Signup Deadline April 30

For the City-Times

Are you fascinated by nature? Do you enjoy sharing your knowledge with others? Consider becoming a Wisconsin Master Naturalist.

Wisconsin Master Naturalist Volunteer training will be held May 19-23 at Schmeeckle Reserve at UW-Stevens Point. The course includes training in natural history, interpretation and conservation stewardship. The course will be offered from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, with some evening activities.

The course will include several guest speakers, including Stanley Temple of the Aldo Leopold Foundation; Bob Freckmann, UW-Stevens Point Freckmann Herbarium; Eric Anderson, UW-Stevens Point Wildlife Department; Andrew Gokee, UW-Stevens Point Native American Center; and Ray Reser, UW-Stevens Point Natural History Museum.

Field trips will feature in-depth explorations of Schmeeckle Reserve, Powers Bluff County Park, Boston School Forest, and Mead Wildlife Area.

The course fee is $250. Lunch is included.

The Wisconsin Master Naturalist program, a statewide effort to promote awareness, understanding and stewardship of the state’s natural resources, is developing a corps of informed volunteers throughout the state. Once trained, a Wisconsin Master Naturalist provides volunteer service in one of three areas: education/interpretation, stewardship, or citizen science. To maintain certification, volunteers must complete 40 hours of service each year, in addition to eight hours of advanced training.

The Stevens Point course is sponsored by Schmeeckle Reserve, the Central Wisconsin Environmental Station, the Wisconsin Center for Environmental Education, and Boston School Forest.

For more information or to register for the course, visit www.wimasternaturalist.org. Registration ends April 30. If you are unable to register online, contact Martha Martin at 608-262-0020.