Still time to sign up to become a master naturalist

A new trail around Lake Frierson, trail repairs at Village Creek and protecting precious artifacts at Old Davidsonville are just a few hopes and dreams that could be realized by establishing a northeast Arkansas chapter of volunteers trained by Arkansas Master Naturalists (AMN). AMN chapters have made such dreams come true in many other areas of the state in recent years, through the "magic" of training and rewarding work.

For example, the beautiful landscape of Lake Frierson State Park would be far more accessible to many more people with the construction of a 2.2-mile trail envisioned by Justin Huss, State Park Superintendent. Just 10 miles north of Jonesboro, the park is already a popular retreat for area residents. Huss said a well-made trail would not only benefit current park users but also future generations. "Arkansas State Parks are in the 'forever business'," he says, "and Master Naturalists have built, repaired and maintained trails in other areas of the state that help us achieve that goal."

Heavily flood-damaged Village Creek State Park trails need extensive work, including replacing or repositioning stairs and bridges, says Park Interpreter Adam Leslie. South of Jonesboro, the Park is another popular retreat for area residents.

Artifacts still hidden at Old Davidsonville State Park may be damaged or lost due to erosion, says Park Interpreter Krystal Watson. Volunteers could do drainage and other work needed to protect the valuable archeological site northeast of Jonesboro.

In other parts of Arkansas these types of needs are met and accomplished by energetic and capable AMN members. Established in 2006, the state organization has grown from a group of 22 in central Arkansas to an organization of over 300 members throughout the state who volunteer their time and expertise toward “Keeping the Natural State natural.”

AMN hopes to establish a chapter in the Jonesboro area by January 2012. Upon completing a series of classroom and field training sessions, the new group could build a trail at Lake Frierson; repair trails, stairs and bridges at Village Creek; and implement erosion prevention measures at Old Davidsonville. These projects would only begin a whole series of efforts to protect the fragile environment of Crowley’s Ridge and to keep the surrounding area in the “forever business.”

While many individual citizens may never have heard of Master Naturalists, park rangers, interpreters and government agencies have come to depend on these volunteers not only to protect the environment but to make it more accessible to the public. Master Naturalists are achieving impressive volunteer work, mostly-outdoors, and having fun doing it.

Master Naturalist organizations are growing by leaps and bounds. The group started in Colorado in the 1970s, and now operates in 36 states.

The first Arkansas chapter was founded in Little Rock in 2006, followed by chapters in Fayetteville-Rogers, Mountain Home-Bulls Shoals, and the Russellville-Dardanelle areas. Each Arkansas chapter is based at a nearby state park, in a mutually-beneficial partnership. The host park provides facilities for training and meetings, and the Master Naturalists respond with a steady stream of volunteers for park projects.

This dramatic growth in just five years is achieved despite an unusual practice. New members are recruited only once each year, each chapter accepting only 25-30 new members annually. Last year all four chapters filled and had to turn away applicants for their 2011 classes.

The training program is essentially a lecture and field work series related to nature, conservation and ecology. Newly enrolled “Naturalists-in-Training” meet from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on 10 to 12 Saturdays from January through mid-May to hear lectures and learn field work taught by subject matter experts, professors and government representatives. Lecture topics span geology, botany, trail engineering, park interpretation, ornithology, eco-regions, trees, entomology, herpetology, mammals, butterflies, fish, archeology, stream ecology and restoration, meteorology, and others. Classrooms are provided by state parks and government agencies. First-year training normally totals 20-24 programs aggregating 60-72 hours, though only 40 hours are required to graduate and there are no tests or homework. New members pay a $135 tuition fee to fund the training sessions, related books and materials. Most consider the fee a bargain.

Master Naturalists are subsequently “certified” after 40 hours of volunteer work and eight hours additional training. Additional advanced training lectures are open to all members throughout the year.

Volunteer projects enhance nature and conservation in a variety of ways.

Stream Teams inspect local creeks and rivers quarterly to sample water quality, sending data to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. Volunteers also count invertebrates and aquatic life, inasmuch as these vulnerable organisms offer clues about water purity.

Trail Patrols maintain local hiking and nature trails from October to May, clearing and beautifying overgrown trails, sometimes constructing new trails, railings and walkways.

Master Naturalists also tend and manage state park wildflower gardens and visitor center gardens, and regularly partner with other non-profit groups to conduct river clean-ups. They present informative programs to park visitors and school children, using interpretive programs developed by park rangers or by Master Naturalists themselves.

Annually, members from throughout Arkansas meet at a selected state park, socialize and get acquainted and then perform volunteer projects together. They also attend annual state-wide bio-blitzes, which feature special lectures and field trips.

The secret to the Master Naturalists’ remarkable growth seems to be the combination of stimulating lectures, volunteer activities, social networking and outdoor recreation. Long-time volunteers also cite the camaraderie that develops within and among chapters and the sense of accomplishment and gratification from trail and other work.

The volunteer organization is dedicated to educating its members and giving back to the community through volunteer work. The mission statement is "to develop a corps of well-informed volunteers to provide education, outreach, and service dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas within their communities." Master Naturalists are executing this mission through impressive volunteer accomplishments and are clearly having a good time doing it.

Registration for a new Northeast Arkansas Master Naturalists chapter is now open. The class will be limited to 25 members. For a registration form and more information visit the AMN website at home.ArkansasMasterNaturalists.org and click on “How do I join” or contact Arkansas Master Naturalist Dwan Garrison at 870-688-0961.