Our first cohort of members completed their training in May 2010. The chapter holds additional training sessions on approximately an annual basis, and will offer another session in the near future. Check this site for announcements about upcoming classes.
Membership Requirements
To become a certified Virginia Master Naturalist, a candidate must complete three steps:
- 40 hours of basic training
- 8 hours of advanced training
- 40 hours of volunteer service
To maintain certification, a Virginia Master Naturalist must complete 8 hours of advanced training and 40 hours of volunteer service annually.
A Virginia Master Naturalist knows…
- 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…
- 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
For more information about becoming a Virginia Master Naturalist and joining the Roanoke Valley Chapter:
- Learn more about the Roanoke Valley Master Naturalists: Roanoke Valley Master Naturalist Brochure
- Complete the Volunteer Enrollment Form: VMN Volunteer Enrollment Agreement
- Complete the Applicant Questionnaire: VMN Applicant Questionnaire
Mail the completed Volunteer Form and Questionnaire to
Tammi Cascone
1432 Haydon St.
Salem, VA 24153
tammicascone@yahoo.com
Equal Opportunity Employer
Virginia Master Naturalist programs and employment are open to all, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status. An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.
Updated November 9, 2019