Training
Basic Training
Wyoming Naturalist trainees will receive online instruction on various natural history topics pertinent to Wyoming, as well as nature journaling and outdoor education and interpretation (see tentative schedule below). Classes are taught by professionals from Audubon Rockies, University of Wyoming, and other partner organizations.
Classes meet online on Wednesday evenings for 15 weeks, beginning on February 5th, 2025. Each class meets from 6 – 8 p.m. Participants are expected to attend all classes and to complete additional assignments between meetings. Most participants report spending a minimum of four hours per week on assignments outside of class. The final class is an in-person field experience at Sinks Canyon State Park on May 17th & 18th, 2025. Attendance at the in-person field experience is required to complete the basic training course. Details are available in the Volunteer Handbook and Policy Guidelines.
As part of the basic training course, participants have the option to complete a capstone project. Completion of the capstone project is not a required component of the basic training, but the time spent completing the capstone project will count towards the required 40 hours of volunteer service that is necessary to achieve certification.
The registration fee for the basic training is $200. Reduced fees are available for those experiencing financial hardship. Registration fees will be due after acceptance into the program.
Mark your calendars now for the Annual Meeting of the Wyoming Naturalist Program! The Annual Meeting is tentatively scheduled for September 20th and 21st, 2025 in Casper and is open to all in the WNP. The agenda for this year’s Annual Meeting is not yet set, but plan for a weekend of service, learning, fun, and celebration.
Tentative 2025 Schedule (topics and order are subject to change)
All classes begin at 6 pm, Mountain Time.
| Date | 6:00-6:40 pm | 6:40-6:50 pm | 6:50-8:00 pm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb. 5 | Introduction to program and program organizers, cont. | Participant introductions | Participant introductions |
| Feb. 12 | Wyoming ecology (6-7), Instructor: Dr. Brett Addis, UMass | Stewards of Conservation (7-8), Instructor: Parker Everhart, WGFD | |
| Feb. 19 | Discuss and share homework | Small group conversations | Making Nature Observations, Instructors: Jennie Lawrence, WNP, and Jacelyn Downey, Audubon Rockies |
| Feb. 26 | Discuss and share homework | Small group conversations | Geology, Instructor: James Mauch, Wyoming State Geological Survey |
| March 5 | Discuss and share homework | Small group conversations | Mycology, Instructor: Dr. Dorothy Tuthill, WNP |
| March 12 | Discuss and share homework | Small group conversations | Forest Ecology, Instructor: Dr. Paige Copenhaver-Parry, Wyoming Naturalist Diversity Database |
| March 19 | Spring Break (No Class) | ||
| March 26 | Discuss and share homework | Small group conversations | Ornithology, Instructor: Zach Hutchinson, Audubon Rockies |
| April 2 | Discuss and share homework | Small group conversations | Mammalogy, Instructor: Rhiannon Jakopak, WGFD |
| April 9 | Discuss and share homework | Small group conversations | Entomology, Instructor: Scott Schell, UW Extension |
| April 16 | Discuss and share homework | Small group conversations | Herpetology, Instructor: Mason Lee, UW Biodiversity Institute |
| April 23 | Discuss and share homework | Small group conversations | Invasive Species, Instructor: Brian Sebade, UW Ecosystem Science and Management |
| April 30 | Discuss and share homework | Small group conversations | Ichthyology, Instructor: Carli Baum, WGFD |
| May 7 | Discuss and share homework | Small group conversations | Botany, Instructor: Charlotte Cadow, Wyoming Chapter of The Nature Conservancy |
| May 14 | Discuss and share homework | Small group conversations |
Climate and Environment, Instructor: Dr. Brent Ewers, UW Biodiversity Institute/UW Botany |
| May 17-18 | IN-PERSON FIELD SESSION |
Advanced Training
To maintain annual certification, Naturalists must complete eight hours of advanced training and 40 hours of volunteer service each year. Advanced training opportunities offered through the WNP will be shared with Wyoming Naturalists through the listserv or monthly newsletter.
Advanced training policies
Naturalists are encouraged to take advantage of trainings being offered by programs other than the WNP. However, only 4 hours of non-WNP training may be applied towards advanced training each year. Keep in mind that trainings that are required for a volunteer service project count towards volunteer hours. To determine if a non-WNP training will count towards your 8 hours, use this key.