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Virginia Master Naturalists are volunteer educators, citizen scientists, and stewards helping Virginia conserve and manage natural resources, and public lands. The Old Rag Chapter serves the counties of Culpeper, Fauquier, Greene, Madison, Orange, and Rappahannock.
Preserve and cherish the pale blue dot, the only home we’ve ever |
Why bird brains are more brilliant than anyone suspected
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IMPORTANT NOTICES !!
ALERT!!! GIANT HOGWEED SPOTTED IN VIRGINIA. MORE HERE.
and check Socrates Project for more information (click on the button at top of this page)
and check Socrates Project for more information (click on the button at top of this page)
Important Coronavirus Messages
Old Rag members, although we are now in Phase III and have the possibility of having face-to-face-meetings again, the composition of our membership is still in the age category where we need to take extreme caution. Feel free to work on approved projects and especially all the projects you can do at home and listed on this website, but caution is the operative word. The training committee is continuing to work with Class X, and we hope perhaps this fall the program can resume. Until a vaccine is made available, we will continue to volunteer in difficult times. Please stay safe. We will keep you informed.
Barry Buschow, President ORMN
Updated VMN Coronavirus Guidance
from Michelle Prysby regarding Meetings, Volunteer Projects, and Certification requirements relevant to Coronavirus Restrictions
Chesapeake Monitoring Guidance statement
SNP UPDATE - Link for current COVID-19 guidance
Old Rag members, although we are now in Phase III and have the possibility of having face-to-face-meetings again, the composition of our membership is still in the age category where we need to take extreme caution. Feel free to work on approved projects and especially all the projects you can do at home and listed on this website, but caution is the operative word. The training committee is continuing to work with Class X, and we hope perhaps this fall the program can resume. Until a vaccine is made available, we will continue to volunteer in difficult times. Please stay safe. We will keep you informed.
Barry Buschow, President ORMN
Updated VMN Coronavirus Guidance
from Michelle Prysby regarding Meetings, Volunteer Projects, and Certification requirements relevant to Coronavirus Restrictions
Chesapeake Monitoring Guidance statement
SNP UPDATE - Link for current COVID-19 guidance
UPCOMING EVENTS and Chapter News
New Nature Quiz Question Posted for the Week of October 12th
New Feature: Meet Our Members--interviews with ORMN members
Check here to read newest interview.
Check here to read newest interview.
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External Events
October 26
"Climate Change On Your Block," An Audubon Naturalist Society workshop that will help you spot climate change's impacts on you and your loved ones and equip you with tools to fight it. Register here to be a part of this important discussion. October 27, 2020, 7:00-8:30 pm VMN Virtual Campfire Late October is the perfect season for a little storytelling around the campfire! During our next Continuing Education event for Virginia Master Naturalists, learn how to sharpen your interpretive skills using storytelling techniques that can create mystery and heightened interest in your walk or talk at a park, school, or other setting. The program will cover the art of storytelling and how to use story to weave a compelling narrative that includes scientific and historical facts. Our instructors will be Christen Miller, DCR Visitor Experience Manager, and Tom Kneipp, Chief Ranger, Bear Creek Lake State Park. This program is open to ALL Virginia Master Naturalists. Meeting Registration: Pre-registration required at this link Link for recordings of this and past webinars: VMN Continuing Education Webinar page Further Resources October 29 at 1:00 pm The Extension Master Gardener program People Problems: Managing Conflict Locally Join Charlotte Glenn, State Coordinator of the North Carolina Extension Master Gardener Program, and Dave Close as they share the principles of conflict management, role play various conflict scenarios, and lead small group discussions on the topic. Pre-registration for these Zoom events here. 
"The Bird-Safe Buildings Act: How to Save 1 Billion Birds from Collisions." You can access the full recording of the webinar here. In addition, check out all of ABC’s webinars, collected in this YouTube playlist.
The recording of "Healthier Streams for a Healthier Community" webinar walk & talk with Charles Smith & JoAnne Fiebe is now available on our YouTube channel! If you missed it, tune in for a virtual stroll along parts of Little Hunting Creek and hear about the development vision for the Richmond Highway corridor.
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Chapter News and Events
It Takes a Village - An ORMN Success Story
VMN Photo Share
You are invited to participate in our 2020 VMN Statewide Photo Share! Each current VMN volunteer or chapter advisor may submit one photo that illustrates your connection with nature in this unique year. Depending on the number of photos we receive, we will share all or a subset on our website and in a slideshow during an end-of-year online event on December 15. Please see the attached document for the guidelines and the link for submitting photos. Do not email us your photos; please use the survey link and follow the directions! The newly constituted ORMN Communications Committeeneed volunteers (this means you) for a number of outreach, public relations, and internal communications activities. Check out some of these FUN activities here.
Interested? Contact Jeff Stehm Chapter Newsletter
Thanks to Charlene Uhl and Bonnie Beers we have launched a Monthly Chapter Newsletter See the October edition here. This newsletter will be distributed via email to members of the public who have signed up for our email list, and to Chapter Members. November 2, 10 a.m. ORMN Board of Directors Meeting via Zoom Members Only December 14, 6:30 p.m. ORMN Members Meeting via Zoom Public Welcome - Speaker TBD Message from Michelle Prysby
Greetings VMN volunteers-- Thank you all for all you are doing in your VMN roles this year! You have put in an impressive 69,000 hours of volunteer service this year. Wow! In light of the pandemic, we are making some changes to volunteer enrollment and certification procedures for this year. You can find the new procedures here. Please continue to stay safe and healthy! Michelle Prysby, VMN Program Director and Extension Associate Virginia Tech Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation |
Other Nature News
Virginia Conservation Network publishes Our Common Agenda, " representing the policy agenda of more than 130 organizations across the Commonwealth. This book provides an in-depth analysis of the conservation issues facing Virginia and provides practical, state-level policy solutions to keep us moving in the right direction. "
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A feature-length documentary about America’s system of public lands and the fight to protect them.
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American Forests releases its 2019 Register of Tree Champions
showcasing the most spectacular trees in the United States. This year, half of the champs are located in Virginia, Florida, Texas and Arizona. Virginia came out on top again this year with 102 champs. See the Tree Register Here. The Spotted Lanternfly is moving into Virginia!!!
Get Knowledgeable About This Important Invasive Now Tracking the Invasion: New Technique Traces Spotted Lanternflies for Life Article and Research Another Recent Article Chapter points of contact for further information:
Bill Birkhofer, Kathleen Aucion, and Don Hearl. These folks have training and monitoring materials. More Information Here and Video Below
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Shade for Butterflies. Read all about it.
Tick Surveillance and Control Lagging in U.S., Study Shows
Article and
Role of Citizen Science: Article and Research
Article and
Role of Citizen Science: Article and Research
Plants added to Virginia's Noxious Weed List: Ailanthus, Porcelainberry, Oriental bittersweet, Mile-a-minute, Hydrilla, and Incised fumewort
Blue Ridge Prism article
Blue Ridge Prism article
Climate Clock - Time is Ticking
Nature Activities from Home
To see activities you can do from home - Click Here
White Oak Genetics and Tree Improvement Program
VMN volunteers can help with collecting acorns from throughout Virginia. All they need from each person who chooses to participate is a one-gallon plastic bag filled with acorns collected from the ground from under one tree.
Visit the project website to learn more
VMN volunteers can help with collecting acorns from throughout Virginia. All they need from each person who chooses to participate is a one-gallon plastic bag filled with acorns collected from the ground from under one tree.
Visit the project website to learn more
Access Additional Content By Going to the Menu Bar at the Top of the Page
Volunteer Activities by Interest
SEARCH VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES BY INTEREST
Click on icon below or here for more information about volunteer projects
Click on icon below or here for more information about volunteer projects
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Pollinators
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Aquatic Ecology
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Trees
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Activities
From Home |
Education-Public
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Education-Students
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Our Sponsoring Agencies
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Department of Wildlife Resources |
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Web StATISTICS
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Other State Master Naturalist Programs
Our Neighbor Master Naturalist Programs
West Virginia Master Naturalist Program
Central Carolinas Master Naturalist Program
Maryland Master Naturalist Program
Tennessee Naturalist Program
For more information about Master Naturalist-type programs in other states, visit the
Alliance of Natural Resource Outreach and Service Programs.
West Virginia Master Naturalist Program
Central Carolinas Master Naturalist Program
Maryland Master Naturalist Program
Tennessee Naturalist Program
For more information about Master Naturalist-type programs in other states, visit the
Alliance of Natural Resource Outreach and Service Programs.
