Frequently asked questions

	What is the Missouri Master Naturalist Program?
	It is a community-based natural resource volunteer program that includes training and service under a statewide network. Volunteers receive certification after 40 hours of training, 8 hours of advanced training, and 40 hours of volunteer service on an approved project. Volunteers maintain certification by completing an additional 8 hours of advanced training and 40 hours of approved volunteer service annually.
	Who conducts the training and what’s involved
	Basic training consists of 40 hours of combined classroom and field experience and includes training in traditional naturalist disciplines such as ornithology and botany, land management and land use history, Missouri eco-regions, natural resource management, interpretation and communication. Instructors come from local colleges or universities, and state and federal agencies. They are considered experts in their fields. Advanced training provides 8 hours of field experience focused on volunteers’ area of interest and is directed at specific programs in need of trained volunteers. A statewide curriculum covers the basic training and participants are provided a file box of resource materials.
	As a certified Master Naturalist, what would I do?
	Volunteer projects run the gamut and might include construction and maintenance of interpretive trails; stream bank, marsh or prairie restorations; exotic species control; fish, wildlife and plant inventories; natural resource youth camps; school programs; programs to community groups; landowner consultation; outdoor skills instruction; natural resource interpretation at nature and visitors centers; creating and maintaining naturescaping demonstration areas; and more. The statewide advisory committee develops parameters for the types of volunteer projects that fall within the scope of the program. Within that framework, local chapter coordinating committees identify natural resource-related needs in the community. Volunteers can then design their own projects to meet those identified needs.
	What are my responsibilities as a certified Master Naturalist?
	Once you are certified, it is your responsibility to maintain your certification. You are expected to stay active in the local Chapter and attend meetings, take advantage of advanced training offered through the local chapter, and keep accurate records of your service hours. As a volunteer, you may not profit from your status or violate the policies, missions and goals of the sponsoring agencies that govern use of the Master Naturalist title.
	What is a volunteer chapter?
	Master Naturalist volunteers in a community organize into self-governing chapters, with partner/agency staff serving as chapter advisors.
	Who administers the program?
	The Missouri Master Naturalist program is a partnership of the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and University of Missouri Extension and local partners in each community.
	Who serves on the state advisory committee and what does the committee do?
	The state advisory committee advises the Program Coordinator on the development and maintenance of the volunteer training, including curriculum development, and on policies and procedures for effective operation of a statewide natural resources volunteer effort. They also review new chapter applications and plan and implement an annual volunteer training meeting. Committee members include three chapter advisors each from the partner agencies (MDC and Extension), and five to seven certified volunteers.
	How is the program supported?
	This is a self-supporting program. Volunteers are expected to pay to cover the costs of their training. Local chapters are supported by training fees, chapter dues, and donations (money or in-kind services such as free meeting space) from local partners. A portion of the training fees and chapter dues are also used to support statewide administration of the program. The local training fees and dues are set by the local coordinating committee and take into account the state fees.
	How do I find out more?
	For general inquiries, email us at Master.Naturalist@mdc.mo.gov. Syd Hime at Missouri Department of Conservation – 573-751-4115 x 3370 Syd.Hime@mdc.mo.gov Bob Pierce at University of Missouri Extension/MU School of Natural Resources – 573-882-4337 P ierceR@missouri.edu