Application Information for Spring 2027

A non-refundable $20 application fee is required before an application can be reviewed. You will receive email instructions on how to remit this fee after you submit this application.

The cost of the course is a non-refundable $300. This fee includes expenses related to course materials (books, field guides, field tools, etc.); certification materials (name tags); and fees to maintain the chapter (minimal costs per person for access to our support systems). If the $300 fee is difficult for you, please let us know if you want to make other payment arrangements.

The total program cost, including the $20 application fee, is $320.  

Electronic payment is preferred; however, if you need to send a check, then we ask you to notify us. Please add quickbooks@notification.intuit.com and info-mcpmn@azmasternaturalist.org to your Safe Senders List to prevent these emails from going to your Junk/Spam mailbox.

We want to ensure this experience is available to anyone interested in volunteering to support nature and who would like to gain or share their experience in program planning and leadership. To accomplish that, we rely upon donor-based support to offset the cost. If you are able to pay more than the cost of the course to offset another applicants course fee, please consider making a donation. Your assistance will aid others in our community who are unable to afford the fee but would like to contribute by volunteering. For more information, contact info-mcpmn@azmasternaturalist.org.

Applicants will be considered based on:

• Availability to participate in scheduled classes and field labs
• Ability and willingness to complete volunteer service
• Reasons for wanting to participate in the course
• Commitment to supporting MCMN and its partner organizations
• Willingness to collaborate with people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives

Previous academic achievement is not a primary factor in the selection process. We seek to create a cohort of open-minded participants who are willing to learn together and contribute to community-based projects.

Applicants will be notified of their acceptance by email. Accepted applicants will receive instructions for paying the remaining $300 course fee within 48 hours of their acceptance notification. The payment must be received by December 16, 2026 to reserve a place in the course.

Questions about the application process may be directed to info-mcpmn@azmasternaturalist.org.