Volcano Naturalist Program

The Mount St. Helens Institute and the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument are please to announce the seventh year of the Volcano Naturalist Program. The Volcano Naturalist Program is an exciting in-depth look at Mount St. Helens (and our PNW volcanoes).

The Volcano Naturalist Course is a 12-week certification program offered by the Mount St. Helens Institute and U.S. Forest Service. Students in this course will have the opportunity to learn about the natural history of Mount St. Helens and southwest Washington. Each class takes an in-depth look at a different subject, including the mountain’s eruptive history, the ecology of the blast zone, the cultural history of Mount St. Helens, and much more. Classes are led by an instructor who is an expert in his/her field. With over 40 hours of classroom instruction, and three hands-on field trips, participants leave the class not only as a certified Volcano Naturalist, but with a greater understanding and appreciation for the powerful geologic and ecological forces at play in our community.

“A visit to Johnston Ridge Observatory is like seeing an iceberg from a cruise ship; the Volcano Naturalist Program is a look at the 90% of the iceberg beneath the water.”  – David Newcomb, Volcano Naturalist Graduate 2013.

The 2019 course consists of 12 classes on Wednesdays, 6-9 p.m. at Clark College from February 6th through May 1st. The course registration is $360 for the general public, with registration discounts available to Mount St. Helens Institute members and volunteers. Registration includes books and all course materials required to become a Volcano Naturalist. Clock hours are available for teachers taking Volcano Naturalist classes.

For more information and to apply to the program, visit https://www.mshinstitute.org/learn/volcano-naturalist-program.html