If the beauty of the great outdoors and experiencing nature up close
is something you enjoy, then the Oklahoma Master Naturalist
Program may be for you.

 Oklahoma City - Beginning on October 4th, the Central Chapter of the Oklahoma Master Naturalist Program will provide a series of in-depth workshops designed to certify participants as qualified naturalist educators. Workshops will take place each Tuesday in May at the Oklahoma County Extension Center, 930 N. Portland Ave., in Oklahoma City.

 “The program offers a series of 4 day long workshops which will cover
basic ecological processes, aquatic, riparian, and urban ecosystems -
including forestry and wildlife. Participants will also be able to attend two or more advanced workshops/field trips, which will focus on the state’s most outstanding areas such as the tall-grass prairie, cross-timbers areas,
eastern woodlands and others,” said Marley Beem, OSU Extension
Natural Resources Specialist. “Participants will interact with a wide
range of experienced instructors from universities and natural resource
agencies from around the state.”

Upon receiving certification, participants can choose where, how and when they will help enhance public awareness and appreciation of Oklahoma’s natural resources.

“Our goal is to encourage a unique experience while providing the
background necessary to be an effective, well-rounded naturalist educator,” said Beem. “The public is increasingly out of touch with nature, and what is not being experienced is not being valued,” said Beem. “By participating in the Master Naturalist program, you can increase the public’s understanding and appreciation for the natural world by sharing your love for it.”

There is a charge of $50 per person to help meet costs and expenses, and registration is limited to 25 per session to those ages 18 and older.
For more information you can contact Gail Brooks at 405-348-7610 or gbrooks585@aol.com. Information is also available on the web site at www.okmasternaturalist.org.

The Oklahoma Master Naturalist program gratefully acknowledges presentations for these workshops from professionals representing Oklahoma State University; the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation; the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry; the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; the Oklahoma Conservation Commission and other organizations.

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