Graduates!

This past Saturday the Pennsylvania Master Naturalist program held the graduation ceremony for the 2012 Master Naturalist trainees. After receiving their certificate and name badge, they are now known as official 2013 Pennsylvania Master Naturalist!

Lucy Karlsson receiving a special award for her project,
a Field Guide to the Bucktoe Arboretum

This transition between a trainee and an official master naturalist requires hard work, dedication and training. TLC hosted the first training program in Chester County in the fall of 2012 at the Stroud Water Research Center. The 55-hour training program is the first of three requirements to become an official PA Master Naturalist. The training course covers topics such as, geology, botany, environmental interpretation and more. After completion of the 55-hour training program, trainees are now prepared to conduct their 30-hour service projects with a partnering organization. The third requirement is to fulfill 12 hours of advanced training by attending local workshops, education programs, lectures, etc.

Food and socializing after the ceremony. 

Five trainees conducted service projects this year which included; a Field Guide to Bucktoe Creek Preserve's Tree Arboretum, a bat population survey and bat-related education programming, Guide to Common Plants at Bucktoe Creek Preserve, and two service projects on invasive species removal. These projects have been an enormous contribution to TLC's efforts to promote environmental education and being stewards of preserved open spaces.

The 2013 master naturalist trainees just finished the 55-hour training course this November and will be conducting their service projects with local organizations. Projects for Bucktoe Creek Preserve in the coming year are in the making!

If you are interested in partaking in this unique experience of becoming a Pennsylvania Master Naturalist, please visit www.pamasternaturalist.org or contact TLC at 610-347-0347 ext 104 or education@tlcforscc.org.