Virginia Master Naturalist - Riverine Chapter
Chapter Contact: Kathleen Ogilvy, Virginia Department of Forestry
P.O. Box 241 Ashland, VA 23005 (804)798-8362
Who We Are
Virginia Master Naturalists are volunteer educators, citizen scientists, and stewards helping Virginia conserve and manage natural resources and public lands. If you might be interested in joining us and helping to preserve Virginia's natural resources, please contact either our chapter advisor or send a message to the Chapter E-mail account by clicking on the above addresses.
The Class of 2012 has just completed their basic training and are working on final projects and volunteer hours for full certification as Virginia Master Naturalists.
Riverine Chapter Newsletter
Learn more about what the Riverine Chapter is doing from our latest newsletter!
Riverine Chapter Volunteer Application and Enrollment
Applications for the next year's class are usually processed in the fall after an open house. If you want to be contacted when the next open house is scheduled, please send an email to the chapter by clicking the "riverinechapter" link at the top of the page.
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.
If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact the Chapter Advisor, Kathleen Ogilvy, at the Department of Forestry office at (804) 798-8362 (TDD number 1-800-828-1120) during business hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.
Virginia Master Naturalist-Riverine Chapter Syllabus
A Sample Schedule for the Basic Training Class
Class 1 : Introduction to the Virginia Master Naturalist Program
- Requirements and responsibilities of a VMN
- Mission and goals of VMN program
- Basic skills and training
- Volunteer service projects, including citizen science, education/interpretation, and stewardship projects
- Public policy: state and regional
- Five sponsoring agencies of the program
Class 2 : Ecological Concepts
- Defines basic ecology (communities, population, distribution, abundance, diversity, interaction, etc. of organisms)
- Balance of ecosystems, predation & competition, key species
- Hydrogen, Nitrogen and Carbon cycles
- Food web
- Habitat quality
- Succession & climax (stable) community
Class 3 : Geology of Virginia
- Geologic history of Virginia
- Characteristics of geology in Central Virginia
- Physiographic provinces
Class 4 : Botany and Use of Keys
- Basic botany
- Plant ID and use of keys
Class 5 : Watersheds, Aquatic Systems & Water Quality
- Watersheds
- Aquatic system characteristics
- Macroinvertebrates
- Water quality
- TMDLs (total maximum daily load)
Class 6 : Coastal and Estuarine Systems
- Characteristics of estuaries and coastal systems
- Chesapeake Bay
- Coastal management
Class 7 : Reptiles and Amphibians
- Frogs and Toads of Virginia
- Amphibians
Class 8 : Mammals
- Overview of species in Central VA
- Habits and habitats
Class 9 : Resource Management and Fish
- Resource Management
- Fish
Class 10 : Birds and Butterflies
- Ornithology
- Butterflies
Class 11 : Interpretive Skills
- Interpretation skills
Class 12: Class Project Presentations and Risk Management
- Risk Management: Riverine members
Class 13: Make-up Class for a Cancelled Session or Another Topic
Fieldtrips: Ten hours of field training is required to complete basic training.
This outline is an example of the training that will be provided to new candidates. It may be adjusted based on the availability of the speakers.
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.
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