wildlife biologist in water, wearing waders, showing a turtle trap to a group of people

Seeking Nominations for the 2025 VMN Statewide Program Awards

The Virginia Master Naturalist program’s state office is now accepting nominations for seven statewide awards. These awards will be judged by the VMN statewide office team and one or more…

silver pin with Virginia Master Naturalist logo and anchor with text 250 Hours

New Milestone Achievements by VMN Volunteers – Summer 2025

The VMN State Program office recognizes volunteers who complete 250, 500, 1,000, 2,500, and 5,000 hours of service. These are cumulative volunteer hours starting when a volunteer joins the program.…

volunteers posed with a large model of a tree, and one person behind them in a shark costume

Laurels – Fall 2025

Each quarter, we invite VMN chapters to share stories of their impacts, accomplishments, and awards. Take the time to read them all so that you may be inspired by these…

bright blue mushroom with blueish spots

Fun with Fungi – VMN 2026 Recertification Pin Artwork

Each year, previously certified VMN volunteers who complete another 40 hours of approved volunteer service and 8 hours of approved continuing education earn a unique recertification pin for that year.…

Beech leaves viewed from underneath, showing dark banding between the veins

From Our Sponsors and Partners – Fall 2025

From the Virginia Institute of Marine Science Center for Coastal Resources Management: New Sea Level Rise Report Cards The 2024 edition of the annual sea level report cards was recently…

April Workday Judy with intro on how to plant bareroot trees

Environmental Literacy Projects on the Rockfish Valley Loop Trails

–Contributed by Mary Voorhees (Rivanna Chapter) and Judy Oglethorpe (Central Blue Ridge Chapter) The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation awarded a grant for an Environmental Literacy (ENLIT) Project to…

four baskets full of oysters and Virginia Master Naturalists Eastern Shore Chapter sign

Eastern Shore Master Naturalists Support Oyster Restoration

–Contributed by Ann Quigley, VMN Eastern Shore Chapter On June 21, Eastern Shore Master Naturalists turned in the oysters they have tended for the last year as part of the…

The Birdability logo features a stylized illustration of a White-breasted Nuthatch, set against a bright blue circular background. Surrounding the bird in a ring are the words “Birding is for every body” and “Birdability” in dark blue text, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to inclusive and accessible birding.

Blind Birder Walk with the Old Rag Master Naturalists

–Contributed by Charlene Uhl, VMN Old Rag Chapter Over the last few years Old Rag Master Naturalists (ORMN) has actively worked to make our activities and events accessible to people who…

Historic Rivers Master Naturalist volunteers Judy Jones (left) and Rick Brown (right) with Virginia Master Naturalist Program Director Michelle Prysby (center) at the start of the Bassett Trace Nature Trail. Photo by Janet Harper.

The Friends of the Bassett Trace Nature Trail at Colonial Williamsburg

–By Rick Brown, VMN-Historic Rivers Chapter The Bassett Trace Nature Trail is a 1.4-mile out-and-back trail found within the 585 acre Bassett Woodlands at Colonial Williamsburg. The trailhead is located…

Paspahegh Demonstration Garden:  A Bridge to Harmony and Healing

By Linda Hughes, VMN-Historic Rivers Chapter Like our nation’s Native American peoples, Virginia Master Naturalists have a goal of building communities of people committed to harmony and healing our ecosystems.…