2024 Master Naturalist trainees absorb some wisdom from DNR ecologist and program coordinator Paula Becker at their first class. Photo by Sarah Witcher
Trainees learn activities to help teach others, like this game called “Oh Deer” from Project WILD. Photo by Edwin Guevara.
Here at the Natural Heritage Program (NHP), winter isn’t just about tiger salamanders and gearing up for warm weather rare species surveys. This year (and every even year) we are hosting our very own class of Maryland Master Naturalist trainees in our Annapolis headquarters! Our education team has been hard at work as we welcome 20 participants in the statewide program, run by the University of Maryland Extension. Similar to the Master Gardener program, trainees attend 60 hours of in-depth classroom instruction and field experience with experts, complete a final exam and project, and volunteer their time each year to earn the title “Master Naturalist.”
So, what IS a Master Naturalist?
Maryland Master Naturalists are interested, ecologically aware people who have successfully completed a fun but rigorous natural history training program, and who “pay it forward” with 40 hours of volunteer work annually. They participate in community science efforts, teach classes, lead field trips, and continue to learn and share their enthusiasm for Maryland’s natural areas and the life forms that occupy them.
Once they complete the program, this vital group supports us regularly with their valuable time, working on everything from grant applications, habitat restoration and other field work, to public outreach and staffing our table at the State Fair. We at NHP can’t wait to have more extraordinary naturalists to add to our fearless flock of volunteers.
Questions about our program? See the links above or reach out to Paula Becker at paula.becker@maryland.gov.
