Master Conservationist

Master Conservationist Program - "Planting the Seeds of Conservation"

The Master Conservationist program uses field experiences and online training to cover a broad range of conservation issues and topics. These experiences help Iowans make informed, intelligent choices for a lifestyle of stewardship. Topics include the geological history of Iowa; wildlife diversity; prairies and grasslands; woodlands; wetlands; conservation practices; and planting the seeds of conservation.

Educational Experience
Designed for adult learners, participants receive at least 31 hours of online and outdoor hands-on education led by trained professionals in their field. The range of topics provides information that can be useful in service to the community and in their own backyards. Service-learning opportunities are encouraged, but not required to complete the program.

 

 

2020 Schedule

Wednesday, April 1, 6:00-8:00 pm - Virtual Meet-n-Greet
Introduction to series and review of materials via an email thread.

*Saturday, May 2, 8:00 am-2:00 pm - Meet at Scott Community College
Prairie and Woodlands - Learn the natural history and to identify local flora and fauna identification with field trips to Manikowski Prairie, a 185-acre limestone prairie. In the afternoon, we will explore the woodlands at Mississippi Palisades State Park. Lunch provided.

Wednesday, May 27, 6:00-8:00 pm - Nahant Marsh 
Aquatic Environments: Learn about water quality, conservation practices, and restoration efforts at Nahant Marsh. This session includes a macroinvertebrate study and water testing.

Wednesday, June 10,  6:00-8:00 pm - Nahant Marsh 
Ice Ages Iowa and Iowa's First Farmers - Explore Iowa’s past by learning how people adapted to the last ice age and about crops of ancient Iowa. Guest presenter: Cherie Haury-Artz, from the office of the State of Archeology.

*Saturday, June 20, 7:00 am-4:00 pm -  Meet at Scott Community College
Prairies and Grasslands -Discussions on natural history, flora and fauna identification, and human impacts, tours of Thompson-Fulton Prairie and Nachusa Grasslands. Lunch provided.

Wednesday, July 8, 6:00-8:00 pm - Location TBD
Conservation Practices to Improve Land and Water: This session includes a visit to a local farm to discuss Iowa grown/made food and sustainable agriculture.

Wednesday, July 22, 6:00-8:00 pm - Nahant Marsh
Course Reflection and Potluck.

*Subject to change with inclement weather.

Cost: $135 for Nahant Marsh Members or $175 for Guests (includes an Individual Membership)
Class size: 30 | Minimum age: 18
Registration deadline: March 18, 2020
Limited scholarships are available. 
For more information, contact Amy Loving at 563-336-3373.

In partnership with Scott County Extension.

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