Field Naturalist Certificate Program

Become a certified Mass Audubon Field Naturalist! During the 12-week Field Naturalist Certificate Program (FNCP), you'll gain in-depth knowledge of organismal groups and how they are connected while taking part in field research, monitoring, and communication training.  

As a Mass Audubon Certified Field Naturalist, you will make a difference in your community through a volunteer service project that supports local natural resources. Upon successful completion of the classes, fieldwork, and volunteering component, you will receive certification, signifying your expertise as a Field Naturalist. 

Program Details

We currently offer two 12-week sessions each year, Spring and Fall. Generally, spring sessions run from late March into June, fall sessions run from early September into November. Each season we rotate to a new region of the state. The course consists of 12 Wednesday evening online presentations and 6 day-long Saturday field outings at various sanctuaries.

Registration for FNCP is by invitation through our waitlist. Please add your name to the list and you will be contacted via email when there is space available in a region you have selected.

Locations

Online evening presentations & field days at various sanctuaries.

Spring 2025: South East Region

Fall 2025: West Region

Fee*

Members: $1,600 • Nonmembers: $1,900
* Subject to change for Fall 2025.

Course Modules

• General Ecology
• Dendrology (Trees)
• Botany (Plants)
• Ornithology (Birds)
• Entomology (Insects)
• Herpetology (Amphibians & Reptiles)
• Mammalogy
• Mycology (Fungi)
• Aquatic Biology
• Climate & Weather
• Environmental Interpretation

Course Goals

• Understand and be able to articulate the importance of sound ecological management principles, climate change resilience, and land protection.
• Sharpen your ability to advocate for the environment.
• Develop a sound base of knowledge of Massachusetts ecology and natural history.
• Learn field research techniques and methodologies.
• Gain the skills to continue learning about the environment on your own.

Who Should Attend

This college-level course is geared to anyone looking to gain deeper knowledge of the natural world in a professional setting. Ideal for those who want to take a more active role in habitat management, educational programming, advocacy, and community science as a volunteer, or for those that are beginning a career in the environmental field. 

Sample Schedule

• Wednesday 1, 6:30-9:00 pm: Coffee Hour & Introduction
• Wednesday 2, 6:30-9:00 pm: Introduction & Connecting with Nature as Lifelong Learners
• Wednesday 3, 6:30-9:00 pm: Ecology
• Saturday Field Trip 1, 9:00 am-4:00 pm: Covering content from Class 2 & 3
• Wednesday 4, 6:30-9:00 pm: Mammalogy
• Wednesday 5, 6:30-9:00 pm: Freshwater Ecology
• Saturday Field Trip 2, 9:00 am-4:00 pm: Covering content from Class 4 & 5
• Wednesday 6, 6:30-9:00 pm: Ornithology  
• Wednesday 7, 6:30-9:00 pm: Dendrology
• Saturday Field Trip 3, 9:00 am-4:00 pm: Covering content from Class 6 & 7
• Wednesday 8, 6:30-9:00 pm: Entomology
• Wednesday 9, 6:30-9:00 pm: Herpetology
• Saturday Field Trip 4, 9:00 am-4:00 pm: Covering content from Class 8 & 9
• Wednesday 10, 6:30-9:00 pm: Mycology
• Wednesday 11, 6:30-9:00 pm: Botany
• Saturday Field Trip 5, 9:00 am-4:00 pm: Covering content from Class 10 & 11
• Wednesday 12, 6:30-9:00 pm: Climate Justice
• Saturday Field Trip 6, 9:00 am-4:00 pm: Covering content from Class 12

Questions?

Please email us.