1.  Do you enjoy learning about nature? Do you like to explore forests, streams, and meadows, watch birds, listen to frogs, or chase butterflies?

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2.  Would you like to meet people who feel the way you do about nature?

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3. Are you concerned about the future of wild places and the native plants and animals that live there?

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4. Would you like to make your corner of the planet better for your children and grandchildren?

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5. Are you willing to work in and with the community to achieve this goal?

 

If you've answered "yes," then browse through this website to see what the James River chapter has been doing lately. Don't worry, no single Master Naturalist does everything! We have a lot of projects and activities, and each member participates in the ones they find rewarding and fun.

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Virginia Master Naturalists is a volunteer service-based program.  We welcome as members those who intend to be active volunteers to best support our area’s natural environment.

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If you decide this program is right for you, contact us at jamesrivermn@gmail.com so we can let you know when registration for our next Basic Training opens in Fall 2025. Our training program includes a wide range of topics in many areas relating to the natural sciences, giving you the background knowledge and skills you will need to start service as a VMN volunteer. Although most of our volunteers live in Goochland, Powhatan, and Louisa Counties and most of our work is done there, JRMN accepts applicants from all Virginia localities. 

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Registering for Basic Training includes an online application, an interview, and reference checks.  (The online application will be available when registration opens.) Classes start in September and end in December.

• Instruction is a combination of self-paced online study, in person classes on weekday evenings from 6:30 to 9:00 pm, and field trips on selected Saturdays. To graduate, trainees are required to complete at least 40 hours of training, of which at least 10 hours are field work.

• Any person with a disability should email Amber Gaddis at amber.gaddis@dcr.virginia.gov or call 804-598-7148* during business hours of 9:00 am and 4:00 pm to discuss accommodations five days prior to an event that may require assistive devices, services, or other accommodations.  (*TDD number is (800) 828-1120)

• Any missed training is made up by special arrangements with the Training Committee Chair. 

• Access to an email address and the Internet is highly recommended for all trainees so that they can participate in online training, receive program communications, and report volunteer hours.

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Initial certification, as well as annual recertification, requires 8 hours of approved continuing education and 40 hours of approved volunteer service within a year of completing basic training. You can complete your volunteer service in any of four key areas:  citizen science, stewardship, education and outreach, and chapter administration.

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