Rivanna Chapter

Virginia Master Naturalists

 

Serving the
Central Piedmont of Virginia



Become a Virginia Master Naturalist
If you enjoy the outdoors and are interested in conserving our local natural heritage, consider becoming a Virginia Master Naturalist. The Rivanna Chapter’s next training session will be held Tuesday evenings, 6:30-9:30pm from February 14 through May 22 at the Ivy Creek Natural Area, with field trips on Saturday mornings. Click for the application. You will also need to give a copy of this reference form to each of the three people you listed on the application form; this form should be filled out by each reference and mailed directly by them to the Rivanna Master Naturalists at the P.O. box listed on the form. Please note that applications and reference forms must be postmarked on or before January 17, 2012. For more information, contact us at rivannamn.info@gmail.com or call (434) 872-4580.

To learn more about Virginia Master Naturalist program, please consider attending one of the following Rivanna Chapter information sessions:

  • January 3 at 7 pm at Ivy Creek Natural Area
  • January 5 at 7pm at Mt. Zion First African Baptist Church
  • January 10 at 7 pm at Ivy Creek Natural Area

Welcome to the Rivanna Master Naturalists

Welcome to our website. Based in Charlottesville, the Rivanna Chapter of the Virginia Master Naturalists was chartered in June 2006 to serve the Central Piedmont of Virginia. We are still growing and developing and would like anyone interested in joining our group to read on. Check out the Rivanna Chapter activities in our newsletters.

But first things first.

What is a Virginia Master Naturalist?

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. The VMN program is organized in chapters that represent geographic areas in Virginia and is overseen by statewide committees. State program coordinator Michelle Prysby, recruits and advises new chapters and oversees the day to day operation of the program.

Launched in 2006, there were ten chapters formed the first year, with ten additional chapters coming in 2007. As new chapters form, the area each serves will change. Find the chapter nearest you.

Visit the Virginia Master Naturalist website

How to become a Virginia Master Naturalist

The process for becoming a certified Virginia Master Naturalist typically takes 6 to 12 months. One starts by identifying the chapter nearest you and enrolling in a 40-hour basic training course offered by that chapter. An additional eight hours of advanced training are also required. An important part of the certification process is the required 40 hours of volunteer service

Training to be a Master Naturalist

Is this for you?

The most important qualification to enroll is a desire to contribute to your local environment through volunteer service. Volunteerism is the foundation upon which this program was founded. All members of the local chapter including officers, instructors, program leaders, and committee members are volunteers. All involved are working towards the common goal to improve their local communities by training an ever increasing supply of skilled volunteers.

Do NOT enroll in the Virginia Master Naturalists training without a strong commitment to fulfill the volunteer requirement.

Take a short quiz to see if this is the program for you



The Virginia Master Naturalist Program is open to all regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status.