DLAMN holds graduation brunch for 15 new naturalists
The Diamond Lakes Chapter of the Arkansas Master Naturalists graduated 15 Naturalists In Training on Saturday, Jan. 14, at a brunch and graduation ceremony held at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Ouachita Project building.
Naturalists In Training must complete 40 hours of training that includes both classroom and field identification hikes on various subjects.
Those who completed the training and graduated as new Arkansas Master Naturalists are Steve Becker, Margo Bushmiaer, Kai Coggin, Share Daves, Mary Harrison, Gin Hartnett, Jennifer Kay, Jan Kerr, Belinda Mcada, Vicki Philipp, Randy Rowland, David Schou, Hilde Simmons and Anne Zipkes.
“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 being organized by Bob Pierce, education coordinator, and members of the Education Committee.
“The 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 presents the opportunity to spend time outdoors with a purpose that will benefit nature. DLAMN Chapter members are active in several projects that includes helping to build and maintain trails on U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Corps of Engineers and National Park lands, helping to
ing 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, where the Monarch Butterfly Release takes place in the spring and fall. The popular event is a joint project of the Hot Springs Parks and Trail Division and Diamond Lakes Arkansas Master Naturalists, according to the release.
The Arkansas Master Naturalist organization 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 arkansasmasternaturalists.org or email Dan Smith at dpsmith. hs@gmail.com.