​Applications will open September 1, 2025 for our 2026 classes                      

Becoming a Virginia Master Naturalist (VMN)

​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.  The VMN Program is a statewide corps of volunteers providing education, outreach, and service dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas within their communities.   (VMN Basic Training Webpage)  
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To become certified VMNs, volunteers are required to attend a Basic Training Course sponsored by a chapter that is near or includes their geographic location in Virginia.  The Old Rag Chapter includes master naturalists living in ​Culpeper, Fauquier, Greene, Madison, Orange and Rappahannock counties.  The basic training course covers the background knowledge and skills to prepare you for service as a VMN volunteer. This includes a wide range of topics in many areas relating to the natural sciences.  

You can complete your volunteer service in any of four key areas: citizen science, stewardship, education and outreach, and chapter administration.​​  

Old Rag Chapter Training: What You'll Learn 

Applying for Training & Membership
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The basic training course covers background knowledge and skills that are essential to  naturalists. The Old Rag Chapter of the Virginia Master Naturalists tailors the course to our local environment and communities.  Monthly webinars, field trips, and chapter programs support continuing education opportunities following completion of the basic training course.

​The basic training curriculum (40-50 hours of classroom and field instruction), will include: 

• The Virginia Master Naturalist program, including the mission, objectives,  participation guidelines
• Roles of Virginia state agencies in the management and conservation of natural resources
• Role of naturalists: scientific method, citizen science, nature journaling; naturalists and natural history
• Biogeography of Virginia, including the physiographic regions and their geological and ecological distinctions
• Basic concepts of geology including field trip)
• Basic concepts of ecology; biodiversity; non-native and invasive species
• Soils and Fungi
• Fundamentals of weather, climate, climate change
• Entomology
• Ornithology (including field trip) 
• Botany, trees, forest ecology and invasive species  (including field trip)
• Herpetology and ichthyology
• Mammalogy
• Aquatic ecology and wetlands (including field trip)​

You also will be able to…

• Use a key and a field guide to identify organisms​
• Share knowledge with others (verbally and/or in writing)
• Make and record observations in nature
• Seek out answers from people, books, reliable resources
• Volunteer on chapter projects that help conserve natural resources on public lands in Virginia

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• ORMN class size is limited to approximately 15 people; our application period for the spring 2026 training program will be from September 1-30, 2025.

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• The program is geared toward adults, aged 18 or older. Youth, aged 14-17, may apply under specific conditions.  

 

• The training period is typically from March - May, with classes held weekly in the evening between 4-8  in Culpeper, VA.  Four field trips are also scheduled during this same period, mainly on weekends. ​

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• Trainees are expected to attend all basic training classes and field trips in person.  Up to two classes and one field trip may be missed but must be made up within one year of the end of the Basic Training Course with the make up event approved by the chair of the Basic Training Committee.  Attendance at the first class is mandatory and may not be missed.  

   

• Class fee:  There is a Basic Training Course fee, which covers the basic training course as well as  ORMN chapter dues.  The course  fee is  nonrefundable and is due within 2 weeks of notification of acceptance to the class.  (Scholarship support is available).​

 

• It is highly recommended that trainees have basic computer and web navigation skills, a Gmail address, and internet access. We will communicate important course and class information via email. In addition, class materials are accessible online through our Google Classroom. To access these materials, you must have access to a PC or Mac computer, as well as reliable internet access throughout the duration of the course. 

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If you have any questions about our training or would like more information about a scholarship, please email us and put "Master Naturalist Training" in the subject line.

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​​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 volunteer?
  
• 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 vs acquire research-based knowledge?
• Do I think that Master Naturalist volunteer service will count towards Master Gardener service requirements?

If so… then, NO this program may not be for you.
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(This quiz is courtesy of the Rivanna Chapter of the Virginia Master Naturalists.)

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Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Its programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, military status, or any other basis protected by law.
​​The Old Rag Master Naturalists chapter is organized as a non-profit §501(c)(3) organization under the Internal Revenue Service Code.