Friends of Urban Nature

Description

Friends of Urban Nature (FUN), a coalition of Madison Parks, Friends groups, and Nature groups, is happy to offer its fourth annual Summer Wisconsin Master Naturalist Volunteer Training course. Held on a series of Saturdays in July and August, this course offers a special focus on learning about Nature Recreation, Nature Education, Nature Restoration, Natural Health, and Connecting Communities and Kids with Nature.

FIELD TRIPS

Each Saturday session has a mix of indoor and outdoor education featuring morning and afternoon Field Trips.  Naturalists and Topic Experts will help you discover and interpret the history, geology, human impacts, ecology, birds and wildlife of nearby Urban Natural Areas including Warner Park, Cherokee Marsh, UW Arboretum, and the Lakeshore Nature Preserve.

TOPICS

Wisconsin’s historic prairies, oak openings, lakes, rivers, and streams, and the native birds, wildlife and natural ecosystems they support, and related topic chapters from the Master Naturalist Class instruction manual, will be woven into all of our studies. Participants will also meet representatives of DNR, Parks, Friends and Nature groups to learn about many opportunities for Master Naturalists to engage as volunteers, participate in Citizen Science, help provide leadership for activities, job opportunities, and community involvement.

WHO SHOULD TAKE THIS CLASS

People of all skill levels and backgrounds are invited to attend!  This course is conducted ‘in the round’ encouraging participation and sharing of ideas and experiences.  It can be taken for personal enrichment or career enhancement and you are welcome to attend even if you cannot complete all 6 Saturdays.  The course includes an individual Capstone project for each student, and UW students can talk to their instructor about the opportunity to take this course as an independent study for credit.  Those who complete all 6 Saturdays (or equivalent make-up activities approved by instructors) and 40 hours of follow-up volunteer activity become Certified Wisconsin Master Naturalists.

The Wisconsin Master Naturalist Program is a network of well-informed citizens dedicated to conservation education and service within Wisconsin communities.  The Master Naturalist Volunteer Training Course 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.  Once trained, Wisconsin Master Naturalist Volunteers provide 40 hours of service and take 8 hours of advanced training each year to maintain their 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.
• 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 course.