Registration for the 2026 class is now open!

Classes will take place on Monday evenings from 6-9 pm from February through May 2026. Classes are normally held at the ACLT office in Prince Frederick, except for mandatory fields trips. The class schedule will be adjusted for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday and the Memorial Day holiday.
 

The following classes/field trips will be held in addition to the regular schedule (dates to be determined):

• Herp Hunt

• Ornithology Field Trip

• Dendrology Field Trip

• Canoe Trip on Parkers Creek
   

Classes cover Maryland natural history topics such as geology, birds, mammals, Chesapeake Bay issues, fresh and saltwater ecology, tree identification, and many more.
 

To become and remain certified as a Maryland Master Naturalist, participants must complete at least 40 volunteer service hours per year at ACLT, Cove Point Natural Heritage Trust, or Calvert County Natural Resources/Calvert Nature Society - time well spent improving wildlife habitat, helping with research projects, caring for the land and helping the natural world, and educating the public!
 

The class fee is $270 and is not due until after acceptance into the program. 
 

Application Process: Complete the application by clicking on the links below. Your application will be reviewed and if complete, a phone interview will be scheduled. We will contact the references listed on your application (3 required). Once all interviews are complete and references are checked, you will be notified as to whether you have been accepted into the program. If accepted, you will need to register with the University of Maryland and pay the class fee.