interpretivetraining.com

Volunteer Training for Interpretive Naturalist Guide – Earn the Heritage Interpretive Guide Certificate

FREE In-person training in Loveland, Colorado

 Tuesday, July 21 -25, 2026 | 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM Daily
  Parks & Recreation Admin Office (500 E 3rd St)

Training Opportunity – Adult Program – FREE but registration required

Interpretive Naturalist Guide Training is for those interested in sharing their knowledge by offering programs and guided walks on behalf of Loveland Open Lands & Trails. You may be surprised how fun it can be to share your love of the outdoors! And each of you can earn a Heritage Interpretive Guide Certificate upon successful completion of the training.

📘 Course At a Glance

A background check is required before leading any public programs or walks

Session 1 Orientation:
The first 30 minutes of Session 1 is a no-obligation orientation. You’re welcome to attend and explore whether this training is right for you before committing.

Time Commitment:

12 hours of interactive classroom instruction

4 hours of mentored program development and presentation practice

Training is Free — with a Purpose:
In exchange for this no-cost training, participants agree to deliver three public interpretive programs within one year of completing the course.

You choose the topic(s) and they must be suitable for one of our Natural Areas.

Prerequisites:

Must be 16 years or older to register

The Details: Training Overview

  • Five class sessions will be offered.
    • Session 5 includes a 10-minute practice presentation by each trainee.
    • This short program helps prepare you for presenting to the public.
  • Before offering your program to a general audience, you’ll also participate in:
    • One-on-one mentoring to help craft and refine your full interpretive program.
    • A “dress rehearsal” presentation for a supportive audience of Open Lands and Trails volunteers.
  • To become an independent Interpretive Naturalist Guide, you must complete:
    • All five class sessions
    • Your short practice presentation
    • The dress rehearsal

🛠️ What You’ll Do in the Course

  • Create a themed program plan (outline) with tangibles and intangibles.
  • Engage in collaborative group activities.
  • Begin designing a future 1-hour public program.
  • Receive feedback on your:
    • Graded outline
    • Short presentation

✅ Upon Completion, You’ll Be Able To:

  • Finalize and deliver a 1-hour thematic program as a volunteer guide.
  • Choose your own dates and times for public presentations.
  • Rely on the Program Coordinator for:
    • Promotion and scheduling
    • Providing materials (e.g., photos, handouts, printing)

🌿 Choosing Your Program Topic

The topic must be presentable within one of our Natural Areas, helping people connect with outdoor spaces.

You pick the topic! Options may include:

Pollinators to plein air painting, fly-fishing to forest management; What is your passion in the outdoors; Share it!

REGISTER HERE – https://offero.cityofloveland.org/Calendar

Questions: Michele Van Hare – Environmental Education and Volunteer Coordinator

Open Lands & Trails DivisionParks & Recreation Department Office: 970-962-2643