Overview
Upstate Master Naturalist Classes are led by content experts from SC State Parks and SC Department of Natural Resources. Classes meet on Thursdays, and class times vary depending on field trip activities.
During this 12-week course, we will visit the Upstate's finest natural areas, including Jones Gap State Park, Table Rock State Park, King Creek, Oconee Station State Historic Site, Caesars Head State Park, Sassafras Mountain, Jocassee Gorges, Jumping Off Rock, Bunched Arrowhead Heritage Preserve, Lake Conestee Nature Park, and the Clemson Experimental Forest.
Participants will be responsible for their lunches and transportation to and from study sites. As part of the course fee, you will receive a Master Naturalist toolkit which includes a hand lens with a lanyard, a Master Naturalist manual, a write-in-the-rain notebook, and several field guides.
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Key Considerations
The Upstate Master Naturalist Class is an outdoor program. As such, access to some sites the class visits requires hiking on trails of moderate difficulty. Participants must be in good physical condition and able to walk 1-2 miles, without difficulty or assistance, over terrain with steep sections, where footing will be uneven, with frequent tree roots, rocks, muddy areas, and fallen tree trunks to climb or step over. Sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots are required. In addition, several sites do not have restroom facilities requiring the use of the woods. Do not register if you cannot meet the physical demands encountered in this course. The outings cannot be modified, as doing so would drastically impact the program's educational value.
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List to be Notified of Next Course
Registration opens for the fall Upstate Master Naturalist around June of each year. We will accept the first 20 people who register. If you are interested in the Upstate Master Naturalist, please fill out this form.
Please note that signing up for this list does not guarantee you a spot in the upcoming class. However, you will receive an email that will inform you when registration opens.
The Upstate Master Naturalist Class waiting list is now live.
Fill out the form below and click submit.
Sponsor: SC State Parks and SC Department of Natural Resources
Location: Numerous natural areas of the Upstate
Dates: August - November (each Thursday)
Time: 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM (most classes)
Admission: $600
Contact: Mallory Maher
Email: mallord@clemson.edu
Phone: 864-898-8321
