Ornithology Class, a Master Naturalist field trip at Belle Isle State Park, 10/13/2007.
Photo by Master Naturalist Fawn Palmer, 10/13/07

Chapter Advisors:

Charlene Talcott, Chief Ranger--Interpretation & Education
VA Department of Conservation and Recreation, Belle Isle State Park
or 804-462-5030

Rebecca Wilson, Chesapeake Bay Region Steward
VA Department of Conservation and Recreation, Division of Natural Heritage
or 804-225-2303

Become a Master Naturalist:  Embark On a Lifetime Adventure

Northern Neck Master Naturalists will conduct its third training class beginning August 23, 2010 and ending on November 11, 2010 at the Warsaw Campus of Rappahannock Community College for citizens interested in becoming Master Naturalists. 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.  This is a great opportunity to make new friends, learn about the natural environment, and enjoy the natural beauty and tranquility of the Northern Neck.

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 a local chapter of the program. 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.

Applicants must be 18 years old by the start of training.  However, youths aged 14-17 are welcome to participate with an adult who is responsible for them, as long as they are both registered participants in the program.  The cost is approximately $160.00 per enrollment; however, for members of the same household sharing materials, the cost would be $80 for each person.

For more information or to register, e-mail; Margaret Anne Fohl at or 804-462-0108 or Charlene Talcott at or 804-462-5030.

The curriculum from a previous class is posted below. More information about the Master Naturalist Program is available at the Virginia Master Naturalist Web Site.

Previous Master Naturalist Projects have been:  building, installing and monitoring a bluebird trail at Menokin; planting native plants at the Wilna Unit of the Rappahannock River Valley Wildlife Natural Area Preserve (RRVWNAP) and at the new Visitor’s Center at Westmoreland State Park; wildlife mapping at RRVWNAP; and trail building at Chilton Woods.  At the last NNMN meeting held at Hull Spring’s Farm the Master Naturalists learned how to make rain barrels and received advanced training in living shorelines.