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.
The Old Rag Chapter's first basic training course ended in December 2007. The first group of trainees completed classwork, and are preparing for certification.
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
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 Spring 2008 session, the cost is $125, with up to $25 in additional fees. Costs may change for future class sessions.
Applying
A course is planned for Fall 2009. See the Events column at the top right of this page for current information on applying to the course.
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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