
Mead Wildlife Area
Training Dates
March 17 - March 22, 2025
Instructors
Sam De Roche
Craig Ziolkowski
Kelsie Pelzman
Description
College student spots still available. Apply using link in description.
Every day of the Master Naturalist training at the George W. Mead Wildlife Area will be a special one as we will go out daily while learning from distinguished experts in their fields. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to apply, in real-time, the learning objectives for each theme in a location rich with wildlife in a variety of habitats. Our training will require participants to be outside in the morning and afternoon, hiking trails and dikes that are uneven gravel and vegetation, mostly flat terrain. Morning coffee, tea and snacks will be provided. Lunch with beverages will also be provided thanks to the generous support of the Friends of the Mead McMillan Wildlife Areas.
Special offer for college students: The Friends of the Mead/McMillan Wildlife Area have offered to offset the $300 registration fee to allow 10 current college students to participate in the six day Master Naturalist Training for only $60! This generous support also includes lunches and break refreshments for all participants. Students are responsible for their own transportation and lodging. Students who are interested in this opportunity are asked to provide 40 hours of volunteer service with Friends of Mead Wildlife area within a year following the training. The Friends group will provide additional training necessary for this volunteer work. Students interested in this offer should apply before registering to receive the discount code. APPLY HERE.
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, March 17th: 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
Tuesday, March 18th: 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
Wednesday, March 19th: 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
Thursday, March 20th: 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
Friday, March 21st: 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
Saturday, March 22nd: 8:30 am - 4:00 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.