Jennifer Leigh Warner will be a speaker for this event. Her program is: April 18th 3:37 PT Wildlife Viewing Ethics Jennifer Leigh Warner, Experience Wildlife
We've been training marine naturalists since 1994.
Our marine naturalist training course (MNTP) is an intensive 7 day overview of the natural history of the San Juan Islands and the marine waters of Washington and Southern British Columbia (known as the Salish Sea). This course includes an in-depth treatment of the ecology and conservation of local marine species, presented by highly trained local naturalists, environmental educators, and scientists. The upcoming spring session will be a dynamic, high-quality hybrid experience that leaves graduates qualified as a regional professional or volunteer naturalist.
Come Interested, Leave Qualified
This spring, we are offering a hybrid experience. The virtual component will be recordings and live Q & A sessions through the video platform, Whova. Hands-on learning and field identification will be emphasized during the in-person portion here on San Juan Island. You can earn The Whale Museum naturalist certification by completing an extra 10-hour practicum, which can be arranged during the course. Completion also entitles you to become a member of the Salish Sea Association of Marine Naturalists (SSAMN). The in-person component is completely optional at an additional price and will not affect certification. Field Trips are only open to those who have completed a MNTP session. Clock hour credits are also available.
Spring Session Dates:
April 18-22: virtual presentations; April 23 - day off; April 24 & 25: in-person field trips (completion of Marine Naturalist Training Program is a requirement)
The Whale Museum’s Marine Naturalist Training Program will enhance your opportunity to work as a naturalist or take advantage of volunteer opportunities. Presentations will include detailed information on the orca whales and other marine mammals and seabirds of the Salish Sea. The virtual component will be recordings and live Q & A sessions through the video platform, Whova. Hands-on learning and field identification will be emphasized during the in-person portion here on San Juan Island. The in-person component is completely optional at an additional price and will not affect certification. Field trips will include kayaking; a tour of The Whale Museum; bird watching; a tour of Friday Harbor Laboratories, and a west side field trip to San Juan County Conservation Land Bank properties and salmon habitat restoration sites, and Lime Kiln Point State Park, featuring a geology hike as well tours of the lighthouse. Instructors are Whale Museum staff, regional professionals, marine scientists and environmental educators.
Price and What Is Included:
If only registering for the virtual portion, the price is $425 for TWM/SSAMN members and $475 for non-members. It includes 5 class sessions, all class materials, and presentation recordings will be made available to participants for up to 3 months afterwards. For those interested in registering for the field trips as well, that is an additional $350 for TWM/SSAMN members and $400 for non-members. For only the virtual portion, a limited number of Diversity & Inclusion scholarships are available (to apply, click here). All MNTP days are full days (going approximately 9 am-5 pm Pacific Time). Price for the field trips does include snacks, lunches on the 24th and 25th, and transportation to field site locations from TWM. Please note: participants are responsible for their own accommodations and travel to SJI if needed. There are only 18 spots available for the field trips so don't wait to reserve your spot!
For more information, contact: Tracie Merrill at tracie@whalemuseum.org or (360) 378-4710 ext. 23.