Become a Master Naturalist
Master Naturalist Certification
The process for becoming a certified Virginia Master Naturalist typically takes 6 to 12 months and requires the following:
- 40 hours of basic training, including classroom sessions and field trips
- 8 hours of advanced training
- 40 hours of volunteer service
Visit www.virginiamasternaturalist.org for more information about the program. Download a flyer about Old Rag Chapter projects.
The Old Rag Chapter has completed two courses of basic training and will have its third session beginning August 2009.
Topics Covered in the Course
Courses offered in the chapter’s training cover the core knowledge and skills that every naturalist needs to have:
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American Redstart.
Photo by Tom Bentley, www.fnal.gov. |
Introduction to the Virginia Master Naturalist Program
- Biodiversity
- Botany
- Climate and Weather
- Ecology
- Entomology
- Forests
- Geology and Hydrology
- Herpetology
- Ichthyology
- Mammalogy
- Ornithology
- Research Methodology
- Water and Wetlands
Location of Classes
2010 Classes will be held on Thursday evenings, 6–9:30 p.m. at the Brightwood Ruritan Club clubhouse in Madison. Generally. classes are held in Madison (possibly at the County Extension office) and in Rappahannock County (possibly at the County Library); field trip locations vary. Class members will be notified about locations.
Instructors
Our instructors are knowledgeable professionals from diverse backgrounds in natural history. Their affiliations include Virginia Departments of Game and Inland Fisheries, Forestry, and Conservation and Recreation; Virginia Cooperative Extension (Virginia Tech); the University of Virginia; and James Madison University.
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Misty morning in Virginia's Piedmont.
Photo by Richard Lykes. |
Cost
For the 2010 session, the cost is $125. Costs may change for future class sessions.
Applying
A course is planned for Fall 2010. Click here for more information on applying to the course. The application period for the 2010 session will open June 26, 2010, and go through July 23, 2010.
Program Policy Guidelines
Please see the Virginia Master Naturalist website for documents about the program policies. Under "Program Policy Guidelines" you will find:
- Volunteer Policy Handbook
- Chapter Chartering Guidelines
- Guidelines for Basic Training
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