Virginia Master  Naturalist Basic Training Curriculum
Being a Virginia Master Naturalist Volunteer

This page contains numerous curriculum resources that may be used flexibly by Virginia Master Naturalist chapters and trainees to meet their learning needs.  These resources also are available to other volunteer programs and the public for their use, but please note that watching or reading these materials cannot substitute for enrolling in and completing a basic training course with a VMN chapter in order to become a Virginia Master Naturalist volunteer.
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Image by Karen Daniel, VMN-Pocahontas Chapter

Learning Objectives
Upon completion of the Virginia Master Naturalist basic training course, participants will understand and/or be able to:

Introductory Information
  • What is a VMN volunteer
  • The mission and focus of the program
  • The chapter-based, state-sponsored structure of the VMN program
  • The roles of each of the VMN sponsoring agencies with regard to natural resource management and education
  • The pathway for becoming and remaining a Certified Virginia Master Naturalist volunteer
  • The types of activities VMN volunteers may do for their service, with local examples of education and outreach, citizen science, stewardship, and chapter administration
  • The requirements and responsibilities of VMN volunteers, including expected standards of conduct and other guidelines as presented in the Volunteer Policy Handbook.

Record Keeping Responsibilities
  • How to log on to and use the Volunteer Management System (Better Impact) for learning about and signing up for approved activities, entering continuing education and service records, updating the volunteer profile, accessing documents, completing e-learning modules, and completing annual re-enrollment
  • The importance, value, and required nature of timely documenting and reporting of activities done while serving in any VMN capacity
  • Who to contact for help with the Volunteer Management System, for help finding activities to fit their skills and interests, or for help with other aspects of their volunteer role.

Risk Management Responsibilities
  • What risk management is and how it applies to VMN volunteers
  • Typical and possible risks associated with VMN volunteer activities
  • Factors to consider when planning and preparing for any VMN activity to ensure that it is safe
  • What Virginia Cooperative Extension’s liability insurance is and the requirements for coverage
  • Importance of documenting activities you do as a VMN volunteer in the Volunteer Management System
  • What it means to have duty of care in the context of VMN volunteering
  • What to do in the event of an accident or incident
  • Special considerations for working with youth, including the “above suspicion” policy, 4-H requirements, and mandatory reporting of suspected abuse
  • How to deal with contracts that need to be signed and requests for Certificates of Insurance
  • Wildlife laws and permits that may pertain to VMN volunteer activities
  • The need to obtain and document landowner/land manager permission before conducting volunteer activities

Civil Rights Responsibilities
  • The civil rights responsibilities of all VMN volunteers, and the legal basis for those responsibilities
  • Key civil rights terms and concepts that apply to VMN volunteers
  • When and how to use the required ADA and non-discrimination statements.
  • How to collect and report educational contacts data
  • Where to find additional resources related to volunteers’ civil rights responsibilities

Other Information and Skills
  • Communicate the mission and goals of the Virginia Master Naturalist program to a person who is not familiar with the program
  • Identify the local chapter leaders and know who to contact for questions and other needs.
  • Demonstrate ability to log on to the Volunteer Management System and correctly enter volunteer hours.
  • Demonstrate ability to identify potential risks of a volunteer activity and take appropriate precautions.


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Image by VMN-Pocahontas Chapter

Introductory Videos

What: Short videos to introduce volunteers to the topic of Being a Virginia Master Naturalist volunteer.

Possible uses:
  • Have trainees watch before class as preparation
  • Watch as part of class
  • Have trainees watch after class as review or supplementary material​
Virginia Master Naturalist promo video​: "The Naturalist" by Sonny Bowers, Historic Rivers Chapter. 7:31 min.​
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Image by R. Reilly, James River Chapter

Presentation

This is a PowerPoint file that can be edited by the local chapter and used in the training class.

Being A Virginia Master Naturalist Volunteer: An Introduction (PowerPoint, 18 MB)
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Image by VMN-Eastern Shore Chapter

e-Learning Modules

There are two online, e-learning modules that must be completed by all Virginia Master Naturalist trainees in order to complete the basic training course. One covers risk management for VMN volunteers and the other explains the civil rights responsibilities of all VCE volunteers, including VMN volunteers. The document below provides step-by-step instructions for accessing the trainings from within Better Impact. Additional resources on risk management and civil rights responsibilities can be found on the VMN website.

VMN Volunteer Info Sheet: e-Learning in Better Impact
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Image by VMN-Pocahontas Chapter

Assessment Questions

Being a VMN Volunteer Written and Practical Assessment Suggestions