Overview
 Central Piedmont Master Naturalists helped youth get outdoors in nature through a Junior Naturalist club. |
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. Interested Virginians become Master Naturalists through training and volunteer service.
The Virginia Master Naturalist Program is jointly sponsored by
- Virginia Cooperative Extension
- Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
- Virginia Department of Forestry
- Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries
- Virginia Museum of Natural History
The process for becoming a certified Virginia Master Naturalist typically takes 6 to 12 months. One starts by completing a 40-hour basic training course offered by the Central Piedmont Chapter. An additional 8 hours of advanced training are also required. An important part of the certification process is the required 40 hours of volunteer service.
An Afternoon on the James River
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Please join us for a picnic in recognition of this year's class of Master Naturalist Graduates and Certified Master Naturalists.
1:00p.m. Lunch followed by recognition of the graduates.
2:00 p.m. Advanced Training session: The James River: Conservation and Watershed Restoration
William H. Street, Executive Director of the James River Association will conduct a hands on training session covering water quality and watershed and riparian restoration. Mr. Street received a B.S. from the University of Virginia, a Master of Environmental Management from Duke University, and a Master of Environmental Planning from the University of Virginia. Before coming to the JRA in Richmond, Mr. Street worked for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation for ten years in multiple capacities, most recently as the Director of Watershed Restoration.
Lunch is provided. Bring a friend or family, and a lawn chair. Wear appropriate shoes and clothing for a summer day by the river. There will be an opportunity to take water samples which means wading in the river for those who are interested.
RSVP to Sandy Wasson, , 434-581-2376.
Location: Sabot Hill Farm low grounds on Route 6 in Goochland County. Take Route 522 N. off of Route 60 in Powhatan. Continue on 522 and cross the James River into Goochland County. Take a right at the traffic light and go 7.7 miles and take a right at the Master Naturalist sign onto the small drive leading down to the river and across the railroad tracks.
Upcoming Training Course
Do you enjoy the outdoors? Would you like to share your love of nature with others? Become a certified Virginia Master Naturalist!
Begin by taking a training course to learn all about the ecology and natural history of the Central Piedmont of Virginia.
The CPVMN is planning a master naturalists training class for summer 2011. We are interested in hearing from anyone in the Cumberland, Buckingham, Goochland, Farmville and surrounding areas to finalize our times and location for the class. Please feel free to contact Catherine at with inquiries and ideas for a convenient time and location. Our training committee will consider this for our final decision on the class date and location.
If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact David Smith at (804) 492-4390 ext. 4000 (TDD number 1-800-828-1120) between 8 AM and 5 PM to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event. Virginia Master Naturalist programs and employment are open to all, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status. An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.
Central Piedmont Partner Organizations
Central Piedmont chapter members volunteer at locations such as Cumberland State Forest and Bear Creek Lake State Park. They conduct educational programs, citizen science projects, and stewardship efforts at these and other locations.
For More Information
 Central Piedmont Master Naturalists are doing biodiversity studies at Cumberland State Forest, finding interesting species such as this Indian Pipe, a saprophytic plant that feeds on organic matter (rather than using sunlight to produce food, like most plants.) |
Central Piedmont 2010 Training Course Flyer
Central Piedmont 2010 Training Course Press Release
Chapter contact: Catherine Fleischman, 804-375-3121,
More information is available on the Virginia Master Naturalist statewide Web site
Documents for Central Piedmont Chapter Volunteers
Volunteer Application and Enrollment Form
Virginia Master Naturalist programs and employment are open to all, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status. We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.
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