About Us
Annabel Lee Major
Program Coordinator
Annabel received her MS studying Master Naturalist-type programs from across the country. She is currently an active member of the Walnut Creek Clean Lakes Council in Papillion, Nebraska, and is a historical interpreter with the 1st Nebraska Volunteer Infantry, a Civil War living history organization.
Brandy Lively
Assistant Coordinator
Brandy spent the past eight years as a Naturalist at Fontenelle Nature Association in Bellevue, NE and is very excited to be working on the Nebraska Master Naturalist program. Brandy likes canoeing, backpacking, and wildlife viewing.
Nebraska Master Naturalist Steering Committee
Since 2005, a dedicated group of partners have built the foundation to this program. The Steering Committee consists of a variety of partners across the state, including the University of Nebraska, the Nebraska Environmental Trust, and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
About the Program
Get up close and personal with Nebraska's natural resources! Participants in the Nebraska Master Naturalist Program will engage in nearly sixty hours of in-depth training, led by experts in their fields.Learn about Nebraska's ecosystems, plants and animals, conservation biology, and so much more!
Explore Nebraska alongside scientists, faculty, and natural resource professionals. Contribute your time and expertise through exciting volunteer opportunities in habitat conservation, environmental education, citizen science, and more. Most importantly, connect with Nebraskans who share your passion for nature.
The Master Naturalist Program is open to any Nebraskan age 19 and up with the desire to explore Nebraska's natural resources. The first step in the process is the application. The application process is first come first serve, so get your applications in fast. We are accepting applications to our waiting list here.
Once your application has been approved, the interview process begins. We ask that every Master Naturalist participant undergo a brief interview to ensure that the Master Naturalist Certification is for you.
After the paperwork, the fun can really begin! The training will consist of approximately 60 hours of hands-on learning both in the classroom and in the field. Each session will be led by the experts, who will take you into the field at a variety of locations that showcase Nebraska's natural legacy.
Upon completion of the training, participants are asked to complete 20 hours annually of volunteer service in the natural resources to attain and maintain certification. Certified volunteers will be able to network with other Master Naturalists, find out about new and exciting volunteer opportunities, and be rewarded for their dedication.
Sessions include (list is subject to change):
- Ecological Principles
- Conservation Biology
- Aquatic Habitats and Fish
- Woodlands
- Plants, Animals, Insects
- Amphibians and Reptiles
- Interpretation and Outreach
- Citizen Science
- Outdoor Skills
A National Effort
A Master Naturalist Program is a volunteer training program designed to train master volunteers to conduct conservation education, outreach, and service in their community. The program is modeled after the highly successful Master Naturalist programs available in 25 states.
The Nebraska Master Naturalist Program is a member of the national organization of Master Naturalist type programs, the Alliance of Natural Resource Outreach and Service Programs. One of the most notable Master Naturalist programs in the country is the Texas Master Naturalist Program which has trained 2,750 volunteers. Since 1998, Texas Master Naturalists have provided over 450,000 hours of service (valued at $8 million), enhanced over 75,000 acres of habitat and have reached more than 1.2 million youth, adults and landowners.
Our Mission
The Nebraska Master Naturalist Program educates a volunteer network dedicated to promoting the conservation of Nebraska's natural resources.
Our Vision
The Nebraska Master Naturalist Program will be recognized, state-wide and nationally, as a sustainable, science-based, conservation, and education volunteer program.
