Upper Valley Naturalist Training

The Upper Valley Naturalist Training program is an in-depth introduction to the ecosystems and wildlife found in the Upper Valley region of Vermont and New Hampshire. It is a four-week training, April 26th – May 20th, designed to be accessible for the entry-level naturalist, but also of interest to more seasoned naturalists, particularly those looking for a way to share their knowledge with the larger community. Co-sponsored by the Upper Valley Land Trust and the Vermont Institute of Natural Science.

Space is limited so register soon!

Upper Valley Naturalist Training Schedule

Note: Times and dates for the training are set, but this schedule is still subject to minor changes. Please continue to check back for updates to this schedule.

Session 1: Introduction, Interpretive Techniques and Geology of the Upper Valley

Classroom Session: Thursday, April 26th, VINS, 6-8:15

Registration & Welcome

Interpretive Techniques with Environmental Educators Maggie Stoudnour and Hannah Putnam

Geology of the Upper Valley with Dartmouth Geology Professor Brian Dade

Field Session: Saturday, April 28th, 10-4, Mt. Ascutney State Park

Interpretive Techniques with Environmental Educators Maggie Stoudnour and Hannah Putnam

Geology of the Upper Valley with Dartmouth Geology Professor Brian Dade

Session 2: Upper Valley Flora

Classroom Session: Thursday, May 3rd, VINS, 6-8:15

Plant Communities of the Upper Valley with ecologist and botanical consultant Brett Engstrom

Invasive species and their management with Mandy Viella, OCISMA Coordinator

Field Session: Sunday, May 6^th, 10-4, Lyme Hill Wetlands, Lyme

Native plants and plant communities with ecologist and botanical consultant Brett Engstrom

Invasives and management with Mandy Viella, OCISMA Coordinator

Volunteer invasive removal project

Session 3: Upper Valley Fauna

Classroom Session: Thursday, May 10^th, VINS, 6-8:15

CBirds with VINS

Animal Tracks and Signs with animal tracker George Leoniak

Field Session: Saturday, May 12^th, 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Bear Pond Nature Area

Birds with Plymouth State University Zoology Professor Leonard Reitsma

Animal Tracks and Signs with George Leoniak

Session 4: Wetland Ecology, Ecosystem Review & Graduation

Classroom Session: Thursday, May 1^7th, VINS, 6-8:15

Wetland Ecology with James Kennedy, Wetland Scientist

Natural Systems of the Upper Valley Review with Tii McLane

Field Session: Sunday, May 20th, 10-4, Lyme Hill Wetlands, Lyme, NH

Wetland Ecology with a wetland ecologist

Natural Systems of the Upper Valley Review with Tii McLane