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!
Register for animal care classes
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! The courses listed under Nature, Ecology and Landscape and Gardening meet the curriculum requirements for the Master Naturalist program. Classes may be taken for your own personal enrichment or as part of the Master Naturalist program.
Class schedules subject to change.
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 may include, but is not limited to, use of masks and social distancing requirements. For the latest requirements, review STLCC’s COVID-19 Information page.
Unless otherwise specified in the course description, registration for online classes closes three business days prior to the class start date.
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Nature
Forest Park Owls: Hiding in Plain Sight
Join a local award-winning naturalist and speaker for an informative glimpse into
the lives of a local mated pair of Great Horned Owls in Forest Park. He has been closely
observing and documenting the owls since 2005. Learn how he found the owls, basic
facts about the species and various behaviors he observes and documents with photos
and videos to illustrate these behaviors.
NATR-709 | 1 session | $29 AGE 60+ | $29 REG
F03 Th 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Mark Glenshaw
Aug. 19 | FP-D 215
Forest Park Owls: Mating, Nesting and Owlets
Join a local award-winning naturalist and speaker and explore the mating, nesting
behavior and the owlets raised by the great horned owls he has been observing and
documenting in Forest Park since December 2005. Learn what he has observed and documented
including mating, nest selection, feeding of the owlets, fledging and gradual maturation
of owlets, and the dispersal of the owlets. You will be amazed at the delights and
challenges these owls and their families face daily.
NATR-709 | 1 session | $29 AGE 60+ | $29 REG
F01 Th 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Mark Glenshaw
Nov. 4 | MC-BA 116
Monarchs and Milkweeds
Join a local biologist and learn the plight of these beautiful ambassadors of the
air, how you can help monarchs by planting different milkweed species around your
home, and where milkweed seeds and seedlings may be obtained.
NATR-720 | 1 session | $21.50 AGE 60+ | $29 REG
F01 Th 9:30-11:30 a.m. | Dave Tylka
Oct. 7 | MC-SO 108
Humane Trapping of Unwanted Guests
Pesky pest problems? Explore how to address incessant problems with animals such as:
mink, weasels, raccoons, opossums, foxes and coyotes. Discover some of the most effective
yet humane ways of trapping and removing those furry unwanted guests from your property.
NATR-765 | 1 session | $23 AGE 60+ | $29 REG
F01 Sa 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Guy Niere
Oct. 16 | MC-SO 108
Ecology
Indoor Composting: Making a Bokashi Bucket
Nearly 20% of household trash can be composted. The quick and convenient Bokashi Bucket
system can be used year-round and produces no household odors. Construct 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 are included in fee; you will be contacted about supply pickup.
Class is offered in partnership with the Missouri Botanical Garden EarthWays Center.
ECOL-704 | 1 session | $59 AGE 60+ | $59 REG
F01 W 7-8:30 p.m. | Maggie McCoy
Sept. 15 | Online
NEW! Backyard Chickens For Beginners
Have you thought about keeping chickens in your city or suburban backyard? Learn local
ordinances and where to find more information for your area. Hear about the benefits
of keeping chickens, appropriate housing and feeding, and different ways to keep your
chickens healthy and happy. Instructor has years of personal and professional experience
and is an enthusiastic and knowledgeable healthy-chicken farmer! Bring a sack lunch
to class.
ECOL-705 | 1 session | $29 AGE 60+ | $39 REG
F01 Sa 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Guy Niere
Sept. 25 | MC-SO 108
Backyard Chickens For the Seasoned
If you’ve been keeping chickens for a while and are looking for answers to your specific
questions, this class is for you! Gain an overview for more in-depth information on:
diseases, parasites and treatments; chicken anatomy and egg development; incubation
and broody hatching; culling and processing; breed characteristics, showing, and judging
for standards of perfection, supporting heritage breeds; and changing ordinances.
This is an intermediate level class and will not include introductory information
covered in Backyard Chickens for the Beginner.
ECOL-705 | 1 session | $23 AGE 60+ | $29 REG
F02 Sa 10 a.m.-noon | Guy Niere
Oct. 2 | MC-SO 108
NEW! Incubating Bird Eggs
Explore successful incubation of all species of birds (with emphasis on chickens)
as well as other species of poultry and waterfowl. Gain additional information on
brooding chicks, poults, ducklings and goslings.
ECOL-705 | 1 session | $26 AGE 60+ | $35 REG
F03 Sa 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Guy Niere
Oct. 9 | MC-SO 108
Landscape and Gardening
Landscaping With Trees and Shrubs
Ready to ditch the lawnmower, watering system, fertilizer spreader and leaf blower?
Discover how to bring more birds and butterflies to your garden. You’ll learn how
to recreate a lively landscape, reduce maintenance, and increase four-season interest
while drawing birds and butterflies to your garden.
