Become a Virginia Master Naturalist

CURIOUS? BECOME A VIRGINIA MASTER NATURALIST

Learning about wetlands. Photo by Jennifer Trevino.

People who are curious about nature, enjoy the outdoors, and want to volunteer in stewardship, outreach, and citizen science projects supporting natural resource management and conservation in Virginia are perfect candidates to become Virginia Master Naturalists.


APPLICATION INFORMATION

June 21, 2024

The Historic Rivers Chapter Basic Training class for 2024-2025 is full and has a waiting list. We are not accepting any additional applications.

If you want to be on the list to get information about the 2025-2026 Basic Training class, please contact Shirley Devan, Basic Training Committee, Shirley_devan@icloud.com  and include your phone number along with your name and email.


Polyphemus Moth. Photo by Mike Powell

HISTORIC RIVERS BASIC TRAINING

Basic training covers the background knowledge and skills that every naturalist needs to have. We tailor our course to fit our local environment and community.

The Historic Rivers Chapter Virginia Master Naturalist’s training includes:

  • Introduction to Virginia Master Naturalist Program
  • Risk Management
  • Building Master Naturalist Skills
  • Biodiversity and Evolution
  • Virginia Geology and Biogeography
  • Ecology Concepts
  • Climate & Weather
  • Forest Conservation
  • American Naturalists
  • Dendrology
  • Botany and Native Plants
  • Wetlands Ecology
  • Entomology
  • Freshwater Ecology and Macroinvertebrates
  • Butterflies
  • Ichthyology
  • Herpetology
  • Ornithology
  • Mammalogy

Io Moth Caterpillar. Photo by Susan Powell


Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Its programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, military status, or any other basis protected by law.