
Photo Credit © Beaver Creek Reserve
Beaver Creek Reserve
CLASS IS FULL
Training Dates
July 27 - August 1, 2025
Hosts
Instructors
Megan Giefer-Schimmel
Kristen Giefer
Description
Beaver Creek Reserve, located near Eau Claire in Fall Creek, WI, is home to over 400 acres of land, which allows individuals to explore diverse ecosystems home to many native plant and animal species. During our Master Naturalist training, our expert staff and guest speakers will share their knowledge of environmental topics both inside and outside. Topics include plant and wildlife identification, aquatics, astronomy, and more! Our training focuses on the natural landscape in the Chippewa Valley, and includes hands-on team building exercises, daily 1-3 mile hikes on paved and rugged terrain, and standing and sitting for long periods of time.
For the most immersive experience, there are various optional programs offered outside the scheduled training period, such as observatory and telescope viewing, bat monitoring, and morning nature hikes. Though these are optional programs, we encourage attendance to get the most out of the Master Naturalist experience here at Beaver Creek Reserve. We also highly encourage participants to stay on-site during the training. This allows for easier accessibility to programs outside the scheduled training period, and continued relationship building with other Master Naturalist participants. Lodging is offered at a reasonable cost payable to Beaver Creek Reserve. For more information or to reserve lodging, contact Megan Giefer-Schimmel at megan@beavercreekreserve.org or call (715) 877-2212 for more information.
The Wisconsin Master Naturalist program is a network of well-informed volunteers dedicated to conservation service, leadership, and lifelong learning. The Master Naturalist training provides 40 hours of education in a variety of natural history topics and Master Naturalist service areas. Through expert-led trainings, Master Naturalists are equipped to address challenges facing the state by making positive impacts through stewardship, citizen science, and educational activities. Trainings have an emphasis on outdoor field experiences with some classroom instruction and are taught by professional natural resources educators and scientists. Once trained, Wisconsin Master Naturalists record 40 hours of service and 8 hours of advanced training each year to maintain certification and receive a recognition pin.
Schedule
Sunday, July 27th: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Monday, July 28th: 9:30 am - 4:00 pm
Tuesday, July 29th: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
Wednesday, July 30th: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Thursday, July 31st: 6:15 am - 4:00 pm
Friday, August 1st: 7:30 am - 3:00 pm
* * Specific activities and scheduled times may be adjusted due to weather forecasts. Additional optional opportunities such as bat monitoring, nature hikes, and telescope viewing will be offered on several days and will be shared with participants prior to the training.
Class Size
18
Participation
To be a certified Master Naturalist, you will be required to:
- Attend regularly. Only four hours of training may be missed.
- Be 18 years old or older.
- Travel in personal vehicles as necessary to reach different learning sites throughout the training, unless transportation is provided by the host.
- Complete a small training project.
** Master Naturalist Trainings are primarily outdoor learning experiences which may include extended periods of standing, hiking on both flat paths and off-trails with inclines, and a variety of weather conditions. Accommodation requests can be made during the registration process; please allow 30 days, when possible. If you have questions about the activity level of the training, please contact the program office info@wimasternaturalist.org prior to registering.
Financial Hardship
The Wisconsin Master Naturalist program believes that finances should not be a barrier to learning. Reduced registration fees are available for those who indicate the fee is a hardship. Reduced fees will be available during the registration process at a self-selected rate of either $200, $150, or $100. Our hope is that by participating in the Master Naturalist program you are able to give back your time to organizations that need your help. And if your financial situation changes in the future that you’ll consider a donation back to our program.
CLASS IS FULL