HORT-708 | 1 session | $23 AGE 60+ | $29 REG
F02 Tu 9-11 a.m. | Elizabeth Struckhoff
Sept. 14 | MC-SW 103
Maintaining Native Plant Gardens
Explore ways to tend your native garden and maintenance required. Learn tips and tricks
to minimizing maintenance time. This session will included a seasonal maintenance
and discussion of invasive plants and aggressive natives. Learn when to let your native
guests prosper and when you pull them.
HORT-713 | 1 session | $23 AGE 60+ | $29 REG
F02 Tu 9-11 a.m. | Elizabeth Struckhoff
Sept. 28 | MC-SW 103
Winter Prep for Your Garden
Summer’s over. What can you do with your garden? Learn how to properly prepare your
garden for winter. A little time spent in fall can produce big benefits for a successful
garden next spring.
HORT-707 | 1 sessions | $23 AGE 60+ | $29 REG
F01 W 6-8 p.m. | Mike Ochonicky
Sept. 29 | Online
Go Native! Native Landscaping for Bees, Butterflies and Other Pollinators
Healthy landscapes boast large numbers and a wide diversity of pollinators such as
butterflies and bees. Discuss some of the best plants to lure pollinators through
pollen, nectar, resin and oil, and evolving visual and olfactory cues (e.g., nectar
guides, color and fragrance). Gain practical advice about optimal native selections
that attract pollinators.
HORT-713 | 1 session | $23 AGE 60+ | $29 REG
F01 Th 9 a.m.-noon | Dave Tylka
Sept. 30 | MC-SW 103
Animal Care
NEW! Pimp My Paws! Pet Grooming 101
Learn from a professional animal trainer and handler, the ins and outs of grooming
your animals. From ears to anal glands, learn what is appropriate for you to do at
home and the stuff to leave to the professionals. This discussion will include grooming
tips for cats, dogs, birds, rabbits and rodents.
ANIM-765 | 1 session | $23 AGE 60+ | $29 REG
F04 F 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Dorene Olson
Aug. 27 | MC-SO 108
Feeling Frisky: Understanding the Whiskers in Your Life
Does your cat have you curious? Take part in an informative evening designed just
for cat owners. Our feline behavior consultant will discuss the development, health,
and behavior of domestic cats with emphasis on behavior, training and health of your
pet. If you have specific cat troubles—ranging from furniture scratching, multi-pet
households conflicts, feeding concerns, or litter box problems—bring your questions.
ANIM-710 | 1 session | $23 AGE 60+ | $29 REG
F01 Sa 9:30-11:30 a.m. | Dorene Olson
Sept. 11 | MC-SO 111
F02 Th 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Dorene Olson
Oct. 14 | MC-SO 108
Strut Your Mutt 101
With the right training, there are sports and activities that dogs of any breed at
any age can learn to do and perform with you. Learn about local groups that offer
agility, lure coursing, herding, carting, flyball, free style (dancing with your dog),
competition obedience, dock diving, tracking and more. Looking for a way to help outside
of sport? Maybe Therapy Dog work or Reading Dogs who help children with learning disabilities
is more for you or your senior dog’s speed. Learn about the many different types of
assistance dogs and their role in society.
ANIM-765 | 1 session | $23 AGE 60+ | $29 REG
F02 Sa 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | Dorene Olson
Sept. 18 | MC-SO 108
Bird’s the Word!
Learn about types of birds and the households that they are best suited for. Housing,
medical care, diet, and environmental enrichment are all integral parts of your commitment
to this pet, who may out-live you. Discover how to find and properly choose a bird.
Explore cage considerations. Examine vet, boarding or housing facility resources.
Evaluate food and toys appropriate for species. Learn how to get a bird from a rescue
or a breeder and how to find a reputable breeder. Tackle what to do with your bird
should something happen to you. There will be two bird teaching assistants present,
but please leave your own two-legged ambassadors at home.
ANIM-715 | 1 session | $23 AGE 60+ | $29 REG
F02 M 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Dorene Olson
Oct. 25 | MC-SO 108
NEW! Emotional Support Animals as Companion Animals
What is an emotional support animal? How are they different from assistance animal?
Discuss the legalities, care and differences of emotional support animals and assistance
animals. Learn how to qualify an animal and what Missouri has to say legally in regards
to them. Hear a personal story on living with an Emotional Support Animal.
ANIM-765 | 1 session | $23 AGE 60+ | $29 REG
F03 F 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Dorene Olson
Nov. 5 | MC-SO 108
Band-Aids® and Bandits: Basic First Aid For Animals
If you own a pet, it’s important to know how to approach an injured animal and how
to give basic first aid. Protect yourself and your pet from further harm, injury,
or suffering during emergencies by learning prompt, effective actions that will safeguard
the life of your injured pet until you can get him/her to professional veterinary
care. Do not bring your pet to class.
ANIM-702 | 1 session | $23 AGE 60+ | $29 REG
F01 Sa 9:30-11:30 a.m. | Dorene Olson
Nov. 20 | MC-SO 108
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