I was surprised how much I heard, as if expanding my vision expanded my hearing, too. My vision seemed more expansive and more vibrant. It literally makes you see the forest instead of the tree.
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Nature University
Volunteer › Nature University
Learn how to help children and adults discover nature by enrolling in Metro's unique and intensive naturalist training program.
Get involved
The deadline to apply for the class of 2010 has passed. For more information about Nature University, download the catalog below. If you are interested in enrolling in the class of 2011, send e-mail to parkvol@oregonmetro.gov.
Every year thousands of children and adults visit Metro’s parks and natural areas on school field trips and for summer programs. Volunteer naturalists make these wonderful experiences possible by helping Metro staff naturalists lead these activities and programs.
If you love nature, enjoy working with children and have access to personal transportation, consider becoming a volunteer naturalist by attending Nature University. No special experience is required but a background in natural history and biology and working with groups is helpful. At Nature University, you receive the training needed to become a qualified and confident Metro volunteer naturalist.
What is Nature University?
Nature University is a 12-week training course that starts people along the path of becoming naturalists and teachers. Nature University students are introduced to time-honored techniques of nature observation and principles of discovery learning. Students learn about common wildlife and plants, the ecology of wetlands and ancient forests, and effective teaching techniques. Student naturalists go into the field with experienced naturalists to learn how to recognize animal tracks and signs, bird sounds and much more. Learn the importance of careful observation and the use of field guides, skills that can be applied in a lifelong process of learning and sharing with others.
Nature University classes meet from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesdays, Jan. 26 through April 13, at different locations. There is some homework between class meetings. In exchange for this unique training, graduates are expected to provide a minimum of 40 hours of service within the first year, which is about 10 school field trip programs. Expectations include availability to help with class field trips during school hours in the fall and spring and on some weekdays or weekends in the summer. There are also opportunities to expand volunteer service to other public outreach programs, such as special events and natural area tours, and to help develop educational materials.
Files that are downloadable from this page
- 2010 Nature University catalog 1.3M Adobe Acrobat PDF | Published July 30, 2009
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Nature guide
On the floodplain of Metro's Oxbow Regional Park, one can find clear tracks of red fox, raccoon, river otter, mink, rabbit, squirrel, weasel, crow, Canada goose and many other birds on any given day. Occasionally the tracks of larger mammals such as elk, black bear and cougar are also found in this rich habitat...