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Continuing Education - Course Catalog

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All Continuing Education non-credit classes are for students age 16 years and older, unless otherwise noted.
  • Winter Twig Identification
  • Dates: 2/4/2026-2/4/2026
    Time: 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
    Day(s): W
    Sessions: 1
    Seats Available: 10
    Location: Arts & Technology
    Course Fee: $39.00
    Instructor: Ellen Horowitz

    Learn to identify deciduous trees and shrubs in winter by their twigs and buds through subtle but definitive characteristics. Class includes an illustrated lecture followed by a walk in the woods to collect twig specimens, and then classroom time to practice using an identification guide. 

 

  • The Wonder of Birds: Beginning to Intermediate Bird Identification
  • Dates: 3/31/2026-5/30/2026
    Time: 6:30 PM - 2:00 PM
    Day(s): Tu
    Sessions: 11
    Seats Available: 10
    Location: Offsite
    Course Fee: $249.00
    Instructor: Denny Olson

    Nortwest Montana has a world-class, rich and diverse array of birds. With lighthearted fun, special guest instructors, local videos and PowerPoints, this course will provide background on the behavior, form, function, value and conservation of birds—with a more in-depth look at several species of special interest that are native to Northwest Montana. The course will emphasize identification of 136 (or more) common birds by both sight and sound in six habitats, and an opportunity to practice those skills during outdoor experiences, including 3 field trips to local birding hotspots and a live birds of prey presentation. Students will also be provided with information on additional birding resources, both local and online. 

    Tuesdays, 6:30pm-8:30pm, March 31-May 30: AT 202 | Saturday, April 4, 9am-12pm, Waterfowl ID field trip - Church Slough (meet bus at front door of AT | Saturday, May 9, 6:30pm-8:30pm, Owen Sowerwine natural area river bottom field trip (drive own vehicles or carpool to Greenridge Entrance | Saturday, May 30, 7am-2pm, Tally Lake warblers field trip (meet bus at AT front door; bring field lunch)

 

  • Tree Identification Made Easy
  • Dates: 4/15/2026-4/15/2026
    Time: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
    Day(s): W
    Sessions: 1
    Seats Available: 10
    Location: Offsite
    Course Fee: $49.00
    Instructor: Ellen Horowitz

    Learn to recognize the native trees growing on mountain slopes, along rivers and in your backyard. Class includes a pre-field trip Zoom presentation. Walking will be at an easy pace on uneven surfaces with a total distance of less than two miles. A field guild to Rocky Mountain trees, hand lens and notebook are optional. 

 

  • Tree Identification Made Easy
  • Dates: 4/23/2026-4/23/2026
    Time: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
    Day(s): Th
    Sessions: 1
    Seats Available: 10
    Location: Offsite
    Course Fee: $49.00
    Instructor: Ellen Horowitz

    Learn to recognize the native trees growing on mountain slopes, along rivers and in your backyard. Class includes a pre-field trip Zoom presentation. Walking will be at an easy pace on uneven surfaces with a total distance of less than two miles. A field guild to Rocky Mountain trees, hand lens and notebook are optional. 

 

  • Introduction to Forest Bathing (shinrin-yoku)
  • Date: 5/6/2026
    Time: 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
    Day: W
    Sessions: 1
    Seats Available: 8
    Location: Arts & Technology
    Course Fee: $34.00
    Instructor: Ellen Horowitz

    Forest bathing, also known as shinrin-yoku and forest therapy, offers a way of experiencing nature for health and well-being with positive physiological and psychological benefits. Slow down and focus your senses on the natural world to help address daily stresses. Learn how to tap into this simple yet powerful practice so you can do it anytime and anywhere.

 

  • Enhanced Nature Connection Through Forest Bathing
  • Dates: 5/14/2026-5/28/2026
    Time: 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Day(s): Th
    Sessions: 3
    Seats Available: 10
    Location: Offsite
    Course Fee: $54.00
    Instructor: Ellen Horowitz

    Research shows that time in nature supports our health, and Forest Bathing deepens that connection. This practice encourages slowing down, engaging the senses and becoming more aware of the forest environment while fostering a more mindful, reciprocal relationship with it.

 

  • Wildflower Identification Basics
  • Dates: 5/20/2026-5/20/2026
    Time: 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM
    Day(s): W
    Sessions: 1
    Seats Available: 10
    Location: Offsite
    Course Fee: $44.00
    Instructor: Ellen Horowitz

    Learn the non-technical approach to flower identification for a fun and efficient way to begin learning about plants. Class includes a pre-field trip Zoom presentation. Walking will be at an easy pace with a total distance of about two miles. A field guide to Rocky Mountain wildflowers, hand lens and notebook are optional. 

 

  • Introduction to Forest Bathing (shinrin-yoku)
  • Date: 5/20/2026
    Time: 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
    Day: W
    Sessions: 1
    Seats Available: 8
    Location: Arts & Technology
    Course Fee: $34.00
    Instructor: Ellen Horowitz

    Forest bathing, also known as shinrin-yoku and forest therapy, offers a way of experiencing nature for health and well-being with positive physiological and psychological benefits. Slow down and focus your senses on the natural world to help address daily stresses. Learn how to tap into this simple yet powerful practice so you can do it anytime and anywhere.

 

  • Wildflower Identification Basics
  • Dates: 5/27/2026-5/27/2026
    Time: 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM
    Day(s): W
    Sessions: 1
    Seats Available: 10
    Location: Offsite
    Course Fee: $44.00
    Instructor: Ellen Horowitz

    Learn the non-technical approach to flower identification for a fun and efficient way to begin learning about plants. Class includes a pre-field trip Zoom presentation. Walking will be at an easy pace with a total distance of about two miles. A field guide to Rocky Mountain wildflowers, hand lens and notebook are optional. 

 

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