Capital Springs State Recreation Area

Description

The Friends of Capital Springs Recreation Area and its partners will host a training April 7–30, Thursdays and Fridays 6–9pm, and Saturdays 9am–4pm. Headquartered at the Capital Springs Recreation Area and meeting at the Lussier Family Heritage Center in Madison, the training covers geology, water, plant communities, wildlife, ecology, climate and weather, natural history, human connections to the landscape, and ways Master Naturalists can use their talents in our community. The training includes some indoor instruction, but most learning is through in-person experiences, field trips, and interactions with guest speakers. You will practice stream monitoring with the Rock River Coalition, learn about glacial history by walking glacial footprints, take a scientist-led tour of Waubesa Wetlands, view migratory birds, learn about nature-based solutions to water challenges at Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District’s plant, and explore the UW-Madison Arboretum with field experts. Capital Springs’ diverse land communities and proximity to Madison make it an ideal outdoor classroom and convenient place to continue volunteering through opportunities offered by the Friends and its partners. Additionally, the course takes advantage of a portion of the park’s designation as the Lake Farms Archaeological District (listed on the National Register of Historic Places).

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.

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.
• Travel in personal vehicles as necessary to reach different learning sites throughout the training.
• 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.