2010 Riveredge Master Naturalist Series
Being a naturalist is a state of mind. Becoming a naturalist is a journey - an avocation that calls for the exercise of both artistic creativity and scientific discipline. Becoming a naturalist requires that you both teach and learn - providing opportunities to share your knowledge, interests and talents with others in a classroom without boundaries. For over 40-years Riveredge has been a leader in the production of naturalists. Riveredge Naturalists are people that find new and fun ways to help others realize the depth of their interrelationship with the natural world. The naturalists that Riveredge has touched form the core of an extensive web with strands that reach out to every continent.
The new Riveredge Master Naturalist Series is the latest expression of the Riveredge legacy: To inspire, inform and enable responsible environmental decision making. The Riveredge Master Naturalist Series includes foundational training in ecology, natural history, and the living creatures of Riveredge, providing both new and experienced naturalists with an opportunity to join with others and grow in their understanding of the world and its natural systems. Master Naturalist Participants will work together to explore ecological systems, the rules that shape them and the roles that we play within them. Everything truly is connected to everything else – your task will be to trace those connections and test their strength and elasticity. Series concepts will include terrestrial ecosystems, aquatic ecosystems, biodiversity, community, conservation biology, restoration ecology, sustainability, sociobiology, glacial geography, energy flow, nutrient cycling, biogeography and much more. Participants will explore the Riveredge landscape while gaining experience in teaching methods, program development, field study techniques and experimental methods, all using the trademark, hands-on Riveredge approach. Offered on the first Thursday of each month, this new 12-session series will provide valuable enrichment to Riveredge’s experienced and dedicated force of environmental educators, teacher naturalists and interpretive naturalists. There is no better way to learn the land and develop the skills that will help you experience and use the 370-acre Riveredge classroom to its fullest.
Becoming a naturalist is a lifelong journey that begins with a single step. Call 262-375-2715 or Click Here to register for the Riveredge Master Naturalist Series today!
The Riveredge Master Naturalist Series will be lead by Marc White, Riveredge’s Director of Research, Stewardship and Adult Education. The series includes 12 sessions. Sessions are held on the 1st Thursday of each month unless otherwise noted. Each session begins at 9:00 am and is finished by 3:00 pm. The cost of the series is $300, with a 10% discount for Riveredge Members. Class space is limited, so sign up early. Students wishing to sign up for individual sessions ($25ea) please call 262-375-2715 to be placed on a waiting list. Priority registration goes to full series applicants. Click Here to Register Online for the Full Series.
The Riveredge Master Naturalist Series Schedule:
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Date
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Session
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4/1/10
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From Prairie Fires to Pollywogs - Lessons on Becoming a Master Naturalist
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5/6/10
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Round Riveredge - Riparian Forest & Stream Ecology
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6/3/10
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Wisconsin through Time and Space Genesee Oak Opening Field Trip
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7/1/10
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From Farm to Fen - Nutrient Cycles and Energy Flows
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8/5/10
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Discovering Dragonflies
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9/2/10
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Climate and the Wisconsin Landscape
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10/7/10
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New Perspectives
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11/4/10
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Exploring New Perspectives
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12/2/10
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Thinking Like a Pond
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1/6/11
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Winter Survival and the Quincy Co-opetition Cook-Off
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2/3/11
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Evolution of the Land Ethic
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3/3/11
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Maple Syrup and other Photosynthetic Biofuels
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The successful completion of each session is equivalent to 1 course credit toward Riveredge Naturalist or Master Naturalist certification. Individuals that have formerly completed the Riveredge Adult Ecology Course and/or the Riveredge Exploring Ecology Course are eligible for 6 Riveredge Master Naturalist credits. Individuals that have completed a single trimester of the Riveredge Exploring Ecology Course are eligible for 2 Riveredge Master Naturalist credits.
Riveredge Naturalist Certification will be awarded following the completion of 8 Master Naturalist Credits. Riveredge Master Naturalist Certification will be awarded following the completion of 12 Master Naturalist Credits.
Riveredge Naturalist/Master Naturalist Benefits:
· Invitation to graduation ceremony.
· Certificate of program completion.
· Riveredge Naturalist or Master Naturalist name tag.
· Recognition on the Riveredge Website.
Riveredge Teacher Naturalists1 and Interpretive Naturalists2 are eligible for additional benefits:
· Complementary annual Riveredge membership as a Certified Riveredge Naturalist or Master Naturalist.
· Complementary lifetime Riveredge membership as a Certified Riveredge Naturalist or Master Naturalist with 5 or more years of service as a Teacher Naturalist or Interpretive Naturalist.
1Riveredge Teacher Naturalists satisfactorily lead a minimum number of programs in the most current school field trip curriculum. Naturalist Certificate (4), Master Naturalist Certificate (8).
2Riveredge Interpretive Naturalists must develop and offer a minimum number of interpretive programs at Riveredge. Naturalist Certificate (2), Master Naturalist Certificate (4).
