Fostering Advocacy for a Healthier Environment

Students in the program take a state test each semester to become certified master naturalists. The state certification means that volunteers can speak at farmers markets and other local venues about the environment.

The hope is that eventually they will pass on their knowledge, enlarging the pool of those who are educated about the environment, Circe said.

"We're not trying to make people biologists or scientists; we're trying to make them informed citizens," he said. "Hopefully it will have a trickle-up effect."

The curriculum is supplemented with two field trips on the 725-acre Banshee Reeks preserve. Participants must also complete 40 hours of volunteer service and a final project.

The project portion of the training is a draw for many of the students.

Jill Rasmussen, a high school science teacher in Annandale, said she plans to conduct a survey of amphibians in Banshee Reeks as her final project. The survey, she said, will supplement the work of professional researchers at the nature preserve.

For Rasmussen, being a citizen-scientist is much of the program's appeal.

"I think a lot of people have interests that are much broader than what they're able to fulfill in a job environment. And programs like this give you the opportunity to pursue those other interests," she said.

That's what attracted Scott Knudsen, 44, to the program. Knudsen, an accountant in Fairfax County who is interested in tree preservation, said the class has widened his view of the natural world.

"The first thing I'm going to do is volunteer and share my knowledge with other people," he said.

In addition to its fall program, Banshee Reeks will offer the master naturalist course in the spring. The spring class already has a waiting list. Tuition is charged. For more information, visit http://www.bansheereeks.org or e-mail bansheereeks@starpower.net.