Maryland Master NaturalistVolunteer Training Program

Orientation

As of 2015

JUST HOW DOES THIS MASTER NATURALIST PROGRAM WORK?

Objectives for this Presentation

Review:• Structure of program• Volunteer service• Training: curriculum & requirements• Questions

College of

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Your Program Host Site(s): training is conducted by a host site

or sites where you will then volunteer as a Maryland Master

Naturalist.

Certified Maryland Master Naturalist

• Certified Maryland Master Naturalists are required to:

1. complete at least 60 hours of basic training(including the 8-hr field trip),

2. pass the course’s Final Exam, and 3. volunteer at least 40 hours of service. . . each year to remain a MD Master Naturalist

Volunteer Service Requirement: Minimum of 40 Hours per Year to Obtain and

Retain Certification

• Intern Year (Your First Year) to Obtain Certification: Complete 40 hrs. by 1st

Anniversary of Your Last Day of Class

• Subsequent Years: Complete 40 hrs. each Calendar Year to Retain Certification

I finished the first class today, when can I start volunteering for service credit?

1. Right now2. Halfway through my

volunteer training3. After I complete my

volunteer training4. Not sure

Volunteering

• Request that you provide your first 40 hours of service @ your training program host site

• Volunteer somewhere other than host site?

• Can I accept a payment/honorarium?

Where do I record my hours?

1. Don’t need to2. On-line3. Volunteer activity log4. Not sure

Volunteer Activity Log

• In your manual, find the Volunteer Activity Log

• Recordkeeping requirement• “Other” category of log – be specific• Paper/computer/host site• Periodically, to facilitator• End of year to state office• Facilitator approval• See facilitator if unable to complete 40 hours• No “double dipping”

To whom do I report my volunteer hours?

1. University of Maryland Extension

2. My facilitator3. My best friend4. Not sure

Curriculum

Three sets of information:

1. Pre-reading material2. Manual3. Class

– In-Class Instruction/Field Work– Extended Field Trip– Group Project– Attendance Policy – no more than 2 missed classes

https://agnrgroups.umd.edu/master-naturalist-assignments

Pre-Reading Material

Pre-Reading Material

• Please refer to the schedule in preparing for each class.• The pre-readings are designed to give "basis"

information about each topic with which we feel all Trainees should be familiar.

• The Units will not be taught in order. Not all Units have a pre-reading at this time.

• The pre-readings are from multiple Instructors and do not necessarily reflect your Instructor's presentation.

• The supplemental readings are "extra" reading that Instructors thought you might find interesting depending on your knowledge level.

Manual

• Reference• Goals & learning objectives• Basic info• Keys • Fact sheets• Activities

In which unit/chapter would you learn about mushrooms?

1. Unit One2. Unit Two3. Unit Three4. Unit Four5. None of the Above

Where would you learn about how to fertilize your lawn?

1. Unit One2. Unit Two3. Unit Three4. Unit Four5. None of the above

Would you prefer receiving your manual in print or electronically?

1. Print2. Electronically

Would you prefer receiving your manual in print or electronically?

1. Print2. Electronically3. Both

I’m not good at taking tests. Do I have to take the final exam?

1. Yes2. No

Final Exam

• Turn to the Qualification section of the Position Description

• Take home• Week to complete• Turned in and graded for certification• 70% correct to pass• Retake?

Summary of Requirements

• 52 hours of classroom training (plus 8 hours field trip)

• Final Exam• 40 hours volunteer service annually• 8 hours advanced training (after the first year)• Ongoing communication with facilitator• Activity log updated

I become a Certified Master Naturalist . . .

1. Right now2. After I complete my

volunteer training3. After I complete my

service hours4. After I’ve been in the

program for a year5. Not sure

Master Naturalist DesignationsFind Levels of Master Naturalist in your manual:

– You are a TRAINEE while completing the 60 hrs of classroom/field studies

– You are an INTERN once you complete the training and embark on your first year of volunteer service

– You are CERTIFIED once you complete the first 40 hrs of volunteer service (though you may not receive your certificate/official badge until the 1-yr anniversary date of your training program end date)

– You remain Certified by continuing to provide a minimum of 40 hrs of volunteer service AND acquiring a minimum of 8 hrs of Advanced Training

Advanced TrainingRequirement: 8 hours per year (after your Intern year)

required to maintain Certified Maryland Master Naturalist Status

What Advanced Training is NOT:• Watching “Nature” on PBS• Reading a book

What Advanced Training IS:• Class• Field Studies• Lots of opportunities are posted to the Md Master Naturalist

Listserv

Questions?Wanda MacLachlan – wtm@umd.edu

MD Master Naturalist Program CoordinatorJoy Rafey – jrafey@umd.edu

Maryland Master Naturalist Program Assistant11975 Homewood Road

Ellicott City, MD 21042-1545410-531-5973