Collaboration and Partnership.
The Conservation in the Classroom Program (CitC) is a collaborative initiative spearheaded by the Bitterroot Water Partnership (BWP), Teller Wildlife Refuge, and the Montana Natural History Center (MNHC). This program aims to engage K-12 students in conservation and stewardship across the Bitterroot Valley.
The CitC began as BWP, Teller, and MNHC recognized a disconnect between conservation education and the local community. Despite many excellent programs being offered, they are often hard to find, not place-based, focused on other parts of the world, and do not always align with the Montana Content Standards. To address these issues, these three organizations came together to support educators in bringing place-based education to their classrooms.
By convening local organizations, educators, and conservation experts, the CitC delivers consistent, science-based educational experiences centered on water, wildlife, lands, and other natural resources. The program aligns conservation education with established Montana Content Standards and cross-discipline benchmarks. It offers formal educator training and access to local resources, integrating conservation topics into both classroom and outdoor settings. The goal is to foster a deep appreciation for local nature, inspire lifelong environmental stewardship, and provide a cohesive, impactful educational experience for all students.
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Teller Wildlife Refuge
Teller Wildlife Refuge is a protected sanctuary located in the Bitterroot Valley of Montana, dedicated to preserving natural habitats, supporting diverse wildlife, and providing conservation education opportunities. Spanning over 1,200 acres, the refuge offers a unique blend of riparian woodlands, wetlands, and meadows that provide a haven for a wide variety of species, including migratory birds, deer, and moose. Committed to conservation and education, the Teller Wildlife Refuge also serves as a living classroom, offering programs that connect visitors to the importance of wildlife preservation and environmental stewardship.
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Bitterroot Water Partnership
The Bitterroot Water Partnership is a collaborative initiative focused on improving and sustaining water resources in Montana's Bitterroot Valley. Bringing together local stakeholders, including landowners, conservationists, and government agencies, the partnership works to enhance water quality, manage water use, and protect vital habitats. Through community-driven projects and education, the Bitterroot Water Partnership aims to ensure the long-term health of the valley’s rivers, streams, and wetlands for both people and wildlife.
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Montana Natural History Center
The mission of the Montana Natural History Center is to promote and cultivate the appreciation, understanding, and stewardship of nature through education. Founded in 1991, MNHC was the brainchild of a group of educators who were involved in various efforts to educate both kids and adults about the natural history of western Montana, and who decided to unite those efforts into one environmental education organization. MNHC provides nature education programming for people of all ages through summer camps, kids’ activities, Visiting Naturalist in the Schools, Master Naturalist certification courses and Field Days, evening programs, Field Notes on Montana Public Radio, museum tours, and more. We have a variety of exhibits that focus on the flora, fauna, geology, and ecology of our beautiful state.