Mission
Empowering individuals with a passion for nature, the Northwest Piedmont Master Naturalist Program is dedicated to fostering a community of trained volunteers and environmental professionals committed to understanding, preserving, and enriching our local ecosystems. Our mission is to provide comprehensive education in natural sciences, ecology, and environmental stewardship, equipping Master Naturalists with the knowledge and skills to actively contribute to conservation efforts. Through hands-on training and volunteer engagement, we aim to create a network of citizen scientists and environmental educators devoted to promoting environmental awareness, sustainable practices, and a profound appreciation of the diverse landscapes that define our region. Together, we strive to positively impact the well-being of our natural world and inspire others to join us in safeguarding our community’s precious resources.
What is a Master Naturalist?
A Master Naturalist is an individual who undergoes specialized training and actively volunteers their time to contribute to various environmental and conservation projects. Additionally, this can be a leadership development program for aspiring environmental professionals. These individuals possess in-depth knowledge of local ecosystems, including flora, fauna, geology, and ecology. Master Naturalists aim to contribute significantly to preserving the quality of native ecosystems by acquiring skills to interpret the landscape. Master Naturalists also recognize the effects of human activities on the environment, including conservation practices to preserve our remarkable natural surroundings. Following their training, Master Naturalists actively engage in various volunteer projects with regional partner organizations.
What do Master Naturalists Do?
Participants in the program bring a range of skills and experiences, dedicating their time, energy, and ideas to support the preservation of native ecosystems across the Region. Following their training, Master Naturalists have the opportunity to engage in various volunteer activities. These activities may involve supporting nature outreach programs in city, county, and state parks, museums, nature centers, or schools, aiding scientists in gathering ecological census data, collecting information on water quality, or participating in other meaningful initiatives.
About the Program
The Northwest Piedmont Master Naturalist course consists of 8 field experiences and 7 online classroom sessions. Field experiences are held once a month on a Saturday in locations around the region from 9 am to 3 pm. Field experiences typically involve walking 3-4 miles, sometimes over uneven terrain, and classes are held regardless of weather unless driving conditions are unsafe. Participants should be in good health and physically able to navigate the trails that will be used for field experiences. Travel time to locations varies but is usually less than one hour. Online classes will occur once a month on a Thursday evening from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm via the Zoom platform to reinforce lessons learned in the field. Recorded classes and additional course materials will be available online through a digital learning platform. Applications open on December 1, 2023. Applications are due no later than January 10, 2024 and selected participants will be notified by February 1, 2024.
Partner Organizations
Northwest Piedmont Master Naturalist Program 