Bell Museum
2088 Lrpenteur Ave West
Saint Paul,
MN
55113
Julie Larson, Extension educator, [email protected] or 320-589-1711
Ashley Oneill Prado, [email protected]
This Big Woods, Big Rivers course will focus on Minnesota's deciduous forest biome. Participants will learn about the history, flora, fauna, and ecosystems of the greater Twin Cities metro area through hands-on nature and science experiences alongside professional science educators, University researchers, and community knowledge holders.
Minnesota master naturalists and people interested in the ecosystems of the Twin Cities.
$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.