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Programs promoting our mission... you can become involved. For more information on how to Join us Outdoors, just click the link.
Check out pictures of Discovery Foundation in action.
Interpretive Publications...Through the cooperating agreement with the Helena National Forest, the Foundation is responsible to produce interpretive publications for the education and service of the public. Publications include brochures and educational material for Foundation programs and for other needs as requested by the Forest.  Snowschool... A program that works through the schools as well as with the general public to promote outdoor fun in the snow. Participants become familiar with the  muscle-powered recreation of snowshoeing. MDF provides the snowshoes and introduces you to the characteristics of snow, animal adaptations, and the wonders of nature in the winter.
 Moonlight Hikes, Hosted Hikes, and Wildflower Walks... Once a month, the Foundation sponsors a moonlight hike somewhere on the Helena National Forest. Winter brings public snowshoe events and skiing into heritage sites. Spring will find us at different locations in the forest finding the best wildflower spots of the season.  Summer trips take us to scenic locations, heritage sites, and good places to see summer wildflowers. In fall, the program continues with topical hikes. We provide year-round outdoor educational and recreational opportunities. To join the next hike, call the office and tell us you want to get outside with us.
 Adopt-a-Species... Involving 19 area grade schools an in partnership with the Foundation for animals and the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, this education program increases awareness and understanding of Montana wildlife and habitat.
Education Trunks. .. Focusing on wilderness, flora and fauna, fire, and ecosystems, these trunks are loaned to local schools, home schoolers, and youth organizations for natural resource education. When available the Foundation can provide a community naturalist to present a topical program using trunk materials.  Celebrating Wildflowers... Each spring, the Foundation works together with the Helena National Forest and the Montana Native Plant Society to introduce area fourth graders to an appreciation of nature through spring wildflowers. An art contest incorporating native American ethnography precedes a day of walks and nature study led by volunteers.
 International Migratory Bird Day... The Foundation works closely with the Helena National Forest; Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Bureau of Reclamation; Birds & Beasleys; and other organizations and volunteers to sponsor an early May program to increase awareness of migratory birds and their conservation. Students produce thematic art in their classrooms preceding a field day involving bird watching as well as an outdoor nature fair. Fun and educational for all ages.
Heritage Site Stewardship
The Foundation recruits stewardship volunteers who assist in providing interpretation, maintenance, and oversight for the numerous historic and prehistoric sites designated by the Helena National Forest.
Youth Forest Monitoring Program
 YFMP is an intensive 7-week internship for high-school students. Participants explore hands-on forest ecology, supplement forest health analysis, engage in stewardship projects, and discover a variety of natural resource careers. The framework includes 1 week of training by forest scientists, 5 weeks of field monitoring and stewardship projects, and 1 week of final research with a written report and oral presentation as a final product.
If you are a high-school aged student (entering 9th grade in the fall through graduation), check out the application brochure here. There will be 9 spots filled for the Helena area, 3 in Lincoln, and 3 in Deer Lodge. Applications for the 2011 field season must be postmarked by April 22!
The FFEC model of place-based education is a year-long series of three 2-day workshops and a 5-day summer institute providing educators with the opportunity to develop the skills, knowledge, and support they need to create standards-based curricula that connect students to the outdoors and the public lands in their communities. |
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