Minnesota Master Naturalist

Course Registration

BWBR - Camp Spring Lake-Rosemount, MN

Closed due to COVID-19 website

13690 Pine Bend Trail
Rosemount, MN 55068

Please note that this is a tentative schedule. We are carefully monitoring recommendations from the CDC, University of Minnesota, and National Park Service regarding COVID-19 and will contact course participants as the situation changes.

Are you an adult who is curious about the natural world around you? Do you enjoy learning and sharing knowledge with others? Would you like to be more involved with local and state conservation efforts? If so, the Minnesota Master Naturalist program is for you!

Join us at Camp Spring Lake to explore and learn about the beauty and life of the Big Woods, Big Rivers (BWBR) biome. The Camp Spring Lake Retreat Center is located at the Lower Spring Lake Park Trailhead in Spring Lake Park Reserve. This park holds many stories about the natural and human history of our state, and will be our meeting place for this BWBR biome course. We’ll delve into the natural and cultural history of Minnesota’s deciduous forest biome including the plant and animal communities, geology, and hydrology of the area. Participants of this course will also gain a deeper understanding of how individuals can play an active role in facilitating and improving the connection between people and nature. In addition to indoor and outdoor classroom learning, participants will complete a group service project in partnership with the host organizations.

During the course, there will be many group and individual activities, including hands on learning opportunities and outdoor adventures. We will go on two field trips where we will visit hidden places, natural areas, and historical landmarks in and around the metro area and discover the cultural and natural history of Minnesota’s big woods and big rivers.

Take the course to become a Master Naturalist Volunteer and join a team of Minnesotans who are dedicated to conservation education and service within their communities. The Minnesota Master Naturalist program is one of the best ways to familiarize yourself with the unique and exciting aspects of the world around us.

Bring your own lunch. There is a kitchen available with a fridge and microwave.

The course cost is $295 and includes course manuals and supplies.

If the course cost is a hardship, please fill out the scholarship application. After the scholarship is fully processed, you will receive a code to be entered in the on-line registration process. Please wait until you receive that code to complete registration.

Course Dates:

Meeting from 8:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. on:

Instructor Information

Karen Katz

Karen is the Administrative Assistant with Mississippi National River and Recreation Area (National Park Service). She holds a MS degree in Natural Resource Science and Management from the University of Minnesota and a BA degree in Environmental Studies and English from Gustavus Adolphus College.

Britt Forsberg

Britt Forsberg (she/her/hers) is an Extension Educator with the Minnesota Master Naturalist Program. She holds a BA in Biology and Environmental Studies from Gustavus Adolphus College and an MEd in Family Education from the University of Minnesota. Within the Minnesota Master Naturalist program, Britt develops and leads advanced training opportunities that lead to volunteer service. When she's not working, you may find her hiking with her nose to the ground to look for bees and other pollinators or wrangling her rambunctious toddler, Wren.

Paula Swingley

Sponsor Information

National Park Service-Mississippi National River

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