Be A Master Naturalist Multitasker

by Ann E Lis, CVMN

I am sometimes overwhelmed by the sheer volume and variety of Master Naturalist volunteer opportunities. While this is a good problem to have, it can mean choosing between equally desirable, but conflicting activities.

In 2025, there was a Tree-mendous emphasis on tree-related  projects, and in 2026, #Wow, look at the array of water-focused events! Then there are the hobbies that I enjoy. How do I balance being a naturalist with quality time for family, friends and other pursuits?

You have probably already figured out the secret – multitasking. Combine your naturalist efforts with other interests. Include friends and family in citizen science, stewardship or other endeavors even if they aren’t necessarily passionate about the particular subject or task.

One of the projects I enjoy is Birdability, which is evaluating site accessibility for birding. It can be time-consuming to cover the geographic scope and complete the 5-page questionnaire. For a survey visit to Lynchburg’s Old City Cemetery, I invited a friend to join me there instead of our usual neighborhood walk.

I was able to piggyback my Birdability assessment of the Chessie Nature Trail with a scheduled trail club hike. Other hikers helped me take measurements like trail width and bench height, and identify birds and wildflowers along the 7-mile route.  They made the task easier and in turn, they appreciated learning something new.

You may find opportunities for collaboration where you work. I volunteer at a nearby landmark and have spoken with leaders there about potentially providing education on invasives, doing bird walks etc. Their mission isn’t about nature per se, but promoting an understanding of the plants and wildlife onsite is relevant.

I’ve even been able to pursue nature related interests at home. Several neighbors and I clean up fishing debris left behind at the community lakes. And we maintain a turtle (goose, duck, heron, cormorant…) basking platform that increases visibility of the wildlife residing in and around the lake.

The neighborhood HOA has allowed me to add a Naturalist Notes section to the quarterly newsletter, creating a new writing opportunity for me. And hopefully it’s expanding awareness among residents that we live not just in a community but in a habitat.

Multitasking may get a bad rap in terms of brain psychology and work productivity, but in the great outdoors, what could be better?

Are you a Master Naturalist multitasker?