The Nebraska Master Naturalist Program, which provides volunteers with hands-on experiences in natural resources, is offering four training sessions in 2017.

Two training session types are offered. Complete training provides 60 hours of classroom content and field activities during a weeklong session. Those who complete the course achieve Master Naturalist status. Core 24 training provides 24 hours of foundational classroom content and field activities that allow participants to achieve Master Naturalist In-Training status. Participants have until Jan. 1 of the following year to complete 36 hours of continuing education to earn their certification.

The training session dates and locations are:

• April 21-22 and 28-29, Aksarben Aquarium, Schramm Park, 21502 W. Highway 31, Gretna, Core 24 training, $150.

• June 4-10, Niobrara Valley Preserve, 42269 Morel Road, Johnstown, Complete training, $300; limited to 15 participants.

• June 25 to July 1, Cedar Point Biological Station, 170 Cedar Point Drive, Ogallala, Complete training, $300; limited to 15 participants.

• Sept. 8-9 and 15-16, Crane Trust Nature and Visitor Center, 9325 S. Alda Road, Wood River, Core 24 training, $150.

Participants will explore Nebraska’s natural resource legacy alongside scientists, University of Nebraska faculty and natural resource professionals. They will learn about habitat conservation, environmental education, conservation biology, ecology, outdoor skills and more. For a complete description of course content, click here.

Master Naturalists are required to complete 20 volunteer hours and eight continuing education hours per year to maintain their certification. Education opportunities are organized and presented by the Nebraska Master Naturalist Program, program partners and other organizations that support the program’s mission.

Master Naturalists have contributed more than 42,000 hours of service valued at more than $1 million in areas such as interpretation and outreach, resource conservation and management, outdoor skills and recreation, and citizen science research.

To apply, click here. For more information, contact program coordinator Matt Jones at naturalist@unl.edu or 402-937-8601.