Olympia Naturalists Committee

Olympia Naturalists Committee

Our outings are primarily easy paced hikes designed to allow hikers to enjoy the beauty of the natural world. They are often theme based: waterfalls, wildflowers, photography, bird watching and sometimes include a subject matter expert. The naturalist committee also offers Talks and Walks- a talk by a local expert followed with a hike/walk/field trip.

Find trips

Find Courses and Talks and Walks

How Do I become a Olympia Naturalist Leader?

Step 1: Apply to become a Hike/Backpack leader

Submit The Mountaineers Hike, Backpack, Urban Walk Leader Application. 

Member Services routes it to Olympia leadership so the committees can coordinate your plan. 

Step 2: Get matched with mentors (Hiking + Naturalist)

The Olympia Hiking and Backpacking Committee and Olympia Naturalists committee coordinate your mentorship plan. When possible, you’ll have different mentors for Hiking and Naturalists.

Step 3: Complete the Hike Leader requirements

You’ll complete the items for the Hike Leader Badge:

  • Assistant Lead (help a mentor lead a trip)
  • Mentored Lead (you set up and lead a trip with a mentor supporting you)
  • Wilderness First Aid
  • Navigation. The following courses are approved: 
    • Off Trail Navigation (aka Wilderness Navigation) 
    • Foothills “Staying Found”
    • On Trail Navigation (aka “Staying Found” in Foothills)
    • Meet Key Elements #1, #3, #5, and #7 from the Naturalists Org-wide Standards
      • [Recommended] Attend one appropriate Leadership Training Courses offered by The Mountaineers. These change over time but some current possibilities are:
        • Foundations of Leadership
        • Attend a Leadership Conference (typically on in December and March for North and South Sound respectively) and two upcoming Leadership Development Series seminars

    Step 4: Complete the Naturalist leader requirements

    Olympia Naturalists Committee leaders will confirm you’re ready to lead Naturalist trips, then you’ll complete the items they track for the Naturalist Leader Badge:

    • Assistant Lead (Naturalist-focused)
    • Mentored Lead #1 (Naturalist-focused)
    • Mentored Lead #2 (Naturalist-focused)
    • Introduction to the Natural World (INW) or INW equivalency (your relevant education/work/experience)

    What counts as INW equivalency? Examples include relevant education or work experience, or prior Naturalist leadership/programming with other nature-oriented organizations such as: 

    • Have a degree in one of the topics or have led field trips in them, or their professional or vocational career has been focused on one of these
    • Assisted in leading several Naturalist trips where they have demonstrated knowledge and the ability to help others learn
    • Instructed at Naturalist field trips or workshops

    Step 5: Committee approval

    Once you’ve demonstrated competency and completed the mentored requirements, the Olympia Naturalist Committee can grant the Naturalist Leader badge and add you to the leader roster - this authorizes you to post and lead Mountaineers Naturalist activities.

    Typical timeline

    Fastest observed pathway is roughly 2–3 months, but timelines vary based on prerequisites and personal availability.