In 2023, the Boone County Extension launched its first in-person Kentucky Master Naturalist Cohort in collaboration with the state-wide Kentucky Master Naturalist Initiative, in response to growing community demand for the program. Stakeholders recognized that the program addressed the need for greater awareness of environmental issues, green space preservation, and implementation.

The program included 17 participants, of whom 15 graduated in 2024, contributing over 600 hours of volunteer service as environmental stewards. Several Kentucky Master Naturalists directly assisted with habitat restoration, while others taught programs on environmental topics.

One notable outcome of the program was the certification of a Master Naturalist who became a volunteer environmental and wildlife educator for Viking Cruises. This individual led educational activities for more than 150 participants during port excursions, sea watches, and lectures. On occasions when wildlife was scarce or guests were unable to travel far, the Naturalist shared stories about nature, stating, "Honestly, it was some of the most fun I’ve ever had. I heard so many great stories about how the love of nature has impacted people's lives." In reflecting on the experience, the Naturalist added, "I really felt like I had found my calling. After the first wildlife watch, guests requested more talks, and we've been rebooked for the same cruise this year on the condition that I do more talks."

The program has also had a profound personal impact on participants. One participant shared the following:

"I just returned from a vacation to Portugal and Spain that my husband and I had been planning for over 20 years. It was absolutely amazing and beautiful. But I had to laugh at myself because, in the middle of stunning beaches, cathedrals, and palaces, I found myself asking, 'Are these plants native?' I was searching for bugs and wondering how the groves of olive trees might have affected the variety of insects. While hiking and kayaking along cliffs and into caves, I found myself studying the geology of the strata. I even discovered a fossilized echinoid. In short, the Master Naturalist program has changed the way I see the world. I gained so much more from my vacation by not just appreciating historical buildings but by taking the time to notice the plants, animals, insects, geology, and birds, in addition to the historical sites. Becoming a Master Naturalist isn’t just about Kentucky—it’s about learning to see the world through new eyes. Thank you for bringing this program to all of us."