South Dakota Volunteer Naturalists Applications Now Open!

Applications are now open for the 2026 South Dakota Volunteer Naturalists cohort. Any South Dakota resident age 18 or older can apply to join at sdvolunteernaturalists.org

The 12-week class meets online Tuesday evenings starting March 3, 2026, there will be weekly assignments and field trips as part of the training. Once the training is complete, Volunteer Naturalists are expected to give back by providing education programs for an agency or organization, participating in stewardship activities, and contributing to community science projects. 

The South Dakota Volunteer Naturalists program is a collaborative effort between the South Dakota Discovery Center, South Dakota Game, Fish and Park, Black Hills Parks and Forest Association, and South Dakota State University Extension.

Applications are open until February 2, 2026. To learn more visit www.sdvolunteernaturalists.org