In 2022, our Chapter gave 9,546 hours of volunteerism to local conservation groups/agencies/nonprofits.
Photograph by Jake Ronecker
History
The first Missouri Master Naturalist™ chapter in the greater St. Louis region was the Confluence Chapter. This chapter was established in the fall of 2005 upon the graduation of the area's first Master Naturalists from classes at Busch Wildlife Area in St. Charles County.
With each graduating class the Confluence Chapter grew. In response to the increasing size of the chapter and to better serve the Confluence members from the St. Louis City, St. Louis County, northern Jefferson and eastern Franklin counties a new Chapter was formed; Great Rivers.
The Great Rivers Chapter was established in June 2007. Meetings are held at the Kirkwood Community Center in Kirkwood, MO. Additionally, the Great Rivers Chapter meets for a Summer Picnic and a Winter Holiday Party in lieu of a regular chapter meeting.
Missouri Master Naturalist - Great Rivers Chapter
Program Objectives
Improve public understanding of natural resources ecology and management by developing a pool of local knowledge about natural resources ecology that can be used to enhance education efforts within local communities.
Enhance existing natural resources education and outreach activities by providing natural resources training at the local level, thereby developing a team of dedicated and informed volunteers.
Develop a self-sufficient Missouri Master Naturalist™ network.
The Great Rivers Chapter of the Missouri Master Naturalist Program is comprised of 120+ dedicated volunteers that have received training through a joint effort of the Missouri Department of Conservation and the University of Missouri Extension (MU Extension). Each member must provide at least 40 hours of volunteerism and participate in at least 8 hours of advanced training per year to maintain their certification.
WHO WE ARE
The Missouri Master Naturalist Program is sponsored and jointly administered through a partnership established by a Memorandum of Understanding between the University of Missouri Extension (MU Extension) and the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC).
As a partnership Program, the Missouri Master Naturalist Program is committed to growing and sustaining an equitable, diverse, and inclusive learning and working environment for all Missourians and the culture and practices that empower and serve that purpose.
