LUVERNE -- Blue Mounds State Park near Luverne will host a Minnesota Master Naturalist volunteer training from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays from Aug. 6 through Oct. 15. Two Saturday field trips will be on Sept. 7 and 28.
Master Naturalist volunteers complete a 40-hour hands-on class with expert instructors and fellow learners studying natural history, environmental interpretation and conservation stewardship. Final certification comes with the completion of 40 hours of volunteer service. The program offers three classes that correspond to Minnesota's three major ecosystems, "Big Woods, Big Rivers," "Prairies and Potholes" and "Northwoods, Great Lakes."
The class will cover the natural and cultural history of the Prairies and Potholes region.
There is a cost for the class; scholarships are available.
Register on-line at www.MinnesotaMasterNaturalist.org , call 1.888.241.4532, or e-mail info@minnesotamasternaturalist.org . The program is sponsored by University of Minnesota Extension and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
