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.…

Laurels – Spring 2025

ARMN Ozone Bioindicator Garden, July 3, 2024, taken by Barbara Hoffheins. Arlington Regional Master Naturalist Ozone Bioindicator Garden 2025 marks the fifth year that the Arlington Regional Master Naturalist chapter…

From Our Sponsors – Spring 2025

Get Financial Help to Protect Ash Trees from the Invasive Emerald Ash Borer–Contributed by Lori Chamberlin, Forest Health Program Manager, Virginia Department of Forestry Enrollment for DOF’s Ash Treatment Cost-Share…

Do a Treemendous 20th Service Activity in 2025!

Throughout 2025, we are celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Virginia Master Naturalist program. We’ll be having special events and communications to highlight some longstanding volunteers and projects. We also…

adult volunteer next to a lake, showing two young children how to look through a spotting scope

Virginia Master Naturalist Program 2024 Year in Review

In 2024, the program grew to 3,481 enrolled volunteers. VMN chapters offered 35 basic training courses, resulting in 498 newly trained volunteers joining the ranks. Together, VMN volunteers reported more than 251,000 hours of service in Virginia, valued at $8.3 million.

four volunteers examining a net to identify aquatic insects they have captured

Laurels – Winter 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…

New Milestone Achievements by VMN Volunteers – Winter 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.…

From Our Sponsors and Partners – Winter 2025

New Virginia Outdoors Plan Released By Emi Endo, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation The Virginia Outdoors Plan, the state’s new comprehensive, statewide plan for conservation planning and enhancing outdoor…

Celebrating our 2024 Virginia Master Naturalist Program Award Winners

We are thrilled to announce the winners of the Virginia Master Naturalist 2024 awards for: We invite you to watch the video (about 15 minutes) and read the descriptions below…