Year: 2023
Relevance
Lack of environmental knowledge often promotes poor stewardship of natural resources. Additionally, many environmentally conscious individuals are eager to provide environmental-related volunteer service, but these 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
The Mississippi Master Naturalist Program certified 40 new master naturalists. Active participants (about 240) documented 5,147 volunteer service hours valued at $163,675. Through these volunteer hours, participants reached or educated more than 216,243 people and improved 907 acres of wildlife habitat through stewardship activities.
Recap
The Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant-supported Mississippi Master Naturalist Program increased awareness of environmental issues in Mississippi and Alabama, provided 5,147 volunteer service hours (valued at $163,675), educated 216,243 people and improved 907 acres of wildlife habitat. (2023)