Back To School? No Back To Nature. Training Deepens Knowledge of Long Island's Natural Areas.

PORT JEFFERSON, N.Y. - Aug. 10, 2013 - PRLog -- Port Jefferson, NY - Flexible, fun, and rewarding, the Quality Parks Master Naturalist builds natural history skills, recreational know how, and a heightened awareness and appreciation of the great outdoors.  From high school seniors to college students, from professionals to retirees, the Quality Parks Master Naturalist successfully accommodates varied interest levels. Be naturally intelligent ™

The Fall 2013 Schedule includes two exciting training hubs: Brookhaven's North Shore to the Pine Barrens (NS/PB) and the Carmans River (CR), a major Long Island Scenic River and also home to the USFWS Wertheim Preserve (see dates below). Quality Parks (a federally recognized 501(c)(3) charity since 2000) and a growing list of Cooperators (such as Coastal Steward, Concerned Long Island Mountain Bicyclists, Long Island Sierra Club, and Ridge Civic Association) are offering this ultimate go-to for Long Islanders. They're looking to deepen everyone's knowledge of Long Island’s natural areas.  

For example, Kathy Clark's artistry  (above) has been posted by Kathy on Quality Parks Facebook page.   While another student, Chris Duffner Adjunct Professor, Department of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Studies at Molloy College, said, "Today was the tenth anniversary and tenth release of quail at Caleb Smith State Park. Although I live less than 5 or 6 miles from the park, this was the first time I knew about the program. Congratulations Quality Parks Master Naturalist Program, you have made me a believer!" 

Fall 2013 Schedule

Select from Carmans River (CR) or North Shore to Pine Barrens (NS/PB) Hubs:

●      Orientation (9/3 - 7-8 pm) or Schedule Your Own
●      Long Island Explorer (CR-9/7 ;  NS/PB-9/14)
●      LI Geology & Plant Communities (CR-9/14;  NS/PB-10/19)
●      Freshwater Wetlands & Conservation (CR-10/5; NS/PB-11/2)
●      Trails, Greenways & Sustainability (NS/PB-10/6;  CR-10/12)
●      Wildlife of Long Island (CR- 11/9;  NS/PB-11/17)
●      Marine Ecology (NS/PB-9/28;   CR-11/16)
●      Graduation (12/10 - 7-9 pm)

Start anytime. Students can complete guided relevant service (20 hours) and meaningful homework requirements prior to course work sessions. Startup packages begin at  $350/4 months, or $75/month. For more information, contact Mindy Block at 631-473-6760 or visit us at: www.qualityparks.org .