The Vermont Master Naturalist: Williston Program will create a close-knit
team of naturalists with specific training in Williston’s natural history
across the earth, life and social sciences, who understand and can “read” the
landscapes of Williston. Williston has a rich natural heritage with
habitat ranging from kettle
hole bogs to schist ridges. Diversity underfoot gives rise to over a dozen natural communities
resulting in an abundance of rare plant species. Moose, bobcats, coyotes,
bears, beavers, deer and foxes either pass through Williston or live here year
around. The Vermont Master Naturalist Program connects Williston citizens
to the nature of their region through professional training based on the
landscape level training of the UVM Field Naturalist Program and volunteer
projects. Candidates will spend time on each site reviewing the geology,
soils, hydrology, plants and animals (natural communities), human land use
history, and signs of processes like wind, fire, or deer browse. We will
also discuss the conservation history and management issues relevant for each
site. The town will benefit long term
from a community of naturalists acting as a brain trust for solving ecological
issues facing our wild lands and serving as expert resources for conservation
education in our schools and communities.
Field dates for 2018-2019 program will be four Saturdays: November 10, February 16, April 13 and May 4. Cost $395.
Scholarships available. For
information and to receive an application contact: Laura Meyer laura.e.meyer@gmail.com or Alicia Daniel Alicia.Daniel@uvm.edu