Welcome to the Arkansas Master Naturalists Website. 

• Want to know more about the history of the Master Naturalists in Arkansas?
• Link to article written about the Top Ten Reasons to Become a Master naturalist

Want to become a Arkansas Master Naturalist?

Becoming a Master Naturalist involves attending at least forty hours of initial training on Arkansas animals, plants, geology and conservation.

To become a Certified Master Naturalist you would then complete at least forty hours of volunteer work and eight hours of advanced training each year.

Area chapter classes will begin January 22, 2011. 

The following schedules and applications were used for the Class of 2010.  New schedules and applications will be available fall of 2010.

Use the Contact US page to get more information.

	Central	Arkansas Master Naturalists	"2010 Class Schedule"	"Not Available"
	North Central	Arkansas Master Naturalists	"2010 Class Schedule"	"Not Available"
	Northwest	Arkansas Master Naturalists	"2010 Class Schedule"	"Not Available"
	River Valley	Arkansas Master Naturalists	"2010 Class Schedule"	"Not Available"
new	Diamond Lakes	Arkansas Master Naturalists	"Not Available"	"Download Application"

The Program

The Arkansas Master Naturalist program is a volunteer organization dedicated to educating its members and giving back to the community through volunteer work.

Levels in the Master Naturalist Program:

• Naturalist-in-training (NIT) - a person currently taking the 40 hours of required naturalist training.
• Master Naturalist -  a person who completes the required training.
• Certified Master Naturalist - a person who has 1) Performed 40 hours of volunteer work (see volunteer page for more information); and 2) Acquires 8 hours of Advanced Training each year.

Training

Naturalists-in-training instruction will take the form of both classroom lectures and practical application of newly acquired skills.  The subject matter covered will vary considerably but will focus on our natural world. Areas that will be covered include ecology, native plants and animals, geology, botany, meteorology, astronomy, public land use, interpretation, trail design and maintenance, stream quality evaluation and testing and more.

Approximately 60 hours of classroom and outdoor instruction will be offered on Saturdays of which the NITs will need to attend forty hours. Training starts in January and graduation is in May.

Check the chapter class training schedule in your area for specific dates and times.  

Cost first year is: $160.00

•  $135 covers the cost of training,  literature materials, t-shirt, and  name tag 
•  annual dues for the year after graduation - $25.00 based on a fiscal year of 1 June to 30 May.

 Registration

• We recommend applying early to reserve your spot in the program.
• We can only accept a limited number of people. 
• Please print and fill out the appropriate chapter application for your area.