To become a Master Naturalist, an applicant first completes at least 40 hours of classes on topics ranging from archeology to zoology, from trail maintenance to stream water monitoring, from birding to tree identification, including both classroom and field work. Classes extend from mid-January to late April.

Applications may be completed online (see link above). Cost includes application fee of $135 and $30 in dues for first year of membership, a total of $165. The application fee covers cost of class materials. 

Applicants and Naturalists-in-Training may start volunteering right away, even before completing the course. While there is no deadline, the class will be limited to 30 persons.


NCAMN hikers trek the Ozark Highland Trail near Brush Creek trailhead in south Baxter County

The chapter's membership area encompasses the Ozark National Forest; the Buffalo National River; Norfork and Bull Shoals Lakes; Norfork and White Rivers; the Ozark Highland Trail; Blanchard Caverns; two state parks, Bull Shoals-White River and Ozark Folk Center; and several Arkansas Natural Heritage Areas.    

While NCAMN volunteers work hard on forest trails, along streams and rivers, and in native plant and heritage gardens, they also organize recreational hikes and camp outs for their members in one of the most beautiful areas of Arkansas. Volunteers share their knowledge and love of nature in programs for children and families and other interested individuals. Volunteer work may also be tailored to almost any level of physical capacity.

NCAMN Trail Patrol moves one of several cedar posts to build steps on a trail they built for Danuser City Park in Bull Shoals (Marion County).
 
To learn more about what NCAMN does, you may go to this web page: NCAMN Home Page

To learn even more about what NCAMN does, you may go to our Facebook page: NCAMN Facebook

For questions and more information, please send a message to this address:  ncamn.contact@gmail.com.