Become a Virginia Master Naturalist with the Old Rag Chapter
Do you enjoy spending time outdoors? Are you curious about the natural world and interested in making a positive difference in your community?
If so, the Virginia Master Naturalist (VMN) Program may be the perfect opportunity for you.
The Virginia Master Naturalist Program is a statewide corps of volunteers dedicated to the conservation of Virginia's natural resources through education, citizen science, stewardship, and public outreach. Volunteers receive comprehensive training and then use their knowledge and skills to serve their local communities.
The Old Rag Chapter serves the counties of Culpeper, Fauquier, Greene, Madison, Orange, and Rappahannock.
Is the Old Rag Chapter Right for You?
Ask yourself:
Am I curious about nature?
Do I enjoy spending time outdoors?
Do I want to make a positive difference in my community and the environment?
Do I care about protecting Virginia's native plants, wildlife, and natural areas?
Am I interested in learning about Virginia's natural resources?
Do I enjoy sharing what I learn with others?
Can I commit to completing the required training?
Do I have time to volunteer after certification?
Would I enjoy being part of a team of people who share my passion for conservation?
If you answered "yes" to these questions, we'd love to receive your application.
Application Process
Applications for the 2027 Basic Training Class will open on Tuesday, September 1, 2026.
Applications will be accepted until Wednesday, September 30, 2026, or until 20 qualified applications have been received, whichever occurs first.
Qualified applications are reviewed in the order they are received.
Up to 15 applicants will be accepted into the 2027 class.
If additional qualified applications are received, up to five applicants will be placed on a waiting list in the order received.
If a space becomes available before the class begins, applicants on the waiting list will be offered admission.
Applicants who are not accepted will be contacted approximately two weeks before applications open for the following year's class and will be invited to apply early with priority consideration.
Basic Training Course
The Old Rag Chapter's Basic Training Course combines classroom instruction, field experiences, and hands-on learning to prepare volunteers for service as Virginia Master Naturalists.
The curriculum includes approximately 40–50 hours of classroom and field instruction and is tailored to the natural resources and ecosystems found within our local region.
Typical Schedule
Training Period: March through May
Classes: Thursdays, 4:00–8:00 p.m.
Location: Culpeper, Virginia
Field Trips: Four Saturday field trips held throughout the training period
Attendance Requirements
Because the course is highly interactive, attendance is very important.
Attendance at the first class is mandatory.
Trainees may miss up to two classroom sessions and one field trip.
Any missed sessions must be completed within one year through an approved makeup class or activity authorized by the Basic Training Chair.
Technology Requirements
Participants should have:
Basic computer and internet navigation skills
A Gmail account
Reliable internet access
Access to a Windows PC or Mac computer
Course materials, announcements, assignments, and communications are delivered through Google Classroom and email.
A criminal background check is also required for all accepted applicants.
What You'll Learn
Training covers a wide range of natural science topics, including:
The Virginia Master Naturalist Program, its mission, and volunteer expectations
Virginia's natural resource agencies
Scientific method and citizen science
Nature journaling and observation skills
Virginia's physiographic regions
Geology
Ecology and biodiversity
Native and invasive species
Soils and fungi
Weather, climate, and climate change
Entomology
Ornithology (including a field trip)
Botany, trees, and forest ecology (including a field trip)
Herpetology
Ichthyology
Mammalogy
Aquatic ecology and wetlands (including a field trip)
You will also develop practical skills such as:
Using field guides and identification keys
Recording observations in nature
Finding reliable scientific information
Communicating natural history to others
Participating in citizen science projects
Assisting with stewardship projects that conserve Virginia's public lands and natural resources
After certification, monthly chapter programs, webinars, field trips, and volunteer activities provide ongoing continuing education opportunities.
Volunteer Service
After completing Basic Training, certified Virginia Master Naturalists volunteer in one or more of four service areas:
Citizen Science
Stewardship
Education and Outreach
Chapter Administration
Whether you enjoy collecting scientific data, restoring habitats, teaching others, or helping behind the scenes, there are opportunities to match your interests and talents.
Class Fee
We are committed to reducing financial barriers to participation in the VMN program. The standard fee for the training course is $200.00.
The option to select a different registration fee based on your need is available as part of the volunteer application process.
This fee includes:
Basic Training Course materials
Old Rag Chapter dues for 2027
Payment is due within two weeks of notification of acceptance and is non-refundable.
Scholarship assistance is available.
Equal Opportunity Statement
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 Chapter of the Virginia Master Naturalist Program is organized as a nonprofit organization under Section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code.