Master Naturalist Course Outline
Please note - there may still be some changes to the course outline before June!
Session 1: Introductory Class
- Welcome & introductions
- Program overview
- Volunteer expectations
- Protection and management of Edmonton's natural areas
Confirmed Speaker: Grant Pearsell of the Office of Natural Areas Conservation
Session 2: Edmonton’s Native Species
- Plant communities of the aspen parkland
- Edmonton’s habitat types and associated wildlife
Confirmed Speaker: Patsy Cotterill of the Edmonton Naturalization Group
Session 3: Stewardship Skills - People
- Ecological education “basics”
- Schoolyard naturalization and engaging children
- Citizen science, inventory & monitoring
- "Training the trainers"
Confirmed Speakers: Jade Dodd of Evergreen, Marg Reine of the Edmonton Nature Club
Session 4: Backyard Naturalization
- Planting strategies for attracting local wildlife
- Native and non-native species
- Wetlands in backyards
- Ecoscaping
Confirmed Speaker: Ron Berezan of The Urban Farmer
Session 5: Urban Conservation
- Urban ecology concepts, challenges & solutions
- Safety in stewardship
- Bylaws and the role of Master Naturalists
Session 6: Stewardship Skills - Wildlife & Habitat
- Living with urban wildlife: myths & realities
- Wildlife rehabilitation
- Habitat restoration basics
Confirmed Speakers: Mike Jenkins, John Helder and Gary Chan of City of Edmonton Parks Branch, Cheryl Feldstein of Wildlife Rehabilitation Society of Edmonton
Session 7: Stewardship Skills - Plants
- Plant propagation, rescue and seed collection
Confirmed Speaker: Cherry Dodd of the Edmonton Naturalization Group
Session 8: Outreach Night - Volunteer Opportunities
- Presentations by community group representatives on relevant volunteer opportunities
- Overview of related City of Edmonton volunteer programs
Session 9: Wrap-up Day
- Presentations by participants
- Development of volunteer work plans
- Course evaluation
- Celebratory picnic
- Graduation!
