Master Naturalist Training
Want to become a Maryland Master Naturalist? Join our first ever cohort at the Fair Hill Nature Center. The course fee is $250 per person. Individuals interested may apply HERE. Once you're accepted into the Master Naturalist volunteer training program, you will receive 52 hours of classroom instruction and 8 hours of hands-on experience outdoors (60 hours total training). To learn more about the program, visit the University of Maryland Extension. The 2026/27 cohort will meet one Saturday / month from 9am - 4pm, beginning September 2026 - May 2027. See below for schedule and topics.
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Fair Hill Nature Center's 2026/27 cohort will begin in September 2026. Classes will be held one Saturday a month from 9am-4pm as follows:
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Week 1:
Sept 12 - Intro & Bee Keeping
Week 2:
Oct 10 - Entomology, Climate, and Weather
Week 3:
Nov 7 - Ornithology
Week 4:
Dec 12 - Human Impacts
Week 5:
Jan 9 - Geology & Soils
Week 6:
Feb 13 - Interpretation & Water Quality
Week 7:
Mar 13 - Ichthyology & Mammalogy
Week 8:
Apr 10 - Botany and Field Experience (@ Bohemia State Park)
Week 9:
May 8 - Graduation
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After the initial training, participants provide a minimum of 40 hours of volunteer service to their Host Site (Fair Hill Nature Center) in the first year in order to receive Master Naturalist certification. To maintain certification, Master Naturalists continue to provide at least 40 hours of approved service in their region along with a minimum of 8 hours of approved advanced training. A wide variety of volunteer opportunities are possible, including environmental restoration projects, education, public awareness campaigns, and field research. Please reach out to Amy Sypher at amy.sypher@fairhillnature.org with any questions.