Michigan Master Naturalist Southwest Coastal Region

           This program is open to anyone who has an interest in the great out of doors! Participants in the “Michigan Master Naturalist” program will gain a greater understanding of the natural environment and conservation techniques while learning the flora native to Michigan. Throughout the program, local volunteer opportunities may become apparent. Participants can take an active role in implementing what they have learned throughout their neighborhoods and in their own backyards.

The six sessions will be taught in both indoor and outdoor settings.  
The outdoor sessions will be lead on foot in a wide variety of locations including well known (or somewhat secretive) parks, native preserves and bogs throughout the local training area. Some locations may have steep or rough terrain.  
These sessions will run from 8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. each Saturday date.
  

Topics/Dates for 2019:
May 11th- Michigan Ecosystems, invasive species, climate change, and ephemeral plants

June 15th- Wetlands Habitats, native plants, invasive species, and Frogs

July 20th- Turtles and Snakes and their habitats

August 24th- Dune Ecology

September 28- Insects and Butterflies and their habitats

October 19th- Trees and Shrub ecosystems

(Note: locations subject to change )

 Automobile transportation and a Michigan State Park Recreation Pasport is necessary. Carpooling can be coordinated if needed.

Students will be provided with a notebook, materials, a copy of Douglas Tallamy’s Bringing Nature Home and the Kaufman Field Guide to Nature of the Midwest. 
Students should wear appropriate clothing such as closed toed shoes or hiking boots, hat, long pants, etc.  
A camera, hand lens, field guides and binoculars may also prove helpful on lab walks. 

           At the completion of the six sessions, a take home final exam will be given.  Participants will need to earn a 75% or better to be certified as a Michigan Master Naturalist.

           Each Master Naturalist is expected to attend every one of the six sessions.  
If a participant misses more than one session, then he or she cannot become a certified Michigan Master Naturalist.