Master Naturalists looking through binoculars during bird hike

Photo Credit © Beaver Creek Reserve

Beaver Creek Reserve

This training has passed

Training Dates

July 30 - August 4, 2023

Location

Beaver Creek Reserve

S1 County Rd K

Fall Creek, WI 54742

Directions

Instructors

Megan Giefer

Kristen Giefer

Description

Beaver Creek Reserve, near Eau Claire in Fall Creek, WI, is partnering with the Wisconsin Master Naturalist program to offer another great training beginning Sunday, July 30 and ending Friday, August 4. Beaver Creek Reserve has over 400 acres of land, which allows individuals to explore diverse ecosystems 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 training focuses on the natural landscape and all that it encompasses in the Chippewa Valley! Activities include team building, hiking on paved and rugged terrain, and standing and sitting for long periods of time. Presentations will be led by professional educators and scientists from the local area.

For the most immersive experience, we encourage participants to stay on site during the training. We will offer lodging options at a reasonable cost payable to Beaver Creek Reserve. For more information or to reserve lodging, contact Megan Giefer at megan@beavercreekreserve.org or call (715) 877-2212 x111 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 30th: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm

Monday, July 31st: 7:00 am - 2:30 pm

Tuesday, August 1st: 9:30 am - 4:00 pm

Wednesday, August 2nd: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm

Thursday, August 3rd: 8:30 am - 4:00 pm

Friday, August 4th: 8:30 am - 4:00 pm

* There will be two evening programs decided the week of the training based on weather. All times are subject to change — an exact schedule will be shared 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. 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.

This training has passed