The Idaho Master Naturalist program
Biodiversity and conservation education programs with which SSI is affiliated:
The Master Naturalist program began in Texas and now has a national umbrella organization, the Alliance for Natural Resource Outreach and Service Programs (ANROSP).
Currently 27 states, and Idaho, are in various stages of developing Master Naturalist programs to meet the needs of each state's naturalist constituency. The program takes various forms in each state depending upon who the partners and players are but the basic program consists of 40 hours of naturalist training, covering everything from geology, soils, water, plants and animals. Additional advanced training can be geared for a variety of participant goals such as interpretation, citizen science, restoration, etc. Many states expect a "give back" of 40 hours of volunteer service. Sara Focht, of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, has developed a wonderful compendium of information that provides all of the basic information about the MN program in Idaho.