a group of people sit at picnic tables with a lake in the background. A park ranger is standing and talking to the group.

Friends of Pheasant Branch Conservancy

REGISTRATION IS CLOSED

Training Dates

June 8 - June 22, 2025

Location

Kromrey Middle School

7009 Donna Drive

Middleton, WI 53562

Directions

Instructors

Colleen Robinson

Deb Weitzel

Tom Bernthal

Description

This training focuses on the Pheasant Branch Conservancy and watershed. Approaching the full curriculum through a lens of water, we explore the historic and current health of Madison lakes, nearby streams, and remediation efforts centered on prairies. At the Conservancy we consider groundwater, surface water, restoration management, education and outreach efforts, programming opportunities, plant, animal, and insect populations, policies, multiple use challenges, benefits, and partnerships. Field experiences to Black Earth Creek (BEC) and Devil’s Lake offer an experience and study of water quality and the distinct topography, soils, and geologic features associated with glaciated and non-glaciated areas. We discuss several invasive species, their unique ability to survive, and strategies and tips to slow the spread, including decontaminating equipment. Impacts and remediation of changing conditions, shifts in our understanding and relationship with nature, and learning about diverse ways that people experience natural spaces and accessibility are also addressed. Overall, this training packed full of indoor and outdoor time, some sitting, standing, and walking, some lecture, and opportunities for hands-on exploration of themes and presentation of concepts.

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

Sunday, June 8th: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Thursday, June 12th: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Friday, June 13th: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Saturday, June 14th: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Friday, June 20th: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Sunday, June 22nd: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Class Size

15

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.

^

Registration fee

$300

Registration fee includes all training materials and a year-long membership with the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin. Food and lodging not included unless otherwise stated.

*Reduced fee information below.

Registration is closed.

Cancellation Policy:

Any cancellations made before 30 days prior to the start of the training are subject to a $25 administrative fee. Cancellations made between 29-8 days prior to the training are subject to a $50 administrative fee. No refunds will be given after 7 days prior to the start date.

If we cancel one day of the training, that date will be rescheduled. If the complete training is cancelled by us, your registration fee will be refunded.

Questions?

info@wimasternaturalist.org

(608) 262-0020

REGISTRATION IS CLOSED