Minnesota Master Naturalist

Course Registration

NWGL - North Shore Explorers, Sugarloaf Cove Nature Center and Cook County UMN Extension, Grand Marais

North Shore Explorers, Sugarloaf Cove Nature Center and Cook County UMN Extension, Grand Marais website

Cook County Community Center
Grand Marais, MN 55604

Learn more about the amazing North Woods, Great Lakes biome while exploring some of the many incredible sites showcasing the ecology, geology, and history of the area. You will have the opportunity to discover your connection to the natural history of the landscape, become a steward, and a lifelong learner while connecting with kindred spirits and fellow nature lovers.

Classes will take place Mondays from 10 am-4 pm for 8 weeks. Each week we will visit a unique site to illustrate the concepts we’ll be learning about -- from wetlands to Lake Superior’s shore, to wildlife study locations, forests and more. This course will feature some classroom instruction at the Cook County Community Center, but the majority of time will be spent on field experiences along Lake Superior and throughout Cook County. From Grand Portage to Sugarloaf Cove, you will have a chance to see all that the shore has to offer, meet local experts, and watch as summer turns to brilliant fall colors! You’ll be introduced to lots of great local volunteering sites as well. Since this course will meet in various locations around Cook County, ensure you have travel time built into your plans to get to weekly locations each week. The syllabus with exact class locations will be sent to registered students in advance.

Participants should expect to be outside in a wide range of environmental conditions (light rain, wide temperature ranges, muddy conditions, etc). Plan for hiking of up to 2 miles to be done at field locations. Many locations will involve uneven terrain, stairs, and gravel or dirt trails. Transportation to field sites must be arranged by participants.

Participants with questions or concerns about conditions for hiking, weather, or other accessibility notes are highly encouraged to contact course instructors prior to registration to discuss details and possible accommodations.

All participants will complete a small group capstone project as part of graduation requirements. Attendance in all components of the course is required to earn certification as a Minnesota Master Naturalist.

This course is co-hosted by Sugarloaf Cove Nature Center and Cook County UMN Extension.

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 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. on:

Instructor Information

Sarah Waddle

Sarah is the Local Extension Educator for Cook County. In her role she works to bring U of MN educational resources to Cook County related to natural resources, horticulture, agriculture, and health and wellbeing. She has a background in environmental education and has worked as a naturalist at Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center and Itasca State Park. Her interests are wide ranging and she is always curious to learn more about birds, insects, plants, and animals. She loves exploring outdoors with people of all ages!

Sponsor Information

Sugarloaf Cove Nature Center

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