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 trips 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. Climate change impacts and remediation, 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 has both indoor and outdoor time, some sitting, standing, and walking, some lecture, and several 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.

Waukesha County Parks and Friends of Retzer Nature Center are hosting a week-long Master Naturalist Volunteer Training at Retzer Nature Center, a 480-acre County Park located in the heart of Waukesha County. Join us from July 15-20, 2024, for an exploration of the prairies, forests, waters, wildlife, and geology of Southeast Wisconsin. The training will include limited classroom time at Retzer Nature Center and local field experiences incorporated into each day throughout Waukesha County (i.e. Lapham Peak, Fox River Park, Pewaukee Lake, just to name a few).

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.

Hunt Hill Nature Center is situated on nearly 600 acres of mixed forest and four lakes. We have a large lecture hall as well as a library for indoor classes while outdoor teaching areas abound. We have some of the most beautiful and unique habitats found in Wisconsin: fens/bogs, four lakes, a meadow, restored native prairie and seven miles of hiking trails. We will do several 2-3 mile hikes on uneven terrain. Our knowledgeable and dynamic faculty have authored dozens of books and will leave you with the sentiment that this was one of the best weeks you’ve ever had.

Hunt Hill is a residential camp with a kitchen staff. We encourage participants to stay on site during the training as the community that develops is integral to our learning experience. We also have optional morning yoga as well as a couple evening concerts. We offer meal and lodging options at a reasonable cost payable to Hunt Hill. For those who may be interested, contact the Hunt Hill Program Coordinator, Sage Dunham, at contract@hunthill.org or call (715)635-6543 for more information.

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.

St. Croix County, Carpenter Nature Center, and The Friends of Willow River & Kinnickinnic State Parks are partnering to offer the Wisconsin Master Naturalist training. We will meet one Saturday a month, March-August, at various locations throughout the St. Croix Valley. The training will include some classroom time but will focus mostly on local and regional field experiences to exceptional sites for learning in our topic areas (geology, ecology, plant communities, wildlife, interpretation, water, and human impacts). Many regional experts will be sharing their knowledge, research, tips, and inspiration with us as they lead or present parts of the training.

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.

Schlitz Audubon Nature Center will be hosting its sixth Wisconsin Master Naturalist training. The training will be held almost entirely outside for field experiences at Schlitz Audubon’s 185 acres. We will explore the property’s diverse habitats including wetlands, forests, restored prairies, and the shoreline of Lake Michigan. Participants will meet birds from our Raptor Program and learn from our skilled naturalists about community science, nature education, conservation, and more. Our Saturday field experiences will occur at Garrison’s Glen (near Grafton) and Cedarburg Bog State Natural Area (Saukville). Participants are responsible for their own transportation or coordinating ride shares to field locations.

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.

Upham Woods Outdoor Learning Center located near the Wisconsin Dells will become a river classroom as participants become certified Master Naturalists. Upham Woods is located on 318 acres of forested land, including a 210-acre state natural area called Blackhawk Island. Explore all of the special features of this site from old-growth oak forests to unique geology to historical sites. A wealth of guest experts will explore Master Naturalist topics through three complementary focal points: learning through place-based experiential education, a focus on land stewardship by developing our personal conservation ethics, and opportunities to give service in diverse areas including youth education, conservation work, and outdoor recreation. Accessibility is at the forefront of what we do so all activities will be designed with your access needs in mind. Activities include canoeing or riding in a pontoon boat along sandstone cliffs, investigating macroinvertebrates living in the river, and connecting with active research projects including tick studies and deer exclosures.

Food and overnight accommodations can be provided by Upham Woods for an additional cost. You will receive information about these options in a separate email after you register.

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.

The Kickapoo Valley Reserve (KVR) in the Driftless Area of Southwest Wisconsin provides a unique outdoor classroom to those seeking to become a Wisconsin Master Naturalist. Over 7 weeks in August and September, participants will explore and learn in the 8600 acres of KVR with its’ unique geology, river, prairies, and woodlands. Experts will serve as guest instructors to inspire lifelong learning and volunteer service in outdoor education, stewardship and restoration, and citizen science programs. Participants will hike a variety of trails (some on uneven ground, might be steep at times), canoe/kayak the Kickapoo River, explore wetland habitat and dynamics, and learn about the natural and cultural resources that make the Kickapoo Valley Reserve a special place in Wisconsin.

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.

Trees For Tomorrow (TFT), a non-profit environmental education center in Eagle River, will be hosting a Wisconsin Master Naturalist training. Join TFT staff and regional experts in a week-long exploration of the waters, forests, wildlife, and geology that make the Northwoods so special. Our field experiences allow opportunities to explore county, state, or national forest lands as well as the beautiful lakes, rivers, and wetlands of the Northwoods. Please note that this training visits several field locations that will require a moderate amount of hiking on and off trail, sometimes on uneven terrain.

          Lodging: Lodging is available in one of our on-site dormitories for $40/night, made payable to Trees For Tomorrow. Please plan to bring your own towels and bedding.

          Meals: A continental style breakfast is available each morning at no extra cost for the participants. Lunch is available for the week (Sunday-Friday) for an additional fee of $70/person, made payable to TFT. Those not participating in the TFT lunch option will need to bring lunch each day. We do ask that participants commit to the entire week for the lunch option. You are responsible for your own dinner arrangements.

For more information, or to reserve lodging, meals, or discuss dietary needs, please contact Jenny Sadak at 715-479-6456 or jenny@treesfortomorrow.com.

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.

The North Lakeland Discovery Center, in beautiful Northern Wisconsin, will host a Wisconsin Master Naturalist training in August. Programming will be held at the Discovery Center campus and outdoor classroom. Guest experts, from professors to Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources staff, will share a wealth of knowledge each day.

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.

The Door County Master Naturalist training will be a 40-hour series of class and field experiences that present a consistent, statewide perspective on Wisconsin’s natural resources, ecological processes, and conservation issues. Utilizing hiking trails to various Door County geologic formations and sensitive ecological areas, pond and river interactive activities, archaeological-type identification, and more, we will learn about our natural world and conservation with a Door County focus.

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.