Joe Manchin III, Governor

Frank Jezioro, Director

News Release : April 28, 2005

Hoy Murphy , Public Information Officer (304) 558-3380 hoymurphy@wvdnr.gov

Contact: Curtis Taylo, Wildlife Resources Section Chief (304) 558-2771 wildlife@wvdnr.gov

WVDNR to Host Master Naturalist Public Meetings May 5 and June 6

  Interested in the natural world? Have questions about identifying butterflies, reptiles and amphibians in your back yard, or animal tracks in winter? Want to contribute to the scientific knowledge needed to conserve our natural resources or share what you know about the natural world with other West Virginians ? Then the West Virginia Master Naturalist Program may be for you!

   According to Curtis I. Taylor, Chief of the Division of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Section, individuals taking 64 hours of training and providing 30 hours of volunteer work you can become a Certified Master Naturalist s. . This program is in its first year, and until recently, has been held exclusively at state parks. It has generated so much interest that the program is looking for groups in counties that want to start local classes.

  Two informational meetings are planned in an effort to generate interest and find leaders who can help get a session started. The first public meeting is planned for May 5th at Canaan Valley State Park at 7 p.m. , and the second public meeting is scheduled for June 6 th at the Cross Lanes United Methodist Church at 7 p.m. The Master Naturalist Program is a cooperative project of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, WVU Extension Service, Canaan Valley Institute, and Davis and Elkins College . For information contact the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources at 637-0245.

**DNR**