MASTER NATURALISTS

Northwest Arkansas Master Naturalists are seeking new members, beginning Feb. 6.

The Master Naturalist program is designed for adults of all ages who are curious about the natural world and wish to conserve, preserve or restore our natural environment.

Classes take place on 12 Saturdays until the May 21 graduation. Though students must only attend 40 hours of training to graduate, more than 90 hours of expert instruction and field studies are offered.

Training encompasses techniques for observation and identification of plants, insects, birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and non-living ecosystem features such as rock formations, astronomy and stream and lake ecology.

Arkansas Master Naturalists may choose to perform at least 40 hours of volunteer service and eight hours of advanced training per year to become and re- main certified.

Volunteer activities are wide and variable such as: planting and maintaining rain gardens, clearing and maintaining trails, clearing invasives and planting native species, water quality testing, helping with educational programs, building and maintaining wildlife habitat projects, leading and interpreting nature hikes.

To apply for membership, visit our webpage, click ‘How do I Join’, then scroll down to the Northwest Chapter to see the NWAMN schedule of classes and obtain an application for enrollment. A fee of $135, which covers materials and instruction, must accompany the completed application. Class size is limited; spaces are reserved on a first come, first-served basis.

For more information, visit our website at wordpress.arkansasmasternaturalists.org or email nwamnContact@mn4Arkansas.org.