Arizona Master Naturalists Make a Difference!
For three years, AZ Master Naturalists have made a difference for watersheds, clean water, and riparian habitat through their volunteer contributions to Prescott Creeks! Master Naturalists are certified volunteers who are passionate about nature and are eager to share their knowledge with others. Prescott Creeks is fortunate to have Master Naturalists serve on its Board of Directors, contribute administrative support, and volunteer in the field on projects ranging from native vegetation restoration to removal of invasive plants in Watson Woods Riparian Preserve.
Highlands Center for Natural History (HCNH), the local program sponsor, has announced the 2025 AZ Master Naturalist Program dates! Classes begin January 7, offering a hybrid teaching model comprising twice weekly expert-led Zoom lectures on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. In-person field experiences will be held on select Saturdays throughout the course, in collaboration with community partners like Prescott Creeks. The course culminates in capstone presentations on April 19th.
Information Sessions (virtually by Zoom) are available for people to learn more. Interested parties can register for sessions on November 14th, or December 12th.
The Arizona Master Naturalist Program was initiated locally in 2021 by HCNH through the creation of the Central Highlands Chapter to the statewide program. In addition to sponsoring the chapter, HCNH coordinates partnering organizations (like Prescott Creeks and over a dozen others) to provide educational information, through classroom instruction and field trips, as well as to provide ongoing volunteer opportunities for the Master Naturalists after the course.
The Central Highlands Master Naturalist Program is a leadership development certification course designed to supplement natural and cultural history training, docent programs, and volunteer service opportunities available throughout our communities. This course includes an overview of scientific concepts and natural history in the Central Highlands of Arizona, highlighting study areas such as geology, hydrology, botany, conservation and restoration, and ecology, to name a few. Completing this course and associated volunteer hours results in statewide certification.
The comprehensive cost of this training is $535, with some scholarship funds available. Register today. Contact Highlands Center Education Director Maria Icenogle at with any questions.
See the Arizona Central Highlands Master Naturalists Chapter website for more information.
Highlands Center for Natural History is a non-profit organization with a mission to help children and adults discover the wonders of nature and become wise caretakers of the land.
Prescott Creeks is a not-for-profit organization with a mission to achieve healthy watersheds and clean waters in central Arizona for the benefit of people and wildlife.
Arizona Master Naturalists and Prescott Creeks Volunteers gather on Thursday mornings to work on conservation projects in Watson Woods Riparian Preserve. Pictured from left to right: Maria Icenogle (HCNH), Scott Brockett (PCrks Vol.), Kim Douglas (AZMN), Phil Taska (AZMN), Chris Schneider (AZMN), Andie Rorick (PCrks & AZMN), Alan Blaine (AZMN), Carol Hurst (PCrks Vol.), John Grant (AZMN), Crystal Frost (PCrks Vol.), Michael Byrd (PCrks). 📷 Cindy Barks, The Daily Courier