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Master Naturalist Program

The Whitfield Master Naturalist Program aims to instill the pursuit of life-long learning and promote environmental stewardship. Participants are actively engaged through education and service dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources throughout NM. The Master Naturalist Program is ideal for individuals who have a love for the outdoors, curiosity of the natural environment, a desire to work with others, and help support conservation measures that improve land health.

The 2026 Master Naturalist Program runs Wednesday, August 19 through October 24, 2026.

Class dates: August 19 to October 24, 2026.

Application deadline: August 18, 2026.

Fee: $85.00, made out to Valencia Soil and Water Conservation District.

Questions? Contact Michelle Dent at 505-864-8914 or [email protected].

Download Application Download 2026 Calendar
Master Naturalist Class 2026 flyer with program details, dates, and contact information

2026 Class Flyer

Share the word with friends, neighbors, and community groups. Download the flyer to print or pass along.

Download Flyer (PDF)

Through this program, participants will understand…

  • All aspects of their role as a Master Naturalist, the mission and objectives of the program, and the guidelines for participation
  • What a naturalist is and does and the significance of naturalists
  • The biomes and life zones of New Mexico
  • Basic concepts of ecology
  • Basic concepts of geology
  • Basic concepts of hydrology
  • Basic concepts of botany
  • Basic concepts of zoology
  • Basic concepts of scientific methods and record keeping
  • Some native flora and fauna in the region
  • The general process of land health monitoring and natural resource management
  • Our connection to nature
Master Naturalist Program participants in the field

Through this program, participants will be able to…

  • Use a key to identify organisms
  • Use a field guide
  • Share knowledge with others (verbally and/or in writing)
  • Make and record observations in nature
  • Collect and analyze data
  • Recognize when he or she does not know the answer to a question
  • Seek out answers from people, books, or other reliable resources
  • Continue the pursuit of the life-long learning of the natural world
Master Naturalist Program field study

We look forward to learning and exploring the natural world alongside you. Come discover the wild places of New Mexico with us. We hope to see you in the field this season.

Valencia Soil and Water Conservation District
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