The South Carolina Master Naturalist Program is a statewide corps of volunteers providing education, outreach, and service dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas within their communities.

Interested South Carolinians become Master Naturalists through training and volunteer service.

Master Naturalist FAQ

What is a Master Naturalist?

A Master Naturalist is a person who has undergone specific training and who regularly volunteers time toward various projects. Typically, Master Naturalists seek to make a difference in helping to maintain the quality of our native ecosystems through training designed to help ‘read’ the landscape of the state.  This includes understanding the underlying geology, specific inhabitants (birds, plants, mammals, etc.), ecology and the impacts of humans on the landscape including how we conserve our amazing natural environments.  Once trained, Master Naturalists volunteer in a variety of projects.  In essence, the Master Naturalist program aims to turn out volunteer citizen scientists who can positively impact the natural resources of the state.

What do Master Naturalists do?

Individuals who participate in the program bring diverse skills and experiences that contribute time, energy and ideas in maintaining the native eco-systems throughout the South.  After receiving training, Master Naturalists may participate in many different types of volunteer activities. These might include assisting in a nature outreach program at a park, museum, nature center or school; assisting a scientist collecting bird census data; collecting data on water quality or many others.

How can I become a Master Naturalist?

Both official Master Naturalist training and 30 volunteer service hours per year are required to become a Master Naturalist.  You can obtain training either through Host site training centers hosted at various places around the state or through a combination of online lesson modules and field trips. Volunteer hours can be obtained through Host sites or by checking on the webpage for additional ideas.

Training Schedule

Charleston M.N.

Sep 2 - Dec 2(Tuesdays)

Lowcountry M.N.

Fall 2008 class full

Sandhill M.N.

Sep 12 - Nov 21 (Fridays)

Upstate M.N.

Aug 21 - Oct 30 (Thursdays)

Winyah M.N.

Sep 8- Nov 24 (Mondays)

Related links

College of Agriculture Forestry & Life Sciences

Clemson University Restoration Institute

Clemson University