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Protect and Enhance the Nation's Natural Resource Base and Environment
The Master Naturalist Program
Impact Nugget
Master Naturalist volunteers treated 15 acres of noxious weeds in Coconino
County, Arizona in 2004, and donated more than 2019 hours to area agencies
and organizations; their efforts were valued at more than $35,500, using
the federal compensation rate of $17.61 per hour.
Issue
Many communities, agencies and organizations rely on citizen volunteers
for implementing youth education programs, operating parks, nature centers
and natural areas, and for providing leadership in local natural resource
conservation efforts. The Master Naturalist program in Coconino County
is directed at creating a corps of well-informed volunteers to deliver
quality environmental education programs and to assist in the stewardship
of Arizona's natural environment.
What has been done?
Coconino County Cooperative Extension initiated a program called Arizona
Master Naturalists in fall, 2003. Volunteers undergo ten weeks of training
focusing on plants (invasive weeds and ethnobotany), wildlife habitat,
water and drought issues, climatology, forest health and fire ecology,
interpretation and education, geology, and the natural and cultural
history of the region. At the end of the training, class participants
give back a minimum of 40 hours in service to organizations and agencies
of northern Arizona, including The Arboretum at Flagstaff, The Museum
of Northern Arizona, Arizona Game and Fish, the National Park Service,
Grand Canyon Trust, The Nature Conservancy and many other organizations.
Arizona Master Naturalists were integral in setting up and maintaining
the Web log site http://azmasternaturalist.arizona.edu,
used as a information and communication tool to class members and the
general public. In addition, a video library of classes has been established
due to the efforts of another Master Naturalist.
Impact
In 2004, volunteer master naturalists in the Flagstaff area participated
in weed pulls, treating 15 acres of noxious weeds along trails and open
spaces in the area. They have played a primary role in educating agency
representatives and the Coconino County Board of Supervisors regarding
the sources and distribution of noxious weeds.
Overall, master naturalist class members donated more than 2019 hours
to area agencies and organizations in 2004. As of December 31, 2004
the dollar contribution made by Master Naturalists to the community,
area agencies and organizations is in excess of $35,500, using the federal
volunteer compensation rate of $17.61/hour. One of the Master Naturalist
student's efforts in particular was cited as an “incredible contribution
to Willow Bend” by one of the environmental educational center's
staff.
Funding
Flagstaff Community Foundation
University of Arizona Cooperative Extension
Contact
Wade Albrecht, Natural Resources Educator, Instructional Specialist
Coconino County Cooperative Extension
The University of Arizona
2304 N. 3rd Street
Flagstaff, AZ 86004-3605
(928) 774-1868 office
(928) 774-1860 fax
Email: walbrech@ag.arizona.edu
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