Volunteer service for the Missouri Master Naturalist program can take many forms from work on trails, land management, Chapter support or public outreach. In this photo, Chapter members are working on the Monarch Meadow at Bray Conservation Area.
Volunteer service for the Missouri Master Naturalist program can take many forms from work on trails, land management, Chapter support or public outreach. In this photo, Chapter members are working on the Monarch Meadow at Bray Conservation Area.
Protecting Missouri's natural resources is an ongoing and challenging task. The challenge is made easier when private citizen groups – as well as state agencies – can provide education, outreach information, and services. That's the idea behind the Missouri Master Naturalist Program.
The Meramec Hills Chapter of the Missouri Master Naturalists is offering their 11th initial training course beginning with an orientation from 6 p.m to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 3 at Rolla Technical Institute (RTI). After attending orientation, participants must register by Aug. 10 for the course. Class size is limited to 25 and previous training courses have reached capacity, so early registration is recommended. Classes will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday evenings from Aug. 31 – Nov. 9 at RTI. Four Saturday field sessions are included.
The statewide program is sponsored by the Missouri Department of Conservation and University of Missouri Extension. This community service group engages Missourians in the stewardship of our natural resources through science-based education and volunteer service.
One of 12 chapters, the Meramec Hills Chapter is based in Rolla, with members involved in volunteer projects throughout Dent, Phelps, Pulaski and neighboring counties. Members meet monthly in Rolla for an educational program and business meeting. Chapter membership begins with a 12-week initial training course taught by field scientists, professional naturalists and university professors. Certification as a Missouri Master Naturalist is then maintained with 40 hours of natural resource-related volunteer service and eight hours of advanced training each year. You must be 18 years or older to enroll. The class is limited to 25 participants and is first come, first served. The fee is $110 to cover materials you will take home throughout the course and a required state background check.
To register, please visit our chapter website at meramechills.org and complete the online registration. For more information, visit our Facebook page at MeramecHills or contact Sarah Havens, at 573-458-6260 or havenss@missouri.edu.
