2nd National Extension Nat Res Conference-Abstract 61

Mark W. LaSalle and Cathy Z. Hollomon, Mississippi State University, Coastal Research & Extension Center, 2710 Beach Boulevard, Suite 1-E, Biloxi, MS 39531; 228.388.4710; markl@ext.msstate.edu

The Mississippi Master Naturalist volunteer training program is designed to familiarize participants with basic knowledge about the landscape and natural history of natural environments. Over a 14-week period, trainees are schooled in a wide range of topics that integrate information about the landscape around them (basic geology, geomorphology, and hydrology), the habitats that make up the landscape, and the major groups of organisms that live within these habitats. The connections and interactions of habitats and organisms on broader regional and global scales are also addressed, along with key socially important issues regarding the environment, such as water quality and habitat conservation. The underlying theme of this training program is that habitats exist and function as integrated parts of the overall landscape. As such, this program is largely habitat-based and focuses attention on the major habitat types in the area where volunteers are trained.

The Mississippi Master Naturalist program was developed to fill a growing need for trained individuals to assist with environmental education programs and events in Mississippi and to help expand these efforts. Examples include in-school programs such as the Water Riches and Backyard Wildlife programs offered through the Mississippi State University Extension Service as well as out-of-class activities, such as nature trail tours and environmental festivals (e.g., Earth Day). These volunteers are also of enormous value in developing and maintaining area nature trails and environmental monitoring efforts, such as Adopt-a-Stream. Trained naturalists are also encouraged to develop educational materials on topics of interest to them that can then be used to support these and other efforts. Master Naturalists are currently working with Master Gardeners to develop a butterfly gardening program that can be used in schools and clubs.

The Master Naturalist program began in coastal Mississippi as a pilot program in 1997, sponsored by the Chevron, U.S.A., Pascagoula Refinery. The program is currently being expanded to a state-level effort in Mississippi and was recently approved as a Southern Extension Regional Program to be available across 13 southeastern states, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. It is hoped that this program will also expand to other regions of the country.