Class of 2020 Application
The application for the 2020 EMN Class will be available on September 20, 2019. Please check back then to apply!
What Extension Master Naturalists Do
The Johnson County Extension Master Naturalist (EMN) program’s focus is on education, outreach, and service dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas. We accomplish that through EMN programs, speaking engagements and partnering with other organizations that share a common goal of protecting our natural resources and areas.
EMN Projects
Pollinator Prairie Garden
The Pollinator Prairie Garden is an educational/demonstration garden for the public to visualize how native wildflowers and grasses might look in their home gardens. It strives to educate the public on pollinators like bees, birds, and butterflies, and especially Monarch butterflies and how they can incorporate sources of food, shelter, and safe areas for breeding in residential/urban landscapes. For more information see Pollinator Prairie Garden.
Land Stewardship
In conjunction with Johnson County Parks and Recreation District the EMN program works to restore natural habitats at several sites including sites at Shawnee Mission Park and Nelson Island. This involves both removing invasive plant species as well as restoration of native plant species. The EMN program is also restoring the prairie at Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism‘s Prairie Center.
Bluebird Stewardship
EMN Bluebird Stewards monitor Bluebird houses, located throughout many parks in Johnson County, during the nesting season to protect bluebirds from predators and other dangers. They also collect data on the number of nests, eggs and successful fledglings. This citizen science is able to show us how well our parks are supporting bluebirds. In addition, Bluebird Stewards are rolling out educational resources for teachers, home schoolers, civic groups, and anyone interested in learning more about these beautiful birds.
Visit our Bluebird Educational Materials page for preschool, K-2, and grades 3-5 curriculum for teaching about bluebirds in Kansas. We also provide a free speaker’s bureau. For more information on this service, call (913) 715-7000.
Partners
The EMN program partners with a number of organizations that share common goals with the EMN organization. EMNs assist with their education/interpretation, ecological and citizen science activities. These organizations include:
- Burroughs Audubon Society of Greater Kansas City
- Ernie Miller Nature Center
- Johnson County Parks & Recreation District
- Kansas City Wildlands
- Kansas Dept of Wildlife Parks & Tourism Olathe Prairie Center
- Lenexa Parks & Recreation
For information about the Extension Master Naturalist Program see Who We Are
