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The Idaho Master Naturalist Program To develop a corps of well-informed volunteers to actively work toward stewardship of Idahos natural environment.

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Program Overview A state-wide volunteer program that incorporates training/education with volunteer service Developed by IDFG/partners in 2008 Implemented by partners and volunteers Community-based Experience Connect Contribute Encourages volunteerism in Citizen Science and Conservation Education Organized into Chapters

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History Experience Connect Contribute Idahos program was the 26 th in the nation The first chapter launched in Island Park in 2008. In 2014, IMN logged nearly 15,000 hours of volunteer service Program has educated nearly 700 Idahoans

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Chapters in Idaho Experience Connect Contribute Island Park, Henrys Fork Chapter Idaho Falls, Upper Snake Chapter Ketchum, Wood River Valley Chapter Boise, Sagebrush-steppe Chapter McCall, McCall Chapter Sandpoint, Pend Oreille Chapter Lewiston

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Certification Process Set of initial classes, lectures, field trips, experiences 40 hours Volunteer Service 40 + = Certified Idaho Master Naturalist Experience Connect Contribute

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Some Topics Covered Introduction to the Idaho Master Naturalist Program Forestry American Naturalists Nature Journaling Land Use and Ownership in Idaho Ecological Concepts Ecological Regions of Idaho Ecosystem Management Geology and Soils of Idaho Nature of Naming Plants Ornithology Fire Ecology Entomology Ichthyology (Fishes) Living/Natural History Fisheries Lifecycle/Fish Passage Herpetology Mammalogy Forest Ecology and Management Wetlands Ecology and Management Aquatic Ecology and Management Rangeland Ecology and Management Urban Ecology Citizen Science Interpretation and Education

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Service Projects 30 hours at USFS, Idaho Parks and/or Idaho Fish and Game 10 choice Giving tours, staffing events, helping with programs, customer service Experience Connect Contribute

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Lewiston Chapter Experience Connect Contribute

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Program Benefits Benefits to Partners Motivated and educated volunteers Extra resources to accomplish goals Increased support from a new constituency. Venue to work with partners to maximize conservation efforts. Engage the public in conservation. Experience Connect Contribute

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Program Benefits Benefits to Participants Continuing education Give back to their community Socialize with like-minded people Make a difference Learn from and work with professionals Gain an appreciation for and connect with nature. Rewards and recognition Experience Connect Contribute

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Public Benefits Potential benefits to people not IN the program More conservation education programs Better hunting, fishing, wildlife watching opportunities Cleaner water and air New or enhanced recreational opportunities More public programs Experience Connect Contribute

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Your Responsibilities Use the title if you are an active member The title or certification should not be used to endorse a product, credentials, or political viewpoint. Represent your sponsors well Follow the law while volunteering Keep records accurate and up-to-date Experience Connect Contribute

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Master Naturalists

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Add photos of projects that our chapter can do!

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Initial Steps-Phase I 1. What is our (Local Coordinating Committee) end goal? What do we want the volunteers to do? A variety of projects IDFG: Tours of IDFG Habitat Area IDFG: Habitat, Fisheries and Wildlife Projects ISP: Interpretive Program, Kestrel Box Monitoring USFS: Educational Programs 2. What is the SCOPE of the volunteer work that will be promoted Anything within the three agencies 3. Who are our main partners? Idaho Fish and Game, US Forest Service, and Idaho State Parks 4. What is our Duty Station? Lewiston for travel purposes

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Initial Steps-Phase I 5. What will the chapter name be? Lewis-Clark Master Naturalist Program 6. When will we train? Mostly evenings and weekends with an occassional weekday if needed * First training session scheduled: ENTOMOLOGY- Thursday, April 9 th from 1-3pm 7. Program cost? $50/individual OR $80/couple 8. What is the max # participants we will allow? No MAX 9. How will we choose participants if too many apply? Deal with that as it comes 10. Will we provide a scholarship? Possibly if needed 11. What will our absentee policy be? Case by case basis 12. What will our refund policy be? NONE

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Website https://fishandgame.idaho.gov/sites/Wildlife/I DMasterNaturalist/LewistonID/default.aspx https://fishandgame.idaho.gov/sites/Wildlife/I DMasterNaturalist/LewistonID/default.aspx http://www.idahomasternaturalist.org/