Master Naturalist Basic Training

The Virginia Master Naturalist 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. Interested Virginians become Master Naturalists through training and volunteer service.

The Holston Rivers Chapter of the Virginia Master Naturalists is offering Basic Training Class February 18-May 15, 2010 at the SWVA Higher Ed Center in Abingdon from 6:30 to 9:30 PM on Thursdays. Seven Saturday field trips are offered, 3 of which are mandatory. In May, students can choose to participate in the Mt. Rogers Naturalist Rally for advanced training.  At a cost of  $75, excellent instructors will cover such diverse subjects as basic geology, karst groundwater hydrology, aquatic biology, ornithology, salamanders, entomology, stream health, and more.

More information is available here, call 276-475-3599, or email  nhagen@embarqmail.com.

Many Master Naturalists choose to volunteer in our Virginia State Parks and we are one of the supporting state agencies. If you do not live in southwest Virginia, but are interested in the program, there may be a program near you.