Enrollment is open for the 2020 Volcano Naturalist Program, an adult science and cultural history program with the Mount St. Helens Institute. This 12-week certification program with over 40 hours of classroom instruction and three hands-on field trips provides in-depth education about the geology, cultural history, and ecology of Mount St. Helens.

Classes, held at the Woodland Community Center, are from January 28 to May 5 on Tuesday evenings from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM. There are no classes on February 18, March 17, and April 21st. Field trips occur on Saturdays in February, March, and April from 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM.

The course is designed to prepare participants to understand and communicate the relevancy of Mount St. Helens to our communities 40 years after the 1980 eruption. Classes are led by experts from the US Forest Service, US Geological Survey, universities, and community organizations. Upon completion of the Volcano Naturalist Program, participants are required to volunteer a minimum of 40 volunteer hours with the Mount St. Helens Institute during the year following their certification. Volunteer assignments are flexible in terms of interest, ability, and availability.

The $370.00 course fee includes snacks, materials and a volunteer uniform. Registration is open until January 21st.

For additional information about the course and to register go online at www.mshinstitute.org /learn/ For questions, contact Sarah Philips, Volunteer & Community Engagement Manager at sphilips@mshinstitute.org or by calling (360) 784-2108.

– Mount St. Helens Institute