About 30 people of all ages stand in front of a covered bridge that features the Great Seal of the Ho-Chunk Nation

Ho-Chunk Nation

This training has passed

Training Dates

May 10 - November 8, 2023

Instructors

Tina Brown

Brandon Bleuer

Description

The Ho-Chunk Nation Department of Natural Resources is hosting a Master Naturalist Training in 2023! For one Wednesday of the month (May-September and also November), a mix of indoor/outdoor learning activities will take place across the Ho-Chunk Nation in Hinųkwaseja (La Crosse), Teejopeja (Madison), Tošanąskaeja (White Otter)/ MąąWakącąkeja (Badger), Kickapoo Valley Reserve and Nįoxawanįeja (Black River Falls). Subject matter experts will infuse indigenous technical knowledge into the presentations and overall experiences during each training. Key concepts important to the Ho-Chunk Nation and caring for Mother Earth include weather and climate, ecology, wildlife, water quality, foraging, prairie habitat restoration and geology of the driftless area, as well as Ho-Chunk traditional culture and human connection. The Ho-Chunk Nation land base expands over three states and 10 thousand plus acres of land, so the diversity of this training will be a unique experience. Master Naturalists will gain knowledge about volunteerism applicable to stewardship and citizen science projects on Ho-Chunk and Wisconsin lands. A van will be available each morning for transport from Black River Falls to each location, others can meet us there. This training will require participants to be prepared for outdoor activities such as walking, hiking, and varied weather conditions.

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

Wednesday, May 10th: 8:45 am - 4:45 pm

* Hinųkwaseja (La Crosse)

Wednesday, June 14th: 8:00 am - 4:45 pm

* Teejopeja (Madison)

Wednesday, July 12th: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

* Tošanąskaeja (White Otter)/ MąąWakącąkeja (Badger)

Wednesday, September 13th: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm

* Kickapoo Valley Reserve

Wednesday, November 8th: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm

* Nįoxawanįeja (Black River Falls)

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. 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