Over the Edge of the Wild

All great tales have a beginning. This tale will not be a great one, but it does require a beginning all the same.

My name is Arwyn, and I’m a master naturalist. I don’t like that title, but that’s the title that was bestowed upon me after completing the Wisconsin Master Naturalist certification course through the UW-Extension in July of 2017. How can one be a “master naturalist?” I won’t ever know everything about my local environment. However, I have a constant drive to discover, learn, and share information with others.

I’m truly just a budding naturalist, no pun intended. I am the spring education intern at Aldo Leopold Nature Center in Monona, so I am learning the ins and outs of nature education programs. Last year I was “hired” on as a naturalist for Dodge County Parks. I say “hired,” since I had an interview of sorts, but it’s an unpaid gig.  As the naturalist for Dodge County Parks, I will be leading educational trips for interested parties, and I will also be spearheading conservation efforts, specifically at Astico County Park. Finally, I will also be leading some field trips at Pheasant Branch Conservancy in Middleton, where I completed my master naturalist training.

My posts will be varied. Sometimes I’ll describe what is going on with my naturalist efforts, while other posts may focus on education. If you find a mistake in one of my educational posts, feel free to point it out! I truly see environmental education as a collaborative effort, where everyone has their own strengths.

“There are no safe paths in this part of the world. Remember you are over the Edge of the Wild now, and in for all sorts of fun wherever you go.” — J.R.R. Tolkien