March 30, 2026: Weekly Dose of Training Opportunities

 

Course: CalTopo (SARTopo) for Incident Response The purpose of this course is to demonstrate and practice how to effectively integrate CalTopo into all stages of your incident response from start to finish. While this course will focus on multi-operational-period searches as an example, the same CalTopo tools and skills can be applied to other types of incidents as well

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER  Moral Injury & Meaning-Centered Care Spiritual & Psychological First Aid April 22-23, 2026 (8:30-5:00 PM EST) Last Chance to Register: April 8, 2026 Moral injury is an increasingly recognized component of crisis exposure, particularly in professions where individuals may face ethically or emotionally challenging situations. This course explores how experiences of guilt, shame, or perceived betrayal can impact identity and long-term wellbeing. Participants are introduced to strategies that support meaning-making, encourage healthy reflection, and help individuals reconnect with their values. By addressing the cognitive, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of recovery, this training supports a more complete and sustainable healing process.  Learn More Register now at https://matlearning.org/ Are you ready to take your leadership skills to the next level? Leadership Launchpad is here to help you soar! Join our fifth cohort and start building a foundation from your unique strengths and style from May 11-19, 2026. Designed specifically for early to mid-career conservation professionals like you, Leadership Launchpad combines flexible, asynchronous learning with dynamic live webinars. This program provides a framework to help you develop your unique leadership journey, emphasizing self-discovery, personal growth, and practical application. It is not a technical, answer-driven program; instead, it encourages active engagement and critical thinking, empowering you to shape your own leadership path. Interactive small group discussions will spark peer-to-peer learning, and the more you engage, the richer your experience—this program is designed to give back exactly what you put into it. The objectives for Leadership Launchpad include: Identifying and leveraging your strengths in leadership Enhancing your leadership through supportive relationships Creating an environment of celebration and appreciation Don’t miss this opportunity to unlock your potential and elevate your leadership impact. Enroll in Leadership Launchpad and embark on a transformative journey! Program Details: Cost: $345 Schedule: Three live, virtual sessions from 1:00–3:00 PM Eastern on May 11, May 14, and May 19, 2026. Live sessions are complemented by discussion forums and other activities on matlearning.org to deepen reflection and discovery. Time Commitment: 10–12 hours total, including 6 hours of live virtual sessions Prep: Some pre-work is required, which can be completed at your convenience Spaces are limited. Registration closes on May 1, 2026, or when full. Register now and find out more at matlearning.org. PROGRAMS MUST LEARN THURSDAYS Register Now RSVP RSVP   Turn Your Ambition Into Action: Invest in Your Professional Development   Professional Development Courses CIG Train-the-Trainer Course In this five-day course, you’ll learn to teach the CIG curriculum and NAI’s policies and procedures, as well as earn NAI CIG Instructor status—allowing you to teach the CIG curriculum. Join us online April 6–14, 2026 REGISTER HERE Join us online October 12–16, 2026 REGISTER HERE   Essentials for Effective Training This course offers practical tools and strategies to help you design and deliver effective, accessible training—whether in person or online—while gaining hands-on experience with current technologies and evaluation methods.   Join us online May 11–14, 2026 REGISTER HERE Join us online September 17–22, 2026 REGISTER HERE   Interpretive Planning: A Visitor Experience Approach (NEW) The newest professional development opportunity from NAI offers a fresh perspective on the interpretive planning process. “Interpretive Planning: A Visitor Experience Approach” is an in-depth, 40-hour course that provides participants the tools they need to develop a comprehensive interpretive plan. Participants will explore how to create visitor-centered experiences by identifying key audiences, developing theme structures, selecting appropriate media, and applying tools like logic models and evaluation strategies. Join us online September 14–23, 2026 REGISTER HERE Coaching Interpreters Coaching is a powerful tool for supporting interpreters. This hands-on, immersive course is designed to help you discover the difference between coaching and supervision and equip you to support and inspire others through more effective coaching techniques.   Join us online September 28 – October 1, 2026 REGISTER HERE Online Learning   Foundations of Strategic Planning for Interpretive Programming Don't get stopped before you even get started! This six-module course gives you the foundations everyone should know before beginning a strategic planning process. You'll explore best practices in strategic planning for interpretive teams, including understanding planning options, learning a strategic planning model, forming planning teams and engaging stakeholders, and more!   The Self-Paced Learning Opportunities can be found in the Online Learning section of the website and offer five continuing education hours upon completion.     PRACTICAL AI: Real World Uses in Interpretation April 9, 2026   This hands-on workshop will lead you through real-world uses of both Gemini and CHAT GPT in interpretation for you position in a park, nature center, historical site, or cultural site. Participants will use AI to modify and/or create new materials for use in their specific job. REGISTER HERE Unlocking Local Insights: NASA Data for Engaging Interpretation May 14, 2026   Discover how My NASA Data empowers interpreters to craft engaging, site-specific experiences. This session explores using local NASA satellite data to enhance your site's narrative. Move beyond generic resources and connect visitors with regionally relevant data, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of their surroundings. This interactive session equips you to leverage the Earth System Data Explorer, a powerful data tool, to make science communication meaningful and personal for your audience. Please bring a laptop or tablet so you can explore with us. REGISTER HERE Nature Informed Therapy Foundational Training (October 27-29 in Monkton, MD): https://www.natureinformedtherapy.org/nature-informed-practices-professional-growth