Wisconsin Master Naturalist Program

The Wisconsin Master Naturalist program is modeled after more than 25 other Master Naturalist programs in other states across the country.

A UW–Madison Extension program supporting a network of well-informed volunteers and instructors dedicated to conservation service, leadership, and lifelong learning. This is a train-the-trainer effort; the statewide Master Naturalist program trains Instructors who then teach volunteers throughout the state. The Volunteer Training provides 40 hours of coursework in natural history, interpretation,

and conservation stewardship. Trainings combine classroom instruction with field experiences and are taught by professional natural resources educators and scientists, who are trained to deliver the Master Naturalist course. Training opportunities will be located at Host Organizations — university and college campuses, environmental education centers, and museums across the state. The curriculum covers eight topic areas (geology, ecology, plants, wildlife, education/interpretation, water, aquatic life, and human influences). Field trips serve to reinforce classroom learning and provide hands-on experiences in stewardship and citizen science activities. Each chapter of the curriculum includes clear learning objectives; topic background information; suggested places to visit (Explore!) that highlight outdoor examples of chapter content; topic-specific activities (Teach!) which can be used by the volunteers to teach the material; and citizen-science and stewardship organizations (Conserve!) which provide opportunities for volunteering. A major component of the course is a required service-learning activity called a capstone project. Volunteers work in groups on an education/interpretation, stewardship, or citizen-science project. They create a report about the project, which they present on the last day of class. These capstone projects are a bridge to volunteering, introducing participants to informal science education sites that need volunteers; allowing them to undertake useful and challenging projects; providing an opportunity to develop new skills; and ensuring that they use their newly acquired knowledge and skills with mentorship from instructors. Once trained, Wisconsin Master Naturalists must volunteer 40 hours each year and take eight hours of advanced training to maintain their certification.

05/29/2026

Master Naturalist Randy Newton captured the reaction of 4th graders who were able to watch the release of a Bald Eagle by The Raptor Center staff during educational programming held at Carpenter St. Croix Valley Nature Center this week.

Take A Field Trip With The Natural Resources Foundation | Wisconsin DNR

05/26/2026

In celebration of its 40th anniversary, the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin is offering 280 unique outdoor adventures during its 2026 field trip season.

Take A Field Trip With The Natural Resources Foundation | Wisconsin DNR The Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin (NRF) has just announced 280 outdoor adventures available during its 2026 Field Trip season.

For the first time in a century, lake sturgeon spotted in Ozaukee County

05/19/2026

It had been more than a century since a lake sturgeon was observed in Ozaukee County. But in March, after an effort to restore them to the Milwaukee River, one was sighted at the Mequon-Thiensville Dam.

For the first time in a century, lake sturgeon spotted in Ozaukee County After a 20-year restoration effort, a male lake sturgeon was detected 20 river miles upstream of Lake Michigan. This is a promising sign that this ancient North American freshwater fish could start spawning in the Milwaukee River again, restoring a once thriving population.

State Natural Areas by county | | Wisconsin DNR

05/15/2026

Wisconsin abounds with State Natural Areas. Check out this Department of Natural Resources list by county.

State Natural Areas by county | | Wisconsin DNR State Natural Areas by county Use the map or list below to find State Natural Areas in that county. Then select the name to find a site description, driving directions, access information and map. Adams Ashland Barron Bayfield Brown Buffalo Burnett Calumet Chippewa Clark Columbia Crawford Dane...

Everyday Hero: Heckrodt Wetland Reserve provides an up-close look at wildlife

05/12/2026

Have you visited Heckrodt Wetland Reserve in Menasha? It’s a 91-acre nonprofit green space, free to the public.

Everyday Hero: Heckrodt Wetland Reserve provides an up-close look at wildlife Heckrodt Nature Reserve is a 91-acre nonprofit green space in Menasha, Wis.

Nature is the classroom at this central Wisconsin elementary school - Great Lakes Now

05/08/2026

Master Naturalists know that nature provides an excellent classroom--for people of all ages. Tower Rock Elementary School in Sauk County is an example of this in action.

Nature is the classroom at this central Wisconsin elementary school - Great Lakes Now Sauk County's Tower Rock Elementary School teaches students outdoors once a week.

Woodland Jumping Mouse (Napaeozapus insignis)

04/28/2026

Are you familiar with the Woodland Jumping Mouse? A state Special Concern species, it’s found in conifer or conifer-hardwood forests or brushy areas near wetlands.

Woodland Jumping Mouse (Napaeozapus insignis) Woodland Jumping Mouse (Napaeozapus insignis) information from the Natural Heritage Conservation Program

04/24/2026

An official BioBlitz is a great way to share your observation skills and time. Check out this month-long effort here in the Great Lakes Basin.

Happy Earth Day, and happy first day of the Great Lakes Bioblitz! We challenge you to find the following plants and animals this week. Remember to upload your photos to iNaturalist - they help scientists!

🌊 Aquatic: Upside down and all around! Capture a photo of a plant or animal reflected on a body of water.

🌱 Terrestrial: Places to be, things to see! Take a picture of an animal in action: flying or climbing, swimming or crawling.

It's not too late to join the fun: https://sites.google.com/wisc.edu/annual-great-lakes-bioblitz/2026

Photos from River Alliance of Wisconsin's post

04/22/2026

Master Naturalists...here's an urgent service opportunity!

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Telephone

+16082620020

Website

http://www.wimasternaturalist.org/

Address

Natural Resources Institute, University Of Wisconsin Division Of Extension, 3500 University Avenue
Madison, WI
53705

Wisconsin Master Naturalist Program

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