Tennessee Naturalist Program at Discovery Park of America
The mission of the Tennessee Naturalist Program is to teach Tennesseans about nature in the state, instill an appreciation of responsible environmental stewardship and channel volunteer efforts toward education of the general public and conservation of Tennessee’s natural resources.
Individuals who complete Discovery Park’s TNP course will gain an understanding of native ecosystems throughout the state. After the course, Tennessee Naturalists may participate in many different types of volunteer activities, such as helping a nature outreach program at a park, museum, nature center or school, assisting in collection of scientific data for bird census, water quality assessment or rare plant monitoring and working with trail maintenance or habitat restoration projects.
To become a certified Tennessee Naturalist, students must complete a minimum of 40 hours of active class and field instruction following the TNP curriculum and provide a minimum of 40 hours of service in one or more approved volunteer opportunities. If possible, completion of these requirements within a year of the first class is encouraged. Students participating in the program must be 18 or older.
Upon completion of all required class, field and volunteer hours, students become certified Tennessee Naturalists. There are no exceptions to these requirements for certification.
Schedule
August 24, 2024
Becoming a Naturalist
9am – 2pm
September 28, 2024
Tennessee’s Living Waters
9am – 2pm
October 5, 2024
The World of Invertebrates
9am – 2pm
October 19, 2024
Nocturnal Naturalist
5pm – 7pm
November 2, 2024
Astronomy
5pm-7pm
November 16, 2024
Geology and Ecology
9am – 2pm
January 11, 2025
Tennessee Birds
9am – 2pm
February 8, 2025
Tennessee Mammals
9am – 2pm
March 1, 2025
Tennessee’s Forests
9am – 2pm
April 5, 2025
Tennessee Reptiles and Amphibians
9am – 2pm
April 19, 2025
Forbs, Ferns, Mosses, and More
9am – 2pm
