Wisconsin Master Naturalist Program starting in April

Do you want to increase your knowledge of the local environment, work alongside the areas most respected natural resource professionals and put your knowledge to good use?  The Discovery Center is excited to announce a Wisconsin Master Naturalist Volunteer Training Course as part of the Wisconsin Master Naturalist Program (WIMN) starting April 21.  WIMN is modeled after the WI Master Gardener Program and the 25 other Master Naturalist programs in other states across the country.

Courses provide 40 hours of instruction and field experience in natural history, interpretation, and conservation stewardship, and are led by Discovery Center staff and other professional natural resources educators and scientists. 

Monday, April 21 from 9am-3:30pm

Wisconsin Ecology – Fitting the Pieces Together

Led by Heather Lumpkin, Research and Monitoring Coordinator from the Discovery Center

In the Footprint of the Glaciers: Wisconsin Landscapes

Led by Tom Fitz, Geology Professor from Northland College

Monday, April 28 from 9am-3:30pm

Wisconsin’s Plant Communities

Led by Colleen Matula, Forestry Specialist from Wisconsin DNR

Wisconsin’s Wildlife – From Hummingbirds to Black Bears

Led by Mark Naniot, Wildlife Rehabilitator from Wild Instincts Rehabilitation Center

Saturday, May 3 from 8:30am-4:30pm

All Day Field Trip #1 – Visit the Van Vliet Hemlocks and the WinMan Trails with two excellent interpretive guides and focus on geology, ecology, plants, and wildlife.

Licia Johnson, Naturalist from the Discovery Center

Randy Hoffman, (former) Wildlife Biologist from the Wisconsin DNR

Monday, May 5 from 9am-3:30pm

Communicating Your Message – Generating Excitement

Led by Licia Johnson, Naturalist from the Discovery Center

The Waters and Wetlands of Wisconsin

Led by Susan Knight, Research Scientist and Aquatic Biologist from Wisconsin DNR

Monday, May 12 from 9am-3:30pm

Plants and Animals of Wisconsin’s Waters

Led by Sarah Johnson, Director from the Discovery Center and Anne Kretschmann, Water Specialist/AIS Coordinator from the Discovery Center

Human Impacts on Wisconsin Landscapes

Led by Jim Bokern, Historian/Educator

Monday, May 19 from 8:30am-4:30pm

All Day Field Trip #2 – Paddle the Manitowish River and visit treasured wetlands in our region three excellent interpretive guides and focus on water, wetlands, and aquatic plants and animals.

Licia Johnson, Naturalist from the Discovery Center

Susan Knight, Research Scientist and Aquatic Biologist from Wisconsin DNR

A major component of the course is a service-learning activity called a Capstone Project. Volunteer Master Naturalists work in groups on an education/interpretation, stewardship, or citizen-science project. The project is presented at the graduation ceremony on Thursday, May 29 from 10am-12pm. Once certified, WI Master Naturalist Volunteers volunteer 40 hours each year thereafter at centers like the North Lakeland Discovery Center, and take eight hours of advanced training to maintain their certification.  This is a great opportunity for anyone wanting to increase their knowledge of the natural world and pair it with fun and exciting educational opportunities.  Space is limited for the training session, so we encourage you to sign up now to reserve your spot. 

For more information or to register for the Discovery Center WIMN Volunteer Training Click Here.