UDC’s Master Naturalist training begins in a few weeks. Will you be applying?

Before you answer the above question, here are a few more: Are you fascinated by the natural world within our urban environment? Do you want to learn more about the wild plants and animals and habitats throughout the District, and take part in efforts to conserve and protect them?

The Master Naturalist program administered by UDC’s College of Agriculture Urban Sustainability and Environmental Studies (CAUSES) trains and certifies volunteers who go on to donate time and expertise at public and private institutions including Hillwood Museum, Rock Creek Conservancy, and the Smithsonian.

The 2025 training starts in early March with weekly in-person classes, including field trips. There’s a $250 fee to cover materials costs and pay the instructors. Financial aid is available.

After 30 hours of instruction, the trainees enter a hands-on phase as interns. And once certified, Master Naturalists are required to complete at least 20 volunteer hours and 10 continuing education hours per year. UDC’s popular Master Gardener program works similarly.

The Master Naturalist program is described in detail here. The application is here, and is due February 19th. And there’s an information session on Microsoft Teams at 4 p.m. on Monday, January 6th.