About Us
Thank you for your interest in becoming a Virginia Master Naturalist. The Central Virginia Chapter will be holding our sixth basic training course every Wednesday evening from 6:30 to 9:00 on the campus of Lynchburg College. Mark your calendars now! The classes will start on September 14, 2011 and end in early December. We invite you to become a part of the state's "first and oldest" chapter!
Our chapter has a unique legacy! It was started in 1994 by Mike Hayslett and followed him through several Central Virginia communities, training over 200 individuals by 2006. Following this "pre-history" to the state-wide program, the Central Virginia Master Naturalists became the first chartered chapter in Virginia during 2006. With a moniker reflecting this distinction ("the Peaks View Pioneers"), the Central Virginia Chapter continues our training tradition begun some 18 years ago!
Training
Central Virginia Master Naturalist chapter application for training course (MS Word)
Central Virginia Master Naturalist chapter application for training course (PDF)
The purpose of the basic 
training is to prepare participants for volunteering as Master Naturalists in our community and establishing a base of natural resource volunteers.
Applications for the training can be down loaded by following the links above or may be obtained by calling Greg Eaton, 434-544-8360 or by e-mailing .
The cost for the training is $100.
To enroll, submit your application by August 15, 2011 with a check for $100 made out to CVMN. Enrollment is limited to 40 participants on a first paid basis. The CVMN committee will notify you of your acceptance (or wait list) by August 21, 2011. No refunds will be made after August 31, 2011. Payment arrangements or partial scholarships may be available upon request, please note your needs on your application.
Submit application and fees to:
Central Virginia Master Naturalist
PO Box 6
Lynchburg, VA 24505
By submitting your application you are agreeing to the following.
To become a Certified Master Naturalist, a trainee must:
- Complete the 40 hours of basic training course with participation in all of the field trips. A maximum of 2 absences is allowed and time must be made up by arrangement with coordinator.
- Past the post-training assessment with a score of 70% or higher
- Complete a minimum of 8 hours of approved advanced training
- Complete a minimum of 40 hours of approved volunteer service
- Serve the chapter in some capacity to earn up to 10 of the 40 required volunteer hours
- You have 1 year from the last day of basic training to meet these requirements
- Certification is valid through the calendar year following the year in which you complete your requirements
- To maintain certification you must complete 8 hours of approved advanced training and 40 hours of approved volunteer service annually
- Applicants must be 18 years old by the start of basic training. Youths ages 14 to 17 are welcomed provided an adult is responsible for them and they are both registered participants in the class.
Questions?
If you have additional question you may contact the Basic Training Coordinator, Greg Eaton at 434-544-8360. Please leave a message with your name and phone number.
You may also e-mail .
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. Virginia Master Naturalist is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.
If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact Greg Eaton at 434-544-8360 and leave a message with your name and phone number (TDD number 1-800-921-1120) five days prior to any event.
Basic Training Course Schedule for Fall 2011
Classes will begin on September 14, 2011 at Lynchburg College. The class will meet every Wednesday night, 6:30 – 9:00 pm through December 14, except for Wednesday November 23. There are 4 required half-day field trips scheduled on a weekend day throughout the semester. Note: The schedule of classes will be available soon. Below is a sample schedule from 2010.
Sample Schedule of Classroom Sessions 2010
|
Session |
Date |
Subject |
Presenter |
|
1 |
9/15 |
Introduction to Course |
Mike B, Bill P., All available Board Members |
|
2 |
9/22 |
What's in a name? |
Mike Battaglia, |
|
3 |
9/29 |
Botany |
Dr. Janet Steven, Sweet Briar College |
|
4 |
10/6 |
|
Dr. Rebecca Ambers, Sweet Briar College |
|
5 |
10/13 |
Wetlands |
Mike Hayslett |
|
6 |
10/20 |
Forestry |
Bill Perry |
|
7 |
10/27 |
|
Greg Eaton |
|
8 |
11/3 |
Weather |
Dave Perault |
|
9 |
11/10 |
Herpetology |
Mike Hayslett |
|
10 |
11/17 |
|
|
|
|
11/24 |
Thanksgiving Break |
|
|
11 |
12/1 |
Birds |
Dr. Gene Sattler |
|
12 |
12/8 |
Citizen Science |
Michelle Prysby |
|
13 |
12/15 |
|
Everyone! |
Sample Schedule of Field Trips 2010
Field Trip Schedule |
|||
| Field Trip | September 25 | Wetlands | Mike Hayslett |
| Field Trip | October 9 | Claytor | Greg Eaton |
| Field Trip | October 23 | Forestry | Bill Perry |
| Field Trip | November 14 | Watershed | Tom Shahady |
News
Learn about the Central Virginia Master Naturalist chapter's work on the Sweet Briar Nature Trail System: http://www.sbc.edu/news/?id=1936
Last revised on