Master naturalist workshops set

May workshops that allow participants to gain master naturalist certification are set for both Tulsa and Oklahoma City.

In Tulsa, four one-day Thursday workshops are scheduled for May 3, 10, 17 and 24.  They will be held from 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at the Tulsa County Extension Center, 4116 E. 15th St.

Oklahoma City’s core workshops are set for Tuesdays on May 1, 8, 15 and 22.  They will be held at the Oklahoma County Extension Center, 930 N. Portland Ave., from 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.  Fall workshops in Oklahoma City also are scheduled for Thursdays on October 4, 11, 18 and 25, from 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

The training provides an overview and introduction to ecology and environment that is “science based, ” said Marley Beem, master naturalist program coordinator and assistant Extension aquaculture specialist at Oklahoma State University.  Beem said the program has the benefit of drawing on university and natural resource agency instructors who are experienced specialists in wildlife, conservation and natural resources.

Required core workshops in basic ecological processes, urban ecosystems, riparian and aquatic ecosystems and communication and teaching skills round out the master naturalist training.

Participants in the program come from birders, nature lovers, ecologists, and members of a number of plant societies, as well as just avid outdoor enthusiasts.  The “range of abilities” is broad, Beem said, but participants share a desire to do more to help conserve our natural heritage.

Core workshops are followed by two ecosystem-specific training sessions offered in some of Oklahoma’s most valued natural areas that include the Tallgrass Prairie, Wichita Mountains, Cross Timbers and Eastern Woodlands.

At the end of the training, certified master naturalists “pay back” training hours with volunteer hours in service projects that can include helping with educational programs at Oklahoma parks, leading nature walks, developing nature trails, working with outdoor education at schools or many other possibilities.

The program has a $50 fee to help meet handout material costs and other expenses.  The fee includes a name badge, binder with materials, drinks and snacks for breaks and drinks and service for the potluck lunches.

More information and a downloadable application can be found at <http://www.okmasternaturalist.org>.

Beem can be reached at 405-744-3854 or beem@okstate.edu.

OSU, Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department and other organizations provide instructors and support for the Oklahoma Master Naturalist Program.

Questions can also be directed to OKMasterNaturalist@mindspring.com.

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Cutlines:

OKC area photo

Marley Beem and Harry Henson work with participants in the Master Naturalist Program at Martin Park Nature Center in Oklahoma City, to identify stream invertebrates.  Henson taught aquatic biology at Southwestern Oklahoma State University before retiring.  An active master naturalist volunteer, Henson often teaches the aquatic and riparian ecosystems workshop portion of the training.  (Photo provided)

MEDIA CONTACT:

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.