Members can immediately enhance their time spent outdoors with master naturalist training.  The program is flexible, customizable, and is a train-the-trainer program. We encourage critical inquiry and observation.
Once you sign up for a $30 membership,  we'll send you a checklist form that includes:
  • Part I  - attend one event as described below one from each core module; use our Things To Do Directory to find qualified experts
  • Part II  - complete 20 hours of relevant service - your chose - again refer to Things to Do Directory for hands on expertise
  • Part III - includes Orientation, review of the 6 core modules, adoption of a home park (refer to our Parks Directory), meaningful homework, and Graduation. It is offered when at least 10 students are available, hiring paid instructors, and  four Field Days (once  per month).  You also adopt a home park, and complete meaningful homework (during class time). The additional fee  will be $360.

Opt in for Master Naturalist training on Long Island, NY

Suggested Donation: Supporting ($40), General ($30), Alumni ($25)
ONLINE DONATION
OR BY MAIL:
​​Make check out to ​Quality Parks and mail to:
​Quality Parks - P.O. Box 143, Port Jefferson, NY 11777-0143
All payments are fully tax deductible donations, ​as Quality Parks is a registered 501(c)(3), public charity.
If you have any questions, contact us. ​​

Master Naturalist Curriculum

  •  Orientation - Be better prepared for the outdoor experience, including tick bite prevention
  • Core Modules
    • Long Island Explorer  - review major LI ecosystems, public lands management jurisdictions, and field guide usage
    • LI Geology & Plant Communities - will introduce you to how Long Island was shaped by glaciers, and the resulting soil types and habitats that follow. Learn more about native plants, life histories and various management techniques from wildfire management to ecological restoration to invasive species control. 
    • Freshwater Wetlands & Conservation - wetlands (ponds to bogs), conservation, nature awareness, forest therapy
    • ​Trails, Greenways & Sustainability - Long Island has hundreds of miles of trails for recreational enjoyment, including walking, hiking, jogging, mountain bicycling, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, and general nature enjoyment. Yet trails are under valued by our government. Learn more about how to sustainably design and maintain trails. Why ATV's are so incompatible with environmental protection? Read maps and trail signage. What does sustainability mean and  how does it help our planet?
    • ​Wildlife of Long Island
    • Marine Ecology - ​​Encounter the rich complexity and diversity of our marine environments typical of Long Island.Delve into marine stewardship such restoration efforts, invasive species, endangered species, hurricanes, climate change and wilderness survival skills. 
  • Relevant Service - where opportunities provide hands on field experience
  • Graduation - certificate presentations and open discussions of relevant service

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