Highlights
The Spring 2011 Certified Master Naturalists came up with some pretty enlightening programs for their final projects.
On Sunday, June 5th, we welcomed 29 Certified Nebraska Master Naturalists to the family. And what a celebration it was!
On our graduation day our participants dazzled us with some of the most amazing final projects we've ever seen! Every time we watch these projects, we are in awe at the level of talent and creativity that these dedicated volunteers have to offer. And this year's projects were just as good as the last.
Not only are these folks a pleasure to be around, but they are a pleasure to watch in action. We watched a thought provoking film on 'the nature connection', saw the journey of the Bur Oak, learned how invasive species impact Nebraska, and that was only the start of it!
Check back soon for a list of participant projects from our 2010 and 2011 classes!
Participants
Get involved and join the ranks of thousands of volunteers across the country who reach millions of people, impact thousands of acres, and contribute millions of dollars in conservation value.
If you have an interest in leading education programs, conducting breeding bird surveys, mentoring hunter and anglers, volunteering in parks and zoos, or teaching your family about the outdoors, this program is for you. Through this unique opportunity, Nebraskans will be able to contribute something even more valuable to conservation than money; a part of themselves.
Look Around YOU!
Master Naturalists Are:
- Landowners
- Educators
- Professionals
- Guides
- Decision makers
- Role models
- College students
- Parents
Being a Naturalist, You can:
- Education/Training from the experts
- Continued training opportunities
- Opportunities to further your education
- Opportunities for personal and professional growth (resume builder)
- Be a trend-setter!!
- Get Certified!
- Support conservation efforts throughout Nebraska
- Support natural resource organizations who need your expertise!
- Join a statewide network of trained volunteers in environmental education, interpretation, and service
- Become involved with a national movement!
- Receive support and assistance from Master Naturalist staff
- Incentives for NMN volunteers
- Annual Recognition Banquet
- Connect to a community of Naturalist Volunteers
- Your personal log-in to see volunteer opportunities
- The opportunity to network with other NMN and professionals across the state
- Regular communication via newsletter and listserv
The program will quickly spread across the state, so if there is not a program scheduled in your area please contact us as there may be one in development.
Program Tracks
As the program evolves we will be announcing program tracks in the areas of Outreach, Outdoor Skills, Citizen Science, and Resource Management. WIthin these tracks, Master Naturalists will be able to complete continuing education to further develop their skills in a specific topic. Once they have completed the required continuing education, selected skillbuilding tasks, and 20 hours of volunteer service in their selected area, they will receive their specialization. We look forward to announcing the details of these tracks, as well as the online tracking system this summer. Stay tuned!
Rewards
As of June 2011, volunteers had donated nearly 500 hours of their time to the conservation of Nebraska's natural resources through more than 44 different partners across the state. That equals more than $8500.00 worth of service to Nebraska! Our volunteers contribute countless hours to our partners and our program. We want to recognize them for their success. At the Nebraska Master Naturalist Annual Meeting in November, we intend to do just that.
Volunteers will be recognized for their contributions at an annual banquet, honoring them for their hours and years of service. As time goes on, we only expect our numbers to grow. Look for more information on the Annual Meeting and Banquet, coming soon!
