Greetings,

This spring the City of Bellevue’s Natural Resource Division is hosting the third annual Master Naturalist Training Program free to interested students, community members and volunteers.  The Master Naturalist Training Program is a FREE stewardship training program that educates volunteers on the importance and significance of ecological restoration and preservation for the management and conservation of natural resources and natural areas.   The Master Naturalist Training Program has been adopted by 23 states and has successfully trained thousands of volunteers throughout the nation.

The goal of the Bellevue chapter of Master Naturalists is to develop a corps of dedicated and trained volunteers to “educate the community on preserving and promoting our natural resources.”   Through the Master Naturalist Training Program individuals can make a positive impact on their local community, gain useful and applicable experience, and become an active participant in the preservation of their natural resources. 

Over the course of this free 11-week training program volunteers will learn about the area’s ecology, hydrology, geology, natural resource management, native plants, wildlife, cultural history and restoration efforts.   Stewards will meet every Friday for 11 weeks, beginning in February, for a series of in-class lectures, field trips, workshops and restoration projects in and around Bellevue City parks.

Upon completion, our corps of Master Naturalists will be expected to complete no less than five hours of community service per month up to 100 hours of service to Bellevue’s natural resource programs. Completion of 100 hours is not to exceed two-year period.

Volunteer service opportunities include environmental education and interpretation, community outreach, habitat restoration and management, maintenance projects, and wildlife and native plant restoration monitoring and research. In addition, Master Naturalists will have the opportunity to assist Park Rangers with Stewardship Saturdays, Eco Fridays, Canoe Tours, Arbor Day/Earth Day, Natural Resource Week, Nature hikes, and more!

Training will take place on Fridays from 9am-3pm, February 3 to April 13, 2012 at the Lewis Creek Visitor Center.  Ideal candidates for the program have an enthusiasm for learning and prior education and experience in natural resource sciences. 

Join the Master Naturalist program as a means to further your education and as a way to pass along the knowledge, respect and benefits of nature to others.

How to Apply

Application packets are available online at http://www.bellevuewa.gov/9182.htm.  All packets must be postmarked by January 6, 2012.  Bellevue residents have priority.  Application packets can be emailed to Alex DySard at ADySard@bellevuewa.gov or mailed to:

Attention: Alex DySard

Master Naturalist Training Program
Parks & Community Services
Natural Resource Division
16023 N.E. 8th Street

Bellevue, WA 98008

Please pass this message onto anyone you feel might be interested in participating in this program.

Thank you for your time,

Alexandra DySard
Park Ranger – Environmental Programs Coordinator 
City of Bellevue – Parks & Community Services
Office: 425-452-4195
Mobile: 425-864-1569
ADySard@bellevuewa.gov