Nebraska Master Naturalist Comes To The Panhandle

A master naturalist volunteer shows off local animal life.
A master naturalist volunteer shows off local animal life.

Nebraska Master Naturalist is thrilled to announce its newest training location at Fort Robinson State Park, August 10-16.

The Nebraska Master Naturalist Program is an adult education program focused on providing adult volunteers with hands-on experiences in Nebraska’s natural resources. Participants spend the week in an outdoor classroom with Nebraska’s finest educators, learning both in the classroom and in the field about topics including Nebraska's ecosystems, plants, animals, nature interpretation, conservation, and much more.

“We are so excited that our program has grown to include the western part of the state. There are so many new experiences to be had, and great new people to meet!” says Annabel Lee Major, Program Coordinator for the Nebraska Master Naturalist Program.

Those who become a Certified Nebraska Master Naturalist join a dedicated network of conservation volunteers, experience exciting educational and volunteer opportunities with Nebraska conservation organizations, and share their passion for the great outdoors with others.

“The Master Naturalist program changed my life. The program opened the door to exciting opportunities and gave me a new appreciation for what I love!” said Tom Bouse, Certified Master Naturalist.

Tom, along with 158 Certified Master Naturalists, volunteers in nature with the programs he loves and has been actively involved since his graduation in June of 2012.

Since 2010, Master Naturalists have reached out to more than 300,000 Nebraskans, contributing 13,600 of hours of service in specialized areas such as Interpretation and Outreach, Resource Conservation and Management, Outdoor Skills and Recreation, and Citizen Science Research. Their contribution equates to a conservation value of nearly $300,000.

Besides the August 10—August 16 training at Fort Robinson near Chadron, Nebraska Master Naturalist will host a training program September 8—September 14 at the Niobrara Valley Preserve near Ainsworth.

Registration is $250, and discounts may be available. Room and board is available, so please inquire.

Apply online at http://NATURALIST.unl.edu. Contact Matt at 308-382-1820 or MasterNaturalistTrainings@gmail.com to reserve your space.

More details at: http://go.unl.edu/pdh