Love nature? Become a Master Naturalist with MDC

COLUMBIA, Mo.— Missouri Master Naturalists mix science with service. They engage Missourians in the stewardship of our state's natural resources through science-based education and volunteer community service. To get started as a volunteer, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), along with the University of Missouri (MU) Extension, will be holding Master Naturalist training sessions in Columbia and Camdenton.

MDC will offer the following Master Naturalist training in Columbia:

• The Columbia Boone's Lick Chapter will offer a training class beginning March 9. Classes will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. on Wednesdays from March 9 to May 18 at the MU Family Impact Center, 105 E. Ash St., Columbia. The training also includes four Saturday field sessions.
• Individuals interested in the training course need to attend an orientation from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 10, at the MU Family Impact Center.
• Participants must register by Feb. 17 and pay an enrollment fee of $95.

MDC will offer the following Master Naturalist training in Camdenton:

• The Lake of the Ozarks Chapter will offer a training class beginning March 2. Classes will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. on Mondays from March 2 to May 25 at the MDC Camdenton office, 783 Thunder Mountain Rd, Camdenton.
• Individuals interested in the training course need to attend an orientation from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 10 at the MDC Camdenton office.
• Participants must register by Feb. 10 and pay an enrollment fee of $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 and use those skills in volunteer service. We provide that through a community-based natural resource volunteer and education program."

Master Naturalists receive special training regarding nature, specific to each regional chapter's location. Members help out MDC and conservation partners through public events, educational demonstrations, and stewardship projects. To become a certified Master Naturalist, participants must complete an initial training course and eight hours of advanced training. They must also contribute 40 hours of natural resource-related volunteer service through a local chapter.

The Master Naturalist program is a partnership between the MDC and MU extension, and the volunteers who serve in the program.

For more information about the Columbia Boone's Lick Chapter contact Kent Shannon, MU Extension, at shannond@missouri.edu or 573-445-9793.

For the training in Camdenton, contact Jackie Rasmussen, MU Extension, at rasmussenj@missouri.edu or 573-346-2644.

Information about the Master Naturalist program is available at http://extension.missouri.edu/masternaturalist/.