Become an Idaho Master Naturalist

Though new to Idaho, the Master Naturalist Program is well established in many states throughout the United States. The Idaho Master Naturalist Program aims to develop a corps of well-informed volunteers to actively work toward stewardship of Idaho's natural environment. An Idaho Master Naturalist chapter is forming in southeast Idaho with the first meeting at 2:30 p.m. Monday, March 10, at the Idaho Museum of Natural History on the ISU campus in Pocatello. Anyone who enjoys and appreciates Idaho's outdoors can be an Idaho master naturalist; teachers, hunters, nature guides, farmers, retired professionals. An Idaho master naturalist completes 40 hours of hands-on, experiential training about Idaho ecology, plants, animals and natural systems and 40 hours of service commitment for certification. A trained master naturalist can help nature area staff and assist public and non-profit organizations teach children and adults about nature and why conservation is important. Through the program, master naturalists will participate in and guide conservation efforts; join a statewide network of dedicated, trained volunteers who work toward conservation; and further their education and interest in nature. For more information about the Idaho Master Naturalist meeting or to signup for the March 10 meeting at the Idaho Museum of Natural History, contact Terri Bergmeier at 208-251-6510 or by email at tbergmeier@idfg.idaho.gov.