What background, knowledge and skills are you looking for in an applicant?

Our goal is to train individuals to be volunteer naturalists at nonprofits and schools throughout the state. Applicants who:

* have an on-going interest in the outdoors;

* demonstrate some basic knowledge of and curiosity about the natural world;

* are able to devote the necessary time for classes and preparation; and

* have a history of volunteering, particularly for land trusts, nature centers and parks

will receive priority.

For whom is the program not a good fit?

Because the course assumes some basic on-going experience in the outdoors, if you have very little or no knowledge in most subject areas, the course would be extremely frustrating. To increase your skills, start taking local programs.

If you are already working as a naturalist or if you are able to teach more than a handful of topics, you don’t need the program. Consider applying to be a Guest Instructor instead.

If you want skills for full-time employment as a naturalist, you need a college/university degree.

Do you accept auditors?

No. Space is limited and demand is high. We accept only individuals who can make a full commitment to the course and to volunteering after certification.

How much time does the program take?

A lot. Plan on devoting at least 180 and as much as 200 or more hours, which averaged over ten months comes to about five hours a week:

* Classes and field trips: 70-80 hours, depending on the course

* Doing homework, fulfilling program requirements, and keeping a Nature Journal: At least 80 hours

* Capstone Project: At least 20 hours

* Individual time learning to use keys, explore “further resources” books and websites, and spend outdoors with your nature Journal: As much as you can manage

If you seriously wonder whether have the time to do the course and fulfill the requirements, then you probably don’t.

What happens if I can’t attend all of the classes?

Participants are allowed to miss only one three-hour class, so check the schedule carefully to make sure that you do not have a conflict on more than one day. If you do, please apply at another time.

What does the tuition cover?

The $300 fee, which is due at the time of acceptance, covers:

➔ Instruction and mentoring by experts in the field

➔All but one of the books* used in instruction:

Forest Trees of Maine

The Sibley Field Guide to Birds of Eastern North America

Fern Finder

Winter Weed Finder

Constellation Finder

Track Finder

➔ A subscription to Northern Woodlands magazine

➔These and other handouts:

Simplified bedrock geologic map of Maine

Simplified surficial geologic map of Maine

Identifying Maine trees by their leaves

Identifying Maine trees by their twigs

Identifying Maine ferns

Identifying Maine mammals by their skulls

Identifying Maine mammals by their scat

➔ Some tools of the trade:

Hand lens

Dissecting kit

Bug box

Note: You must purchase a copy of Newcomb’s Wildflower Guide if you do not already have one.

Payment plan: We can set one up; ask if you need it.

Refund policy: If a participant withdraws before the first class, the refund is tuition minus $20; after one or two classes and a field trip, the refund is half of tuition; thereafter, no refund will be issued.

MMNP Read Before You Apply.pdf