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Central Virginia Chapter of the Virginia Master Naturalist Program


About Us

Thank you for your interest in becoming a Virginia Master Naturalist.  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 20 years ago! We currently have over 70 active members!

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Training

The Central Virginia Chapter will be holding our next Basic Training Course beginning in April 2022. Classes meet on Saturdays and will be interspersed on weekends throughout the year. Classes will be a combination of lecture and fieldwork, with some self-directed online and field training to supplement in-person class time. The 2022 schedule is being finalized and will be posted when complete. For a sample of topics from previous years, please refer to the syllabus below. Applicants will apply online, and we anticipate the application link will be live by mid-February.


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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.
  • Pass 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
  • 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.


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Questions?

For more information about the Central Virginia Master Naturalist training class or chapter, check out our webpages at cvmn.org.

Virginia Master Naturalist Program | 460 Stagecoach Road, Suite E201 | Charlottesville, VA  22902 | Phone: 434-872-4587 | Fax: 434-872-4578

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