Applying for Training and Membership |
Class XI training will begin Spring of 2022
Enrollment applications will be accepted starting August 1, 2021 through November 15, 2021.
Target class size is 15.
Training runs over approximately 14 weeks, generally in the March - June timeframe
Classes will be held in the evenings; field trips will be on selected Saturdays
The class fee is $140, payable upon acceptance, which covers class materials and first year chapter dues. (Scholarships are available).
Before you apply, check out the requirements and information below
Enrollment applications will be accepted starting August 1, 2021 through November 15, 2021.
Target class size is 15.
Training runs over approximately 14 weeks, generally in the March - June timeframe
Classes will be held in the evenings; field trips will be on selected Saturdays
The class fee is $140, payable upon acceptance, which covers class materials and first year chapter dues. (Scholarships are available).
Before you apply, check out the requirements and information below
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.
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.
Master Naturalist Requirements
People who are curious about nature, enjoy the outdoors, and want to be a part of natural resource management and conservation in Virginia are perfect candidates to become Virginia Master Naturalists.
In order to become Certified Virginia Master Naturalists, volunteers are required to attend a Basic Training Class (a minimum of 40 hours of classroom and field instruction). After training, volunteers must earn additional continuing education credits (a minimum of 8 hours) and provide at least 40 hours of approved volunteer service to the community to become certified. Scroll down to What You’ll Learn for more information about Virginia Master Naturalist training.
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.
If you have questions about Master Naturalist Training, please send them to: oldragnaturalists@gmail.com with subject line "Master Naturalist Training"
In order to become Certified Virginia Master Naturalists, volunteers are required to attend a Basic Training Class (a minimum of 40 hours of classroom and field instruction). After training, volunteers must earn additional continuing education credits (a minimum of 8 hours) and provide at least 40 hours of approved volunteer service to the community to become certified. Scroll down to What You’ll Learn for more information about Virginia Master Naturalist training.
- Read about training and volunteer expectations of a Master Naturalist
- Check out our ORMN Basic Training Page
- See the VMN Basic Training Webpage for further information about basic training topics.
- Basic Training Guidelines can be found here.
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.
If you have questions about Master Naturalist Training, please send them to: oldragnaturalists@gmail.com with subject line "Master Naturalist Training"
Is the Old Rag Master Naturalist program for you? Ask yourself…
- Am I curious about Nature?
- Do I enjoy the outdoors?
- Do I want to make a positive difference in the environment?
- Do I care about the natural areas and native species in my community?
- Do I want to be actively involved conserving, managing, and educating about Virginia’s natural resources?
- Do I have both the time and the resolve to complete the required training?
- Do I have the time to complete the volunteer service?
- Am I interested in being part of a local team and interacting with others who care about natural resources?
If so… then, YES this program might be for you! But also ask yourself…
- Am I only interested in getting the training and less interested in volunteering?
- Do I want the certification for my job or to add to my resume?
- Do I want to use the certification for environmental advocacy?
- Do I want to promote my personal opinion about the environment over gaining research-based knowledge?
- Do I think that Master Naturalist volunteer service will count towards Master Gardener service requirements?
(This quiz is courtesy of the Rivanna Chapter of the Virginia Master Naturalists.)
Old Rag Master Naturalist Training: What You'll Learn
The basic training course covers the background knowledge and skills that every naturalist needs to have. The Old Rag Chapter of the Virginia Master Naturalists tailors the course to fit its local environment and community. Monthly webinars, field trips, and chapter programs support continuing education opportunities following completion of the basic training course.
Through the basic training curriculum, you will learn, among other things:
You also will be able to…
Through the basic training curriculum, you will learn, among other things:
- All aspects of the Virginia Master Naturalist program, including the mission and objectives of the program and the guidelines for participation
- What a naturalist is and does and the significance of naturalists and natural history
- Biogeography of Virginia, including the physiographic regions and their geological and ecological distinctions
- Basic concepts of ecology
- Basic concepts of geology and soils
- Fundamental principles of weather and climate
- Native flora and fauna, including botany, dendrology, mammalogy, herpetology, ornithology, entomology, and ichthyology
- Non-native, invasive species and biodiversity
- Wetlands ecology and management
- The roles of Virginia state agencies in the management and conservation of natural resources
You also will be able to…
- Use a key to identify organisms
- Use a field guide
- Share knowledge with others (verbally and/or in writing)
- Make and record observations in nature
- Seek out answers from people, books, or other reliable resources
- Volunteer in one or more projects on a regular basis to help conserve natural resources on public lands in Virginia