Applications for the 2026 cohort now open through through Feb 2, 2026!
Be interested in learning about nature, sharing your love for nature, and becoming a part of a community of amateur naturalists.
Complete the application. Participants will be notified of acceptance by early February 2026.
Pay the training fee of $80 upon acceptance. This is due by the second class session.
Complete the approved training program of at least 40 hours of combined classroom and field instruction.
Classes will meet via Zoom on Tuesday nights starting the first week of March and will run through the end of May.
During the course, participants will maintain and submit weekly journal entries.
Participants will also attend field trips by the end of the training year (locations TBD; multiple trips offered statewide).
Pass a background check upon completion of the class.
Questions? Please contact admin@sdvolunteernaturalists.org
Class Intro and Orientation
Indigenous Perspectives
Climate & Phenology
Mammalogy
Biomes and Ecosystems
Ornithology
Entomology
Herpetology
Aquatic Macroinvertebrates & Ichthyology
Conservation & Human Impacts
Botany
Make up
Field trip locations and dates will be finalized in March.
East River & Central:
Good Earth State Park
Lewis & Clark Rec Area
Pierre
Maga Ta-Hohpi Waterfowl Production Area
West River:
Custer State Park
Buffalo Gap National Grassland & Badlands National Park