Southeastern and Coastal Plain Ecoregion

Member Organizations:

Brandywine Conservancy

Destination Schuylkill RIver

Friends of the Wissahickon

Green Valleys Association

Morris Arboretum of
the University of Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Horticultural Society

PROGRAM MEMBER

Thanks to our Funders!

National Fish and Wildlife Foundation

National Science Foundation

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

Tom Wolf

explore - expand - conserve

Program Introduction
Who Should Apply
What is Learned
Requirements for Completion
Qualifications
2012 Program Details
Application Details
Become an Organizational Member
Learn About Our Partners.

Program Introduction
The Pennsylvania Master Naturalist training program is a statewide initiative that aims to connect people with their local ecosystems through intensive natural science training and local conservation service work. It is a venture directed toward developing local corps of “master volunteers and service providers” to offer education, outreach and service dedicated to the understanding and management of natural areas within their communities.

Pennsylvania is an ecologically diverse state and can be divided into distinct ecological regions or ecoregions: areas with a characteristic set of natural communities that share a large majority of species, dynamics, and environmental conditions. The Pennsylvania Master Naturalist program has divided the state into four (4) ecoregion-based curriculum modules (defined by EPA level II ecoregions): Appalachian Forests, Eastern Temperate Forests, Atlantic HIghlands and Southeastern and Coastal Plains.

                   

We currently offer volunteer trainings in the Southeastern & Coastal Plains module (southeastern PA). In addition to the Southeastern & Coastal Plains trainings, we will be offering volunteer trainings across the Appalachian Forest ecoregion in 2013.

What is a Pennsylvania Master Naturalist? 
A Pennsylvania Master Naturalist is an individual with a passion for the natural world who participates in an intensive training program and uses his or her knowledge by giving back to the community through volunteer service. The program has three components: the initial training course, volunteer service hours, and advanced training classes.

Natural Science Training: All Master Naturalists will receive indepth training in natural history, natural sciences, biodiversity, and nature interpretation.

Service Hours: Service hours give Master Naturalists an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills they have learned during the training.

Advanced Courses (elective hours): Continuing education is an important part of a naturalists life, therefore, we require a certain number of credit hours each year on specialized topics.

Duration:  
Pennsylvania Master Naturalist training is a lifelong journey measured with annual training and volunteer service requirements.


Who Should Apply:  
Adults interested in deepening their knowledge of and connection to the natural world and the local conservation community through natural science education and volunteer service. See qualifications below.

What is learned?

1. All aspects of the role of Pennsylvania Master Naturalist, the mission and objectives of the program, and the guidelines for participation.
2. What a naturalist is and does and the significance of naturalists and natural history.
3. The biogeography of PA, including the physiographic regions and the geological and ecological aspects that make them distinct.
4. Basic concepts of ecology.
5. Basic concepts of geology.
6. Basic resource management principles.
7. Some native flora and fauna in the region.
8. The general process of science.
9. The art of nature interpretation.
10. The roles of Pennsylvania state agencies in the management and conservation of natural resources.
11. Other topics as related to the local needs of the region.

Requirements for Completion:

1. 55 hours of combined classroom and field instruction plus 8 hours of approved advanced training in the first year.
2. 30 hours of approved volunteer service in the first year.
3. 20 hours volunteer service and 12 hours of advanced training in subsequent years to maintain Master NAturalist status..
4. 12 hours of advanced training annually in subsequent years to maintain Pennsylvania Master Naturalist status.
5. Must regularly report volunteer and advanced training hours to the Pennsylvania Master Naturalist program statewide Coordinator.

Benefits:

1. Increase knowledge in natural history and natural resource management.
2. Gain a valuable and rewarding volunteer experience.
3. Make a difference in the community through education, interpretation or stewardship.
4. Interact with people sharing similar interests.
5. Assist the public in understanding and appreciating the natural environment.
6. Participate in fun volunteer recognition and social events.
7. Be an integral part of a large, well-respected, and forward-thinking natural resources conservation and stewardship program.
8. Be truly valued by Pennsylvania Master Naturalist staff, advisors and partners.

Qualifications:

1. Must be 18 years old or older.
2. Have a background or strong interest in natural history.
3. Be enthusiastic about natural resource education, conservation and stewardship.
4. Possess or be able to learn communication skills.
5. Enjoy public speaking or working with the public.
6. Have a willingness to learn and a desire to share knowledge with others.
7. Have a desire to contribute volunteer service toward the conservation of natural resources and natural areas within your community. 
8. Previous volunteer or community service experience preferred.

 2012 Training Details - Southeastern & Coastal Plains

Thanks to three new partnership relationships, we will be offering three (3) volunteer training courses in southeastern Pennsyvania in 2012:

SPRING 2012 -- Application Deadline: February 17, 2012
Philadelphia County -- training will be hosted by the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education view 2012 training course schedule.

FALL 2012 -- Application Deadline: May 28, 2012
Chester County -- hosted by TLC and Bucktoe Creek Preserve, Kennet Square
view the 2012 training course schedule -- REVISED!

WINTER 2012/2013 -- Application Deadline: May 28, 2012
Bucks County -- hosted by Silver Lake Nature Center, Bristol
Training dates (a detailed schedule will be posted >3 months prior to start of course):
        Classroom Sessions (5:30-8pm): 11/7, 11/21. 11/27, 12/5, 12/19, 1/16, 1/22, 2/6,
                                                             2/20, 2/26
        Field Trips (8am-4pm): 11/17, 12/8, 1/19, 2/23

Application Details
Applications are accepted based on interest in volunteerism, enthusiasm for the subject, experience in natural resource conservation and availability.

Tuition: $300.00 (this is for a full year of program engagement and services)

Information:  Gail Farmer, gfarmer AT piceweb.org; 570-764-7628

Application: 2012 PA Master Naturalist application form (Word)     PDF

Submit application materials to: PA Institute for Conservation Education, Field Office: 209 Glendaough Rd, Glenside, PA 19038

Procedure:

1. Review included program description and program policy.
2. Complete a Pennsylvania Master Naturalist application and submit to PICE with tuition deposit ($150).
3. At minimum, have three references with at least two references that are non-relatives.
4. If selected in the first round, complete an interview with a PICE representative.
5. Read, agree to, and sign the PA Institute for Conservation Education “Standards of Behavior” Form
6. Submit and successfully pass a criminal history background check (applicant required to pay additional $20 processing fee).*
7. Submit a check for the tuition balance ($150) after notification of acceptance into the program.  Tuition is due 30 days in advance of the start of training.

*If an individual successfully meets all other selection requirements, however the criminal history background check has not been received, they may be accepted on a probationary status.  Upon receipt of the official report, the probationary status will be reviewed with a final acceptance/non-acceptance decision made at that time.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Contact: Gail Farmer, gfarmer AT piceweb.org; 570-764-7628