Next Course
Registration link will be HERE
Online coursework: Apr 28 - May 16, 2025
Live virtual welcome session: (via Zoom) 1 hour during the first week of the online course (TBA) (requires reliable internet and computer with video and audio capacity)
In-person workshop: May 21-22, 2025
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Course Description:
This is a NATA Core workshop, leading to the Certificate in Natural Areas Management. This training provides guidance on how to integrate visitors and volunteers into natural areas management.
Participants will:
- Learn to effectively and appropriately plan recreation opportunities for visitor use, including trails and facilities
- Apply knowledge of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines to develop new facilities as well as evaluate existing ones
- Create effective and informative interpretation for visitors
- Develop an understanding of the benefits and challenges of managing a volunteer program
- Learn about the types of trainings and legal issues required for a volunteer program
- Learn how to recruit volunteers and the important elements of volunteer job descriptions
- Understand the importance of providing recognition for your volunteers
Online coursework:
Approximately 9-10 hours over 3-weeks (on your own, prior to the in-person training). Draft of MVV Online Assignment Checklist 2024.
In-person training:
Two days of in-person training at Gold Head Branch State Park in Keystone Heights, FL. Draft of MVV Field Days Agenda 2024.
Registration Fee:
$325 (does not include lodging)
- You must pay with a CREDIT CARD online at the time of registration on the Eventbrite website. The confirmation email from Eventbrite is your receipt.
- NO REFUNDS will be offered after registration closes.
- NO CREDITS will be issued for those who do not complete the course.
- Eventbrite processing fees are NONREFUNDABLE, meaning that if you need a refund, you will receive a partial refund, minus the Eventbrite processing fees. For more information, visit Eventbrite's policy .
*EARLY registration is available to any person who has graduated from one or more of the NATA core certificate courses (Managing for Visitors and Volunteers, Managing for Diversity, Collaborating to Manage Ecosystems, or Conservation Site Assessment & Planning). You must email the Training Coordinator at least 2 weeks in advance of the posted registration date to request an early registration code. Code expires the day before regular registration begins. Fire training (e.g., S130/190) is not considered a core course for early registration eligibility.
Lodging:
Shared lodging available at Gold Head Branch State Park for $50/person/night (price subject to change TBA); NATA will coordinate cabin-sharing. Single occupancy available for additional fee, pending availability.
For more information, contact:
Training Coordinator
Natural Areas Training Academy
