Tennessee Naturalist
The Tennessee Naturalist program is a corps of volunteers providing education, outreach, and service dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas within their communities. Tennesseans interested in this program become Tennessee Naturalists through training and volunteer service.
To become a Tennessee Naturalist, a person must complete a training course of a minimum of 40 hours and complete 40 hours of volunteer service.
Cost: $200.00 per person which will include all classes, a notebook, several field guides and course handouts
The Fall 2011 Tennessee Naturalist Program of the Owl's Hill Chapter is full. If you would like to be notified when the next series is scheduled, please e-mail your contact information. The next class held at Owl’s Hill will start in late summer of 2012.
Class Schedule and Course Curriculum
Who Sponsors the Tennessee Naturalist Program?
Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (www.state.tn.us/twra/)
Tennessee State Parks (http://tn.gov/environment/parks/)
Tennessee Parks and Greenways Foundation (http://www.tenngreen.org/)
Metro Nashville Parks and Recreation (http://www.nashville.gov/parks/index.asp)
Center for Environmental Education at Middle Tennessee State University (http://www.mtsu.edu/mtsucee/)
Owl's Hill Nature Sanctuary (www.owlshill.org/)
The Mission of the Tennessee Naturalist Program
The mission of the Tennessee Naturalist Program is to teach Tennesseans about our natural world; to inspire in them the desire to learn; and to instill in them an appreciation of the importance of responsible environmental stewardship.
What is a Tennessee Naturalist?
A Tennessee Naturalist is a person who has undergone specific training and who regularly volunteers time toward various projects. Typically, Tennessee Naturalists seek to make a difference in helping to maintain the quality of our native ecosystems through training designed to help 'read' the landscape of the state. This includes understanding the underlying geology specific inhabitants (birds, plants, mammals, etc.), ecology and the impacts of humans on the landscape including how we conserve our amazing natural environments. Once trained, Tennessee Naturalists volunteer in a variety of projects. In essence, the Tennessee Naturalist program aims to turn out volunteer citizen scientists who can positively impact the natural resources of the state.
What Do Tennessee Naturalists Do?
Individuals who participate in the program bring diverse skills and experiences that contribute time, energy and ideas in maintaining the native ecosystems throughout the state. After receiving training, Tennessee Naturalists may participate in many different types of volunteer activities. These might include assisting in a nature outreach program at a park, museum, nature center or school; assisting a scientist collecting bird census data; collecting data on water quality or many other activities.
How Do I Become a Tennessee Naturalist?
To become a Tennessee Naturalist, a person must complete a training course of a minimum of 40 hours and complete 40 hours of volunteer service. The next class will be held at Owl's Hill Nature Sanctuary starting September 10, 2011.
Cost: $200.00 per person which will include all classes, a notebook, several field guides and course handouts.
Additional Information: For general information about the Tennessee Naturalist program, contact David Hill. For specific information about the course being offered at Owl's Hill Nature Sanctuary, e-mail or call 615-370-4672.
Class Schedule and Course Curriculum
The Fall 2011 Tennessee Naturalist Program is full. If you would like to be notified when the next series is scheduled, please e-mail your contact information.
