North Dakota Naturalist Program

The mission of the North Dakota Naturalist Program is to develop a corps of educated individuals dedicated to promoting awareness, appreciation, and stewardship of North Dakota’s ecosystems through service and education related to the conservation of local natural resources.

About the Program

North Dakota Naturalist Program is for individuals in North Dakota interested in learning about our natural resources and working to conserve those resources. Program participants will take a 13-week online course that culminates in a capstone project and field day. After successfully completing the course, participants will serve 40 hours of volunteer service annually as certified North Dakota Naturalists.

Advisory Committee

Trista Montgomery – Fisheries and Wildlife Assistant Professor, VCSU

Ellen Fehr – Director for Prairie Waters, VCSU

Josh Steffan – North Dakota Parks and Recreation Education and Program Chief

Cara Greger – North Dakota Wildlife Federation, Western North Dakota Conservation Coordinator

Annie Beck – Gateway to Science, STEM Educator

2027 Training Information

Training sessions will be held weekly from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. CST online. Participants should plan to attend 12 of 13 sessions. A field day will be scheduled in May. Throughout the training, participants will work on capstone projects.

The cost for the course is $100.00.

Schedule

2/1 – Introduction to North Dakota Naturalists

2/8 – Geology and Soils of ND

2/22 – Climate

3/1 – Aquatic Ecosystems

3/8 – Plant Ecology

3/15 – Medicinal and Cultural Uses of Plants

3/22 – Entomology

4/5 – Mammalogy

4/12 – Ornithology

4/16 – Human Dimensions

4/19 – Ecological Restoration

5/3 – Nature Interpretation

5/10 – Make – Up Week

How To Apply

Applications are now being accepted for the 2027 cohort of North Dakota Naturalists.

Please complete this application to be considered for admission.

Upon notification of acceptance into the program, successful applicants will receive a link to register and pay the $100.00 course fee. If you have questions about the application process, please contact info@ndnaturalists.org.