The American Cetacean Society - Oregon Chapter is proud to announce its Certified Whale Watch Naturalist Training Program, beginning this October in Newport. Designed to inspire conservation and deepen public knowledge of cetaceans and marine mammals off the Oregon Coast, this course prepares participants to represent the American Cetacean Society (ACS) at tabling events, schools, special events/programs and whale watching sites.Course Schedule & LocationTraining sessions will be held at the South Beach State Park meeting yurt, located at 5580 SW Coast Hwy, Newport, OR (parking for course participants will be free). The program consists of four full-day sessions from 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM, with a lunch break each day, on the following Saturdays:* October 17* October 31* November 7* November 14 or 21 (Final date to be confirmed based on park projects)Program HighlightsParticipants will receive a comprehensive educational experience, including:* Expert-led lectures from marine scientists and working naturalists.* Hands-on learning, field trips, mentoring and identification training.* A binder of materials for personal use and a reference book.* A Student ACS Membership, name tag and Certificate of Completion.Curriculum & RequirementsThe course covers a diverse range of topics, including cetaceans, natural history, pinnipeds, Oregon’s Marine Reserves, seabirds and marine mammal stranding response. No specialized background is required—only a passion for whales, dolphins and porpoises. Attendance at all sessions is mandatory and participants will complete homework assignments and a final quiz to earn certification.Registration DetailsThe cost for the entire program, including everything above, is $250.00. To register, interested individuals should email ACS Oregon Chapter President, Joy Primrose ([email protected]) and David Willem-Herrera ([email protected]). Please include your full name, address and phone number in the registration request.About the American Cetacean Society:The American Cetacean Society is recognized as the oldest whale conservation organization in the world, founded in 1967. The mission of this all-volunteer non-profit is to protect whales, dolphins, porpoises and their habitats through public education, awarding research grants and conservation actions. For more information, visit the national website at https://url.avanan.click/v2/r01/___www.acsonline.org___.YXAzOmVwdWVydG86YTpvOmYyNTgxMDE1YjFjNWJjOTk3N2ExMTdlYzU2MWRmZjYyOjc6YmQzNzozZWNhY2U1YjViZTRhNzhmNGFhYTFjMDkzM2UxOWU2NGMwNGU5ZWZlYzM4YmZlZjQwZDM2MDY2MDMxODZjMzlhOnQ6VDpG or follow the Oregon Chapter on social media:Facebook: American Cetacean Society – Oregon ChapterInstagram: @acsoregonTikTok: @acs.oregon