Applications are open for the next Master Naturalist program at Deep Creek Lake State Park. The upcoming session is scheduled for September 10 – November 12.
According to Program Coordinator Ranger Cricket Smith, Maryland Master Naturalists are interested, ecologically aware individuals who have successfully completed a fun but rigorous natural history training program and who “pay it forward” with annual volunteer work. They participate in community science efforts, teach classes, lead field trips, and continue to learn and share their enthusiasm for Maryland’s natural areas and the life forms that occupy them.
Classes are held on Wednesdays, from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM, at the Discovery Center. The cost is $250. Once accepted into the Master Naturalist volunteer training program, individuals receive 52 hours of classroom instruction and 8 hours of hands-on experience outdoors.
After this initial training, participants must provide a minimum of 40 hours of volunteer service to Deep Creek Lake State Park within the first year to receive Master Naturalist certification. The 2024 Master Naturalist class was the program’s largest ever in Western Maryland. The program is similar to the Master Gardener program.
The program is run in partnership with the University of Maryland Extension and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
For more information, please contact Cricket Smith at 301-387-5563.
