Master Naturalists looking through binoculars during bird hike

Photo Credit © Beaver Creek Reserve

Beaver Creek Reserve

This training has passed

Training Dates

August 1 - August 6, 2021

Location

Beaver Creek Reserve

S1 County Rd K

Fall Creek, WI 54742

Directions

Instructors

Megan Giefer

Kristen Giefer

Description

Beaver Creek Reserve, located just outside of Eau Claire in Fall Creek, WI, is partnering with Wisconsin Master Naturalist program to offer another great Master Naturalist training. Beaver Creek Reserve has over 400 acres of land, which allows individuals to explore diverse ecosystems that are home to many native plant and animal species. Our expert staff and guest speakers will share their knowledge of environmental topics both inside and outside the classroom. Topics include geologic history, aquatics, vegetation and wildlife, astronomy, as well as human impact on the environment. Our course focuses on the natural landscape and all that it encompasses in the Chippewa Valley! This training will help you gain valuable knowledge and skills to grow as a leader within your community. Join Beaver Creek Reserve in supporting our mission by connecting people of all ages with nature!

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 coursework in natural history, interpretation, and conservation stewardship. Trainings combine classroom instruction with field experiences and are taught by professional natural resources educators and scientists. Due to COVID-19, we anticipate the training to be held mostly in outdoor settings. Once trained, Wisconsin Master Naturalists provide 40 hours of service and take 8 hours of advanced training each year to maintain their certification and receive a recognition pin.

Schedule

Sunday, August 1st: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

* optional butterfly fest from 12-4 p.m.

Monday, August 2nd: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Tuesday, August 3rd: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm

Wednesday, August 4th: 8:00 am - 5:30 pm

Thursday, August 5th: 10:30 am - 10:30 pm

* 10:30-4 p.m. with optional astronomy session 8:30-10:30 p.m. (subject to weather)

Friday, August 6th: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm

Class Size

20

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.
  • Participate in field trips, even in inclement weather.
  • Travel in personal vehicles as necessary to reach field trip locations.
  • Experience moderate activity on uneven terrain. Please consult with the program office info@wimasternaturalist.org before registering if you have you have questions about accessibility.
  • Complete a capstone project during the training.

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.

COVID Considerations

Keeping the health of everyone in our community in mind, we’re approaching our programming with intentional steps. These steps follow CDC, Wisconsin Department of Health Services, and UW–Madison guidance. These requirements are in place to limit the spread of COVID-19.


During our upcoming training:

  • We will concentrate our learning outdoors, as much as possible.
  • Individuals who are not vaccinated should wear a face covering.
  • Proof of vaccination is not required for participation.
  • All individuals are welcome to continue protected practices, such as face coverings and distancing, regardless of vaccination status.

Host sites and field locations may have more stringent requirements. Please follow the guidance that they provide at that time. We recommend bringing a face covering with you each day to be prepared for those situations. Participants should stay at home if they feel ill, show signs of COVID-19, or have been in contact with someone diagnosed with COVID19.


As we continue to move forward, we expect the guidance from the CDC, Wisconsin Department of Health Services, and UW–Madison to evolve and therefore these COVID considerations for Master Naturalist Trainings may change.

This training has passed