River Bend Nature Center

Training Dates

August 11 - October 20, 2025

Location

River Bend Nature Center

3600 N Green Bay Rd

Racine, WI 53404

Directions

Instructors

Christa Trushinsky

Kayla Harbour

Description

River Bend Nature Center is delighted to host its first-ever Wisconsin Master Naturalist training! River Bend prides itself on its tradition of environmental education and stewardship efforts that support various plant communities and animal species in its lowland and upland forests, ponds, prairie, Root River riverine habitat, and marshes. Like a time capsule, this special 80 acres of land that sits just outside of Racine in southeastern Wisconsin, carries remnants and clues of human development and land use, illustrating the power of nature’s resilience. Additionally, the water features and geologic history of the land are prime examples of how water can be transformative, shaping an environment and dictating the types of species able to survive there. These themes will be central to our exploration of the interconnectedness of water, plant and animal communities, ecology, geology, weather and climate, and how the land’s natural history is interpreted through time.

Our training will be largely hands-on, primarily utilizing the habitats at River Bend as outdoor learning labs. Activities, guest speakers, citizen science and interpretive opportunities, as well as off-site field experiences will complement the indoor learning sessions. Although there are some optional sessions in our schedule, we encourage attendance to get the most out of the Master Naturalist experience.

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, August 11th: 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Monday, August 18th: 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Saturday, August 23rd: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Monday, August 25th: 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Monday, September 8th: 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Saturday, September 13th: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Monday, September 15th: 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Saturday, September 20th: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

* optional

Monday, September 22nd: 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Saturday, September 27th: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Monday, September 29th: 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm

* optional

Saturday, October 4th: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

* optional

Monday, October 6th: 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Saturday, October 11th: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Monday, October 13th: 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Monday, October 20th: 5:30 pm - 8:30 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.

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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 deadline

August 4, 2025

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