The Virginia Master Naturalist Program is jointly sponsored by:

• Virginia Cooperative Extension
• Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
• Virginia Department of Environmental Quality
• Virginia Department of Forestry
• Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries
• Virginia Museum of Natural History
• Virginia Institute of Marine Science’s Center for Coastal Resources Management

The program is based in the Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation within the College of Natural Resources and Environment at Virginia Tech.

Virginia Cooperative Extension

Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) is an educational outreach program of Virginia’s land-grant universities: Virginia Tech and Virginia State University, and a part of the National Institute for Food and Agriculture, an agency of the United States Department of Agriculture.  Extension programs are delivered through a network of faculty at two universities, 107 county and city offices, 11 agricultural research and Extension centers, and six 4-H educational centers.

Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation

The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) works to give individuals, businesses, communities and all levels of government the tools and information needed to make wise decisions in conserving our natural and recreational resources. They do this through planning, funding, education and, in a few cases, regulation.

Virginia Department of Environmental Quality

The mission of the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is to protect and improve the environment for the well-being of all Virginians. DEQ administers state and federal laws and regulations for air quality, water quality, water supply and land protection. In addition, other programs cover a variety of environmental activities, such as improving the ability of businesses and local governments to protect the environment, and offering technical and financial assistance for air and water quality improvements.

Virginia Department of Forestry

The mission of the Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF) is to protect and develop healthy, sustainable forest resources for Virginians.

 

 

Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries

The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries is responsible for the management of inland fisheries, wildlife, and recreational boating for the Commonwealth of Virginia.

 

Virginia Museum of Natural History

The Virginia Museum of Natural History interprets Virginia’s natural heritage within a global context in ways that are relevant to all citizens of the Commonwealth.

 

Virginia Institute of Marine Science’s Center for Coastal Resources Management

The Center for Coastal Resources Management (CCRM) develops and supports integrated and adaptive management of coastal zone resources. To fulfill this mission, the Center undertakes research, provides advisory service, and conducts outreach education.