Minnesota Master Naturalist Volunteer Classes

If you enjoy learning about the natural world you might consider becoming a Minnesota master naturalist volunteer. Classes will be offered the week of August 17th at the Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center, west of Spicer.

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 – Big Woods, Big Rivers, Prairies and Potholes, and Northwoods, Great Lakes.

The class will cover the natural and cultural history of the Prairies and Potholes region. An in-depth overview of the prairie ecosystem will be provided. Through the class, participants will develop their ability to observe nature and will learn tools to improve these skills.

Participants will also improve their communicaton skills by sharing knowledge with other participants and will work on a group project. The classes will be held Monday through Friday – August 17th through the 21st – from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The Minnesota Master Naturalist program is sponsored by the University of Minnesota Extension service. For more information, go to www.minnesotamasternaturalist.org/courses.