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Wesley Anderson

Alabama Master Naturalist

1 member(s) linked

Member profile details

Membership level

4. Program Membership - Active and Renewal

First name

Wesley

Middle Initial

Michael

Last name

Anderson

Postscript

Ph.D.

Title

Extension Specialist & Assistant Professor

Organization

Alabama Cooperative Extension System

Address 1

3301 Forestry and Wildlife Sciences Building

City

Auburn

State

Zip Code

36849

wma0016@aces.edu

Phone

334-844-9233

Cell phone

334-750-9458

Program Name

Alabama Master Naturalist

Program Mission

The Alabama Master Naturalist (AMN) program is a statewide program whose goal is to help promote awareness, understanding, and respect of Alabama's natural world among Alabama's citizens and visitors. In addition, the AMN program seeks to also develop a statewide corps of well-informed volunteers providing education, outreach, and service dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas within their communities.

Program Description (include how it meets membership criteria)

To become a fully certified Alabama Master Naturalist, a participant starts by completing a 40-hour basic training course. For individuals taking the course online, field day attendance is required to complete the training. In addition to the 40-hour basic training, participants are also required to complete 30 hours of volunteer service during the first year. Once the basic training and the volunteer hours are completed, a participant will be identified as an Alabama Master Naturalist.

Program Partners

Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Auburn University, Alabama A&M University, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Huntsville Botanical Gardens

Curriculum (general objectives and topics, types of instructors, and planned time frame)

Course content includes training in the following areas: Introduction to the Alabama Master Naturalist Program, American Naturalists, Basic Ecology, Biogeography, Geology, Nature of Naming, Education and Interpretation Skills, Citizen Science and Research Skills, Ecology and Management of Ecosystems within the State, Overview of Vertebrates, Invertebrates, Trees, and Other Plants (Biology, Ecology, Identification, Conservation, and Management). Instructors will be selected from a variety of organizations, but must provide evidence of competence in the subject material prior to instruction. Both in-person and online options will typically take place over a 16-week period.

Describe the service component of your program

Once an individual satisfactorily completes the basic training program, they will also be required to complete 30-hours of volunteer service. This volunteer service may be performed in partnership with an Extension program or at a nature center, state park, school, or other community service project as long as they are approved by an oversight group, meet the mission of the AMN program, and be of public benefit rather than personal gain.