S.C. Master Naturalist program wins environmental education award

Published: July 7, 2010

CLEMSON — The S.C. Master Naturalist program, directed by Clemson University ethnobotanist Karen Hall, won the 2010 award for outstanding leadership in environmental education at the annual conference of the Environmental Education Association of South Carolina in Columbia.

“The Master Naturalist program does a great job providing opportunities for environmental education because they teach individuals who teach others,” said Jody Childs, Environmental Education Association of South Carolina awards director. “It’s a multiplying effect to increase environmental literacy across the state.”

Clemson’s Master Naturalist program was selected for the award based on nominations from association members. Previous winners include Furman University and the Discover Carolina program of the S.C. Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism.

“The award was a wonderful surprise because we didn’t apply for it,” said Hall. “It’s a much-appreciated tribute to the efforts of Master Naturalists across the state.”

The S.C. Master Naturalist program is a public service of Clemson University that trains and coordinates a statewide corps of volunteers who provide education and service to support natural resources management.

Field-based training is conducted from 10 to 13 weeks at seven host sites around the state and covers natural history, nature interpretation and the interface of humans and nature. Partners for host sites include the S.C. Department of Natural Resources, S.C. State Parks, LowCountry Institute, Katawba Valley Land Trust, Charleston County Parks, North Inlet-Winyah Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, USC-Lancaster and Foothills Equestrian Nature Center (FENCE).

There are now 636 Master Naturalists who volunteer their time to educate the public about natural resource management and to serve on environmental projects. From 2007 through 2009 Master Naturalists provided 15,255 hours of service through education programs and environmental conservation efforts, including removing invasive beach vitex, restoring habitats, monitoring water quality and assisting state park rangers.

The Environmental Education Association of South Carolina is a non-profit association with a leadership role in environmental and natural resource conservation education. It is part of a national organization whose members include educators, individuals and organizations that support environmental education.

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