Oregon Naturalist Program

Established in 2009, the mission of the Oregon Naturalist program is to increase knowledge, sense of place, and connection to the natural environment for all Oregonians. The program provides transformative, science-based, experiential learning in outdoor settings, and encourages service that protects and supports ecosystems and community wellbeing in Oregon.

We envision a statewide community of knowledgeable, passionate, and engaged naturalists working to connect Oregonians to the natural world.

We believe that when individuals have the opportunity to gain deep knowledge about the natural world around them, enjoy a sense of belonging to a broader community of naturalists, and take action to conserve and protect nature, lasting and meaningful change happens. This benefits the organizations where our naturalists volunteer, the communities where they live, and the ecoregions across the state that they steward.

The Oregon Naturalist program offers engaging learning opportunities in outdoor settings and through online curriculum. Participants learn about natural resources through the study of rigorous science and research-based content: the natural history of plants, animals, habitats, and geology, the history and processes of landscape change, as well as the most relevant topics in present-day sustainable natural resource management. After completing the Oregon Naturalist training, participants volunteer for natural resources programs, agencies, organizations, and other groups in their communities.