DLAMN graduates eight naturalists in training
The Diamond Lakes chapter of Arkansas Master Naturalists graduated eight naturalists in training on June 3 at a cookout and graduation ceremony held at Entergy Park.
Naturalists In training must complete 40 hours of training that includes both classroom and field identification hikes on various subjects.
The new Arkansas master naturalists are Melinda Burnette, Tina Chastain, Dawn Groover, Anne Greenwood, Carson Miller, Nitalynn Sigman and Jody Sprague.
“Those wanting to learn about the natural world and participate in volunteer projects that contribute to conservation in Arkansas will be glad to know that the Diamond Lakes Arkansas Master Naturalist (DLAMN) chapter is recruiting new members to participate in Naturalist in Training courses scheduled throughout the year,” a news release said.
Classroom and field sessions are currently scheduled by Bob Pierce, education coordinator, and members of the Education Committee.
“Classes will be led by expert naturalists and professionals in their fields that will cover topics from trees to birds to geology to stream ecology. Attending these outstanding classes is the first step to becoming an Arkansas Master Naturalist,” the release said.
Arkansas master naturalists “have access to a wide range of volunteer activities that teach about the beautiful flora and fauna of our natural state, and present the opportunity to spend time outdoors with a purpose that will benefit nature. DLAMN Chapter members are active in several projects that include helping to build and maintain trails on U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and National Park lands, helping to maintain natural areas in partnership with the Arkansas National Heritage Commission, volunteering as interpreters for nature programs at city, state and federal facilities, conducting animal and plant surveys and helping to eradicate nonnative, invasive plants in natural areas,” the release said.
The DLAMN chapter has also adopted the Butterfly Garden located on the Hot Springs Creek Greenway Trail. The Butterfly Garden location is where the Monarch Butterfly Release will take place this fall. “This popular event is a joint project of the Hot Springs Parks and Trail Division and Diamond Lakes Arkansas Master Naturalist,” the release said.
The Arkansas Master Naturalist organization currently has six chapters in the state. The Diamond Lakes Chapter covers the Hot Springs, Hot Springs Village, Malvern, Arkadelphia, Mount Ida and Glenwood areas.
For information on how to join the Diamond Lakes Arkansas Master Naturalist Chapter, visit the statewide website at http://www. arkansasmasternaturalists.org or email Dan Smith at dpsmith.hs@ gmail.com.