MN Master Naturalists Still Volunteering

U of MN Extension graphic

April 2021

By Amy Rager, Program Director, Minnesota Master Naturalist

We would all agree that the past year has been a tough one.  Minnesota Master Naturalists have kept up the volunteer service hours, even during the pandemic.  In 2020 volunteers self reported that they provided over 76,000 hours of service on projects across Minnesota.  Last year we allowed volunteers to report service hours related to COVID as well as the usual stewardship, program support, education/Interpretation and citizen science areas.  Volunteers were able to find safe appropriate ways to keep serving their local communities.
 
Presidential Volunteer Service Award
Minnesota Master Naturalist is a certifying organization for the President's Volunteer Service Award. In 2003, the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation founded the President’s Volunteer Service Award to recognize the important role of volunteers in America’s strength and national identity. This award honors individuals whose service positively impacts communities in every corner of the nation and inspires those around them to take action, too.
 
The PVSA has continued under each administration, honoring the volunteers who are using their time and talents to solve some of the toughest challenges facing our nation.
 
We are proud to announce that twenty-one Minnesota Master Naturalist Volunteers earned the Presidential Volunteer Service Award, given by the office of the US President, to those who have given 500 hours or more in one calendar year.