The Mid-Willamette Valley Chapter of the Oregon Naturalist Program received the Outstanding Team award at the Alliance of Natural Resource Outreach and Service Program (ANROSP) national conference. The award recognizes 18 volunteers for their leadership, dedication, dependability and creativity planning and implementing Oregon Naturalist certification courses and chapter events.
In 2023, participants who needed their naturalist training and offered to assist the program in planning and implementing a field course in the mid-Willamette Valley. Not only did they jump in to plan one field course, they planned two, going above and beyond to ensure that more Oregonians have access to quality natural history education. This group followed up with another field course in 2024, as well as forming an official Oregon Naturalist chapter, leading monthly meetings, and planning chapter events, such as hikes, guest presenters, and tours of natural areas.