Joe Manchin III, Governor

Frank Jezioro, Director

News Release : May 26, 2005

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

Contact: Kathy Leo, Wildlife Resources Section, (304) 637-0245 wildlife@wvdnr.gov

WVDNR to Host Master Naturalist Public Meeting June 6 , 2005

  An informational meeting to generate interest and find leaders who can help get a session started for the West Virginia Master Naturalist Program is planned for June 6, 2005 at the Cross Lanes United Methodist Church in Kanawha County 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. Those interested in the natural world, want to contribute to the scientific knowledge needed to conserve our natural resources or share what they know about nature are encouraged to attend the public meeting and participate in the program.

  Individuals taking 64 hours of training and providing 30 hours of volunteer work can become a Certified Master Naturalist. 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.

  For more information about the program or about the public meeting, please contact the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources at (304) 637-0245.

**DNR**