A Wisconsin “Master Naturalist” Program: Help Shape the Future Sherry Klosiewski Chief...
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Transcript of A Wisconsin “Master Naturalist” Program: Help Shape the Future Sherry Klosiewski Chief...
A Wisconsin “Master Naturalist” Program:
Help Shape the Future
Sherry KlosiewskiChief Naturalist, Wisconsin State Parks
What is a “Master Naturalist” program?
“Master Naturalist” programs provide volunteers with:– Education– Hands-on training– Service opportunities
Example:“The Minnesota Master Naturalist Program is a volunteer program that trains adults about Minnesota’s natural resources, teaches how to educate others, and provides opportunities to do conservation projects.”
Another example:
The Texas Master Naturalist Program is: “Dedicated to providing instruction and volunteer opportunities for adults who wish to educate their community and demonstrate beneficial management of natural resources in Texas.”
Generally, programs require:40-64 hours of coursework and training– Natural history– Environmental education and interpretation– Conservation
stewardship
30-40 hours of volunteer service– Stewardship projects– Research/monitoring– Education/interpretation
Participants become “Master Naturalists” for many reasons:
Learn about local/state resources
Meet resource professionals and experts
Socialize with like-minded folks
Contribute to the protection and management of natural/cultural resources
Engage in resource-related research and monitoring
Training is a major program component. Who presents the training sessions?
Agency staff
University faculty
Non-formal educators
(nature centers, museums,
zoos, tourism providers)
Other local experts
What topics are covered in these training sessions?
Conservation and history of resource use
Ecology, eco-regions, systems
Resource management concepts
How to teach
Master Naturalist program administration
Volunteer project selection
What do “Master Naturalist” volunteers do?
Construct and maintain trails, boardwalks, and other facilities
Remove invasives and
plant native species
Lead interpretive hikes and education programs for adults and school groups
Participate in special events
Where do “Master Naturalist” programs currently exist?
Programs are located across the country, and each has its unique mission and structure.
Participating states include:
Texas
Florida
West Virginia
Virginia
Arkansas
Oklahoma
Arizona
Indiana
Illinois
Minnesota
Ohio
Missouri
Mississippi
Michigan
These existing programs are partnership efforts:
State resource agency
State university/extension agency
Other experts at the state, regional, and local levels
How are “Master Naturalist” programs organized and administered?
Organization and administration vary widely by state.Texas had the first program,and many states embracedtheir model.
This model uses a chapter structure, with each chapter designing its own training based on a state outline.
Others use standardized courses presented around the state by trained instructors from partner organizations.
Florida Master Naturalist Program:– Freshwater Wetlands– Coastal Systems– Upland Habitats
Minnesota Master Naturalist Program:– Big Woods, Big Rivers– Prairies and Potholes– North Woods, Great Lakes
What costs are associated with “Master Naturalist” programs?
Program costs vary widely but include: materials, transportation, instructor fees, classroom rental fees.
Additional costs relate to program administration: promotions, printing, volunteer database, coordination
How are “Master Naturalist” programs funded?
Many states charge participant fees– $50 to $250
Some states charge no fee– all costs covered by agency budgets
Some states receive grant fundsfor start-up and beyond
Initial brainstorming sessionOctober 2005
Attended by representatives from ten agencies and organizations
High level of interest in program
Identified needs, concerns, and potential partnership opportunities
Why develop a WI “Master Naturalist” program?
Natural resource and education staff are overworked – unmet demand
Need to make existing volunteer efforts more effective
Need to provide continuing training for volunteers
Need to train volunteers on a local level
Need to provide volunteer opportunities for increasing numbers of seniors
Program sponsors want:
Quality assurance – monitoring, field work, teaching
Broad participant base
Consistent, quality training and a solid curriculum
Infrastructure and staff support
Reliable funding – long term commitment
How could a “Master Naturalist” program dovetail with existing programs?
Rely on existing facilities and programs to be trainers/program sponsorsOffer existing programs asadvanced trainingopportunities
Mesh with existing program infrastructure
Promote service opportunities at existing facilities and programs
Potential concerns include:
“Master Naturalist” name
Coordinating existing programs with a new program
Need for Wisconsin-specific curriculum
Administrative level support of agencies
Funding
Volunteer retention
Progress to date:
Initial meeting and follow-up conversations
List serve of interested folks– https://lists.uwex.edu/mailman/listinfo/vol-
master-naturalist
Attendance at 2006 National Master Naturalist Conference
Attendance at 2005 National Master Naturalist Planning Workshop
Good existing program models– Milwaukee County “Volunteer Naturalists”– Cofrin Center for Biodiversity, “Wisconsin
Naturalists”– Master Gardeners, Master Woodland Stewards
What happens next?Gather stakeholders to identify specific work plan
Begin writing funding proposals, grant applications
Pilot program at limited number of locations
Continue to pursue long-term support
How can you help?
Get involved in planning efforts
Provide training
Support through funding, in-kind services
Share ideas
Spread the word!