PENNSYLVANIA MASTER NATURALIST™
A training program for volunteers, stewards and adults

Program Introduction
Who Should Apply
What is Learned
Requirements for Completion
Qualifications and Cost
Application Details
Pilot Program Launches Spring of 2010 -- DETAILS

Program Introduction
The Master Naturalist training program is a national initiative that aims to connect people with their local ecosystems through intensive natural science training and local conservation service work. It is a venture directed toward developing local corps of “master volunteers and service providers” to offer education, outreach and service dedicated to the understanding and management of natural areas within their communities. Pennsylvania is an ecologically diverse state containing ten (10) ecoregions: areas with a characteristic set of natural communities that share a large majority of species, dynamics, and environmental conditions. Program modules will be developed to represent each ecoregion.

This program is perfect for anyone interested in deepening their understanding of the natural environment in which they live. Participants may include volunteers, teachers, retired professionals, nature guides, outdoors men and women, eco-tour operators, youth leaders and you!

What is a Pennsylvania Master Naturalist? 
A Pennsylvania Master Naturalist is an individual with a passion for the natural world who participates in an intensive training program and uses his or her knowledge by giving back to the community through volunteer service. The program has three components: the initial training course, volunteer service hours, and advanced training classes.

Duration:  
Pennsylvania Master Naturalist training is a lifelong journey measured with annual training and volunteer service requirements.


Who Should Apply:  
Adults interested in deepening their knowledge of and connection to the natural world and the local conservation community through natural science education and volunteer service. See qualifications below.

What is learned?

1. All aspects of the role of Pennsylvania Master Naturalist, the mission and objectives of the program, and the guidelines for participation.
2. What a naturalist is and does and the significance of naturalists and natural history.
3. The biogeography of PA, including the physiographic regions and the geological and ecological aspects that make them distinct.
4. Basic concepts of ecology.
5. Basic concepts of geology.
6. Basic resource management principles.
7. Some native flora and fauna in the region.
8. The general process of science.
9. The art of nature interpretation.
10. The roles of Pennsylvania state agencies in the management and conservation of natural resources.
11. Other topics as related to the local needs of the region.

Requirements for Completion:

1. 40 hours of combined classroom and field instruction plus 8 hours of approved advanced training in the first year.
2. 30 hours of approved volunteer service in the first year.
3. 20 hours volunteer service and 12 hours of advanced training in the second year.
4. 12 hours of advanced training annually following year two to maintain Pennsylvania Master Naturalist status.
5. Must regularly report volunteer and advanced training hours to the Pennsylvania Master Naturalist Coordinator.

Benefits:

1. Increase knowledge in natural history and natural resource management.
2. Gain a valuable and rewarding volunteer experience.
3. Make a difference in the community through education, interpretation or stewardship.
4. Interact with people sharing similar interests.
5. Assist the public in understanding and appreciating the natural environment.
6. Participate in fun volunteer recognition and social events.
7. Be an integral part of a large, well-respected, and forward-thinking natural resources conservation and stewardship program.
8. Be truly valued by Pennsylvania Master Naturalist staff, advisors and partners.

Qualifications:

1. Must be 18 years old or older.
2. Have a background or strong interest in natural history.
3. Be enthusiastic about natural resource education, conservation and stewardship.
4. Possess or be able to learn communication skills.
5. Enjoy public speaking or working with the public.
6. Have a willingness to learn and a desire to share knowledge with others.
7. Have a desire to contribute volunteer service toward the conservation of natural resources and natural areas within your community. 
8. Previous volunteer or community service experience preferred.

Cost: 
The initial training fee is $250 and is due after acceptance into the program.  This includes a minimum of 40 hours instruction by a variety of experts, field trips to natural areas, a participant training manual and resources.  The cost of advanced training varies by program.

Scholarships for the initial training program are available.  To apply for a scholarship, please complete and send the Scholarship Form with your application. 

PILOT PROGRAM -- SPRING 2010
Pennsylvania Master Naturalist will be piloted in the Northern Piedmont and Middle Atlantic Coastal Plains ecoregions of greater Philadelphia and will emphasize urban ecology.  We are currently working with regional partners to plan and develop the Northern Piedmont/Urban Ecology module. 

Location:
The Horticultural Center at Philadelphia's Fairmount Park will be the "home base" with field studies throughout the region

2010 Training Schedule:
May 23 (Sun) 10 am – 4 pm; May 24 (Mon) 9 am – 4 pm
June 6 (Sun) 10 am – 4 pm; June 7 (Mon) 9 am – 4 pm
June 27 (Sun) 10 am – 4 pm; June 28 (Mon) 9 am – 5 pm
Additional out of class work will be assigned during off weeks.

The training schedule may be subject to changes. Please note that it is extremely important that you attend every class. Each class provides valuable information that is not available elsewhere. If you miss any class work, you may be asked to reapply to a subsequent training when you are able to attend. Class size is limited for this highly popular program.

Application Details
Applications are accepted based on interest in volunteerism, enthusiasm for the subject, experience in natural resource conservation and availability.

Application deadline is Friday, March 5, 2010.

Information:  Michele Richards; michele@piceweb.org; (570)441-3364

Application: Application materials are located on the left sidebar. Submit application materials to: PA Institute for Conservation Education, 256 Hemlock Lane, Elysburg, PA 17824.

Procedure:

1. Review included program description and program policy.
2. Complete a Pennsylvania Master Naturalist application.
3. At minimum, have three references returned with at least two references that are non-relatives.
4. If selected in the first round, complete an interview with a PICE representative.
5. Read, agree to, and sign the PA Institute for Conservation Education “Standards of Behavior” Form
6. Submit to and successfully pass a criminal history background check (applicant required to pay additional $20 processing fee).*
7. Submit a check for $250 after notification of acceptance into the program.  Tuition is due 30 days in advance of the start of training.

*If an individual successfully meets all other selection requirements, however the criminal history background check has not been received, they may be accepted on a probationary status.  Upon receipt of the official report, the probationary status will be reviewed with a final acceptance/non-acceptance decision made at that time.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Contact: Michele Richards, michele AT piceweb.org, 570-441-3364

PROGRAM MEMBER

Regional Partners for the Northern Piedmont & Middle Atlantic Coastal Plains Ecoregions:

Academy of Natural Sciences
Audubon Pennsylvania
Center in the Park, Senior Environmental Corps
Fairmount Park
Longwood Gardens
NJ Academy of Aquatic Sciences
Silver Lake Nature Center
Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education
Stroud Water Research Center
Pennsylvania Horticultural Society
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Delaware Estuary office and Tinicum office