Oklahoma Master Naturalists train at OSU Arboretum

Craig McKinley, OSU Cooperative Extension forester and professor in the department of natural resources and ecology management, was pleased that a number of participants already knew some answers to his early morning quiz.

 McKinley explained several tree classification systems to the group and provided examples using Oklahoma’s familiar White Oak and the Western Redcedar, a tree that he said is not native to the state.  “There are no native cedars in the United States,” he said.

 “Tree classification systems vary and are not always scientific,” McKinley said.  He told the group several things to look for when classifying trees.

 “Trees are just as different as people.  Don’t look at just one leaf,” McKinley said.  “Start with where the bud is to determine the leaf.”  He said that the leaf structure of various tree species would confuse beginning naturalists and would need to be studied carefully.

 McKinley led the group through the arboretum, pointing out different tree species and the complexity and arrangement of identifying characteristics for them.

 An afternoon training session by OSU botanist Ron Tyrl exposed participants to the university’s herbarium, a collection of over 144 thousand plant samples often drawn from by scientists for research.

 Tyrl gave the group an overview of the history of herbariums and used a number of illustrations about their importance.  He explained how plant specimens are preserved and carefully catalogued including detailed information about where and when they were collected.

 Plant forensics can play a role in many types of investigations.  It is not uncommon for researchers to use plant material from herbariums to determine if substances such as heavy metals were present in a certain location during a specific time frame.

 Tyrl is active in the Oklahoma Native Plant Society and often educates the public about plants and their importance.

 The Master Naturalist Program, active in 20 states, is modeled after the popular Master Gardener Program and has two Oklahoma chapters.

 Developed by and in cooperation with the OSU Extension Service, Oklahoma Master Naturalist Program training is provided by Extension specialists who work in wildlife and natural resources conservation and management, and personnel from other agencies involved in protecting the state’s wildlife and natural resources.

 Master Naturalists are required to complete four core workshops in basic ecological processes, urban ecosystems, riparian and aquatic ecosystems and communication and teaching skills to become chapter members. They then choose from a number of advanced training sessions for 16 more hours of training.  After 30 hours of volunteer work, members can gain Master Naturalist certification.

 Volunteer hours are served in a variety of opportunities that have included speaking at schools and community groups, assisting in building and maintaining trails, or setting up displays or manning booths for various events.

 Volunteers have also participated in Oklahoma Youth Forestry and Wildlife Camp, and monitored specific wildlife in selected locations.   Planned chapter events include a July trip to the Selman Bat Cave near Freedom and an earlier trip to the Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge to participate in an Elk bugling project.

 Those interested in the Master Naturalist Program can contact Marley Beem, master naturalist program coordinator and assistant Extension aquaculture specialist at OSU, by phone at 405-744-3854 or by email at beem@okstate.edu.  The Web site for the program, http://www.okmasternaturalist.org, also has current information about workshops, volunteer opportunities and chapter activities.

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CUTLINE:

Chouteau residents Denys and Cathy Marker listen as Craig McKinley discusses leaf characteristics in the Oklahoma State University Forest Arboretum during a recent Oklahoma Master Naturalist training session.  (Photo by Janet F. Reeder)

Janet F. Reeder
Communication Specialist
OSU AG Communication Services
142 Agriculture North
Stillwater, OK 74078
(405) 744-3651
janet.reeder@okstate.edu

Oklahoma State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, State and Local Governments Cooperating:  The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, or status as a veteran, and is an equal opportunity employer.