Master Naturalist Program
The Master Naturalist program began in Colorado in the 1970's. This monumental structure which encourages environmental stewardship through empowering citizens with nonprofit subsided education in ecological sciences.
Demeanors of science taught in Master Naturalist Program
These classes are broken down into all demeanors of science such as:
Biological Classification
Entomology (Study of insects)
Geology (earth's physical structure and substance, its history, and the processes that act on it.)
Ornithology (Study of Birds)
Mammalogy (Zoology focused on the Study of Mammals)
Herpetology (Zoology focused on the Study of reptiles and amphibians)
You learn about your local environment usually the county you live in. You will have each class curriculum developed by and taught by leading scientists in your area from nonprofits, business and the government highlighting the unique characteristics of the land as well as current problems which scientists are tasked with. Whether it be remediating or lessening the impact of these problems, this valuable program welcomes the community and the broad knowledge of cross occupational and life experiences as a exponential benefit as it relates to solving problems.
Ecological Stewardship Concepts taught in Master Naturalist Program
Learn about these Concepts related to Ecological Stewardship as you study with curriculum based on:
Biological Diversity
Aquatic and Plant Communities
Watersheds and Wetland Communities
Restoration & Stewardship
Urban Ecology Issues
Conservation Projects
Assessment & Evaluations
The Master Naturalist program, currently is available in 34 states, helps further environmental knowledge with the intent to encourage the protection of and remediation of natural habitats.
Master Naturalist Programs by State
For more information on applying for the Master Naturalist Program find the program in your state from the list below:
List of all land grant colleges by state and their Extension services and programs
Pennsylvania Master Naturalist Program - Example Curriculum
Cost:
The Entire cost varies from state to state but you can expect to pay around $300 - $450 for the entire class.
Note:
Background Check Required
Sample Curriculum
Class 1
8/9/22 (Tuesday) 6-8:30 p.m.
Introductions
PA Master Naturalist Program
Ecoregions of PA
Class 2
8/16/22 (Tuesday) 6-8:30 p.m.
PA Geology
Soils
Weather & Climate
Field Trip 1
8/20/22 (Saturday) 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Introduction to Field Geology
Class 3
8/23/22 (Tuesday) 6-8:30 p.m.
Introduction to Ecological Concepts
Communities and Biological Diversity
Introduction to Biological Classification and Naming
Class 4
8/30/22 (Tuesday) 6-8:30 p.m.
Water in the Landscape — Watersheds and Wetland Communities
Class 5
9/6/22 (Tuesday) 6-8:30 p.m.
Introduction to Plant Communities
Introduction to Capstone Projects
Field Trip 2
9/10/22 (Saturday) 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Aquatic and Plant Communities
Class 6
9/13/22 (Tuesday) 6-8:30 p.m.
Interpretation and Field Instruction
Class 7
9/20/22 (Tuesday) 6-8:30 p.m.
Introduction to Ornithology and Entomology
Class 8
9/27/22 (Tuesday) 6-8:30 p.m.
Introduction to Mammalogy and Herpetology
Field Trip 3
10/1/22 (Saturday) 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Field Ornithology, Mammalogy, Entomology and Herpetology
Class 9
10/4/22 (Tuesday) 6-8:30 p.m.
Ecological Restoration & Stewardship/Urban Ecology Issues
Class 10
10/11/22 (Tuesday) 6-8:30 p.m.
Citizen Science/Volunteer Opportunities
Field Trip 4
10/15/22 (Saturday) 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Restoration & Conservation Projects
Class 11
10/18/22 (Tuesday) 6-8:30 p.m.
Student Presentations
Class 12
10/25 (Tuesday) 6-8:30 p.m.
Being a PA Master Naturalist
Assessment & Evaluations (student presentations continued if more time needed)
Seal of the United States
How the Land Grant College structure enabled programs like the Master Naturalist program
The Land Grant Colleges Act of 1862 created colleges in each state to further agriculture based on the ecological, geographic, state policy differences which would inherently influence agricultural best management practices in each state and/or county. This structure lead to the development of citizen scientist programs that guide county based programs focused on educating the public enabling our citizens to help solve their local environment related problems through education, coordination, and collaboration in these academically lead research based programs with curriculum mindfully developed around localized government policy aimed at solving problems in your community.
Learn More about how Land Grant Colleges enable programs like Master Naturalist - Land Grant Colleges Act of 1862