Anyone who enjoys and appreciates Idaho’s outdoors can be an Idaho Master Naturalist.
The Idaho Master Naturalist Program aims to develop a corps of well-informed volunteers to actively work toward stewardship of Idaho’s natural environment.
A certified Master Naturalist completes 40 hours of hands-on, experiential classroom and field training about Idaho ecology, plants, animals and natural systems. Participants also complete 40 hours of volunteer service for local conservation agencies.
Fish and Game volunteer activities include assisting biologists with raptor monitoring, fisheries management, habitat restoration, migratory bird surveys, opportunities to support educational activities at regional wildlife management areas, and many more.
Volunteer hours can be divided between agencies such as Fish and Game, BLM, Forest Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Nature Conservancy, Teton Regional Land Trust and other nature-orientated organizations.
The Upper Snake Chapter of the Idaho Master Naturalists will begin the 2018 certification classes on March 5. Classroom presentations will be provided from a diverse selection of natural resource experts. Classes are typically held at the Idaho Fish and Game office in Idaho Falls Monday evenings from 7-10 p.m. and run through June 18.
Enrollment cost is $75 per person.
For more information, visit idahomasternaturalist.org, or see them on Facebook at Upper Snake Chapter, Idaho Master Naturalists. To register for the upcoming classes, call 208-524-0383 or email tony.appelhans@gmail.com. Applications are available at the Fish and Game office in Idaho Falls and should be submitted by February 16, 2018.