Master Naturalist
Personal Enrichment
Offered through Continuing Education
@ Online | Off-Site
Become a Master Naturalist. Explore the majesty of nature, the beauty of landscape and gardening, and the importance of ecology in our world. From home gardening to birdwatching and exploring nature, the Master Naturalist program has it all!
Love nature? Join the growing community of Master Naturalists!
STLCC's Master Naturalist program combines classroom learning and volunteerism to cultivate your interests, grow your knowledge and build your community connections. Learn more about this continuing education program, and get started today! Any of the classes on this page can be completed toward requirements of the Master Naturalist program.
The following courses may be taken individually and/or to meet curriculum requirements for STLCC's Master Naturalist program.
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Class schedules provided below may change.
Click the orange button above to view the most up-to-date class details, including dates, classrooms, etc.
Classes offered in-person may be rescheduled, canceled or transitioned to an online format based on COVID-19 guidelines. Students are required to follow COVID-19 guidelines for classroom participation, which includes, but is not limited to, use of masks and social distancing requirements.
Unless otherwise specified in the course description, registration for online classes closes three business days prior to the class start date.
Landscape and Gardening
Go Native! An Introduction to Native Landscaping
Add a bit of nature to your urban or suburban home. Through native landscaping (also
known as “naturescaping”), bring low maintenance plants to your yard or workplace
and develop a natural ecosystem that attracts animals and beneficial insects. Learn
why native coneflowers, milkweeds, viburnums and oaks are more beneficial than non-native
plants. Explore why biodiversity is healthy and why cultivars should be scrutinized.
We face many environmental challenges; extend your commitment to make a difference.
HORT-713 | 1 session | $29 AGE 60+ | $29 REG
P01 Th 9 a.m.-noon | Mitch Leachman
April 1 | Online
Go Native! Native Landscaping With Shrubs
Stop spending your time and money trying to maintain shrubs that are not indigenous
to the Midwest and that have difficulty adapting to local soil and weather conditions.
Go native and begin to add more environmentally beneficial shrub species. Native shrubs
that have evolved in the Midwest are adapted to local rainfall and temperature patterns
and generally do not require any special maintenance needs after they are established.
Because of this evolution, these native woody species have produced unique interrelationships
with many native species of wildlife.
HORT-713 | 1 session | $29 AGE 60+ | $29 REG
P02 Th 9 a.m.-noon | Mitch Leachman
April 8 | Online
Go Native! Attract Songbirds and Hummingbirds Through Landscaping
Are you looking to attract more songbirds and hummingbirds to your backyard? Learn
secrets to selecting the best native plants that provide seeds, flowers and fruits
for these birds. To attract the greatest diversity to your property at various seasons,
you’ll need to select shrubs and trees from different categories based upon the season
the fruits and seeds are produced, their nutritional make-up and the length of time
they remain on the plants. Bring a kaleidoscope of colors and songs to your landscape
with knowledge gained from this class.
HORT-713 | 1 session | $29 AGE 60+ | $29 REG
P03 Th 9 a.m.-noon | Mitch Leachman
April 15 | Online
Go Native! Native Landscaping With Sun-Adapted Perennials
Did you know that prairies and glades are the two most diverse and colorful natural
communities in Missouri that thrive in the sun? Learn basic characteristics of the
soil and moisture conditions of these communities and how they can be emulated in
your home landscape. This course will focus on native prairie and glade species that
can be grown successfully in the St. Louis area, the height and growing spread of
each species and where each species will grow best in your yard.
HORT-713 | 1 session | $29 AGE 60+ | $29 REG
P04 Sa 9 a.m.-noon | Susan Van de Riet
April 17 | Online
Soil and Composting: Get the “Dirt” on Successful Gardening
The first step in successful gardening is working from the ground up. Learn the “dirt”
on successful gardening with easy-to-understand information on soil types, practical
tips on preparation and composting tips and benefits for your home garden. This is
a valuable class for both beginning and experienced homeowners.
