Published November 20 2015
Applications are now being accepted for a free master naturalist training program designed to build a group of dedicated community volunteers trained in environmental education and stewardship.
The training, open to adults, will be Tuesday and Thursday evenings, Jan. 5 through March 3, 5:30-8 p.m., and up to five Saturdays at the Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center. Participants will learn about our area's ecology, hydrology, geology, natural resource management and cultural history in in-class lectures, field trips, workshops and restoration projects in and around Bellevue parks.
Volunteers who complete the program will assist park rangers with environmental education and interpretation, habitat restoration and monitoring, nature hikes, wildlife and native plant research, community volunteer projects and canoe tours. Master naturalists are expected to provide a minimum of five hours of community service per month up to 100 hours of service to Bellevue's natural resource programs within two years.
Ideal candidates will have an enthusiasm for learning, and priority will be given to those with some prior education and experience in natural resource sciences. Bellevue residents will have priority for selection.
To apply, complete and return an application packet available at Master Naturalist. Packets are due by Dec. 1. Information about other volunteer positions with the city are available at Volunteering.