Being Prepared

Master Naturalists are casual! Classes will include both indoor lecture and outdoor activities. Please dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable sturdy shoes. We will be both inside and outside during the weekend, rain or shine, so bring a raincoat!

If you have binoculars, a hand lens, field guides or other reference books that cover the topics to be presented, please feel free to bring them with you, but don't buy something new. Most of our instructors will give you more information about field guides and resources in their individual sessions. You will also need a pen/pencil and something to take notes on. A Master Naturalist manual will be provided.

For classes at NCTC, you may have to show identification at the security gate to enter the facility. Your name will be on the list for entrance, but the security guards take their jobs seriously, so be prepared. You will be directed to parking and we'll have signs up to point you to the right room. We'll make sure you have complete information before each session.


Where to Eat

Unless we notify you otherwise, you are responsible for your own meals.

At Cacapon State Park, the main lodge has a dining room with a menu or buffet on Saturdays. You are also welcome to bring lunch or just snack during the day. A BP gast station located 1 mile from the park has a deli and sells some groceries.

At NCTC, our agreement with the facility provides that we all eat on campus in the Commons Area. Generally, we go through the cafeteria area and then eat as a group. Meals at NCTC can be purchased a la carte and generally range from $3-$8 for lunch.

At Cool Spring Farm, you will want to bring your own lunch as there is not really a convenient place to eat in the immediate area.

We do generally have snacks available in the morning and afternooon at all classes and class memebers tend to bring goodies to share to most sessions. No one has ever left a Master Naturalist class hungry!