series of steep rocky peaks with three people standing on the top of one in the foreground

Wilderness Institute

The mission of the The Wilderness Institute is to further the understanding of wilderness and wild lands stewardship through education, research and service.

Housed within the University of Montana's W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation, the Wilderness Institute provides students, agencies, and the general public with information, educational programs and resources, and technical tools to understand public lands conservation, land stewardship, protected areas management, and the social and ecological values of wilderness.

adalyn vergara

Meet our 2025 Meier Fellow: Adalyn Vergara

The Meier Graduate Fellowship supports graduate students pursuing wilderness-focused research or creative projects, thanks to a generous endowment from Joel and Patti Meier. PhD student Adalyn is exploring anglers’ perspectives in Montana’s wilderness fisheries—learn more about her work and the fellowship.
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40 Years of the Matthew Hansen Endowment for Wilderness Studies

Check out the new story map highlighting the history of the MHE!⁠ Student employees Daniel and Sydney have brought the MHE archive to life—showcasing decades of wilderness-inspired projects and a full list of awardees who’ve helped protect and explore wild places through creative scholarship.⁠
Students sitting on a rock writing reflections

Learn about the Wilderness and Civilization program

Offered every fall, this interdisciplinary, experiential academic semester is grounded in field-based learning and interactive classroom courses. It is the only program in Montana where students earn a Wilderness Studies minor.