Become a Master Naturalist on Long Island, NY

An Environmental Program for Discovering Yourself and the real Long Island

All skill levels are welcome. To be certified, complete nine modules, meaningful homework, field training, and relevant service requirements.
 Set your own pace. It takes about 8-12 months to become certified as a Master Naturalist.  Experienced naturalists will help guide and mentor you along the way. Learn more about the natural world that surrounds you.
Requires a Membership Donation ,  then we'll help you document:
  • Part I  - attending  one event from each core module
  • Part II  - complete 20 hours of relevant service
Then  Part III: There's a $360 fee to cover 4 days of instructor & coaching fees,  when at least 10 students are available. Dates TBD.
Certification Benefits
  • flexible and customizable.
  • personal and professional Development
  • honesty, integrity, & transparency
  • upon graduation, 42  NY CTLE credits available
Besides Orientation, Graduation and Relevant Service, the Core Modules include:
  • Long Island Explorer
  • LI Geology & Plant Communities
  • Freshwater Wetlands & Conservation
  • Trails, Greenways & Sustainability
  • ​Wildlife of Long Island
  • ​Marine Ecology

Master Naturalist Graduates

  • Andrew Lundstrom
  • Annelies Kamran
  • Autilia DeVivo Sisti
  • Carey Russell
  • Carolina Strada
  • Chris Duffner
  • Claire O'Kane
  • Dai Dayton
  • Dana Francis Hilbert
  • Darlene Del Cioppo
  • David Kennedy
  • Donna Rusinek
  • Emma Squires
  • Jacob Tanenbaum
  • Jennifer Lucas
  • Jerry Veraldi
  • Kathy Clark
  • Lila Miller
  • Linda Lombardo
  • Lorraine Blakeney
  • ​​​Mark Mouton
  • Mary Keller
  • Maureen Dunn
  • Pamela Wolf
  • Peter Wimett, Jr.
  • Phil Benvin
  • Ray Marino
  • Sharon Kennelty-Cohen

Testimonials

Thanks for everything.  I’ve really enjoyed this process. - Jacob Tanenbaum, Master Naturalist
​I’m really grateful that I committed to this. I’ve learned a tremendous amount about Long Island and hope to continue learning more as I go. Thank you!  - Linda Lombardo, Master Naturalist
Participating in the Master Naturalist program and these subsequent research assignments has been a great assistance in helping me to connect with other naturalists living in New York City! - Carey Russell, Master Naturalist
Favorite, memorable days in my life include field trip naturalist training activities with Quality Parks. - Lori Blakeney, Master Naturalist​
  • The best part of this program was the personal learning approach each Instructor conveyed. The hike and events were fun, with each person contributing, which added to my learning and skills. I enjoyed every part of the program and look forward to more. - Peter Wimett, Jr., Master Naturalist​
​The course work is vigorous and thorough because we want to get people involved in a wide variety of projects and issues. A lot of people want to DO something to help save what’s left of the nature on Long Island but they don’t know how to get involved.  This course answers that need. - Eric Powers, Your Connection to Nature​
  • It gets people outdoors to experience and learn about our beautiful environment, so they will want to protect it. - Jane Fasullo, Long Island Sierra Club​
  • Today was the tenth anniversary and tenth release of quail at Caleb Smith State Park. Although I live less than 5 or 6 miles from the park, this was the first time I knew about the program. Congratulations Quality Parks Master Naturalist Program, you have made me a believer! - Chris Duffner, Friends of Caleb Smith State Park