Wyoming Naturalist Program
Mission:
The mission of the Wyoming Naturalist Program is to cultivate a community of volunteers to steward the state's natural resources through conservation education and service.
The program provides education and training to participants in biodiversity, ecology, conservation, management and interpretation, so that they can become leaders in the effort to protect our natural resources and the special places where we live.
The 2021 Class of Wyoming Naturalists
Who we are:
The Wyoming Naturalist Program is coordinated by a committee of state agencies and non-profits that includes Audubon Rockies, Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Wyoming State Parks, the University of Wyoming Biodiversity Institute, and University of Wyoming Extension.
The Program partners with many more federal, state and local agencies and NGOs to enhance trainings and bring a diversity of service opportunities to our participants.
Program News:
Tree and Shrub Walk Hosted by Rocky Mountain Herbarium, UW Extension, and the Biodiversity Institute
Specialists from UW Extension, the Rocky Mountain Herbarium and the UW Biodiversity Institute led a “Tree and Shrub Walk” on Sunday, January 30th in the Medicine Bow National Forest at the Happy Jack Trailhead.
The Wyoming Naturalist Program is Highlighted in this episode of Natural Herstory in a conversation with Dr. Dorothy Tuthill, Associate Director and Education Coordinator of the Biodiversity Institute at the University of Wyoming.
Wyoming Naturalist Program Highlighted in Caper Tribune: Inaugural Class of Naturalists Search Casper Mountain for Elusive Owls
Who can become a Wyoming Naturalist?
Anyone over the age of seventeen can become a Wyoming Naturalist. No previous education or experience is needed—only a willingness to learn and to actively steward the land.
What are the requirements to become a Wyoming Naturalist?
Participants must complete the required basic training and the minimum hours of approved volunteer work during their first year to become a Certified Wyoming Naturalist. Continuing education and volunteer service are required for annual recertification. Training occurs only once a year; in 2022 the basic training will occur February through May. Participants must pass a background check, and will be required to pay a fee to cover the costs of the program. Scholarships may be available. Complete information on the program requiremnts and policies can be found in the Volunteer Handbook.
Please note: The application period for the 2022 cohort is closed
If you would like to be notified when the application period opens for the next session, click on the link below and fill out the form and we will let you know when the application period reopens.
Click here to sign up for program notifications
In Parnership with:
