The Minnesota Naturalists' Association exists to advance natural and cultural resource interpretation for the purpose of fostering wise stewardship of all resources.

WHAT IS MNA?

MNA is the Minnesota Naturalists’ Association. Founded by a “casual group of interpreters sharing ideas”, the 1980 MNA constitution defined a naturalist as, “a person actively involved in the interpretation of natural and cultural resources”. The organization has honored that original definition and continues to provide professional development, networking, and camaraderie for a wide range of professionals including interpretive naturalists, outdoor/environmental educators, zoo/aquarium educators, and cultural historians.

WHEN WAS MNA FOUNDED?

In June 1972, a letter was sent to environmental education leaders throughout Minnesota inviting them to meet. Later that summer, 44 people gathered at Audubon Center of the North Woods (now Osprey Wilds Environmental Learning Center) in Sandstone, MN to discuss the formation of the Minnesota Naturalists’ Association (MNA).

The following years, educators gathered for professional development programming and networking opportunities under the MNA umbrella. 1977 saw the release of MNA’s first newsletter, as well as the election of its first Board of Directors and development of an organizational structure, purpose and objectives:

MNA’s 1980 Purpose: To promote quality interpretation of the Minnesota environment by advancing the skills of Minnesota interpreters. 

MNA’s 1980 objectives: 

• Meet a minimum of four times a year
• Use meetings and a newsletter to exchange ideas and information
• Develop an organizational focus informed by members
• Provide membership to all who seek services provided by the group (and are willing to share costs by paying their $5.00 annual dues)

In 1984, members Jim Malkowski, Jim Fitzpatrick, and Siah St. Clair set out to work on incorporation. MNA officially gained status as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit on February 22, 1985.

MNA'S MISSION TODAY: The Minnesota Naturalists' Association exists to advance natural and cultural resource interpretation for the purpose of fostering wise stewardship of all resources.

MNA strives to achieve our mission by:

Through a variety of committees, MNA gives its members the opportunity to become involved in a many of the organization’s activities. Members plan and facilitate upcoming workshops, design and publish newsletters and recommend environmental activities for the organization to become involved in.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF AN MNA MEMBERSHIP?

• Access to the most extensive network of outdoor education professionals in Minnesota

• Ongoing Professional Development Workshops and trainings suited for professionals throughout the span of their careers

• Scholarship eligibility for MNA’s annual  Fall Conference

• Annual eligibility to apply for up to $300 in grant funds for professional development

• Delivery of MNA’s quarterly newsletter with updates from board members and contemporary goings on from the field

• Extensive career resources such as job boards, hiring schedules for seasonal positions, resume/interview tips, recommended skill building training, and opportunities for continuing education (including graduate studies)

More than anything, MNA is a community of individuals dedicated to natural history and environmental education! The knowledge and support of others striving toward similar goals is an invaluable asset to any member of the organization.