Ecological Restoration Master Naturalist Training

Description

All 2020 Master Naturalist Volunteer Trainings are postponed due to COVID-19. The Master Naturalist Program continues to work with host organizations to develop a 2021 training calendar, along with new training guidelines and resources to promote healthy and engaging learning environments out in nature and in the classroom. Watch for 2021 locations and dates to be announced by December 1, 2020.

University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum and UW-Madison Lakeshore Nature Preserve will offer a Master Naturalist Volunteer training course October 2-4 and 9-11. This course is for volunteers who want to learn more about the art and science of ecological restoration, whether for your own learning or to prepare to volunteer doing environmental stewardship at a restoration site. In addition to the Master Naturalist curriculum, we will emphasize native Wisconsin plant identification, ecosystems of southern Wisconsin, and the practice of ecological restoration. We will learn from experienced restoration managers and naturalists, do hands-on learning, and visit various restoration sites in the surrounding area. University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum is the birthplace of ecological restoration and 1200 acres of various ecosystems in an urban oasis. Lakeshore Nature Preserve is a 300-acre natural area for teaching and research situated on 4.3 miles of shoreline on Lake Mendota on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus.

The Wisconsin Master Naturalist program is a network of well-informed volunteers dedicated to conservation service, leadership, and lifelong learning. The Master Naturalist Volunteer Training provides 40 hours of coursework in natural history, interpretation, and conservation stewardship. Trainings combine classroom instruction with field experiences and are taught by professional natural resources educators and scientists. Once trained, Wisconsin Master Naturalists provide 40 hours of service and take 8 hours of advanced training each year to maintain their certification and receive a recognition pin.

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.
• Participate in field trips, even in inclement weather.
• Travel in personal vehicles as necessary to reach field trip locations.
• Experience moderate activity on uneven terrain. Please consult with the program office info@wimasternaturalist.org before registering if you have you have questions about accessibility.
• Complete a capstone project during the course.