Ever thought about becoming a PA Master Naturalist?  Training courses are now forming in Armstrong, Centre, Chester (southern), Delaware, Lehigh, Montgomery, and Westmoreland Counties counties this fall.

The deadline for application is June 1.  Early Bird Discounts for applications by May 1.

A Pennsylvania Master Naturalist is an individual with a passion for the natural world who participates in an intensive training program and uses his or her knowledge by giving back to the community through volunteer service.

This year-round program has three components: an initial volunteer training course, volunteer service hours, and advanced training classes--

-- Natural Science Training: All Master Naturalists will receive in depth training in natural history, natural sciences, biodiversity, and nature interpretation. Read more here.

-- Service Hours: Service hours give Master Naturalists an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills they have learned during the training.

-- Advanced Courses (elective hours): Continuing education is an important part of a naturalist’s life, therefore, we require a certain number of credit hours each year on specialized topics.

Pennsylvania Master Naturalist training is a lifelong journey measured with annual training and volunteer service requirements

Adults interested in deepening their knowledge of and connection to the natural world and the local conservation community through natural science education and volunteer service may like to become a PA Master Naturalist.

Since 2010, PA Master Naturalist volunteers have--

-- 609 volunteers trained

-- 61,000 hours of service provided

-- $1.4 million value of volunteer service

-- 1,160 miles of waterways improved

-- 5,500 acres restored or conserved

-- 104,000 people reached by education, other programs

Click Here to learn how to apply.

Funding for this program is provided by the Foundation for PA Watersheds, DEP, DCNR, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, National Science Foundation and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

To learn more, visit the PA Master Naturalist website.  Click Here to sign up for their email list.

Other Similar Volunteer Programs:

-- Penn State Extension: PA Master Watershed Steward

-- Penn State Extension: PA Master Well Owner

-- Penn State Extension: PA Master Gardener

-- Penn State Forest Steward Program

-- Community Tree Tender

Related Article:

-- Pennsylvania Master Naturalist Program Trained 609 Volunteers, Improved 1,160 Miles Of Streams, Reached 104,000 People Over 10 Years

[Posted: March 22, 2021]

3/29/2021