Stay in Touch with MDC news, newsletters, events, and manage your subscription
Xplor reconnects kids to nature and helps them find adventure in their own backyard. Free to residents of Missouri.
A monthly publication about conservation in Missouri. Started in 1938, the printed magazine is free to residents of Missouri.
CAMDENTON, Mo. — Do you love to get outdoors? Are you interested in discovering nature and learning how to help protect, preserve and restore Missouri’s natural heritage? The Lake of the Ozarks Chapter of the Missouri Master Naturalist program is offering a training class beginning Feb. 10. Classes will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. on Monday’s from Feb. 10 to May 5 at Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Camdenton office, 783 Thunder Mountain Road.
Individuals interested in learning more about the program should attend an orientation from 6 to 9 p.m. on Jan. 20 at the MDC Camdenton office. Participants are expected to attend all evening training sessions and three Saturday field trip sessions. Participants must register by Jan. 20 and the enrollment fee is $100.
“The intent of the Master Naturalists program is to better connect people to the environment and nature,” said MDC Volunteer & Interpretive Program Coordinator Syd Hime. “There are a lot of people with an interest in nature who are looking for opportunities to develop their skills as a naturalist. We provide that through a community-based natural resource education and volunteer program.”
Master Naturalists are given special training regarding nature in the region where chapters are based. Members help out at MDC public events, conduct education demonstrations, take field trips and hold social events tied to a shared love of nature.
To become a certified Master Naturalist, participants must complete an initial training course, eight hours of advanced training, and contribute 40 hours of natural resource-related volunteer service through a local chapter.
The Master Naturalist program is a partnership between the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), University of Missouri Extension and the volunteers who serve in the program.
For more information contact Jackie Rasmussen, Missouri University Extension, 573-346-2644, or rasmussenj@missouri.edu, or Jodi Moulder, Missouri Department of Conservation, 573-346-2210 ext. 233, or Jodi.moulder@mdc.mo.gov; or go to lakeozarkmasternaturalist.com.
