FARMINGTON — The University of Maine at Farmington will host the Maine Master Naturalist program from May 5 to Sept. 15.

The application period for the course extends from Feb. 1 to March 15; applicants will be notified of acceptance by April 8.

“UMF is pleased to host the MMN program in 2016. The natural history focus of the program resonates well with the Biology Department’s ecological offerings in field botany, entomology, forest ecology and ornithology,” said Dr. Ronald Butler, professor of ecology. “In turn, MMNP participants make an important commitment to the community as volunteers to support local nonprofit organizations.”

Students will participate in a rigorous set of classes and field experiences covering insects, wildflowers and shrubs, mammals, ferns, trees, birds, ecological principles and the unique natural communities to be found in this area.

The course consists of eight Thursday evening classes, three full-day Saturday field trips and 20 hours of volunteer work at a park, land trust, school or nonprofit.

Tuition costs $365 and covers course instruction, books, equipment, handouts and supplies. Students completing the course and the requirements will be certified as Maine Associate Naturalists upon graduation.

“Since it began five years ago, Maine Master Naturalist Program has been reaching out to communities across the state,” said Dorcas Miller, founding board member and president. “We now have 125 graduates volunteering from the western mountains to Bangor and south into York County, sharing the wonders of natural history with explorers of all ages.”

FMI: www.mainemasternaturalist.org


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