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MASTER NATURALIST

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MASTER NATURALIST FALL 2024

In partnership with the University of Georgia

Wednesdays, September 18 - November 20
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.*

Master Naturalist is an adult education course developed in collaboration with the UGA Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources.

This ten-week course uses a combination of lectures and hands-on learning in the field, covering a variety of nature education subjects including plant identification and foraging, forestry, stream ecology, and more! After completing this fun & interactive program, on-site at the Nature Center with some off-site field trips, Georgia Master Naturalists are encouraged to share their knowledge with their communities by volunteering & working in schools, scout programs, and nature centers.

Our Master Naturalist program will offer participants 57 hours of training. A minimum of 48 hours is required to earn your Master Naturalist certificate.

*Schedule subject to change depending on field trips or presentation lengths. 

Registration Now Open!

Topics will include:

  • How to be a Naturalist
  • Urban Forestry
  • Dendrology
  • Foraging
  • Stream Ecology
  • Water Quality & Monitoring
  • Entomology
  • Herpetology
  • Conservation
  • Wildlife Rehabilitation
  • Mammalogy
  • Ornithology

Master Naturalist Fast Facts

$ 400

$375 Members
  • What is a naturalist? A naturalist is someone who studies the natural world! Natuturalists make observations of the natural world and interpret the environment around them. Our Master Naturalist course will focus on identifying and studying wildlife and ecosystems native to Georgia and the Southeastern United States.
  • Why should I become a Master Naturalist? Participants will get to explore different local ecosystems, interact with native wildlife, and learn about the natural world around them! After completing this fun and interactive program, Georgia Master Naturalists are encouraged to share their knowledge with their communities by volunteering & working in schools, scout programs, and nature centers.
  • What is the cost? $400 for non-members, $375 for Dunwoody Nature Center members.
  • What’s included? Ten weeks of course-related material, a Master Naturalist shirt, a certificate of completion, and a custom name tag. We do not provide transportation or lunch.
  • What is the timeline for the program? The program runs for once a week for ten weeks on Wednesdays. A complete schedule of experts, dates, and times will be sent out to those that register.
  • What kinds of organizations will be featured in our Master Naturalist program? The program will feature guest speakers from the Amphibian Foundation, Department of Natural Resources, University of Georgia, and more!
  • Do I need to register? Yes, registration is required. All participants must sign this digital liability waiver in order to participate.
  • What is the minimum number of hours I need to attend to receive the certificate? You must attend AT LEAST 48 hours of instruction in order to receive the certificate. Since there will be over 54 hours of instruction, you are permitted to miss only one class. Attendance will be taken at every meeting.
  • Refund and cancellation Policy: If you wish to cancel your registration and receive a refund you must send a written request to autumn@dunwoodynature.org, requests must be sent at least two weeks prior to the program start date. Refunds will not be issued if a cancellation request is sent within two weeks of the start date. There are no partial refunds for missed classes. As the program contains over 50 hours of program material there is an opportunity to make up missed hours in order to meet the 48-hour minimum needed to receive your certificate of completion.
  • Classes will take place rain or shine. 
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