Master Naturalist Class

This section reflects the last cohort, MN04, which trained in Winter/Spring 2023 

The mission of the Maryland Master Naturalist Program is to engage citizens as stewards of Maryland’s natural resources and ecosystems through science-based education and volunteer service in their communities. 

Master Naturalist Volunteer Training

The Elms is a Host Site for the Maryland Master Naturalist volunteer training program. We partner with University of Maryland to facilitate a 60 hour hands-on field and classroom-based program that brings experts in multiple Natural Resource fields to the Elms. The program costs $250. To become certified as a Maryland Master Naturalist, you complete 40 volunteer hours at or for the benefit of The Elms within one year of completing the training. To maintain certification, every year you complete 40 volunteer hours and 8 advanced training hours.  Advanced training is offered at The Elms, but can also be taken anywhere with approval.

Applications are currently being accepted in anticipation of a possible future MN05 training. 

Training dates: Tuesdays, late February through late June.

Training times: 5 - 8 pm, plus three local Saturday morning field trips.

More information on the MN Program can be found at https://extension.umd.edu/masternaturalist.

Please contact us at elmsmdmnprogram@gmail.com if you have any questions.

Submit your application at this link.

2023 Schedule of Classes

Use scroll bar onright to scroll down to later dates. 

• Bolded dates are Saturday Field Trips

• May 9 (Raptors/Citizen Science) begins at 6 PM

• April 29 (Sustainable Living): Masks must be worn and social distancing practiced.

• April 11 (Fungi) will be via Zoom.

• Most Field Trips <except April 29> are open to family members.

Possible Make-Up Classes at ACLT - Mondays:

• link to ACLT schedule coming soon

Possible Recorded Make-Up Classes (Recorded by DNR in 2022):

Instructor Evaluation Form