Oregon State University Extension in Hood River and Wasco Counties is once again offering the popular Master Naturalist Eco Region Course. The goal of the course is to train passionate volunteers who will offer their service to nature-centered organizations, primarily those located in the Columbia Gorge. There are a variety of ways that naturalists might volunteer, including in land stewardship or restoration projects, environmental education programming or community science projects.

This course is designed for people who want to gain knowledge and skills about all aspects of the natural history and ecosystems of the region and who wish to use that knowledge to serve as a naturalist. Naturalists may serve as environmental educators, interpreters, land restoration or conservation stewards. They may also contribute to the scientific body of knowledge by gathering data for community science projects. Continuing education credits through Oregon State University Professional and Continuing Education (PACE) are available for educators. Substantial scholarships are also available.

Students in the course will participate in full-day field sessions that begin in the east in Springtime and finish up on the west side in the early Fall. Our team of local expert educators illuminate the intertwining elements of our diverse Columbia Gorge ecosystems. They focus on flora and fauna as well as the geological and human forces that continue to shape this unique region. Students will practice the skills of a naturalist including observation and interpretation and will complete a capstone project to help synthesize their learning. The course includes eight sessions, about once a month beginning April 20 and ending October 8. Sessions are all day and occur on Sundays. Continuing education credit is available for teachers!

Applications are due March 26.
For more information or to apply, go to http://oregonmasternaturalist.org/Ecoregion_courses
Or contact: Ann Harris (541)386-3343 ann.harris@oregonstate.edu