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 an Arkansas Master Naturalist?

Becoming a Master Naturalist involves attending at least 40 hours of initial training on Arkansas animals, plants, geology and conservation.

To become a Certified Master Naturalist you would then perform at least 40 hours of volunteer work and acquire 8 hours of advanced training each year.

Enrollment is open for the Spring 2013 classes for NWAMN.  Use the Contact Us page to get more information.

	Central	Arkansas Master Naturalists	2013 Class Schedule	Class is Full
	North Central	Arkansas Master Naturalists	2013 Class Schedule	Class is Full
	Northwest	Arkansas Master Naturalists	2013 Class Schedule	Download 2013 Application
	River Valley	Arkansas Master Naturalists	2013 Class Schedule	Download 2013 Application
	Northeast	Arkansas Master Naturalists	Training Cancelled	Download 2013 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 completed the required training and is current with the annual dues.
• 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, typically 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. of which the NITs will need to attend 40 hours to graduate. Training typically starts in January and graduation is in May, however some chapters may have training in the fall.

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

Cost first year is: $165.00

• $135 covers the cost of training,  literature materials, t-shirt, and name tag
• Annual dues for the year after graduation - $30.00 based on a fiscal year of June 1st to May 31st.

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.