The City of Bellevue will host the fourth annual Master Naturalist Training Program – a free 13 week program that educates volunteers on the importance of ecological restoration and preservation.

Through a series of in-class lectures, field trips, workshops and restoration projects, volunteers will learn about the area’s wildlife ecology, wetland management, forest restoration, plant identification, cultural history and more.

In exchange for this free environmental training, naturalists are expected to reciprocate at least five volunteer hours per month up to 100 hours of service in the care of Bellevue’s natural resources. Applications are due Friday, Jan. 11, 2013. Preference will be giving to Bellevue residents.

Those interested should visit http://www.bellevuewa.gov/9182.htm for more information or phone 425-452-4195 or email parks_stewardship@bellevuewa.gov.