Midlands Master Naturalist Class

Overview

Based out of Columbia, the Midlands Master Naturalist Class is held on Fridays, March to May, from 9:00 AM until 3:00 PM (times will vary, but no later than 3:00 PM). The Midlands course is hosted by the South Carolina Wildlife Federation and taught by experts in natural history, botany, biology, forestry, and geology.

Course Info

The goal of the course is to train participants to be better naturalists. No prerequisite or prior knowledge is required. Students will learn identification skills, ecological concepts, and the natural history of the plants, animals, and ecosystems encountered. Students will see how this knowledge can be applied to manage wildlife and ensure that human impacts on our Earth are sustainable. Through the established connections, participants will develop the skills necessary to become lifelong students of nature and environmental volunteers in their community. The fee of $600 for the course covers the cost of the Midlands Master Naturalist Course Book, four excellent field guides, a hand lens, and entrance fees to field trip sites. The class has limited capacity and will take 20 people in the order that they register. Classes will be held at parks and natural areas across the Midlands – we will explore the swamplands of the Congaree, the lilies of Landsford Canal, the granitic domes of Forty Acre Rock Heritage Preserve, and much more.

The Midlands Master Naturalist course is part of the statewide Master Naturalist Program. Participants completing the class and 30 hours of approved volunteer service will receive Master Naturalist certification and be eligible to join a local chapter and participate in advanced training corpses.

Please visit the SC Wildlife Federation website for additional registration information.