Help protect our natural resources: Join the Natural Areas Academy!

Do you love spending time in the forests, meadows and other natural areas of the Finger Lakes region?  Do you care about preserving the integrity of the natural world and do you want to share this love with others?  If so, consider joining Plantations’ Natural Areas Academy. 

The year-long Natural Areas Academy (NAA) consists of dozens of expert-led workshops, field trips, and directed stewardship opportunities designed to provide participants with the knowledge, tools, and skills needed to support efforts in preserving our treasured natural resources.

Betsy Crispell, a recent graduate of the Natural Areas Academy says, “I knew I wanted to participate! I have always loved the plants, animals, and wild places around me, and it seemed that this would be a great way to learn more of these things. And it was!” 

With their newly gained expertise, the Natural Areas Academy participants will also help to mentor the next generation of scientists, teachers, environmental stewards, and leaders, thereby fulfilling a vital role in the long-term preservation of our natural heritage, our world, and ultimately, our place in it.

Program Requirements

Participants in the NAA are expected to work towards the program’s goals over the course of a year.  After the completion of at least eight of the workshops and field trips, plus 40 hours of participation in directed stewardship activities, academy members will receive their Natural Areas Mentor certification and may continue to participate in the NAA as a mentor for no cost. Participation in the NAA requires a non-refundable $150 application fee. 

The first NAA workshop will be a mandatory orientation on Saturday, March 3, from 9:30 a.m. to noon.

Learn more on our Natural Areas Academy page.