You can qualify to become a Wisconsin Master Naturalist this fall through a course offered by the The Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve on Barkers Island in Superior.

The naturalist course runs 40 hours over several days in September and October.

The course involves training in natural history, interpretation and conservation stewardship. Once trained, a Wisconsin Master Naturalist provides volunteer service in one of three areas: education/interpretation, stewardship, or citizen science. To maintain certification, volunteers must complete 40 hours of service each year, in addition to eight hours of additional training.

Cost is $275 and classes take place Sept. 11, through Sept. 13, from 5 to 8:30 p.m., Sept. 14, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Oct. 2, through Oct. 4, from 5 to 8:30 p.m., Oct. 5, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Oct. 6, from noon to 6 p.m.

Registration closes August 30. Register at wimasternaturalist.org/volunteer-course/Superior2019 or contact info@wimasternaturalist.org. For more information about the Wisconsin Master Naturalist program, visit wimasternaturalist.org .

The Wisconsin Master Naturalist program, a statewide effort to promote awareness, understanding and stewardship of the state’s natural resources, is a network of informed citizens dedicated to conservation education and service within Wisconsin communities. This course will explore the St. Louis River Estuary and the Lake Superior coast to gain an understanding of the natural resources that abound in this region. This course will tell the natural and cultural story of the St. Louis River Estuary through topics ranging from aquatic ecology to ornithology, including the impacts of humans on our landscape.