HORT-709 | 1 session | $19 AGE 60+ | $25 REG
P01 Th 6-8 p.m. | Mike Ochonicky
Feb. 25 | Online
P02 Th 6-8 p.m. | Mike Ochonicky
April 8 | Online
Herb Gardening
Now is the time to plan for your summer garden! Learn how to get the most for your
effort in this one-night class. Whether you’re just starting or you’re expanding an
herb garden, you’ll learn about soil conditions, fertilizing and the optimal placement
for growth. Hear the best advice from a master gardener on how to plant, maintain
and harvest an herb garden. Plus, you’ll gain tips on using herbs in and around your
home, and discover the best way to freeze and preserve herbs for future use.
HORT-701 | 2 sessions | $23 AGE 60+ | $35 REG
P01 W/Th 6-8 p.m. | Mike Ochonicky
March 24-25 | Online
P02 W/Th 6-8 p.m. | Mike Ochonicky
May 12-13 | Online
Container Gardening
No room to plant a large garden? Try container gardening! Join a master gardener and
learn how to select containers and choose plants. You’ll discover how to start and
maintain flowers, veggies and herbs within a contained space. Recommendations for
plant combinations will also be discussed. Make the best of the area you have and
create visually appealing, functional surroundings.
HORT-714 | 1 session | $19 AGE 60+ | $25 REG
P01 Th 6-8 p.m. | Mike Ochonicky
April 15 | Online
Succulents
Succulents are trending in both gardening and decorating. Perfect for both the seasoned
and forgetful gardener, this group of plants offers easy-to-care-for choices for your
home. What to grow, how to grow, where to grow-we’ll cover it all with plenty of inspiring
images to get you ready to grow these low-maintenance plants, both indoors and out.
HORT-722 | 1 session | $19 AGE 60+ | $25 REG
P01 W 6-8 p.m. | Mike Ochonicky
April 28 | Online
Nature
Forest Park Owls: Hunting and Feeding
Join us for a fascinating insight into one of the most successful predators in the
Americas. As a local, award-winning naturalist, the instructor has been observing,
documenting and delivering outreach with great horned owls in Forest Park since December
2005. Learn about the owls’ hunting perches and predatory attempts as well as how
they care for their owlets.
NATR-709 | 1 session | $25 AGE 60+ | $25 REG
P02 Th 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Mark H.X. Glenshaw
Feb. 18 | Online
How to Find an Owl in Your Neighborhood
Do you ever see or hear an owl in your neighborhood and want to experience more of
these beautiful birds? Discover ways to find owls in your area—whether in subdivisions,
city neighborhoods, pocket parks or large public parks. Learn which owls you are most
likely to see or hear, where and how to look for them, what to listen for and the
importance of research and collaboration.
NATR-709 | 1 session | $25 AGE 60+ | $25 REG
P01 Th 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Mark H.X. Glenshaw
April 22 | Online
Spring Nature Walk
With the warm weather on its way, it’s time to get outside and see what’s blooming!
Join our small group tour to explore, discover and study the spring landscape within
the environment and splendor of Shaw Nature Reserve. Enjoy a guided 2-3 mile walk
along well-maintained and mostly level paths through gardens and trails. Wear comfortable
shoes and dress appropriately for the weather. Meet at the picnic tables across from
the visitor’s center at Shaw Nature Reserve. Assumption of Risk, Release and Waiver
of Liability must be signed at first class.
NATR-704 | 1 session | $19 AGE 60+ | $25 REG
P01 Sa 10 a.m.-noon | Nancy Gelb
April 24 | Shaw Nature Reserve
Ecology
Indoor Composting: Make and Take Home a Bokashi Bucket
Don’t throw away those scraps! Up to 20% of household trash can be composted! The
quick and convenient Bokashi Bucket system can be used year-round and produces no
household odors. During this hands-on session, you’ll construct and learn how to maintain
an indoor composting system capable of decomposing food and house plant trimmings
for a family of four. In a space-saving Bokashi system, effective microorganisms transform
all types of kitchen waste into a nutrient-rich soil amendment. All equipment, materials
and handouts provided and included in fee. Supply pick-up location and date will be
emailed. Registration deadline: Feb. 16. No refunds after this date. Class is offered
in partnership with the Missouri Botanical Garden Earthways Center.
ECOL-704 | 1 session | $59 AGE 60+ | $59 REG
P01 Tu 7-8:30 p.m. | MoBot Earthways Ctr
March 2 | Online
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