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

What is an LOP?

A Local Organizing Partner (LOP) is an environmental organization (nonprofit, government, etc) that agrees to provide volunteer opportunities for Delaware Master Naturalists. The LOP works closely with trained Master Naturalists to coordinate and execute Master Naturalist volunteer projects, recruit volunteers into the program, and work with other organizations to maximize the Delaware Master Naturalist mission.

There is no cost to register as a LOP. Once accepted to the program, LOPs will receive a Local Organizing Partner Resource Manual.

Program Benefits

There are many benefits to becoming an LOP, including access to trained volunteers that can help accomplish and expand your mission. These volunteers can lead efforts, initiate service projects, gather research data and recruit additional volunteers, all while requiring limited supervision.

As an LOP, you can...

receive support from the statewide program;
advertise volunteer opportunities on Delaware Master Naturalist website;
reach a wider group of stakeholders through the DMN Network;
gain access to volunteer management system to track volunteer hours (easy to use and extract data from); and
connect with interested individuals via the State Program Coordinator.

Additional program details >>

The following organizations are participating LOPs for the Delaware Master NAturalist Program.

Delaware Wild Lands
- Contact: Brenna Ness, bness@dewildlands.org, 302-378-2736
Delaware Nature Society Ashland Nature Center
- Contact: Joe Sebastiani, joe@delawarenaturesociety.org, 302-239-2334 ext 115
Delaware Nature Society Abbott's Mill Nature Center
- Contact: Matt Babbitt, Matt@delawarenaturesociety.org, 302-422-0847
University of Delaware Cooperative Extension
- Contact: Blake Moore, rbmoore@udel.edu, 302-730-4000

Individual registration opens on February 4th, 2020 at 9:00am!

Individuals must apply through a registered LOP. The list of registered LOPs can be found on the "Participating Organizations (LOPs)" tab on this webpage. The list will be updated as additional LOPs sign on. Each LOP is allowed up to a maximum of 5 applicants per class, so space is limited.

Have questions or concerns? Call Blake Moore at 302-730-4000 or send an email to rbmoore@udel.edu.