2026 Master Naturalist Core Training - Joplin
Location
Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center
201 Riviera Dr Joplin, MO
Date
September 1, 2026 at 6:00 PM - November 17, 2026 at 9:00 PM
Pricing
About
The Missouri Master Naturalist program mixes science with service, engaging Missourians in stewardship of the state’s natural resources through science-based education and volunteer community service.
Participants receive natural resource-based training from natural resource experts on topics including: History of Conservation, Natural Communities, Geological History of Missouri, Grassland & Prairies, Ecological Concepts, Birds, Mammals, Insects, Soils, Woodlands And much more!
During and after training participants have the opportunity to assist with conservation service projects
Cost: $110/person
Participants must be at least 18-years old to register.
Class size is limited to 25 and early registration is encouraged.
Registration deadline is August 7th, 2026.
Chert Glades Core Training Schedule
All sessions aside from listed field trips will be held at the Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center (201 Riviera Dr, Joplin, MO 64804).
Sessions will occur from 6pm to 9pm each Tuesday, 9/1 through 11/17
Field trips will be held from 9am - 3pm on 9/12, 10/3 and 10/17
September 1: Conservation and Community
Welcoming Speeches
Film--Wild Ozarks
Small Groups
Plant Conservation & Biology—Jeff Cantrell
September 8: Eco Regions
Learning About Missouri’s Eco Regions—Val Frankowski
Missouri’s Grasslands—John Nichols
History of Prairie State Park- Jill Franks
September 12: Field Trip to Prairie State Park
Hike the Nature Trail Central Loop—Dana Hoisington, Director of PSP
Bison Talk—Dana
Afternoon bioblitz on the prairie led by Sara Eimer
September 15: Botany 101
Botany Crash Course—Dr. Jason Willand, Missouri Southern State University
Introduction to Dichotomy—John Nichols
Small Groups
Trees & Forestry—Lauren Copple
September 22: Living Water
Stream Team Demonstration at Shoal Creek—Jeff Cantrell
Aquatic Ecology and Management—Jeff Cantrell
Missouri’s Fish—Kevin Mouser
September 29: Geology
Rocks, Caves, & Karsts—Andy Rhodes, MDC
Small Groups
Famous Naturalists—John Nichols
October 3: Field Trip to Roaring River State Park
Springhouse Trail Hike—Jeff
Chute Ridge Hike—Jeff
Fish Hatchery Presentation—Park Ranger
Pibern Trail Hike—Jeff
October 6: Creepy Crawlies
Insects—Ginger Miller, MDC
Missouri’s Bats—Dr. Andrew George, Pittsburg State University
Amphibians of the Ozarks—Jessie Ballard, MDC
October 13: Creativity in Nature
Interpretation—Cyndi Cogbill, former MDC
Famous Naturalists—John Nichols & Ash Srinual
Introduction to Nature Journaling—Ash
October 17: George Washington Carver Monument Field Session
Urban Ecology & Hike—Jeff
History of GWC park—Park Ranger
Mammals of Missouri—Jeff
October 20: Balance in Nature
Introduction to Citizen Science—Amera Wild
Small Groups
Famous Naturalists--John Nichols
Invasive Species—Martin Bailey
October 27: Instinct vs. Learning
Paws on the Ground—Astro the K-9 Ranger with handler Susan Swem
Instinct vs. Learned Behavior in species—Cynthia Naff
Snakes—Cameron Kruse
November 3: Conservation in Your Backyard
Micro-Plastics—Dr. Katie Kilmer, Missouri Southern State University
Native Landscaping—Scott Butler
Small Groups
Local Conservation Issues presented by small groups
November 10: Ornithology
Bird Ecology—Joyce Haynes
Introduction to Ornithology—Dr. Andrew George, Pittsburg State University
Bird Brains, Avian Intelligence—Cynthia Naff
November 17: Moving Forward After Graduation
Requirements for Certification—Bonnie Hinman
Explanation of Fees and Online Enrollment—Bev Ash
Using the Website to enter hours—Kristi Brown
Presentation of Certificates and Intern Badges—Rebecca O’Hearn
Congratulations Speech—Robin Standridge
Cake and Group Picture
Please feel free to contact Matthew Huchteman with questions.
Matthew Huchteman
Field Specialist in Horticulture
302 S Main St, Courthouse Basement | Carthage MO 64836
417-358-2158