Nebraska Master Naturalist announces 2017 training events

The Nebraska Master Naturalist program has announced its 2017 training schedule.
The Nebraska Master Naturalist program has announced its 2017 training schedule.

The Nebraska Master Naturalist program, which provides volunteers with hands-on experiences in Nebraska’s natural resources, has announced four 2017 training sessions for the adult conservation education program.

Two training session types are offered. Complete training provides 60 hours of classroom content and field activities during a weeklong session. Those who complete the course achieve Master Naturalist status. Core 24 training provides 24 hours of foundational classroom content and field activities that allow participants to achieve Master Naturalist In-Training status. Participants have until Jan. 1 of the following year to complete 36 hours of continuing education to earn their certification.

Training sessions are planned for:

  • April 21-22, 28 to 29 at Aksarben Aquarium at Schramm Park, Gretna. Core 24 training at a cost of $150.
  • June 4 to 10 at Natura Conservancy’s Niobrara Valley Preserve in the Valentine/Ainsworth area. Complete training at a cost of $300. Course is limited to 15 participants.
  • June 25 to July 1 at Cedar Point Biological Station. Complete training at a cost of $300. Course is limited to 15 participants.
  • Sept. 8 to 9 and 15 to 16 at Crane Trust Nature and Visitor Center in Alda. Core 24 training at a cost of $150.


Participants in the sessions explore Nebraska’s natural resource legacy alongside scientists, University of Nebraska faculty and natural resource professionals. They learn about habitat conservation, environmental education, conservation biology, ecology, outdoor skills and much more. For a complete description of course content, visit naturalist.unl.edu.

At Master Naturalists are required to complete 20 volunteer hours and eight continuing education hours per year to maintain their certification. Education opportunities are organized and presented by the Nebraska Master Naturalist Program, program partners and other organizations that support the program’s mission.

So far, Master Naturalists have contributed more than 42,000 hours of service valued at more than $1 million in areas such as interpretation and outreach, resource conservation and management, outdoor skills and recreation, and citizen science research.

To apply, visit naturalist.unl.edu. For more information, contact Program Coordinator Matt Jones at naturalist@unl.edu or 402-937-8601.

Natural Resources

More details at: http://snr.unl.edu