wisconsin master naturalist program
The Wisconsin Master Naturalist Program is a statewide initiative aimed at cultivating well-informed volunteers who champion conservation, citizen science, and environmental education through leadership and lifelong learning. It includes 40 hours of training delivered through a mix of classroom learning and immersive field experiences led by professional natural resource educators and scientists.
Training is delivered by a blend of Discovery Center naturalists and visiting experts, ensuring well-rounded insight into topics like ecology, wildlife, geology, and conservation practices. The hands-on sessions allowed participants to explore the diverse ecosystems of the Northwoods and an overview of the area’s history.
This program equips individuals with the knowledge and tools to actively contribute to Wisconsin’s environmental stewardship. From interactive learning to community-led service, it builds not just understanding, but action, answering nature’s needs with informed care and commitment.
2025 Wisconsin Master Naturalists
Laura Anderton
Laura grew up in Madison and moved to the Northwoods in 2024 with her husband and two kids. Having taken the Master Naturalist training in Madison, she immediately noticed how different the ecology felt from what she was used to in southern Wisconsin.
“That sense of unfamiliarity made me want to learn more and build a deeper connection to this landscape,” Laura said. “For me, understanding the plants and animals I live among is a way of feeling at home.
Laura said she felt uprooted after leaving behind the natural communities she knew in Madison, and the Master Naturalist program “offered a chance to grow new roots by getting to know the Northwoods more intimately.”
For Laura, what resonated most during the training were the stories held in the land — the fire history written in the rings of an old pine, or the story of a porcupine making its home in a yellow birch.
“Those stories are woven into the living community around us, and make my new home feel alive, connected, and full of meaning.”
Casey Baye
Coming from Appleton, Casey’s connection to the Northwoods is relatively new. September 2024, he began his position with the WDNR at the Mercer Ranger Station, his first time experiencing this region. One of his favorite aspects of his job is educating people about our natural resources, which is why he chose to become a Master Naturalist.
“I truly enjoy sharing knowledge and helping others better understand the unique ecosystems within Wisconsin’s waters and forests,” Casey said. “I’ve truly enjoyed gaining a deeper understanding of the strong connections Northwoods communities have with the natural world and how deeply it shapes the lives and values of the people here.”
Casey is eager to continue exploring all the Northwoods has to offer and look forward to what lies ahead.
Emily Koester
Emily grew up in the Northwoods, and after spending a few years out east in New Hampshire as a summer camp director, she returned to the Northwoods of Wisconsin in the summer of 2024. In September of 2024, Emily joined the staff of North Lakeland Discovery Center as the marketing/volunteer/facility coordinator, managing rentals and volunteer opportunities, as well as the marketing aspect of the position.
“I joined the staff at NLDC because I love education and the outdoors,” Emily said. “I chose to become a Master Naturalist so I can be able to confidently share the mission of NLDC with those I interact with. Seeing the world through the lens of a naturalist is much more detailed and elaborate than seeing the world with the untrained eye and just enjoying the surface. There is so much more than the general public knows about, and that's what we are here for at NLDC.”
As someone who “specializes in nothing but dabbles in everything,” Emily enjoyed the array of topics covered by amazing experts and friends.
Doug Mullen
Bio coming soon!
Debbie Simek
Debbie grew up in a Detroit, Mich. Suburb and graduated from Michigan State University in 1975, in Human Ecology. Her first job was in Minneapolis, but in 1984 she and her husband were transferred to Fort Worth, Texas for his work. Debbie is currently a resident of Bulverde, Texas, a small town 30 minutes North of San Antonio.
“I was the general contractor for the house that we recently finished rehabbing and which we made as ‘green’ as possible by installing a solar roof, which provides the energy for our all electric house, a 40,000 gallon water collection system that provides all of the water for our house, and planted 250 native plants and trees,” she said. “I was a girl scout all my life and when I was 17 first came to Wisconsin as a camp counselor at a Kenosha area Girl Scout camp. I loved that experience and little did I know that I would end up buying a Wisconsin lake house 57 years later!
Debbie and her husband started visiting the Northwoods around 2007 on their way home from helping to renovate St. Helena lighthouse, via the Upper Peninsula.
“I first became aware of the Master naturalist program in TX, but it was offered as an 8 month program and since I travel, mostly on birding trips, and spend 5 months per year here in Wisconsin, it wasn't something that I could commit to,” she said. “I love learning and the outdoors so when I saw that the NLDC was offering the MN program in August, for 4 weeks, I jumped at the chance.”
Debbie really enjoyed the portions of the program that involved geology and the trips into the forests. “It was also great getting to know and sharing ideas with my classmates!”
Steven Sparks
Steve is a real city boy from the heart of Chicago, but also grew up a stone’s throw away from Lake Michigan, which instilled his love for water.
“My real interest in the natural world came in college (Ripon College) where I majored in Biology,” Steve said. “Fast forward 30 years later when I hooked up with an ex-Ripon classmate, and my future wife. Nan came to Eagle River in 1978, where she built her own home. Years of traveling north to see her developed my appreciation for the Northwoods. When I retired 3 years ago I became a full-time resident up here.”
Steve was attracted to the Master Naturalist Program because, when he retired to Eagle River, he had the idea to immerse himself in the natural world and become an expert in the local environment (thinking primarily about ornithology).
“I knew that a 40-hour course in all aspects of the environment would hardly help me achieve that goal, but felt it would be a great introduction to areas that I had little or no exposure to, stimulating the desire for further study,” Steve said. “And the program did exactly that.” He said the idea of being a volunteer for the cause or organization of his choice was very compelling.
“The incredible number of ways to contribute to citizen science and nature education was eye-opening. So many ways to help, and so many resources available through the program to develop yourself in your chosen specialty,” Steve said. “Learning from a variety of experts drove home the point that birding and pollinator gardens are not the only things of importance to naturalists. For example, almost every discussion somehow touched on geology, and I loved it. I will definitely be reading John McPhee [again]! The organization of the Master Naturalist Program and the quality of the presenters ay NLDC was outstanding!”
Casey Sprotte
Casey grew up in central Wisconsin and now lives in Rhinelander. She fell in love with the Northwoods after working here post college.
Casey decided to become a Master Naturalist because continued learning is important to her and aligns with many of her passions.
“I was encouraged to slow down and see the small things that influence our big world,” Casey said. “Often I speed past nature, whether in a car, on a bike, or even on foot, so it was interesting to take things slower!”
Mitch Wolf
Bio coming soon!
Suzanne Wolf
Suzanne grew up in the Midwest exploring all things in nature with her family. When she and her husband, Mitch, moved to Madison more than 30 years ago, they wanted to introduce their children to the great outdoors and began visiting up north. The Northwoods has been their part time home for the past 20 years.
“I would say Mitch and I are lifelong learners,” Suzanne said. “The Master Naturalist program was an opportunity to delve deeper into the plant life, aquatic life, forestry and geology specific to the Northwoods. As we reach our retirement years, we plan to spend more time in the Northwoods and share our love for nature with others.”
Suzanne said the program provided her with the tools to become a better steward of these important lands and water ways.
“It is up to each of us to make sure the Northwoods is here for future generations.”