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Fascinated by nature and enjoy sharing your knowledge with others? Become a Wisconsin Master Naturalist.

Wisconsin Master Naturalist volunteer training will be held May 19-23 at Schmeeckle Reserve at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. It will be offered 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, with some evening activities, and will include training in natural history, interpretation and conservation stewardship. 

Guest speakers include Stanley Temple of the Aldo Leopold Foundation; Bob Freckmann of the UW-Stevens Point Freckmann Herbarium and retired biology professor; Eric Anderson of UW-Stevens Point Wildlife Department; Andrew Gokee of UW-Stevens Point Native American Center; and Ray Reser of UW-Stevens Point Natural History Museum. 

Field trips will feature in-depth explorations of Schmeeckle Reserve, Powers Bluff County Park, Boston School Forest and Mead Wildlife Area. The course fee is $250. Lunch will be provided. 

The Wisconsin Master Naturalist program, a statewide effort to promote awareness, understanding and stewardship of the state’s natural resources, is developing a corps of informed volunteers throughout the state. Once trained, a Wisconsin Master Naturalist provides volunteer service in one of three areas: education/interpretation, stewardship or citizen science. To maintain certification, volunteers must complete 40 hours of service each year, in addition to eight hours of advanced training. 

The Stevens Point course is sponsored by Schmeeckle Reserve, the Central Wisconsin Environmental Station, the Wisconsin Center for Environmental Education and Boston School Forest. 

For more information or to register for the course, visit www.wimasternaturalist.org or contact Megan Espe, outreach coordinator, Schmeeckle Reserve, 715-346-4992 or mespe@uwsp.edu. Registration ends April 30. If you are unable to register online, contact Martha Martin at 608-262-0020.