Institute for Journalism and Natural Resources

**Mission** We help journalists understand and report on the intersections between society and the environment. **Vision** We will be recognized as the leading provider of training, support, and field-based education for journalists whose reporting informs and inspires public discourse about society and the environment. **Core Values** - There is no substitute for experiential learning. - Public understanding of the intersections between society and the environment is essential. - Independent journalism is a critical pillar of democracy. - Valuing and supporting our employees is fundamental to IJNR’s success. - IJNR’s sole intent is the pursuit of better journalism. - Including a diversity of perspectives and historically marginalized voices is imperative to our mission. - The free exchange of ideas is critical to telling a story truthfully. - All operations will be conducted with integrity and courtesy. - IJNR editorial independence is critical to the integrity of our programs. **History** The Institute for Journalism & Natural Resources began as an experiment in 1995 in Missoula, Montana, initially conducting a two-week journey for journalists, intended to get them out of the newsroom and into the field to help them better understand and report on environment and natural resource issues across the state. IJNR repeated that program in 1996 and became a public 501(c)3 in 1997 under the leadership of Frank Allen. IJNR has since expanded its geographic footprint across North America and added shorter in-person workshops, virtual workshops, and reporting grants to its program offerings.