Human history is but a blip on the geologic timeline of Earth. We have changed the landscape to suit our needs during our history, often without really understanding or caring about the negative impact that we are having on our natural world. Indigenous peoples of North America were much more in tune with nature and lived in harmony with the world around them. While we may never have a relationship with the natural world quite like this, it is time to honestly give back to nature, especially in areas where we have taken so much. 

I believe that this John Muir quote captures how a naturalist views the world: “When one tugs at a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to the rest of the world.” We miss this message far too often in this modern world. I believe that this is where the Delaware Master Naturalist Program will make a positive impact on Delaware’s natural landscape.

The Delaware Master Naturalist program was begun by Dr. McKay Jenkins, the Tilghman Professor of English, Journalism and Environmental Humanities at the University of Delaware. As a Maryland Master Naturalist that has led his Environmental Humanities students in the battle against invasive plants, McKay was inspired to bring the Master Naturalist Program to our state. The Delaware Naturalist Handbook serves as the core training curriculum for the program as well as an excellent guide for those who want to better understand and protect the natural beauties that Delaware offers. McKay gathered a great group of authors to complete this book, representing the University of Delaware, UD Cooperative Extension and Delaware Nature Society! 

The Delaware Master Naturalist Program is made possible through a partnership with UD Cooperative Extension and the Delaware Nature Society. (I would like to thank Dr. Jenkins, Jason Wardrup, Joe Sebastiani, Jayne Schiff, my leadership at the University of Delaware Cooperative Extension and many others to support the Delaware Master. Naturalist Program!)

This program aims to create a statewide corps of knowledgeable volunteers dedicated to natural resource management, research and outreach work. During the core training, Master Naturalist trainees explore ornithology, herpetology, Delaware geology, weather/climate and sustainable landscaping and more! This primary training takes 60 hours of both in the classroom and in the field. The classroom sessions are designed to be interactive and are taught by some of the top minds in each area. However, the field experiences provide trainees the opportunity to put their knowledge to work and see nature in action! To cap off the core training, participants are required to complete an open-source, take-home exam. 

Once trained, Delaware Master Naturalist interns start working with their designated Local Organizing Partners (LOPs), where they provide 40 hours of volunteer service in their first year. This is where interns transform into Certified Delaware Master Naturalists! As Certified Delaware Master Naturalists, participants provide 40 hours of volunteer service to an approved LOP each year and take part in advanced training to expand their knowledge and maintain certification. 

Unfortunately, COVID-19 has created a multitude of issues for the program. Our inaugural class, “Class I,” started on March 11, 2020, humming with excitement and expectation. That same day, however, was also the day the first case of COVID-19 was reported in Delaware. 

Initially, the program was slated to be put on hold, but in an effort to move forward in spite of adversity, an online version of the training was crafted. Unwavered, Class I responded in force and showed their commitment to the Master Naturalist mission and the classroom training portion ended on July 1, 2020. Currently, the field experience training is being conducted as an independent study. Their patience and flexibility is a testament to their character and a shining example of the selflessness that Master Naturalists exhibit across the country. 

This Class represents six LOPs: Mt. Cuba Center, Hagley Museum and Library, Delaware Nature Society’s Ashland Nature Center, The Hermitage, Delaware Wild Lands and the University of Delaware Cooperative Extension. These connections are crucial to building a better, natural Delaware. 

The Master Naturalist program is a big undertaking — a commitment that has been met and exceeded throughout the country for the last 20 years. The Maryland Master Naturalist Program has been in existence for almost ten years and they have over 1,000 certified participants! But while Delaware is smaller than most states, we can be just as impactful! 

I hope that the Delaware Master Naturalist program inspires all Delawareans to develop a harmonious relationship with the natural world around them. Local Organizing Partners and Delaware Master Naturalists themselves are the essential part of this program — and we are here to support them on their journey.

Delaware’s natural world needs you! Visit our website today for more information: www.udel.edu/master-naturalist.