Learn About Natural Resources Stewards

Learning with Natural Resources Stewards

EXPLORE…

What does the Natural Resources Stewards Program offer?

The Natural Resources Steward program offers a comprehensive training and volunteer support network for people who love the outdoors. If you want to learn about, explore and and engage with the natural communities of New Hampshire, this program may be just what you're looking for.

It begins with an interactive hybrid course that brings people together to explore NH’s ecosystems. Discover the many ways that trees, plants, soil, fungi, water, wildlife, and even humans are interconnected. Learn how we can help restore and protect the natural world to which we belong.

With knowledge in hand, and ongoing support from a community of professionals, teachers, and classmates, Stewards develop and deliver projects and activities in their communities and across the state. Many people come to the Stewards program because they see a need within their community, or an opportunity to contribute to a natural place in NH that they love. Together, Natural Resources Stewards are part of a longstanding program – a community of people who care and make a difference to the natural world around them.

LEARN…

What is the Natural Resources Stewards (NRS) Course?

Each year, a new discovery course begins, bringing people together who, like you, love being outdoors, and learning and caring for the natural world. On-line assignments prepare you for hands-on learning in the field throughout the course. Coursework is completed while exploring NH's natural resources, from neighborhood parks and green spaces to native woodlands and state parks.

You’ll learn how soil, water, wildlife, fungi, plants, and people are connected through ecosystems, and how outside influences, such as invasive species, impact their function. You’ll also gain knowledge, skills, and tools to improve and restore the ecosystems of our backyards and communities, as well as the greater landscape of the region.

Course Offerings

NH's Changing Landscape and the Impacts on Wildlife
How Trees Impact Humans, and How We Impact Them
Creating Ecologically Friendly Landscapes
Tree Identification - Which tree is which, and how to choose the right tree for the right place
Improving Habitat for Native Pollinators
Soils - What makes a good soil, and how making better soil makes better plants
Water - Improving water quality and storm water management through plantings
Tree Health - best practices for planting, watering, pruning and assessment
Tree Inventory and Maintenance for Communities
Invasive Species - Management Tools and Strategies
Volunteer Roles and Opportunities in Your Community

Natural Resources Stewards – Pause in Training during 2024

We are taking a pause in training a new group of Natural Resources Stewards in 2024. If you would be interested in joining our volunteer program through a training in 2025, please click here to be added to our list. We will send you information on how to apply in the early part of next year.

Natural Resources Stewards Mission Statement and Goals

What do Natural Resources Stewards do?

Graduates of the Natural Resources Steward course get to share their knowledge, skills, and passion for nature with their community and beyond. With knowledge in hand, and ongoing support from a community of professionals, teachers and classmates, Stewards develop and deliver projects and activities in their communities and across the state. Stewards volunteer 40 hours or more per year on their favorite projects.

For some, it's increasing green space in their local community with schoolyard tree plantings, helping to look after community parks, restoring habitat for a threatened species or creating trails in the town forest. Others teach youth or adults about wildlife or endangered native plants, or explore and record activities in their town's ecosystems through Citizen Science projects. Some work on removal of invasive species, while some of our keenest tree lovers hunt for the state's biggest trees or create and manage town tree inventories.

Many Stewards become local leaders as members of Conservation Commissions, Tree Boards, or Extension Advisory Councils. Together, Natural Resources Stewards are part of a longstanding program - a community of people who care and make a difference to the natural world around them.

What is your passion? As a Steward you will have a greater understanding and ability to help your community. As a Steward you become part of a larger volunteer community that is taking action and making a difference, ultimately making the world a better place.

BECOME...

Why Become A Natural Resources Steward?

Experience and Knowledge - In addition to the hands-on learning, tools, and skills gained through the course, you get to know and work with natural resource professionals from around the state. It’s fun and educational to be part of a growing volunteer network that keeps in touch online and through newsletters, ongoing field trips, and workshops. There are always more discoveries ahead!
Connection and Community - Stewards enjoy camaraderie with each other, within their own communities, and with natural resources experts around the state. “I have found a community where I can be myself, and made friends that share my passion for nature.” - 2016 NRS Graduate
A Sense of Purpose and Hope for the Future - Stewards graduate feeling hopeful that the changes that they make individually can add up to make a difference. “I have learned to look at everything around me and become more confident in my convictions to get out there and share my passions for the natural world and work with others to protect it.” - 2017 NRS Graduate

How do I become a Natural Resources Steward?

You don't need a degree or experience, just the interest and time commitment to join our learning community of over 400 Natural Resources Stewards who are volunteering to make a difference.

2024 Course:

We are taking a pause in training a new group of Natural Resources Stewards in 2024. If you would be interested in joining our volunteer program through a training in 2025, please click here to be added to our list. We will send you information on how to apply in the early part of next year.

The NRS course is a hybrid version of the course utilizing both online study and in person outdoor sessions that follow science-based safety protocols in compliance with the University of New Hampshire's Covid-19 Policies, the State of NH and and the CDC.