Eastman Nature Center
13351 Elm Creek Road
Maple Grove,
MN
55369
Julie Larson, Extension educator, [email protected] or 320-589-1711
Vicky Wachtler, [email protected]
This Big Woods, Big Rivers course will focus on rivers and waterways as the Three Rivers Park District is celebrating The Big Year of Rivers in 2026. Attendance at all sessions, including the field trips, is required. All participants will contribute to a small group capstone service project.
There will be two all-day field trips
Potential and current Master Naturalist volunteers.
$295
Cancellation requests received more than two weeks before the start of class are refunded minus a $20 processing fee. Cancellation requests received less than two weeks before the start of class are refunded minus $50.
University of Minnesota Extension is committed to providing equal opportunity for participation in all programs, services and activities. To request accommodations for persons with disabilities, reach out to the event contact two weeks before the start of the event. Requests received after this date will be honored whenever possible.
This offering is delivered in English. Interpreter services may be available with an advance request.
In this core course, training is tailored to Minnesota's Eastern Broadleaf Forest biome. This area makes a diagonal sash across Minnesota, starting at the northwest corner of the state with a narrow band and widening out in the southeast. It encompasses approximately 12 million acres and includes three of the largest rivers in the state.
Big Woods, Big Rivers covers topics of geology, glaciers, water, wildlife, humans, ecology, and botany using a variety of teaching techniques, ranging from lectures, classroom discussions, field trips, fieldwork, small group work, and readings.
Participants must complete the full 40 hours of training to become a certified Minnesota Master Naturalist Volunteer.
Each participant must complete a group capstone project. Participants will choose a capstone that they can complete before finishing the course.
© 2026 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved. The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer. This work is supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.