Montana State University
EN-12: Continuing Education

A copy of the Institutions inventory of its continuing education sustainability course offerings: `

Montana's Changing Climate – Ongoing
An interactive distance learning class focused on three key aspects of Montana’s climate–agriculture, forests and water resources. The course also covers the Montana Climate Assessment which describes past and future climate trends that affect different sectors of the State’s economy.

Net Zero Energy – October 2018 and October 2019
There is a progressive movement to design and build Net Zero Energy (NZE) buildings. Learn the basic principles behind the concept and find out who is building NZE projects and why. Learn about the growth and trends of the NZE market, why cities are adopting NZE policies, and how NZE projects tackle climate change adaptation and mitigation simultaneously.

Wetland and Riparian Ecology and Management – Spring 2019
This 15-week course will provide a thorough introduction to wetland and riparian ecology of the Rocky Mountain and Northern Great Plains as well as the regulations and public mandates that guide their management, and the human and global disturbances that continue to shape these systems.

The North American Prairies: An Introduction to a Little-Known Ecosystem – February 2019
An exploration of the history, ecology, plants and animals of one of North America's least understood and most threatened ecosystems. The course addressed the following questions: What exactly is native prairie? How does it operate as an ecosystem? What are our challenges in maintaining prairie - and what kinds of efforts are underway to protect and conserve it?


Is Carbon Sequestration a Viable Part of the Solution to a Warming Planet? – March 2019
Inexpensive and reliable energy supports a strong and stable economy, but providing that energy while minimizing environmental and climate impacts requires challenging decision-making. The instructor will begin this program with a short discussion of trade- offs caused by selection of different energy sources. Then he will move into a more detailed discussion of the viability of carbon sequestration, or carbon capture and storage, as a potential part of the solution to the critical energy-climate problem.

Water Rights, Water Fights, Water Supremacy in the American West – April 2019
One of the planet's largest economies, California, is soul searching: Is there a natural limit to its stratospheric economic growth? Is California running out of water? In this program, a representative from Trout Unlimited will guide us as we examine the climatic trends and rates of groundwater pumping that are calling into question water security across the planet. We will focus specifically on what California's water woes can teach the rest of the West about sustainable water use. The program will conclude by highlighting how Montana is becoming a global model in creating a forward-looking path to water security.

U.S. and Montana Agriculture: Myths and Realities – May 2019
There are many myths, much mystique, and huge misperceptions about the current state of U.S. and Montana production agriculture. In addition, the positive impact of technological change on standards of living is often taken for granted or misunderstood. This program will provide a data-based description of the U.S. food and fiber sector which produces about 17% of the U.S. Gross Domestic Product.

Climate Change, Soil Health, and the Future of Food – October 2019
World population is projected to reach 9 billion people in a few decades. Can world food production feed that many people? One view is that agriculture will require intensive chemical inputs to meet the challenge; another view is that agriculture practiced that way is destroying the very soil we depend on. This presentation will draw on a historical perspective to reconcile these very different views of agriculture. We will try to objectively assess how to sustainably feed 9 billion people, how climate change will impact agriculture, and how agriculture needs to change to achieve future food production requirements.

The North American Prairies: An Introduction to a Little-Known Ecosystem – October 2019
An exploration of the history, ecology, plants and animals of one of North America's least understood and most threatened ecosystems. The course addressed the following questions: What exactly is native prairie? How does it operate as an ecosystem? What are our challenges in maintaining prairie - and what kinds of efforts are underway to protect and conserve it?

Montana's Changing Climate: Should We Worry? – October 2019
Lead author of the 2017 Montana Climate Assessment, Dr. Cathy Whitlock, will discuss the findings of the assessment and what challenges and opportunities lie ahead for Montana as we look toward the future.

Wildlife in a Fragmented World: Lessons in Connectivity Conservation from the Northern Rockies and Beyond – March 2020
Wildlife relies on the ability to move freely through the landscape (referred to by scientists as “ecological connectivity”) to maintain healthy populations and adapt to a changing climate. Examples from the Northern Rockies and across the globe will illustrate the challenges that wildlife faces as landscapes are increasingly fragmented by roads, pipelines, residential development, and other human land uses. We will also discuss how science is providing solutions such as wildlife corridors and crossing structures.

