Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Master naturalists enrollment open
Students learn in field, classroom in training classes
Northwest Arkansas master naturalists are accepting applications for the 2017 training classes.
The classes fill quickly. Most classes have been held in Benton County. This year, a second series of classes will be offered in Washington County. The Benton County class will start Jan. 21. The first Washington County class is Jan. 28. Classes will be held on Saturdays through April.
Area experts provide many hours of combined classroom and field instruction on various ecological and environmental topics. Training can include techniques for observation and identification of trees, plants, insects, birds, mammals, fungi, reptiles, amphibians, fish and nonliving ecosystems, such as rock formations, astronomy and stream and lake ecology.
Participants must attend 40 or more hours of training for graduation, earning the title of master naturalist. Cost is $135, which includes training and materials.
Participants must complete 40 hours of volunteer time annually and pay annual club dues of $30 to be a certified master naturalist. Eight hours of advanced education are required every year to maintain certification after the first year.
Volunteer activities include planting and maintaining rain gardens, clearing and maintaining trails, clearing invasive plants and planting native species, water quality testing, helping with educational programs, building and maintaining wildlife habitat projects and leading nature hikes.
To apply for membership, visit: wordpress. Arkansas MasterNaturalists.org, click on ‘How do I Join’, scroll down to NWAMN, and click on application for enrollment. Complete and mail with payment.
For further information, email nwamnContact@ mn4Arkansas.org.