Midlands Master Naturalist
The Spring 2012 Midlands Master Naturalist Class is now full.
If you wish to be added to a waiting list, please visit the SC Master Naturalist website.
Contact Sara Green by email or phone (803) 609-4778 if you wish to be placed on a notification list for details about future Midlands Master Naturalist classes when they are available.
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The 2012 Midlands Master Naturalist course is part of a statewide Master Naturalist Program coordinated by Clemson University. The mission of the program is to create a corps of citizen volunteers well-trained in the fundamentals of natural history, nature interpretation, and the interface of humans and nature in order to empower them to contribute their time and talents to responsible, science-based environmental stewardship. |
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The Midlands course will be hosted by the SCWF and taught by Dr. Austin Jenkins, who will draw upon other experts to address certain topics. Jenkins is a naturalist who teaches biology at USC Sumter, and in partnership with others, he has graduated four classes of master naturalists in the past.
Please click HERE to view some photos from the 2011 Midlands Master Naturalist Class.
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Students will learn identification skills, ecological concepts, and natural history of the plants, animals, and ecosystems encountered. Students will see how this knowledge can be applied to manage for wildlife and to ensure that human impacts on our Earth are sustainable. Through the established connections, participants will develop the skills necessary to become lifelong students of nature and environmental volunteers in their community. |
Participants completing the course and 30 hours of approved volunteer service will receive Master Naturalist certification and will be eligible to join a local chapter and participate in advanced training courses.
When: Classes will be held on Fridays, March 16, 2012 through June 8, 2012, skipping Good Friday on April 6, 2012. Class times will be from 9:00 am until 3:00 pm. Ending times may vary depending on the field trip, but will be no later than 3:00 pm.
Where: The first three classes will be held at Saluda Shoals Environmental Education Center - 5605 Bush River Road, Columbia. The remainder of the classes will be held throughout the area, and students will meet at the various locations. Most sites are within one hour of Columbia.
Click HERE for a tentative syllabus for the 2012 Midlands Master Naturalist Class.
Who: The course is open to anyone. No pre-requisites or prior knowledge required. Participants come from all walks of life. Students will start with the basics.
Preparation: Students will need to pack a lunch and be prepared for a day in the field. Because you are training to be naturalists, you will traverse the wild country, and so excursions will at times involve easy to moderate hikes, mosquitoes, heat, briars, and encounters with a few perilous creatures. Students are responsible for travel to and from field sites, although carpooling is encouraged.
Cost: $600 per person, includes:
- South Carolina Master Naturalist Manual
- National Wildlife Federation Field Guide to Insects and Spiders & Related Species of North America, by Arthur V. Evans
- Native Trees of the Southeast, by Kirkman, et al.
- A Guide to Wildflowers of South Carolina, by R. D. Porcher
- Sibley Field Guide to Birds of Eastern North America, by D. A. Sibley
- Reptiles & Amphibians of Eastern/Central North America (Peterson), by Conant & Collins
- Write-in-the-rain notebook
- Magnifying glass and lanyard
- Admission to all field locations
Contact: Austin Jenkins
Email:
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Phone: (803) 243-1444
CLASS IS NOW FULL - IF YOU WISH TO BE ADDED TO A WAITING LIST, click HERE for the ONLINE REGISTRATION FORM.
CLICK HERE for more information on the statewide Master Naturalist Program.
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