SHEBOYGAN, Wis. – People who are fascinated with nature and eager to share their knowledge and skills with others can enroll in an upcoming course to be certified as a Wisconsin Master Naturalist volunteer. The UW Extension is a major partner in this program with the Department of Natural Resources. The program is a statewide effort to promote awareness, understanding and stewardship of the state’s natural resources.
“The Department of Natural Resources parks program has helped train master naturalist volunteers since September 2013, and DNR representatives have served on the program’s advisory committee since 2009,” said DNR Secretary Cathy Stepp. “The training helps staff our summer programs with naturalists. This is a partnership we’re happy to help promote.”
A volunteer training course will be held at the Sanderling Nature Center, Kohler-Andrae State Park, beginning Saturday, May 9, 2015, and ending Saturday, June 20, 2015. The course fee is $250 and involves 40 hours of training in natural history, interpretation and conservation stewardship. Upon completion of training, the naturalist provides volunteer service in one of three areas: education/interpretation, stewardship or citizen science. Classes will run approximately seven hours each Saturday on May 9, 16 and 30. June classes are scheduled each Saturday on June 6 and 13 and conclude with a five – hour class on June 20. Both indoor and outdoor instruction plus at least two field trips are included in the training.
Visit the Wisconsin Master Naturalist Program website www.wimasternaturalist.org and click on the link for “show all” upcoming events for course registration. For additional information, please contact the WIMN state office at info@wimasternaturalist.org. Registration for the Sheboygan course closes Friday, April 17, 2015.
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