ALLENTOWN, Pa. — The Pennsylvania Master Naturalist's volunteer program works to connect people, nature and community through education and service, Michele Richards said.
“Its goal is to promote awareness, understanding and stewardship of the natural environment,” said Richards, president of the Northumberland County-based nonprofit. “Through the initial training course and continuing education, participants learn skills to become educators, community scientists, nature stewards and support organizations dedicated to saving the natural world.
“The PMN program connects people with many different groups working to protect Pennsylvania's natural resources.”
For the third time, Pennsylvania Master Naturalist later this year is partnering with the Lehigh County Conservation District to host a Master Naturalist Volunteer training. The certification, which includes classroom and field training, aims to bolster local conservation efforts by producing well-educated volunteers with the skills needed to help their communities.
The 50-hour course costs $425, but there are scholarships available. Classes meet weekly on Tuesday evenings from Aug. 13 through Oct. 29. There are four Saturday field sessions on Aug. 24, Sept. 14 and 28, and Oct. 19.
The final deadline to apply is Friday, May 3.
The program “provides a unique opportunity for nature enthusiasts and conservationists to deepen their knowledge, engage in meaningful volunteer service projects and make a positive difference in their communities,” Richards said.
Participants will learn skills to become nature educators or stewards working to protect natural resources in their local community.Michele Richards, president of Pennsylvania Master Naturalist
Topics covered include geology, ecology, wildlife, botany and environmental conservation.
“Participants will learn skills to become nature educators or stewards working to protect natural resources in their local community,” Richards said. “The PA Master Naturalist program is designed for adults of all ages who care about nature and want to volunteer with others to protect our environment.”
Collectively, the statewide program has produced volunteers that have completed more than 117,000 volunteer hours, tabulating to $3 million in conservation value and impact.
For more information, or to register, visit pamasternaturalist.org.
