
Heckrodt Wetland Reserve
Training Dates
September 15 - September 20, 2025
Instructors
Heather Weigelt
Andrea Bierbrauer
Maddie Jenks
Description
Heckrodt Wetland Reserve, located in Menasha, Wisconsin, will host its first ever Wisconsin Master Naturalist training September 15–20, 2025. Heckrodt Wetland Reserve is a 91-acre urban nature reserve with habitats including forested wetland, cattail marsh, open water, created prairie, open field, and upland forest. Persisting despite the urbanization that continues to grow around it, the Reserve is home to numerous species of reptiles, amphibians, and mammals. Migrating songbirds and waterfowl nest and feed in its protection. Through this training participants will experience and learn about the flora and fauna of the urban Fox Valley Region. This training will focus on our unique wetland habitat, urban wildlife, the geological history of our surrounding area, the water quality of our local waterways and how humans play a role in these ecosystems. The Reserve has various volunteer needs including citizen science, education, habitat and site maintenance. We hope you will join us as we connect to our local 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 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
Monday, September 15th: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Tuesday, September 16th: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Wednesday, September 17th: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Thursday, September 18th: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Friday, September 19th: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Saturday, September 20th: 8:30 am - 4:30 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.
- 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.