January 2016

Each January, Virginia Master Naturalists scramble to compile their reports of volunteer activities from the previous year.  We appreciate their diligence and quick turn-arounds, because we use the numbers and stories from these reports in many ways.  We share them with our sponsoring agencies to illustrate the excellent return on investment this program provides.  We use them to give feedback and support to chapters to help them accomplish their goals.  We use them to gauge how we’re doing in relation to our mission and to make changes to continue improving the program.

Next quarter, we’ll share some stories of special projects and local impacts, but for now, we would like to share 2015’s very impressive numbers.  Our program continues to grow in numbers of volunteers, hours of service, and educational contacts made. 

In 2015, 1,679 volunteers reported more than 120, 000 hours of service, more than 21,000 hours of continuing education, and more than 104,000 face-to-face exchanges of educational information about natural resources.  Their service in 2015 is valued at nearly $3 million, based on the value of a volunteer hour in Virginia as calculated by IndependentSector.org. 

Many Virginia Master Naturalist chapters are still accepting applications for their Spring 2016 training courses.  Individuals interested in the environment and who have a desire to give back to help natural resources in their communities are encouraged to apply. 

Blue Ridge Foothills and Lakes Chapter
Historic Southside
​Holston Rivers
Northern Neck Chapter
Peninsula Chapter 
Rivanna Chapter
Roanoke Valley
Shenandoah Chapter
Tidewater Chapter

For a map of the locations of all chapters, visit ​http://www.virginiamasternaturalist.org/chapters-a-map-and-contacts.html