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.
HANNIBAL, Mo. – Explore conservation history, ecosystems, wildlife, and more through work with the Missouri Master Naturalist North Star Chapter in Kirksville. The group will hold a Master Naturalist core training beginning Thursday, Sept. 3 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) Northeast Regional Office, 3500 South Baltimore Street in Kirksville.
“The Missouri Master Naturalist program is a community-based natural resource education and volunteer service program for adults, sponsored by MDC and University of Missouri Extension,” said MDC Northeast Regional Administrator Danny Hartwig. “Its purpose is to develop a corps of well-informed volunteers to provide education, outreach and service dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas within their communities for the state of Missouri.”
Master Naturalists receive specialized training regarding nature in the region where chapters are based. Members help MDC and conservation partners through citizen science, educational programs, 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 core training begins Sept. 3. Training classes will be held every Thursday from Sept. 3 through Dec. 3 from 5:30 to 9 p.m., at the MDC Northeast Regional Office. The training also includes three Saturday field sessions. Class size is limited, and early registration is encouraged. Participants must be at least 18 years old and pay a $110 fee to the University of Missouri Extension to be used for chapter programs and expenses.
Register for the full training course by visiting http://short.mdc.mo.gov/opv.
For more information about the North Star Missouri Master Naturalist Chapter, email masternaturalistkv@mdc.mo.gov or call 660-785-2420.
MDC is committed to accessibility at all its nature centers, regional facilities, and conservation areas. To request an ADA accommodation for participation in MDC programs, visit https://mdc.mo.gov/accessibility.
