Objectives

Master Naturalist Program

Vision - "To develop a corps of well-educated 'Master Volunteers' to provide education, outreach and service dedicated toward the beneficial management of natural resources within their communities."

Mission - "Improve public understanding of natural resource ecology and management by enhancing existing natural resource education and outreach activities."

Goal I: Master Naturalists will promote conservation practices through personal volunteerism.

Objective 1: Master Naturalists will provide leadership in project planning and organization.

Objective 2: Master Naturalists will participate in restoration / reconstruction of natural habitats in Rock Island County.

Objective 3: Master Naturalists will participate in scientific monitoring of select ecological communities, populations, species and/or habitats in Rock Island County.

Objective 4: Master Naturalists will give back 40 hours of volunteer service annually to maintain certification.

Goal II: Master Naturalists will provide inspirational, age appropriate, education/interpretation programming for the public.

Objective1: Master Naturalists will develop and use quality visuals for use in programming.

Objective 2: Master Naturalists will provide printed material for use in programming and projects that will give participants an accurate reflection of presented materials. Further, it should provide accurate and useful information.

Objective 3: Master Naturalist presentations will be developed to create interest and curiosity on the part of program participants.

Goal III: Master Naturalists will keep their information and training current.

Objective 1: Master Naturalists will complete a 40-hour training course (32 classroom + 8 fieldwork) and 8 hours of advanced training during the first year.

Objective 2: Master Naturalists will stay current on appropriate magazines, journals, and professional papers.

Objective 3: Master Naturalists will attend 8 hours of approved advanced training annually to maintain certification.

Goal IV: Master Naturalists will develop, maintain, and utilize partnerships as part of Master Naturalist projects and programs.

Objective 1: Master Naturalists will utilize Cooperative Extension Service resources in the development, delivery, evaluation, and marketing of programs, projects, and educational materials.

Objective 2: Master Naturalists will partner with local, state, & federal organizations, agencies, and volunteer programs.

Objective 3: Master Naturalists will partner with the local advisory committee member organizations and agencies.

Objective 4: Master Naturalists will partner with local educators, schools, colleges, Regional Office of Education, and Area Education Agency.

Objective 5: Master Naturalists will partner with the local media.

Objective 6: Master Naturalists will work with local funders and business to provide program resources as needed.