PETERSBURG — Pennsylvania Master Naturalist, a nonprofit organization, will train citizen volunteers in the natural sciences in partnership with ClearWater Conservancy.
The course will take place from Aug. 4 to Oct. 27 at Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center. Classes will meet weekly on Thursdays from 6 to 8:30 p.m. and for four Saturday field sessions on Aug. 13, Sept. 3 and 17, and Oct. 8. COVID safety protocols will be followed, and proof of vaccination will be required.
Adults from Centre and north Huntingdon counties who want to learn about nature, enjoy the outdoors and be a part of natural resource protection are perfect candidates to become Pennsylvania Master Naturalist volunteers.
The final deadline to apply is May 15, with an early-bird discount rate. Apply by May 1 to receive the early bird discount rate of $325. Scholarships are available. Space is limited, so interested individuals are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. More information can be found at pamasternaturalist.org.
Once accepted, trainees will attend a 50-hour course made up of weekly classroom instruction and Saturday field sessions. After the course, participants will take part in 30 hours of service and eight hours of continuing education to become certified. Master Naturalists must complete 20 hours of service and 12 hours of continuing education each year following to maintain status as a certified Master Naturalist volunteer.
Pennsylvania Master Naturalist is dedicated to training knowledgeable volunteers committed to protecting Pennsylvania’s natural heritage with partnering organizations. Volunteers perform service including habitat restoration, native planting projects, educational nature walks, and water quality monitoring. Volunteers have contributed over 70,000 hours of conservation service since 2010.
A full training schedule and application information can be found at pamasternaturalist.org/become_a_master_naturalist/ training-details.
For additional information or questions, contact Rachel Nelson, program coordinator, at [email protected].
