending down over a table showing a young girl the skulls of various small animals

Wildlife

Learn about Montana's wildlife and their habitats while developing skills in wildlife identification, conservation, management, and outdoor observation.