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 27, 2022
Becoming a Naturalist
9am – 2pm
September 17, 2022
Tennessee’s Living Waters
9am – 2pm
October 1, 2022
The World of Invertebrates
9am – 2pm
October 22, 2022
Nocturnal Naturalist
6pm – 11pm
November 12, 2022
Geology and Ecology
9am – 2pm
January 21, 2023
Tennessee Birds
9am – 2pm
February 18, 2023
Tennessee Mammals
9am – 2pm
March 18, 2023
Tennessee Reptiles and Amphibians
9am – 2pm
April 1, 2023
Tennessee’s Forests
9am – 2pm
April 22, 2023
Forbs, Ferns, Mosses, and More
9am – 2pm