Nebraska Master Naturalists: Sharing the Love
BY JULIE THOMAS, PhD
Early spring (before leaves) is the perfect time to peer into a bird nest. What materials did the bird use to construct the nest? Why did the bird choose this branch location?
Are you a lover of nature who wants to learn more about Nebraska flora and fauna? If so, you may already know about the Nebraska Master Naturalist program and certified naturalists – volunteers dedicated to learning about and promoting conservation of Nebraska's natural resources. With this article, I hope to highlight a few details about this Master Naturalist program and encourage you to join the team!
The Nebraska Master Naturalist program organizes opportunities for members to explore Nebraska’s natural resources, connect with like-minded people, and contribute to nature conservation through volunteer opportunities. Nebraska Master Naturalists include 650+ certified volunteers (e.g. landowners, teachers, professionals, college students, parents, and retirees) who log service hours to help support nature and conservation efforts of partner agencies such as Nebraska Game and Parks.
I discovered the Master Naturalist program as I was approaching retirement and looking for a meaningful way to get involved in the Lincoln community. As a science teacher and backyard birder, I looked forward to the Master Naturalist certification process — and all the learning opportunities and community service it might provide. Today, much of my volunteer time is spent at Spring Creek Prairie, just outside Lincoln, where I help expand visitors’ knowledge and awareness of prairie plants and animals. As a “discovery leader” I guide elementary students' prairie observations and experiences and as a “trail steward” I monitor trail conditions, interact with visitors, and investigate plant/wildlife interactions (see photo).
Over time, I’ve learned nature interpretation is more about sharing wonder than it is about telling facts. These experiences have helped me to understand the importance of personal connections with the natural world — and the real benefit of helping others find praying mantis egg cases in the grass or admire the ingenuity of bird nest construction.
The Nebraska Master Naturalist Program prepares volunteers to help conserve Nebraska's natural resources. The certification process involves an application and a training course (60 hours of classroom content and field activities) led by Nebraska scientists, naturalists, faculty, and natural resource professionals. See the links below for further application and training details.
Nebraska Master Naturalist Training Dates
June 9-15, 2024
Cedar Point Biological Station, OgallalaJuly 14-20, 2024
Niobrara River Valley Preserve, Johnstown
Visit nemasternaturalist.org to sign-up. For more information contact (402) 937-8601 or jamie.bachmann@nebraska.gov.
Julie Thomas, PhD, is a retired Science Educator and a Research Professor Emerita from the University of Nebraska and a contributing writer for 55+.