The Missouri Department of Conservation has announced two training sessions for people interested in becoming part of the Missouri Master Naturalist Program, which works to sustain healthy forests, fish and wildlife.
The program for adults develops a corps of what MDC officials called “well-informed volunteers to provide outreach, education, and service dedicated to natural resources conservation within their local communities.”
New volunteer training classes for naturalists will be in Camdenton and Columbia this spring.
To join either of these classes, participants must attend a free orientation on the dates listed below. Following the orientation, each participant will need to register for the full training course and pay an enrollment fee of $110.
Participants must be at least 18 years old to register. Class sizes are limited and early registration is encouraged.
The Lake Ozarks Chapter’s orientation is scheduled from 6-8 p.m. Jan. 21 at the MDC Office at 783 Thunder Mountain Road in Camdenton. The classes will be from 6-9 p.m. Tuesdays with three Saturday field sessions from Feb. 25 through May 19. To register for this orientation, call 573-346-2210. The class enrollment deadline is Jan. 21.
The Boone’s Lick Chapter’s orientation is scheduled from 6:30-8 p.m. Feb. 5 at the MU Extension Office at 1012 N. Route UU in Columbia. Classes will be from 6-9 p.m. Wednesdays, with four Saturday field sessions from March 4 through May 13. To register for this orientation, call 573-445-9792. The class enrollment deadline is Feb. 11.
The Missouri Master Naturalist program mixes science with service, engaging Missourians in stewardship of the state’s natural resources through science-based education and volunteer community service. The program is provided through a partnership between MDC and the University of Missouri Extension.
“The intent of the Master Naturalist program is to better connect people to the environment and to nature,” MDC Volunteer and Interpretive Coordinator Syd Hime said in a news release. “There are a lot of people with an interest in nature who are looking for opportunities to develop their skills as naturalists and use those skills in volunteer service. We provide that through a community-based natural resource volunteer and education program.”
Master Naturalists receive specialized training regarding nature in the region where chapters are based. Members help MDC and conservation partners through citizen science, educational programs and stewardship projects.
To become a certified Master Naturalist, participants must complete an initial training course and eight hours of advanced training. They must also contribute 40 hours of natural resource-related volunteer service through a local chapter.
For more information about the program, visit extension.missouri.edu/masternaturalist.