To become a VMN volunteer, individuals complete a basic training course with a local chapter. At least 25% of the course involves hands-on learning in the field. Photo by VMN-Historic Rivers Chapter.
Want to learn about the natural world and participate in volunteer projects to benefit natural resource conservation in Virginia? Virginia Master Naturalist chapters in many locations are now recruiting new volunteers to participate in their fall basic training courses. Classroom and field sessions led by expert naturalists, scientists, and natural resource managers will cover topics from trees to birds to stream ecology. Completing the course is the first step to becoming a Certified Virginia Master Naturalist volunteer and gives you access to a wide range of local and statewide volunteer projects to help you spend time outdoors with a purpose! Learn more about the program at http://www.virginiamasternaturalist.org, and contact your local chapter for additional information and applications.
Locations, deadlines, schedules, and contacts for Fall 2016 VMN Basic Training Courses:
- Arlington, Arlington Regional Chapter: Application deadline is August 20, class is evenings September 6-December 6, 7-10 pm, https://armn.org
- Eastern Shore, Eastern Shore Chapter: Application deadline is August 22, class is daytime September-November, http://www.masternaturalistesva.com
- Fairfax, Fairfax Chapter: Application deadline is August 1, class is evenings September 8-December 1, http://www.vmnfairfax.org
- Fredericksburg, Central Rappahannock Chapter: Application deadline is August 8, class is daytime August 8-December 6, http://masternaturalistcrc.blogspot.com
- Powhatan/Goochland, James River Chapter: Application deadline is August 1, class is evenings September 6-December 13, https://jamesrivermasternaturalists.wordpress.com, email jamesrivermn@gmail.com for application
- Leesburg, Banshee Reeks Chapter: Application deadline is September 1, class is daytime September 17-April 2017, http://www.vmnbansheereeks.org
- Newport News, Peninsula Chapter: Applications now being accepted, class is Wednesday evenings September-December, http://vmnpeninsula.weebly.com
- Williamsburg, Historic Rivers Chapter: Applications are first-come, first-served, class evenings September 6-March 8, http://www.historicrivers.org
- Wise, High Knob Chapter: Application deadline is July 25 (some late applications may be accepted), class evenings August 8-November 7, contact pmeeks@vt.edu for more information and an application.