Other Master Naturalists Chapters in Virginia
Alleghany Highlands Chapter
Based in Alleghany, Bath, and Highland counties
Chapter Advisor: Christine Hodges, VCE
Arlington Regional Chapter
Based in Arlington
Chapter Advisor: Kirsten Ann Conrad, VCE
Banshee Reeks Chapter
Based in Loudoun County
Chapter Advisor: Jordan Green, DGIF
Blue Ridge Foothills and Lakes Chapter
Based in Franklin and Bedford counties
Chapter Advisor: Ryan Klopf, DCR
Central Blue Ridge Chapter
Based in Nelson County
Chapter Advisor: Corissa Vanden Hoek, VCE
Central Piedmont Chapter
Based in Buckingham, Cumberland, Prince Edwards, and surrounding counties
Chapter Advisors: Linda Eanes (VCE) and Katie Martin (DGIF)
Central Rappahannock Chapter
Based in Fredericksburg and Stafford, King George, Spotsylvania, and Caroline counties
Chapter Advisor: Andrew Peal, DCR
Central Virginia Chapter
Based in Lynchburg and Amherst, Bedford, Campbell, and Appomattox counties
Chapter Advisors: Bill Perry, DOF and Brian Watson, DGIF
Eastern Shore Chapter
Based on Virginia's Eastern Shore
Chapter Advisor: Dot Field, DCR
Fairfax Chapter
Based in Fairfax County
Chapter Advisor: Jim McGlone, DOF
Visit website fairfaxmasternaturalists.org to sign up for monthly email newsletter to receive information about next training class.
Headwaters Chapter
Based in Rockingham and Augusta counties
Chapter Advisors: Jason Hallacher, DGIF
High Knob Chapter
Based in Lee, Wise, Scott, and Dickenson counties
Chapter Advisor: Phil Meeks, VCE
Historic Rivers Chapter
Based in Williamsburg and James City and York counties
Chapter Advisor: John Gresham, DCR
Historic Southside Chapter
Based in Surry, Isle of Wight, Southampton, and Sussex counties
Chapter Advisor: Livvy Preisser, VCE
Holston Rivers Chapter
Based in Abingdon, Bristol, and Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, and western Grayson counties
Chapter Advisor: Tanya Hall, DCR
James River Chapter
Based in Goochland and Powhatan counties
Chapter Advisor: Dan Gugliocciello, DCR
Merrimac Farm Chapter
Based in Prince William County
Chapter Advisor: Joe Ferdinandsen, DGIF
Middle Peninsula Chapter
Based in Gloucester, Mathews, Middlesex, King & Queen, and King William Counties
Chapter Advisor Karen Duhring, VIMS-CCRM
New River Valley Chapter
Based in Blacksburg and Giles, Montgomery, Pulaski, and Floyd counties
Chapter Advisor: John Copeland, DGIF
Northern Neck Chapter
Based in Northumberland, Westmoreland, Lancaster, Richmond, King George, Essex, and Middlesex Counties
Chapter Advisor: Tara Brent and Wendy Herdman, VCE
Old Rag Chapter
Based in Greene, Madison, Rappahannock, Culpeper, Orange, and Fauquier counties
Chapter Advisor: Jack Kauffman, DOF
Peninsula Chapter
Based in Newport News, Hampton, Poquoson, Gloucester, and lower York county
Chapter Advisors: Megan Tierney, VCE and Meghan Mulroy-Goldman, DOF
Pocahontas Chapter
Based in Chesterfield County and the Richmond Metro Area
Chapter Advisor: Rebecca Whalen, DCR
Rivanna Chapter
Based in Charlottesville and Albemarle and Fluvanna counties
Chapter Advisor: Page Hutchinson, DOF
Riverine Chapter
Based in Hanover County and the Richmond Metro Area
Chapter Advisor: Kathleen Ogilvy, DOF
Roanoke Valley Chapter
Based in Roanoke County
Chapter Advisor: George Devlin, DEQ
Shenandoah Chapter
Based in Clarke, Warren, Page, Shenandoah, and Frederick counties
Chapter Advisor: Kevin Bowman, DCR
Southwestern Piedmont Chapter
Serving the cities of Martinsville and Danville, and the counties of Henry, Patrick and Pittsylvania.
Chapter Advisor: Christy Deatherage, VMNH
Tidewater Chapter
Based in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Suffolk, and Portsmouth
Chapter Advisors: Jennifer Huggins, DCR and Jessica Ruthenberg, DGIF
Virginia Master Naturalist programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age color. disability. gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.
An equal opportunity, affirmative action employer.
The Old Rag Master Naturalists chapter is organized as a non-profit §501(c)(3) organization under the Internal Revenue Service Code.
An equal opportunity, affirmative action employer.
The Old Rag Master Naturalists chapter is organized as a non-profit §501(c)(3) organization under the Internal Revenue Service Code.