About the program

This program is a joint effort of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and University of Minnesota Extension. The program benefits the state through direct environmental service and by educating Minnesota's citzens about its natural resources.

Instructors

Staff from nature centers, environmental organizations, state parks, wildlife refuges and similar locations can be trained as Minnesota Master Naturalist instructors. These instructors can teach the initial volunteer training course as well as lead continuing education initiatives for Master Naturalist volunteers. More about instructors.

Volunteers

Adults complete a 40-hour training, after which they carrying out volunteer service in these four basic areas:

• Stewardship projects such as habitat restoration or invasive species removal
• Education for the public, like teaching workshops, leading hikes or developing materials
• Citizen science including monarch larval monitoring, plant or animals counts or water quality monitoring
• Program support for Master Naturalist sponsors or chapters

More about becoming a volunteer.

The public

All Minnesotans can get involved by attending Master Naturalist-led workshops and excursions. Keep an eye on our event schedule for your next environmental adventure!