Master Naturalists Thriving in Springfield Area

Contact: Patrick Byers, horticulture specialist
Tel: (417) 881-8909
E-mail: byerspl@missouri.edu

Master Naturalists share knowledge of Missouri's rich outdoor world as citizen scientists and community volunteers. But Master Naturalists also help the Missouri Department of Conversation and University of Missouri Extension with volunteer hours.

Springfield Plateau Chapter of the Missouri Master Naturalist is a community based natural resource education and volunteer program according to Patrick Byers, a horticulture specialist for University of Missouri Extension who co-advises the chapter.

“The purpose of the program is to develop a corps of well-informed volunteers to provide education, outreach and service dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas within their communities for the State of Missouri,” said Byers.

During 2012, the 60-plus members of the Springfield Plateau Master Naturalist chapter contributed over 7,000 volunteer hours to the community.

JOIN MASTER NATURALISTS

Members of the Springfield Chapter of the Master Naturalists are planning a training class in the fall for new members, from Sept. 8 through Oct. 27. Cost is $100, with classes meeting 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Thursdays in Springfield, and four Saturday field sessions.

For more information about the class, contact Jay Barber, Missouri Department of Conservation, at 417-895-6881 ext. 269, jay.barber@mdc.mo.gov, or Patrick Byers, MU Extension, byerspl@missouri.edu.

To learn more about the Springfield Plateau Master Naturalist chapter visit their website: http://springfieldmasternaturalist.com/. Be sure to spend some time exploring the educational blog written by Bob and Barbara Kipfer at http://springfieldmn.blogspot.com.

PROGRAM BACKGROUND

The Master Naturalist program is a partnership between the Missouri Department of Conservation and University of Missouri Extension.

The Master Naturalist’s mission is to promote awareness and citizen stewardship of natural resources through science-based education and community service. The program’s purpose is to develop a corps of well-informed volunteers to provide education, outreach and service dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas.

Participants receive 40 hours of training in Missouri ecosystems, including ecology and resource management. Participants contribute 40 hours of service in natural resource conservation through projects that meet local conservation needs in addition to eight hours of continuing education.