Training Opportunities: Week of November, 13 2023

Maryland Master Naturalist

Application to the Maryland Master Naturalist Program is made through individual Host Sites (see Volunteer Training Region links below). Candidates must be 18 years of age or older, have transportation to training classes/field trips and volunteer service activities, and be available to complete the 60-hour training as well as volunteer 40 hours per year. Applicants must show an interest in natural resources and be able to read, write, and comprehend the information presented in the training sessions. Applicants must be able to interact with and communicate that information to the general public. The Master Naturalist trainee must pass a final exam in order to volunteer in the program.

Maryland Master Naturalist Program trainees are selected by the training program Host Site(s) as suitable volunteers based on their applications, references, and interviews. Once accepted into the program, there is a $250 fee due at the start of the training to cover the cost of materials. 

Individuals accepted into the Maryland Master Naturalist Program receive 52 hours of instruction, including hands-on activities and demonstrations, indoors and out. The course also includes at least 8 hours of a field trip or trips to a different site, for a total of 60 hours of instruction and field programming.

All classes and field trip(s) are taught by experts in the subject. The curriculum includes:

• Introduction to Maryland Natural History
• Flora and Fauna: Identification, Behavior and Taxonomy
• Fundamental Ecological Principles
• How Humans Affect the Landscape
• The Science of Science
• Teaching and Interpretation 

See the Master Naturalist Policies and Guidelines to learn more about training to become a Master Naturalist.

For more information: Contact Joy Rafey at jrafey@umd.edu or 410-531-0534.

Water Sampler Certification

December 5, 2023
9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Online

The instructor will review the location and collection procedures for bacteriological, inorganic, metal, volatile organic, and pesticide samples. There will be several brief exercises and an instructional video from MDE.  The class concludes with an online test.  We use Zoom for our online classes; detailed instructions for participating online are included in the registration confirmation email.

Project Learning Tree Facilitator Training

Saturday, December 2, 2023
9:30 am - 12:30 pm
Delmarva Discovery Center, 2 Market Street, Pocomoke City, MD 21851

Asynchronous Work: Completing a 1.5 virtual course that provides background on PLT, environmental education, and creating high-quality professional development for educators.

Stipend: $100 for completing the virtual course, attending the in-person workshop, and planning a training event to be scheduled by June 1, 2024

Professional Development Funds Available: up to $1,000

2024 NEI Professional Workshops

Several workshops are available.  One example:

CONTEMPORARY BIRD OF PREY TRAINING AND MANAGEMENT

January 6-11, 2024 

Natural Encounters, Inc. Training Facility in Winter Haven, FL

Limited to 12 attendees

$1800 per person ($500.00 deposit + $1,300.00 final payment)

A comprehensive 5-day workshop designed for those who work in a professional capacity with birds of prey and seek to increase their training and management knowledge. This workshop is designed for those with a minimum of 3 years of experience working with raptors.

2024 IAATE ANNUAL CONFERENCE

International Association of Avian Trainers and Educators

February 14-17, 2024
Eugene, OR

Information about registration is available at the link above. The schedule will be posted at a later date.

United Rentals Academy

Maryland Park Service employees are able to access many different maintenance trainings through the United Academy. The contract is good through August 2024.  In order to get the discounted price listed on the contract, you must contact customer service to work it out.