Looking for a Community in Conservation: Check out ND Naturalist Program

Valley City State University is supporting a new outdoor education program in North Dakota.  The North Dakota Naturalist Program is a new program for North Dakota adults interested in learning more about natural resources and volunteering in the state to help educate, participate in citizen science, and steward those resources. The dates and details of our first cohort have been set and will begin in February, 2027!  Program details, applications, and registration for a Q&A event can be found on our website North Dakota Naturalist Program | Valley City State University or check them out on Facebook search for North Dakota Naturalist Program.

Here’s what you need to know about the program

• 13 week online course

• February 1st through May 10th

• Monday 6-8pm CST 

• Field Day TBD after course completion

• Certified ND Naturalists will complete 40 hours of service annually

• ND Naturalists will participate in advanced training

• Your organization can request volunteers from the program

We will be hosting a Q&A for partner organizations to better understand how the ND Naturalist Program can support conservation groups in North Dakota.  Details of this Q&A will be shared in the coming months.  

If you have any questions about the program, please feel free to reach out to info@ndnaturalists.org or contact one of our advisory board members. 

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the cost of being a North Dakota Naturalist?

• Training fee of $100, $25 annual membership fee after first year.  This covers name tag, annual pin, and program administration.

When is the training held?

• The training is held virtually on Mondays from 6-8pm central time beginning the first week of February.  The training is 13 weeks, excluding holidays (President’s day and Easter Monday).  The training concludes with a field day scheduled in May.

Is there an age requirement?

• Participants must be 18 when the course begins.

Who teaches the classes?

• The classes are lead by North Dakota natural resource professionals from government, non-profit, and private agencies.

What types of projects do North Dakota Naturalists work on?

• Managing habitat and participating in restoration work

• Citizen science projects

• Educating others through interpretive programs

What are annual requirements?

• After completion of initial training, ND Naturalists should complete 40 hours of volunteer service annually.

Attendance Policy

• Participants must attend 12 of the 13 virtual training sessions and attend a field day to receive certified North Dakota Naturalist status.

Find community in conservation and help support conservation in North Dakota!