Become an Old Rag Master Naturalist Volunteer
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. It is open to all adults regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status.
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.
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.
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?
If so… then, NO this program may not be for you.
(This quiz is courtesy of the Rivanna Chapter of the Virginia Master Naturalists.)
Old Rag Master Naturalist Training: What You'll Learn
In a year or less, you will:
Basic Training Course
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 and chapter programs support continuing education opportunities following completion of the basic training course.
An Old Rag Master Naturalist will know…
An Old Rag Master Naturalist will be able to…
- Gain a firm understanding of natural sciences in the context of Virginia’s ecological systems
- Deepen strong, foundational knowledge through advanced training and experience
- Extend that knowledge to the community through volunteer service
Basic Training Course
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 and chapter programs support continuing education opportunities following completion of the basic training course.
An Old Rag Master Naturalist will know…
- 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
An Old Rag Master Naturalist 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
- Recognize when she or he does not know the answer to a question, and be able to 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
Click to read expectations of a Master Naturalist: Volunteer Expectations
Click to read course syllabus: Sample Basic Training Course Syllabus
Click to read course syllabus: Sample Basic Training Course Syllabus
