Accomplishments
ANROSP enhances existing natural resource education & service programs- and facilitates the development of new programs.
Accomplishments 2003-2007:
- Two national training workshops in 2004: 89 people representing 30 states trained.
- National best practices conferences held in 2005 & 2006; Proceedings of 2006 conference distributed on CD.
- Nationwide assessment of conservation education and volunteer programs; results available on Resource page.
- Listserv to provide forum for communication- information exchange- and news about programs and workshops.
- Ad hoc steering committee convened to develop mission and goals for national-level organization.
- Alliance of Natural Resource Outreach & Service Programs organized in June 2006; formally launched at 2nd annual national conference in November 2006.
- 3rd annual national best practices conference October 17-19- 2007 in Cloquet- Minnesota.
- Organizational web site launched and design contest held for new logo.
- Developed ANROSP membership criteria and began accepting program and individual members.
- Developed programmatic resources- including an FAQ list; bibliography of Master Naturalist-related publications; downloadable presentations describing Master Naturalist-type program models- organization- and impacts; and bi-monthly newsletter.
Current and future activities:
- 4th Annual Conference to be held September 8-12- 2008 at T bar M Conference Center- New Braunfels- Texas.
- Future resources include mentor teams to consult with developing programs- program start-up packets- document templates- curriculum outlines- peer-reviewed e-journal- program case studies- and more.
- Workshops to develop pilot Junior Naturalist programs.
- Process to formalize partnerships with agencies and NGOs at the national level.
MASTER NATURALIST-TYPE PROGRAMS REALLY MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
The scope and activity of Master Naturalist-type programs is staggering
- Texas Master Naturalists have provided over 488-000 service hours valued at $8.34 million while working with over 260 local partner organizations.
- In 2003-2004 alone- these volunteers reached 530- 845 children- adults- and private landowners; engaged in projects on 75-000 acres of habitat; and developed and maintained 545 miles of interpretive trails.
"This is the first program I`ve been part of that has the potential to leave something of what I value behind when I am gone."
Master Naturalist-type programs grow quickly
- Due to strong interest from both participants and partner organizations- program growth is generally rapid.
- The Texas Master Naturalist program began with 4 chapters and 150 volunteers in 1998- and has now trained over 3400 volunteers in 35 chapters.
- The Florida Master Naturalist program has trained over 3000 participants since its first training course in 2001.
- The Virginia Master Naturalist program started in 2006 with 10 chapters conducting training.
- The Missouri Master Naturalist program has trained over 325 participants since its first training course in 2004.
"It proves to me over and over that each of us can make a difference and change the world for the better--especially if we all work together."
Program participants extend agency resources
- In a national survey of programs done in 2005- natural resource professionals reported overwhelmingly positive impacts in conservation education and outreach- and in wildlife and habitat conservation.
- Respondents also indicated a strong and growing need for more trained citizens to act as environmental educators and stewards.
"The work of the Master Naturalists has allowed the Refuge to get an outreach and interpretive product to the public in a much more efficient manner. People are now well-informed about the Refuge and the flora and fauna that exist here."
Here`s what participants in the 2nd Annual National Master Naturalist Conference (Flagstaff Arizona- Nov. 2006) had to say about the conference- which was attended by 26 different programs from 24 different states:
“Lots of good- practical information”
“Great opportunity to visit- discuss- share ideas.”
“I really appreciated the field trips and their placement in the schedule.”
“Fantastic conference! It will be very helpful to my program development.”
“I really liked the openness & kindness of everyone at the conference.”
“GREAT conference overall. I really appreciated getting to know so many people and learn about so many programs.”
“Very pleased that the group is expanding beyond “Master Naturalist” programs.”
Take a look at some of the conference highlights!