Want to Take the Plunge?
Photo: S. Oglesby
...but not sure the Virginia Master Naturalist program is
right for you?
Consider the following questions:
1. Do you enjoy learning about nature? Do you like to explore forests, streams, and meadows, watch birds, listen to frogs, or chase butterflies?
​​
2. Would you like to meet people who feel the way you do about nature?
​
3. Are you concerned about the future of wild places and the native plants and animals that live there?
​​
4. Would you like to make your corner of the planet better for your children and grandchildren?
​
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.
​
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. 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.
​
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.
​​
​​​​
How to Apply for the Upcoming Basic Training Session, Fall 2025
-
Applying for Basic Training includes an online application, an interview, and reference checks. Classes start September 2nd and end November 18th.
​​
-
Instruction is a combination of self-paced online study, in person classes on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 to 9:00 pm, and field trips on selected Saturdays. We will use a mix of locations in Powhatan, Goochland, and our neighbor counties. To graduate, trainees are required to complete at least 40 hours of training, of which at least 10 hours are field work. See our tentative course schedule is here.
​​
-
Any person needing special accommodations 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 or services. (*TDD number is (800) 828-1120)
​​
-
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.
​​
-
The price of training is flexible so that anyone can afford it. The suggested price is $100. After you apply, the Better Impact application will direct you to a form to choose a price that is right for you.
​​
-
The program is targeted toward adults, 18 or older. However, youth, age 14-17, may apply along with a participating adult.
​​
-
Class size is limited by the size of the training venues.​​
​
ARE YOU READY TO APPLY?
PLEASE NOTE that your application will need to be completed in one sitting.
There is not an option to save and complete it later.
Therefore, we recommend that you look through this Online Application Tip Sheet for Virginia Master Naturalist Program Applicants to know what questions will be asked, so that you can assemble your information ahead of time and be ready to enter it all at once.
Applications close August 3
​