Master Naturalists host summer training

Beginning the first week of June, the Oklahoma Master Naturalist Program will provide two workshop series designed to certify participants as qualified naturalist educators. Workshops will take place at the Cleveland County Extension Center, 601 E. Robinson, Norman, and at Martin Regional Library, 2610 S. Garnett Road, Tulsa.

 “The program offers a series of four day-long workshops that will cover basic ecological processes––aquatic, wetland, forest and prairie ecosystems. Participants will also be able to attend two or more advanced workshops or field trips, that will focus on the state’s most outstanding areas such as the tallgrass prairie, cross-timbers areas, eastern woodlands and others,” said Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension Services Natural Resources Specialist, Marley Beem.

“Participants will interact with experienced instructors from universities and get to know like-minded individuals with a passion for enjoying the beauty of nature,” Beem said.

Upon receiving certification, participants can choose where, how and when they will help enhance public awareness and appreciation of Oklahoma’s natural resources. One popular option for volunteer service is monitoring restored wetland habitats in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

“Our goal is to encourage a unique experience while providing the background necessary to be an effective, well-rounded naturalist,” Beem said.

“The public is increasingly out of touch with nature, and what is not being experienced is not being valued,” said Beem. “By participating in the Master Naturalist program, you can increase the public’s understanding and appreciation for the natural world by sharing your love for it.”

There is a charge of $50 per person to help meet costs and expenses, and registration is limited to 25 per session to those ages 18 and older. For more information call 405- 255-7016 for central Oklahoma, and 405-744-3854 or 405-255-7016 for northeastern Oklahoma. Information is also available on the Web site at www.okmasternaturalist.org.

The Oklahoma Master Naturalist program gratefully acknowledges support from professionals representing OSU; the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation; the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry; the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; the Oklahoma Conservation Commission and other organizations.

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REPORTER/MEDIA CONTACT:

Janet F. Reeder  BA, MS
Communications Specialist
Agricultural Communications Services
Oklahoma State University
142 Agriculture North
Stillwater, OK 74078
Phone: 405-744-3651
Fax: 405-744-5739
E-Mail: 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, gender, age, disability, or status as a veteran, and is an equal opportunity employer.