Montana’s Forest Fires: Why We Just Burn Our Forests – April 2020 and October 2020
Come hear about the unique ecology of Northern Rockies Forests with specific reference to Montana forest ecosystems. These are some of the most complex in the world due to the interaction of Montana mountain geography with western US weather patterns and the history of both Indigenous cultures and European American settlers. Wildfires have played a key role in the development of Montana forests, their role in modern forest conservation and management is a complex topic with many different perspectives. This program will put those perspectives into context with natural history, future projected climatic variability and the needs of Montana wildlife and human populations.

Wildfire in Montana: Past, Present and Future – November 2020
Fire is an important process that has shaped Western ecosystems for millennia. However, over the past several decades, fire activity has been increasing across the West. Recent fires have destroyed thousands of homes, hundreds of lives have been lost and persistent smoke from these fires has created hazardous air quality across the West. Changing climatic conditions are enabling record-setting fire seasons throughout the Western U.S. This creates sustained periods of hot, dry weather that are conducive to fire, as well as warm conditions that are drying out fuels and creating explosive conditions when ignition occurs. At the same time, a growing number of homes and other structures are built in landscapes with abundant fuels, increasing the danger from fires to human health and safety.

Montana Fall Water School – December 2020
Montana's water and wastewater systems and the communities they support rely on qualified and trained system operators. The Montana Water and Wastewater Operators Initiative (MW2OI) is a collaborative effort to provide the most comprehensive training possible for Montana's operators. The theme for this Fall 2020 Water School is "Optimization and Resiliency." Knowledgeable speakers from around the nation will provide operators with important training on ways to improve their systems and share their experiences in improving the operation of Montana's water and wastewater systems.

Ecological Insights from 70 Years of Greater Yellowstone Amphibian Studies – December 2020
Instructors will discuss amphibian distributions, habitat associations, genetic connectivity of populations, as well as the major threats to amphibians in the GYA and beyond such as climate change, habitat loss, disease and invasive species. Since the 1950s, herpetological studies in the GYA have ranged from broad surveys to intensive local investigations. Research has provided insight into the ecology and threats to amphibians in our region and has contributed to amphibian conservation in general.

Transportation Policy and Planning: Strategies to Improve Sustainable and Equitable Outcomes – Fall 2021
Do you walk, bike, take the bus, drive a gas guzzler, use a ride-share service? Will we all soon be using electric cars? Self-driving cars? The methods we use to move ourselves around are intimately connected to our finances; energy policy; infrastructure decisions; racial and economic justice, and global climate change. In this course, Andrea Hamre, a transportation researcher at MSU, will introduce key concepts in transportation policy and planning (e.g., mobility and accessibility), review some transportation history, offer international comparisons, and examine the latest trends. There will be particular attention to transportation issues in Montana.

Switching from Cattle to Bison: Climate Change Adaptation Infused with Indigenous Knowledge – Fall 2021
This course examines the rationale for considering a switch from cattle to bison in the Northern Great Plains. Climate projections, food quality and conservation goals suggest bison are the ideal agricultural species for the NGP. The course will explore the relationship between ecosystem health and human health incorporating knowledge of indigenous peoples. An introductory lecture will be followed by two 2-hour field trips, visiting two different ranches raising bison. OLLI members drive themselves, bring portable chairs, water, sunscreen, hats and jackets. Walking will be on uneven ground.

Bugs on the Menu at MSU – October 2021
Insects are edible and sustain one-fourth of the global population in rural and urban areas across socio-economic levels. As a dense source of complete protein and other essential nutrients, insects likely were the food that helped grow the big brain of the early hominids who developed into humans. Now insects emerge on our plate as a food ingredient that can help in our efforts to protect diminishing supplies of clean water and available land. Bugs are very low in greenhouse gas production and as a food engine, they are twelve times more efficient than beef in turning food into meat. Come and learn about how MSU is the leading university in literally putting "bugs on the menu": We are the first US Land-Grant university to put food insect entrees, appetizers, and desserts on the daily catering menu. Learn about the research on edible insects at MSU and come to have a taste of the sustainable future.

Water in the Gallatin Valley — Fall 2021
In 2013, the City of Bozeman adopted the Integrated Water Resources Plan to outline a 50-year plan to supply water to the community. There is a finite supply of water. Bozeman is located in a closed basin with respect to water rights, and existing water supplies are susceptible to the impacts of drought and climate change. This program will highlight the challenges and strategies of providing a reliable water supply to Bozeman.

