Sand Counties

Description

The Aldo Leopold Foundation and the Ho-Chunk Nation are partnering to present the inaugural Sand Counties Wisconsin Master Naturalist Training, a four-session program held on Fridays and Saturdays throughout 2026. Each seasonal session takes place in a unique location that reflects the region’s natural and cultural heritage:

• February 20–21: Sand Valley Golf Resort, Nekoosa (Town of Rome): Explore the legacy of Glacial Lake Wisconsin and the dynamic landscape shaped by shifting sands.
• May 22–23: Ho-Chunk Nation, Black River Falls: Learn from Indigenous leaders about the rights of nature and the Ho-Chunk Nation’s enduring relationship with the land.
• July 17–18: UW–Stevens Point, Stevens Point: Engage with one of the state’s leading centers for environmental education and research
• October 16–17: Aldo Leopold Center and The Shack, Baraboo: Experience the place where Leopold’s land ethic continues to guide conservation practice.

Guided by scientists, tribal leaders, conservationists, and educators, participants will study the region’s natural history—from its ancient glacial origins to its modern living ecosystems. This training offers more than scientific understanding—it invites you to deepen your connection to the natural world. We’ll consider how Leopold’s land ethic broadens our sense of community to include soils, waters, plants, and animals, reminding us that “when we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect.” We’ll also examine the Ho-Chunk Nation’s relationship with the land and a way of life that sustains a thriving Mąą (Earth) for all future generations.

Come discover the Wisconsin landscape Aldo Leopold called “Sand County” and define your own personal land ethic!

Outdoor experiences will include 2-3 mile hikes on uneven trails, sandy dunes, and rocky roads. Some trail sections will have significant inclines. For the winter session, dress warmly for up to 3 hours outdoors each day. For the remaining sessions, bring a water bottle and insect repellent.

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.

Class Size

16

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.