It’s that time of the year, when we are
seeking volunteer assistance with the
2026 Naturalist in Training Program. Like last year, we’ve broken down the volunteer opportunities to allow more members to be involved. I’ve enclosed a schedule at the bottom of this email. Lynne Hehr has created a form at
https://forms.gle/z597mptcBXDb19wd9.
The form is broken down by date and type of activity. Below I have added some additional details for clarification. Once we have a group of volunteers for a specific date or type, I’ll send out more specific information to avoid spamming everyone on everything. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me directly at jfoster5068@gmail.com.
Zoom Classes:
Zoom classes are offered on
Saturday mornings from
9AM-noon; and
Tuesday evenings from
6PM-9PM. We open the room at least 15 minutes early and close it when the class ends. It’s an easy procedure and most of the Zoom instructors have experience with our program.
In-Person Classes: Class Time
9 AM - 3:00PM –
Volunteer time usually runs
8:30-3:30.
For all in-person at Pauline Whitaker we have afternoon clean-up. Most cleanup is completed by the end of the classes, but it is important that we return the classroom to its original set up, empty the garbage, and basically leave the building the way we found it.
First Class: Saturday Jan 17, 2026 – Pauline Whitaker. Hosts: Jane Foster and Others. This class is unusual because it includes registration activities and lunch. We need volunteers to arrive by 8:00 to set up the lobby for registration. As in years past we’ll be serving a soup lunch of different kinds, along with fruit, cookies and other goodies. One of the most enjoyable parts of the first class is meeting the new NiTs and talking to them about the program during lunch and morning breaks.
Environmental Interpretation:
February 7, 2026- Two sites,
Hobbs State Park and either
Lake Fort Smith SP or Prairie Grove Battlefield SP. If you wish to volunteer for this class, please Contact Care Butler directly at carebutler@aol.com.
Mammals/Skulls/Reptiles/Amphibians : Pauline Whitaker –
Saturday, February 14. Host: Ken Leonard. Volunteers may be needed to help setup the room with extra tables. General coffee and snack service only. NiTs are responsible for their own lunch.
Community Science, Including GLOBE, bird activities, big data collection, local and chapter community science projects. Pauline Whitaker,
March 28. Host:
TBD. We
need someone to oversee coffee and snacks since both Jane and Lynne are presenting. Generally, there are lectures in the morning and hands on activities in the afternoon. We are looking especially for those familiar with iNaturalist, tabletop activities and other local and state community science projects
Getting Into the Weeds and Tree ID: April 18, 2026, at Ozark Highlands Nature Center. Host
TBD. This is usually a well-attended class including active members. Jennifer may
need assistance setting out her samples and gathering them before the afternoon session. The afternoon session will include a short hike to ID trees, so we could use one or two additional
volunteers to help with the hike.
Visits to My Backyard, Volunteer Days, and Take a Hike: The form just asks for volunteers who may be interested in hosting any of these activities. Further information and will follow.