Our mission is to foster appreciation of nature nearby and provide tools for ecological living. From summer daycamps to family Nature Quests, school field trips to Network Charter School classes, Restoration Celebrations to Learnscape gardening projects, we’ve got programs for everyone! Since 1992, we’ve served tens of thousands of people, from the tiniest tots to the wisest elders. We’ve also worked with thousands of volunteers and partnered with numerous community organizations. We welcome and encourage the participation of all members of our community and look forward to having YOU as part of our Nearby Nature family.

The Nebraska Master Naturalist Program is a public and private partnership supported by the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Nebraska Environmental Trust, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and Nebraska Master Naturalist Foundation. Our program recruits, trains, manages, and provides resources for our Naturalist members participating in interpretation and outreach, resource management, citizen science, and outdoor skills and recreation in Nebraska.

We plant Nebraska for healthy people, vibrant communities and a resilient environment.

To rehabilitate native Nebraska wildlife and migratory birds for return to the wild; to preserve and restore native habitats; to educate youth and adults about the importance of wildlife and ecosystems by engaging them in projects and activities that contribute to the well-being of our natural environment and inspire them to take action to protect it; and to support others engaged in similar projects and activities.