Adult Naturalist Educational Program in North Carolina
The mission of the Northwest Piedmont Master Naturalist Program is to train volunteers and environmental professionals to better understand how to preserve and enrich our local ecosystems. Through hands-on training and volunteer engagement, the program aims to create a network of citizen scientists and environmental educators devoted to promoting environmental awareness, sustainable practices, and a profound appreciation of the diverse landscapes that define our region.
A Master Naturalist is an individual who undergoes specialized training and actively volunteers their time to contribute to various environmental and conservation projects. Master Naturalists aim to contribute significantly to preserving the quality of native ecosystems by acquiring skills to interpret the landscape. Master Naturalists also recognize the effects of human activities on the environment, including conservation practices to preserve our remarkable natural surroundings.
Following their training, Master Naturalists have the opportunity to engage in various volunteer activities with regional partner organizations. These activities may involve supporting nature outreach programs in city, county, and state parks, museums, nature centers, or schools, aiding scientists in gathering ecological census data, collecting information on water quality, or participating in other meaningful initiatives.
Our educational program focuses on the landscapes of North Carolina’s Northwest Piedmont.
Students will learn specifically about the local ecology of this special region with field trips to various types of ecosystems found in this region.