Looking to protect Pa.'s natural heritage? Become a master naturalist volunteer

Westmoreland County residents hoping to get their hands dirty this summer while learning how to protect the state’s natural resources can participate in training to become a master naturalist volunteer.

The courses — hosted by the Pennsylvania Master Naturalist and Brandywine Conservancy at Penguin Court, a preserve near Laughlintown — will consist of a 50-hour course made up of weekly classroom instruction and Saturday field sessions. Participants then will complete 30 hours of service and eight hours of continuing education.

After becoming certified, volunteers complete service projects like habitat restoration, native planting projects, educational nature walks and water quality monitoring.

The goal of the program is to train knowledgeable volunteers committed to protecting Pennsylvania’s natural heritage.

This year’s courses will run from Aug. 2 through Oct. 25. Classes meet weekly on Tuesdays from 6-8:30 p.m.

Four Saturday field sessions are scheduled for Aug. 13, Sept. 10, Sept. 24 and Oct. 15.

Covid-19 safety protocols will be followed, and proof of vaccination will be required.

Courses will be held at Penguin Court. However, if social distancing protocols would be reimplemented, classes will be moved to Historic Hanna’s Town in Hempfield and to the Nimick Family Education Center in Ligonier.

Application deadlines

The deadline to apply for the training is May 15. Those who apply by May 1 will receive a discount rate.

Between 2019 and 2020, the course attracted 21 people. Last year, 15 more applicants were considered for the program.

After completing the initial course, master naturalists must participate in 20 hours of service and 12 hours of continuing education each year to maintain their status.

In all, master naturalist volunteers have contributed over 70,000 hours of conservation service since 2010.

A full training schedule and application can be found at pamasternaturalist.org. Questions can be directed to Susie Moffett, southwest program coordinator, at smoffett@pamasternaturalist.org.