Roanoke Valley Master Naturalists

Explore with us the natural wonders of the Roanoke Valley

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Protecting Our Natural Resources

Protecting Our Natural Resources

Master Naturalists get involved in hands-on projects that protect and preserve the Roanoke region’s natural beauty—like planting native species to create vital habitats for migrating Monarch Butterflies.

Learning Opportunities

Learning Opportunities

Master Naturalists discover the wonders of our natural world—learn about invasive species, bird conservation, forest and stream stewardship, bluebird monitoring, and so much more. Ready to get involved? Reach out to us today!

Exciting Field Projects

Exciting Field Projects

As volunteers, we engage in hands-on conservation efforts like vernal pool monitoring, stream health assessments, the Bear Aware program, and protecting our forests by removing invasive species.

Our Mission

Vernal Pool Monitoring

Vernal Pool Monitoring

To develop a well-informed corps of volunteers to provide education, outreach, and service dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas within their communities for the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Goals

  • Natural resource service – To provide, promote and fulfill volunteer service while recognizing and utilizing sound natural resource management, enhancement and conservation practices in accordance with the sponsors’ and program’s mission.
  • Enhancement of public understanding through education and outreach – To enhance existing natural resources education and outreach activities by providing natural resources and interpretive training at the local level, thereby developing a supply of dedicated and informed volunteers.
  • Develop a volunteer network – To develop a self-sustaining network of Virginia Master Naturalist volunteers that can lead conservation, education, and community impact projects.
Ornithology Bird Watching Field Trip

Ornithology Bird Watching Field Trip

A Virginia Master Naturalist knows…

Herpetology

Fun in herpetology class

  • All aspects of his or her role as a Virginia Master Naturalist, 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
  • Ecology (basic concepts)
  • Geology (basic concepts)
  • Resource management (basic principles)
  • Some native flora and fauna in the region
  • Process of science
  • Roles of Virginia state agencies in the management and conservation of natural resources

A Virginia Master Naturalist can…

Bluebird nesting boxes

  • Use a key to identify organisms
  • Use a field guide
  • Share knowledge with others
  • Make and record observations in nature
  • Recognize when he or she does not know the answer to a question, but be able to seek out answers from people, books, or other reliable resources

Get Involved

  • Follow us on Facebook for updates on events and training classes
  • Join Roanoke Valley Master Naturalists