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.
Class schedules subject to change.
Click the orange registration button 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 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.
Animal Studies
What It Takes To Be a Zookeeper and River’s Edge Safari Trip
Take a virtual guided trip with educators from the St. Louis Zoo. Learn about how
the keepers take care of the animals and what their daily routine is like.
ANIM-765 | 1 session | $39 AGE 60+ | $39 REG
S01 Sa 10-10:45 a.m. | STL Zoo
June 12 | Online
Animal Behavior
Taught by educators from the St. Louis Zoo, learn about animal behavior and why it
is an important area of study. Students will learn about ethograms and do a live behavior
study.
ANIM-765 | 1 session | $39 AGE 60+ | $39 REG
S02 Sa 10-10:45 a.m. | STL Zoo
July 17 | Online
Ecology
Indoor Composting: Making a Bokashi Bucket
Don’t throw away those scraps! 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 in regards to supply pickup. Class is offered in partnership
with the Missouri Botanical Garden Earthways Center.
ECOL-704 | 1 session | $59 AGE 60+ | $59 REG
S01 Th 6:30-8 p.m. | Maggie McCoy
June 17 | Online
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 | $25 AGE 60+ | $25 REG
S01 Th 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Mark Glenshaw
May 27 | 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. Find out which owls you are
most likely to see or hear, what to listen for and the importance of research and
collaboration. Also, view photos and videos of some of the owl behaviors he has observed
and documented.
NATR-709 | 1 session | $25 AGE 60+ | $25 REG
S02 Th 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Mark Glenshaw
June 24 | Online
NEW! Wetland Wonders Walk
Beat the heat with an early morning nature walk at Shaw Nature Reserve! The Wetlands
Loop Trail passes several wetland ponds of increasing size and depth, with a variety
of plants and animals to be seen along the way. We will hike less than 2 miles total.
Meet at the Visitor’s Center to drive to the Bascom House parking lot for the restroom.
Then drive about two miles on Loop Road and meet at the Wetlands parking area to begin
the hike. Dress for the weather and hiking on gravel trails, and bring water! June
19 is reserved as a rain date.
NATR-704 | 1 session | $19 AGE 60+ | $25 REG
S01 Sa 8:30-10:30 a.m. | Nancy Gelb
June 12 | Shaw Nature Reserve
The Wonders of Weather With Meteorologist John Fuller
Join a KPLR-TV meteorologist as he shares his weather knowledge. Explore the basics
of weather instruments to their function in making a forecast. Build the weather maps
seen on television through exciting labs and understand the technical terminology.
Fun experiments will demonstrate how rain, hail and tornadoes develop. Examine tornado
case events and the dynamics behind them. Learn internet techniques that will make
YOU the weather expert in your family or group of friends in just three hours. If
you have ever wondered why the sky is blue, or why the weather changes so quickly,
this class is for you!
NATR-734 | 1 session | $26.50 AGE 60+ | $39 REG
S01 Sa 9 a.m.-noon | John Fuller
June 19 | Online
Landscape and Gardening
Container Gardening
No room to plant a large garden? Try container gardening! Join a master gardener and
learn to select containers and choose plants. 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 S01 | 1 session | $19 AGE 60+ | $25 REG
S01 Th 7-9 p.m. | Mike Ochonicky
June 3 | Online
Soil and Composting
The first step in successful gardening is working from the ground up. Learn the dirt
on gardening with easy-to-understand info on soil types, practical tips on preparation,
and composting benefits for your home garden. This is a valuable learning opportunity
for both beginning and experienced homeowners.
HORT-709 | 1 session | $19 AGE 60+ | $25 REG
S01 W 7-9 p.m. | Mike Ochonicky
June 9 | Online
S02 Th 7-9 p.m. | Mike Ochonicky
July 1 | Online
All About Herbs
Now is the time to plan for your summer garden! Get the most from your gardening efforts,
whether you are just starting or expanding an herb garden. Hear the best advice from
a master gardener on how to plant, maintain and harvest an herb garden. 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
S01 Tu W 7-9 p.m. | Mike Ochonicky
June 15-16 | Online
Really Green Thumbs
Improve your “eco-green” garden materials and your “green thumb” gardening practices.
Learn how an organic and sustainable approach can benefit your home or community garden.
Join a master gardener, and discover simple ways to incorporate natural techniques
to improve your garden soil, plant nutrition and pest control. Make your garden environmentally
friendly and improve your gardening skills, your health and the world in which we
all live. Bring a notebook and pen to class.
HORT-713 | 1 session | $19 AGE 60+ | $25 REG
S01 W 7-9 p.m. | Mike Ochonicky
June 23 | Online
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