Welcome to the Frontpage

Attention: open in a new window. PDFPrintE-mail

Last Updated on Wednesday, 08 May 2013 17:04

Welcome to the Virginia Master Naturalists

Eastern Shore Chapter

Volunteer educators, citizen scientists, and stewards helping
Virginia conserve and manage natural resources

 snd_at_beach_edited

Welcome to our website. The Eastern Shore Chapter of the Virginia Master Naturalists was chartered in 2007 to serve the Eastern Shore of Virginia. We are still growing and developing and would like anyone interested in joining our group to read on.

The 2013 basic training class [taking this class is the first step in joining this chaptere, see below.] will begin on September 5 and end on October 31.  There is one class a year.  Click here for an application  You can send the application to this email address  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  with the $75 fee.  The fee barely covers handouts and materials.  To look at pictures of this year's training class in action, click here and scroll down

What is a Virginia Master Naturalist?

["Virginia Master Naturalist programs are open to all, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital, family, or veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.”]

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. Launched in 2006, there were ten chapters formed the first year, with ten additional chapters coming in 2007 and more chapters are added each year. The Virginia Master Naturalist program is organized in Chapters that represent and serve geographic areas in Virginia and is overseen by statewide committees. As new chapters form, the area each serves will change.  A state program coordinator recruits and advises new chapters and oversees the day-to-day operation of the program.  Visit the Virginia Master Naturalist website.
 
Here is a partial and suggested reading and viewing list, assembed by some Eastern Shore Master Naturalist members about Naturalist/ecological issues and concerns specific to the VA Eastern Shore.

How to become a Virginia Master Naturalist

The process for becoming a Certified Virginia Master Naturalist typically takes about a year. One starts by locating a Virginia Master Naturalist Chapter that is in your area. If you live on the Eastern Shore of Virginia just click on the TRAINING link in the Main Menu. To be a Virginia Master Naturalist you’ll need to complete a 40-hour Basic Training Class offered by our chapter. Then you are a chapter member. To become a Certified Master Naturalist you’ll need to complete an additional eight hours of advanced training and participate in 40 hours of volunteer service annually. To request a Virginia Master Naturalist, Eastern Shore Chapter membership package/training application email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
or contact our Chapter Advisor, Dorothy [Dot] P. Field, Eastern Shore Region Steward/Virginia Dept. of Conservation and Recreation, Division of NaturalHeritage at 757-678-6208 (c)  757-787-5989 (o)