University of Montana Western Environmental Sciences Department

University of Montana Western Environmental Sciences Department Simply stated, the Environmental Science Department is a place to learn differently, live differently Don’t come here! Come join us!

The Environmental Sciences Department has an uncompromising dedication to preparing environmental scientists, managers, educators, and stewards through direct experience in the environment. Students take one class at a time and work outside on real projects. From coring climate records in alpine lakes, to assessing stream function in the valleys, to mapping geology in the mountains, constructing b

eaver mimicry structures in streams, studying snow, soil, plants, to conducting stakeholder surveys and learning to be a naturalist ranger in Yellowstone National Park, we own experiential learning. Want to sit in lectures, be anonymous, passionless, taught by teaching assistants, graduate with a transcript listing of courses taken? Want to learn how the Earth works in the environment, develop lifelong relationships with professors and fellow students, apply your passion for the Earth to real projects that make a difference to society, build a portfolio of skills you gained in the field and lab that will give you a competitive edge for jobs and graduate schools over everyone else?

The Geology of the American West class spent the week mapping and exploring on a multi-day camping trip, led by new facu...
08/29/2026

The Geology of the American West class spent the week mapping and exploring on a multi-day camping trip, led by new faculty member Dr. Caden Howlett. Through thick Proterozoic quartzites, a very smelly carbonate, sand dunes and multiple big rainstorms, it was a wonderful time. We held a lot of rocks.
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Who doesn’t love a win-win for our water resources? Our partners and alums are creating lasting impacts for rivers in So...
08/28/2026

Who doesn’t love a win-win for our water resources? Our partners and alums are creating lasting impacts for rivers in Southwest Montana!

In case you missed it: The listless Big Hole River upstream of Fish Trap Creek appears barely capable of floating a Styrofoam cup.

Yet at least the river near Wisdom hasn’t dried up, as it did in 1988.

Years of drought reminiscent of Dust Bowl conditions have stirred action among people and organizations who care both about the river and the working residents of the Big Hole Valley.

Read more in the comments below:

Where have your field days taken you this summer? Our faculty conducted  a mountain goat survey in the Pioneer mountains...
07/23/2026

Where have your field days taken you this summer? Our faculty conducted a mountain goat survey in the Pioneer mountains with . Reach out to see how you can help with citizen science projects too!

Verge (‘26) is putting his skills to use and enjoying the Centennial Valley working as a Rangeland Technician with The N...
06/30/2026

Verge (‘26) is putting his skills to use and enjoying the Centennial Valley working as a Rangeland Technician with The Nature Conservancy this summer! What are you doing this summer?

Regenerative agricultural practices are expanding in Dillon, MT, thanks to the Matador Ranch and Cattle Field Day! We ar...
06/29/2026

Regenerative agricultural practices are expanding in Dillon, MT, thanks to the Matador Ranch and Cattle Field Day! We are gearing up for future student soil health and wildlife projects.

06/13/2026

Montana Western Launches Land, Water and Sky Center to Advance Experiential Learning and Natural Resource Stewardship at University of Montana Western. A unique campus with word-class education, the institution with the lowest tuition and fees of any four-year institution in the state of Montana.

06/13/2026
06/02/2026

Montana Western Professor Publishes New Book Exploring Montana’s Geological History at University of Montana Western. A unique campus with word-class education, the institution with the lowest tuition and fees of any four-year institution in the state of Montana.

Brushing up on our Plant ID with Dr. Ridenour before field season kicks into gear. The flowers are just starting to bloo...
05/21/2026

Brushing up on our Plant ID with Dr. Ridenour before field season kicks into gear. The flowers are just starting to bloom so keep an eye out for more! The class quickly overfilled so stay tuned for more workshops next year.

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710 S Atlantic Street
Dillon, MT
59725

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