Montana’s Ordinary and Extraordinary Fishes— Fall 2021
This program by Tom McMahon, professor in the Department of Ecology at MSU, will highlight the identification, ecology, conservation and little-known facts about both Montana's well-known and lesser-known fish species.

Soils, Slopes, and Streams 1: Content Knowledge — Fall 2021
This course is the first of a three-part series of courses designed to increase knowledge about Earth surface processes for both traditional K-12 teachers and alternative educators. It is focused on soils, streams and slopes and the processes that impact human lives. In this course, knowledge about the curriculum content will be increased through a series of lectures and quizzes. This course is open-access; it is available to all at no cost. Participants can earn a digital badge and Montana Office of Public Instruction (OPI) credits by completing all three courses in the series.

Soils, Slopes, and Streams: Pedagogy — Fall 2021
This course is the second of a three-part series of courses designed to increase knowledge about Earth surface processes for both traditional K-12 teachers and alternative educators. It is focused on soils, streams and slopes and the processes that impact human lives. In this course, content will be integrated with pedagogy through coursework and reflections. Participants can earn a digital badge and Montana Office of Public Instruction (OPI) credits by completing all three courses in the series.

Soils, Slopes, and Streams: Workshop — Fall 2021
This course is the third of a three-part series of courses designed to increase knowledge and supports surrounding Earth surface processes for both traditional K-12 teachers and alternative educators. The course focuses on soils, slopes, and streams, and the processes that impact human lives. Course Three guides participants as they develop or adapt course-related teaching activities during synchronous, interactive class meetings. Participants can earn a digital badge and OPI credits by completing all three courses in the series.

Montana’s Remote Centennial Valley and Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge Recording: Summer 2020
Bill West will lead us on a virtual visit to Montana’s remote Centennial Valley. He will outline the valley’s history, including the establishment of Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge. We’ll learn about valley ranching, be introduced to the valley’s iconic fish and wildlife (including Arctic grayling, wolves, grizzly bears and trumpeter swans), and learn how ranchers and wildlife advocates work together to resolve conflicts.

Montana’s Sibanye-Stillwater Mine: An Overview of Best Mining Practices by a Global Palladium and Platinum Producer: Summer 2020
Geologist Paul Holick will outline the mining history of the Stillwater Complex in South Central Montana, including copper/nickel mining (1890s), chromite mining (WWII and the Korean War), and the current mining of palladium and platinum (1985 to present). Randy Weimer will address the mine's environmental and economic impacts on area communities and best modern mining practices, including Sibanye-Stillwater's internationally known Good Neighbor Agreement.

An Overview of Sustainable Management— Self Guided
Sustainable management is managing a firm so that it generates profits for its owners, protects the environment, and improves the lives of the people with whom it interacts. For businesses, sustainable management can help a company's long-run profitability and success.

Going Green— Self Guided
Our Going Green course will teach students simple, budget-friendly ways to live a more planet-friendly lifestyle. With step-by-step instruction, our students will access uncomplicated solutions to help them conserve, reduce, reuse and recycle to minimize impact on the planet.

Understanding and Addressing Research Fatigue in Rural Communities — Self Guided
This self-paced non-credit learning module is designed for those new to conducting research in communities impacted by energy development. You will learn about the concept of “research fatigue” and become more prepared for fieldwork by learning what to expect when you visit energy-impacted communities.

Certified Green Supply Chain Professional: Self Guided
Our green supply chain management course teaches students about green product standards and labeling, and how to develop sustainability supplier programs. Students also learn how to implement sustainable business practices and manufacturing strategies, and how to integrate these practices across the entire supply chain.

Certified Renewable Energy Specialist: Self Guided
This course covers solar energy in its various forms, such as photovoltaic, thermal and thermodynamic energy conversion, as well as issues associated with the connection of these solar plants to the grid. The course also addresses wind energy, including the challenges posed by this intermittent energy source.

Certified Sustainability Specialist: Self Guided
This Certified Sustainability Specialist course covers all aspects of the complex energy supply system, including considerations such as science, technology, the economy, politics, the environment, energetic independence and national security.