Master Naturalist Workshop Series

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game is excited to re-energize and restart the Idaho Master Naturalist Program in southeast Idaho! Formerly known as the Portneuf Valley Master Naturalists, the new chapter will now be known as Southeast Master Naturalists. Along with this new start and new name, comes a new summer workshop series for those individuals looking to mesh their love for the great outdoors for their love with volunteering! Those who complete the workshop series, earn the title of Idaho Master Naturalist and have a unique world of exciting volunteer opportunities opened to them. This exciting workshop series starts at the Fish and Game office in Pocatello on Thursday, May 29 with a basic introduction to the Master Naturalist program. Additional trainings will be offered on Saturdays and Wednesdays throughout the summer on the following dates: May 31, June 18, June 21, July 16, July 19, July 30, and August 2. The initial Thursday meeting and all Wednesday meetings run from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. All Saturday trainings run from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Trainings will include hands-on experiences and field trips as well as opportunities to learn from experts in their fields. Come learn more about southeast Idaho's ecology, geology, range and forest management, wetlands, birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish species and more! The Idaho Master Naturalist Program aims to develop a corps of well-informed volunteers to actively work toward stewardship of Idaho's natural environment. Idaho Master Naturalists can help biologists collect wildlife and plant data in the field, assist with wildlife monitoring efforts, volunteer at wildlife management areas and other natural areas, volunteer at parks and nature centers, give programs to adults and kids, or otherwise contribute to many other conservation efforts. Workshop enrollment is limited to 15 participants and registration is accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. The cost is $80.00 per person. All portions of each training must be attended in order to receive Idaho Master Naturalist Program certification. Those who volunteered under the former Master Naturalist chapter in southeast Idaho are not required to take this workshop series, and we are excited to integrate your knowledge, skills, and energy into the new Southeast Chapter. For more information or to register for this summer workshop series, please contact Tessa Atwood at the Idaho Department of Fish and Game in Pocatello at 208-232-4703 or via email at tessa.atwood@idfg.idaho.gov. Anyone who enjoys and appreciates Idaho's outdoors can be an Idaho Master Naturalist-- teachers, wildlife watchers, hunters, anglers, nature guides, farmers, outdoors enthusiasts, re-tired professionals, andÉ you!