January 31, 2026
Before class
Welcome to the Master Naturalist Volunteer program. We will cover a lot of territory during our classes. To make the best use of your time please consider doing the following before we get together.
- Go through this site. Lots of people have contributed their time and talent to the material contained here. We hope you find it useful.
- Pressed for time? Be sure to at least pay attention to the RED section headings
- Get a sense of the Impact Projects our Partner Organizations need. You’ll have a chance during our first class to meet some of the folks with these organizations and see where you can make an impact.
Information
Instructor: Dr. Lise Jenkins, Program Chair, and Partner Organizations
Location: Chatham Extension Center. 1192 US 64W, Pittsboro
Schedule: 9:00am-noon
- 9-10:30 Class discussion
- 13:30-noon Meet & Greet our Partner Organizations
FOR THE WELL-READ NATURALIST
30 Great NC Science Adventures, Southern Gateways Guides (2020). Ready to get out in it? This book offers great ideas.
Great Day Hikes on NC’s Mountain-to-Sea Trail, Southern Gateways Guide (2020). Complete descriptions of hikes, easy to use format. Only wish the cover was a little more durable, mine lives in my pack and has endured a bit of abuse.
Keeping a Nature Journal: Discover a whole new way of seeing the world around you, Clare Walker Leslie & Charles Roth (2000)
Notetaking Apps – A useful summary of some of the best note taking apps. I’ve happily used GoodNotes for many years, but there are a lot of great tools out there.
On Trails, Robert Moor (2016). Beautifully written scientific travelogue exploring the creatures who roam the planet. I was sad when it ended.
Paperlike – If you prefer taking notes with a tablet and stylus, Paperlike makes the experience feel more like writing on paper. It also serves as a tough screen protector for your device.
Silent Spring, Rachel Carson (1964). Beautifully written, galvanized public awareness, spurred action regarding chemical use. Essential reading for informed activist.
Some Lines a Day notebook from Leuchttrum. For over a decade these books have served me well. Love the format for capturing longitudinal data.
Write in the Rain Notebooks – An essential tool for capturing field notes. These books, in a variety of styles, colors, and sizes, are made of waterproof paper — they can withstand a downpour, being dropped in a puddle, or a visit through your washing machine.
impact projects
- This month you will identify the Impact Project you will work on over the course of the coming year.
- Next month, we will ask you to tell us about your plans.
