Volunteer Naturalists

South Dakota Volunteer Naturalists are people who enjoy nature and the outdoors and want to make a difference in their communities. Whether it's staffing a presentation at a pollinator festival, making observations on iNaturalist, or collecting water quality samples, South Dakota Volunteer Naturalists contribute to the well being of nature and help connect people to the outdoors and the environment.

Become a South Dakota Volunteer Naturalist

To become a South Dakota Volunteer Naturalist, participants must complete 40 hours of training including online classes, journaling assignments and field trips. For more information, please see Become part of the Volunteer Naturalists

Maintain South Dakota Volunteer Naturalists in Good Standing Status

After completing the training year, South Dakota Volunteer Naturalists continue on in ther journey. 

• Pay an annual membership fee of (This is included in your class fees during your training year.)

• Comply with the Code of Ethics and the Standard of Conduct

• Pursue volunteer and advanced education hours as able

Volunteer Naturalists in good standing can attend quarterly online member meetings, track their volunteer and advanced education hours on the Track It Forward platform, and participate in regional meet ups and gatherings for advanced education and volunteer opportunities.

Earn a +30 Distinction

The +30 is a distinction offered to Volunteer Naturalists who have completed their training year. Volunteer Naturalists who have completed at least 20 hours of volunteer service and 10 hours of advanced education between Jan 1 and Dec 31 will earn the +30 distinction. Volunteer Naturalists are encouraged to earn the +30 distinction annually. The +30 is not a requirement for maintaining your status in the program.

Develop Core Compentencies

At the heart of our mission is the “well-informed volunteer”.  The South Dakota Volunteer Naturalist Executive Committee has identified five core competencies that build the knowledge, skills, dispositions, and abilities of our volunteers to help them become “well-informed”. Volunteers are encouraged to pursue learning and training opportunities that will build competency in each of these five areas.

These five competencies are:

1. Keep people safe in nature.

2. Keep nature safe from people.

3. Communicate about nature and the outdoors through education and interpretation.

4. Be knowledgeable about local nature and the environment.

5. Develop and maintain a naturalist's mindset.

Read more about these competencies at in our Handbook.