The Vermont Master Naturalist program is coming to Cambridge area for the first time!

Vermont Master Naturalist (VMN) starts with a team of 10-15 people passionate about natural history and willing to share knowledge of a related discipline.  

TELLING THE STORY  
With this team, VMN staff, and the help of guest experts, we will tell the story of the area’s unique natural history in 5 field days, with each day building on the others. Topics may include geology, glacial history, wildlife ecology, human settlement history, botany, natural communities, and more, all emphasizing "reading" the landscape of the Lamoille Valley and the slopes of the Green Mountains.  

VOLUNTEER CONTRACT
As the team gains knowledge, they begin to give back. VMN will work with local groups to identify projects that fill community needs. We partner with conservation commissions, land trusts, river conservancies, schools, and diverse other groups. Past VMN projects have included
           o School programs
           o Public nature walks
           o Riparian restoration
           o Wildlife monitoring
                    ...and many others!

Projects are generally designed by partner entities with guidance from VMN, to be further honed by candidates. Small teams of participants work together, with each individual contributing at least 20 hours to the project.  VMN will make every effort to assign candidates to projects based on their experience, interest, and personal preference.  

BUILDING COMMUNITY
Because participants share knowledge and passion for our local place, they often become a close-knit team of naturalists, with connections that extend well beyond the 5 field days. This community can then act as a brain trust for solving on-going local ecological issues and serving as resources for conservation education in our communities. Upon completion of the program, Vermont Master Naturalists can also opt to receive ongoing advice and support from VMN for their naturalist practices and activities.

WHEN: Field trip dates will be five Saturdays in 2022 and 2023:
            September 24, 2022
            November 5, 2022
            February 18, 2023
            April 8, 2023
            May 13, 2023

COST: Candidates will pay a one-time enrollment fee of $550. Tuition will be collected after acceptance in the program. Past VMN candidates have successfully applied for scholarships through VSAC for financial assistance, and we have a limited scholarship fund to help with those who don't qualify through VSAC.

ELIGIBILITY: Candidates should reside in the Cambridge area (including adjacent towns: Underhill, Johnson, Fletcher, Fairfax, Westford, Waterville). Those from outside the region may be permitted to join if there is no local VMN chapter in that area and as space allows. Candidates must be able to attend all five field sessions.

APPLICATION PROCESS: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. If this form is still active, that means we are still accepting applications for the program.

Please contact sophie.mazowita@gmail.com with questions. You can read more about the VMN program at https://vermontmasternaturalist.org/