FAQ

Questions About the Master Naturalist Program? You’ve come to the right place!

How long is the program course?

The course begins in January with orientation, then ends in June with graduation and certification. A series of 10 workshops are held, typically every two weeks, during this time frame.

When can I apply?

Applications typically open in October and close in December each year. To be notified when applications open for the 2025 program (in October 2024), click HERE.

How do I know if my application was accepted?

In December, we will send acceptance letters. Since we only accept 20 participants each year, those not accepted will also receive a notification. You are always welcome to apply again.

What are the criteria for selecting program participants?

If we receive more than 20 applications, the Applications & Graduation Committee will select program participants based on their interest in the program and their commitment to continuing volunteer work/membership with AMN.

What is the program cost?

The course fee is $200, which includes the cost of lodging and your first year of membership ($15 annually.) A discount is offered for active students and teachers. With proof of enrollment/employment, the course fee is adjusted to $150.

Please note that meals are not covered, although some may be provided by our dedicated volunteers. We are able to offer this immersive education experience at this price because we are a 100% volunteer-based, non-profit organization with passionate naturalists.

What is the Refund Policy?

You may request a refund for any reason up to two weeks prior to orientation.

Is there an age limit or physical requirement?

No. This program is suitable for adults aged 18 or older. If you have any physical limitations, please contact us via email so that we can further discuss your needs. We are happy to adapt workshops for those living with a disability, and would encourage you to apply.

Do I need any expensive equipment?

No, not at all. We recommend having good walking/hiking shoes and perhaps a pair of comfortable rain/muck boots. During orientation, we will provide additional suggestions like having a refillable water bottle and light rain gear.

What are the workshop dates?

Our 2024 Program schedule is below.

1/12/2024 – Program Orientation: MANDATORY (Not a workshop)

1/13/24 – Lay of the Land & Water (Workshop 1)

1/27/24 – Soils & Decomposers (Workshop 2)

2/17/24 – Marsh Ecology & Conservation (Workshop 3)

3/2/24-3/3/24 – Birding & Fisheries Restoration (Workshop 4)

3/23/24 – Pollinators, Basic Botany & Introduction to Medicinal/Edible Plants (Workshop 5)

4/6/24 – Coastal Prairie Ecology & Regenerative Farming (Workshop 6)

4/20/24 – Forest Ecology & Tree Identification (Workshop 7)

5/4/24 – Nature at Night: Nocturnal Creatures & Astronomy (Workshop 8)

5/18/24 – Bog Ecology, Herpetology, and Introduction to Moths at Allen Acres (Workshop 9)

6/8/24 – Mammalogy: Black Bear Conservation & Canids (Workshop 10)

6/22/24 – Program Graduation (Not a workshop)

What if I miss a workshop?

To be eligible for graduation and a certificate of completion, you must attend eight of the ten workshops.

Where are the workshops?

Our program steering committee works diligently to curate exciting educational opportunities for our participants, and some workshop locations change each year. A list of workshops will be publicly available once enrollment opens in the fall, and the specific details will be shared with program participants. Generally, workshops are scheduled for a Saturday and are located within the Acadiana Region or a neighboring parish. Workshops typically last six hours and may include at least two overnight stays with lodging provided at no additional cost. Occasionally, a workshop may be held in the evening.

Who plans the workshops?

The AMN Program Steering Committee curates and facilitates our workshops. The committee includes past graduates and current board members who meet from June to October to plan the program details for the next class.

What are the workshops like?

Most workshops include a presentation followed by time in the field. The workshop facilitator (a program steering committee member) will send an email in advance of the workshop with a full agenda and a list of items to bring. Workshops feature subject matter experts and typically incorporate at least one hands-on activity per session.

What if it rains during a workshop?

Unless weather conditions are dangerous, we tend to host workshops rain or shine. The workshop facilitator will keep the group informed and make necessary adjustments if needed.

Who is AMN and what is a “Master Naturalist?”

Master Naturalists are individuals interested in a deeper understanding of the natural world. As “citizen scientists,” they dedicate themselves to ongoing naturalist education, sharing knowledge with others, and serving their communities. To become a certified Master Naturalist, you must complete a training course encompassing various facets of the natural world. Once certified, Master Naturalists are expected to perform a certain number of hours of volunteer service and educational programs each year. Active AMN members must report a total 40 hours, any combination of volunteer or educational programming.

AMN was founded in 2014 as a 501c(3) non-profit organization. Our goal is to support lifelong learning about Acadiana’s environment and natural history, fostering a community of volunteers, stewards, and advocates committed to nature conservation and preservation.