Do you enjoy learning about the natural world? If so, consider becoming a Minnesota Master Naturalist volunteer!
Carleton College and the Cannon River Watershed Partnership in Northfield are hosting a Minnesota Master Naturalist Volunteer Training beginning April 1 and running through May 15, 2013. Registration is now open and the class is expected to fill up quickly.
Master Naturalist Volunteers complete a 40-hour hands-on course with expert instructors and fellow learners- studying natural history, environmental interpretation, and conservation stewardship. Final certification comes with the completion of 40 hours of volunteer service. The program offers three courses that correspond to Minnesota’s three major ecosystems entitled: Big Woods, Big Rivers; Prairies and Potholes; and North Woods, Great Lakes.
This course will cover the natural and cultural history of the ‘Big Woods, Big Rivers’ region. We will provide an in-depth overview of the deciduous forest ecosystem and participants will observe and learn about the variety of plant and animal communities of the region. Through the course, participants will develop their ability to observe nature and will learn tools to improve these skills. In addition, participants will improve their communication skills by sharing knowledge with other participants and working on a team project.
The classes will be held every Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. from April 1 through May 15th at the Carleton College Arboretum. Two Saturday field trips will be on April 27th and May 11th. The cost for the course is $200, including materials.
Register online at www.MinnesotaMasterNaturalist.org, call 1.888.241.4532, or email info@minnesotamasternaturalist.org.
Minnesota Master Naturalist is sponsored by the University of Minnesota Extension Service and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Minnesota Master Naturalist is supported, in part, by grant ESI-0540358 from the National Science Foundation.
For more information, contact Nancy Braker, director of the Carleton College Cowling Arboretum, at (507) 222-4543 or by email at nbraker@carleton.edu.