Consider becoming a Pennsylvania Master Naturalist
By Dave Bates
For the Observer-Reporter
How would you like to become a master naturalist?
If you’re like me, then you never heard of a master naturalist either. That is until Susie Moffett, the Southwest Program Coordinator for the Pennsylvania Master Naturalist program, contacted me. The master naturalist program trains volunteers to lead education programs and do conservation work for local organizations. If you are interested in clean streams, the master naturalist program might be right up your alley. Maybe you have a penchant for preventing soil erosion in the streams and creeks in your area? This collective could be what you’ve been looking for. Interested in protecting our local bat population, which is sorely on the decline? Attend a meeting with the master naturalist movement and you’ll likely find these topics and a whole lot more being discussed.
The following is taken from the Pennsylvania Master Naturalist website, which is https://pamasternaturalist.org.
“Pennsylvania Master Naturalist is a statewide partnership 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 a 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 Master Naturalist works closely with a coalition of community and conservation organizations to ensure that they have the necessary volunteer leadership to address the most pressing conservation needs and challenges.”
“This year-round program has three components: the initial volunteer training course, volunteer service, and continuing education.”
I asked Susie Moffett to explain in her own words exactly what the organization does, in layman’s terms. She put it this way: “Our volunteers support hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation in many ways. We partner with the Washington County Watershed Alliance to monitor water quality and ensure healthy streams that will support trout and other fish. Some volunteers help with trail and park maintenance to keep green space accessible for the community. We also help with lots of educational programs to teach people about the variety of plants and wildlife in our area. In other counties, I have volunteers who lead fishing programs to promote an understanding of our aquatic ecosystem while encouraging a healthy, life-long hobby; volunteers who serve on the boards of various trail associations. I think any outdoor sportsman who wants to conserve nature for the next generation would enjoy participating in our program.”
Once accepted into the training program, trainees will attend a 50-hour course made up of weekly classroom instruction and Saturday field sessions. After the course, participants will take part in 30 hours of service and 8 hours of continuing education to become certified. Master Naturalists must complete 20 hours of service and 12 hours of continuing education each year to maintain status as a certified Master Naturalist volunteer.
The master naturalist organization is planning to hold a training course for Washington and Greene counties this spring and they are still looking for a few more participants. Scholarships are available and space is limited. The course will take place April 4 through June 20. Classes will meet weekly on Thursdays from 6-8:30 p.m. and for four Saturday field sessions on April 13, May 4, May 18 and June 8. You can contact Susie Moffett directly at her email: smoffett@pamasternaturalist for more information.
Dave Bates writes a weekly outdoors column for the Observer-Reporter. He can be reached at alphaomegashootingsolutions@gmail.com