West Metro Chapter
The mission of the West Metro Chapter of Minnesota Master Naturalist Volunteers is to explore the natural world, teach others about nature, and conserve our natural resources.
The mission of the West Metro Chapter of Minnesota Master Naturalist Volunteers is to explore the natural world, teach others about nature, and conserve our natural resources.
If you have questions or would like to request more information about our group and activities Please click here.
President - Holly Einess
Vice President -
Secretary - Judy Voigt
WMC Meetings are held at 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month (except July & August) in person at Minnetonka Community Center, via Zoom only, or both in person and via Zoom (hybrid).
WMC Book Club meets approximately every four to six weeks at The Thinking Spot in Wayzata.
We hold monthly Field Trips/Phenology Walks at local parks and natural areas.
Join our Facebook Page!
West Metro Chapter of MN Master Naturalist Volunteers | Facebook
The chapter was formed in December, 2009 as a regional chapter of the Minnesota Master Naturalist Program. Members are certified volunteer Master Naturalists. We welcome and encourage members of the local community to join our volunteer efforts supporting natural resources and habitat restoration in our community. A sampling of current and ongoing volunteer projects may be found by clicking above on "Volunteer Events.”
The Minnesota Master Naturalist Program exists to promote awareness, understanding and stewardship of Minnesota’s natural environment by developing a corps of well-informed citizens dedicated to conservation education and service within their communities.
The program was created in 2005 with a five-year grant from the National Science Foundation. The program benefits the state of Minnesota through direct environmental service and by educating Minnesota’s citizens about its natural resources. Master Naturalists are trained to be stewards of our natural environment and to teach these skills to others.
Local nature-based centers across the state host Minnesota Master Naturalist volunteer training courses. During each 40-hour, hands-on course, participants study natural history, environmental interpretation, and conservation stewardship. Activities, field trips, and a group project bring instructional concepts to life.
Upon completion of the course, participants become a “certified” Minnesota Master Naturalist Volunteer. Volunteers renew their certification annually by conducting a minimum of 40 hours of conservation-related service and 8 hours of advanced training on topics of their choosing.