Year: 2023
Relevance
Lack of environmental knowledge often promotes poor stewardship of natural resources. Additionally, many environmentally conscious individuals are eager to provide volunteer service, but opportunities are often difficult to find.
Response
The Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant-supported Mississippi Master Naturalist Program was formed with the mission of developing an organization of knowledgeable volunteers to help promote conservation and management of Mississippi's natural resources through education, outreach and service within their communities. Master Naturalists must complete a 40-hour course of field and classroom instruction. They must also complete 8 hours of advanced training and 40 hours of volunteer service each year.
Results
Between 2018 and 2023, the Mississippi Master Naturalist Program certified 142 new Master Naturalists. Active participants (about 240) documented 21,874 volunteer service hours valued at $695,593. Through these volunteer hours, participants reached or educated more than 289,526 people and improved 28,814 acres through stewardship activities.
Recap
From 2018 to 2023, the Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant-supported Master Naturalist Program increased awareness of environmental issues in Mississippi and Alabama, provided 21,874 volunteer service hours (valued at $695,593), educated 289,526 people and improved 28,814 acres during this reporting period. (2018-2023)