Minnesota Master Naturalist is a volunteer training program in which adults learn about Minnesota’s natural resources, are trained to be stewards of our environment, and learn how to teach these skills to others. Organizations that prioritize science-based environmental education can offer these courses by sponsoring a staff member to complete an instructor training course.
Instructors are trained to lead Minnesota Master Naturalist classes in all three Minnesota biome areas: Big Woods, Big Rivers; Prairies and Potholes; and North Woods, Great Lakes. All class materials are provided at no cost to instructors. And each 40 hour class you lead as an instructor can be scheduled to best fit the needs of instructors and students.
Become part of a statewide effort to increase natural resource volunteering in citizen science, interpretation, program support and stewardship throughout Minnesota.
Schedule and cost
Instructor training courses are offered twice a year in spring and fall in rotating locations throughout the state. Current offerings can be found below or on the Master Naturalist volunteer website course page.
The training course fee is $75.00 and includes all materials needed to teach all three biomes. Training lasts two days, and lunch and snacks are included. Participants must cover their own lodging and transportation costs.
If your organization has a group of staff to train and would be interested in hosting the training at your site, please contact us.
How to apply
Individuals interested in becoming an instructor register for the training on the Minnesota Master Naturalist volunteer website, and send in a signed letter of support from your organization's director or supervisor on official letterhead. This letter should indicate that the organization is willing to host a Minnesota Master Naturalist class.
Approval of applications will be determined by applicant qualifications, appropriateness of the sponsoring organization and geographic considerations. Instructors will be notified of acceptance by email.
Educational requirements include a minimum of either a Bachelor's degree in environmental science, education, or related field; or demonstrated comparable practical experience providing environmental education programs.
Instructors must work for an organization, agency or group that places a priority on science-based environmental education and is willing to provide support for Minnesota Master Naturalist training.
Instructors need access to a classroom and the capability to show presentations (computer and projector) for all class sessions except field trips.
Applicants must provide a letter of support from their sponsoring group or agency, stating that they support the instructor in this pursuit and can provide the necessary space, time and equipment.
Instructors are expected to provide a Minnesota Master Naturalist training at least once within the 12 months following completion of instructor training, and once every two years after the first training.
Instructors propose a class to the Minnesota Master Naturalist state program for review and approval at least six weeks prior to the start of a class. Courses can be scheduled to best fit the needs of instructors and students.
Instructors will lead 40 hours of classroom lectures, discussions and field trips, monitor student progress and attendance, and assist in the completion of capstone projects.
Upon completion of teaching the class, instructors will submit participant outcomes and return unused participant books and materials to the Minnesota Master Naturalist state program office. They prepare and submit an invoice to initiate payment to the sponsoring facility.
Participant registration is online and coordination will be done by the statewide organization. Materials for each participant are provided by the state office and will be mailed to instructors at the class site.
Having a staff member trained as a Master Naturalist instructor allows your organization to train volunteers on-site, giving you a pool of highly skilled and dedicated volunteers to help out with those back-burner projects you've always wanted to do.
The capstone projects led by Minnesota Master Naturalist instructors will benefit your organization by providing creative ideas and improved environmental education programming.
Instructors generate programmatic funds for their sponsoring organization by receiving a portion of participant tuition: $75 per participant is provided to the instructor’s employer.
Registration open
Register for the next instructor training to be held at Cedar Creek Ecosystem Reserve on March 2, 2023. The in-person session will be followed by an online session on March 16, 2023.