Tennessee Naturalist Program
  • Close-up of a vibrant pink daisy with a textured brown center in focus against a blurred green background.

    • The Tennessee Naturalist Program at Tennessee State Parks

    Inspiring the desire to learn and share Tennessee’s nature! 

    The Tennessee Naturalist Program (TNP) is an education and training program designed to introduce the natural history of Tennessee to interested adults. The program has several chapters located across the state that offer training and environmental education opportunities to interested individuals. Graduates join a critical corps of Tennessee Naturalist volunteers providing education, outreach, and service dedicated to the appreciation, understanding, and beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas within their communities. 

    Mission of the Tennessee Naturalist Program

    Tennessee Naturalist logo with butterfly and TN state shape
    The purpose of the TNP is to teach Tennesseans about our natural world, inspire the desire to learn more, instill an appreciation of responsible envir...

    • What is a Tennessee Naturalist?

      Individuals who participate in the program combine their diverse interests, skills, and experiences with the TNP instruction to contribute time, energy, and ideas toward the understanding and preservation of native ecosystems throughout the state. Participants gain a contemporary understanding of native ecosystems through firsthand field experience and classroom sessions covering topics such as ecology, geology, plants, fungi, wildlife, and much more! Upon completion of the coursework, Tennessee Naturalists finish their certification by volunteering 40 hours to a variety of projects, such as outreach at parks, nature centers, and schools. 

    • What do Tennessee Naturalists do?

      After receiving training, Tennessee Naturalists may participate in many different types of volunteer activities. These might include assisting in a nature outreach program at a park, museum, nature center, or school; assisting a scientist in collecting bird census data; collecting data on water quality, or many other activities. 

    • How Do I Become a Tennessee Naturalist?

      To become a certified Tennessee Naturalist, a person must complete a minimum of 40 hours of instruction (20 hours in the classroom and 20 hours in the field) through the TNP training course and perform a minimum of 40 hours of volunteer service. 

      The Tennessee Naturalist Program is a not-for-profit organization. For additional information about the Tennessee Naturalist program at Tennessee State Parks, click the link below.

    Learn More at tnnaturalist.org

    Naturalist Chapters

    These links take you off the Tennessee State Parks website.