Master Naturalist Program

Cooperative Extension

The Master Naturalist Program is meant to engage individuals as stewards of Delaware's natural ecosystems and resources through science-based education and volunteer service in their communities.

Become a master naturalist

Become a certified Delaware Master Naturalist and provide a continuing commitment to nature! The Delaware Master Naturalist Program is a science-based natural resource training program jointly coordinated by University of Delaware Cooperative Extension and Delaware Nature Society. The program will provide a foundation for trainees to become naturalists and upon completion of initial training, Master Naturalists will give back to Delaware’s natural world with volunteer services to include education and outreach, service projects, and citizen science.

The first Delaware Master Naturalist training will take place in the spring of 2020 at Ashland Nature Center, stay tuned for recruitment details!

about the Delaware Master Naturalist Program (PDF)

Delaware is a state of “small wonders” with lots to see, do, learn and enjoy! Becoming a Certified Delaware Master Naturalist volunteer is an exciting way to explore our beautiful state and to help preserve its environmental wealth. The idea of a Delaware Master Naturalist Program took shape in Fall of 2018. In Spring of 2019, under the collaborative direction of University of Delaware Cooperative Extension, the Delaware Nature Society and guided by a State Steering Committee, the program’s framework was created. By spring, 2020, the pilot Master Naturalist volunteer training program will be conducted by Delaware Nature Society at the Ashland Nature Center!

Mission: The Delaware Master Naturalist Program trains citizens as ambassadors and stewards of Delaware’s natural resources and ecosystems through science-based education and volunteer opportunities.

Goals:

Promote awareness and appreciation of ecological resources in the State of Delaware
Develop a network of trained volunteers to serve as catalysts for local environmental conservation through education, research and stewardship
Provide a structured, science-based program to educate and certify citizens who maintain their lifelong learning quests as Delaware Master Naturalists
Engage citizens in environmentally-focused volunteer service within their communities

Trainee recruitment and application: Check back when recruitment begins which should be in December 2019 or early January 2020!