The Southwestern Piedmont Chapter of the Virginia Master Naturalist Program serves Martinsville, Henry County, and surrounding areas.

For information about this chapter contact:
Denny Casey- Chapter Advisor
Virginia Museum of Natural History
21 Starling Avenue
Martinsville, VA 24112
Phone: (276) 634-4184

Training | Service Projects | Sponsors


Master Naturalist Certification

The process for becoming a certified Virginia Master Naturalist typically takes 6 to 12 months and requires the following:

Visit www.virginiamasternaturalist.org for more information about the program.

Informational Meeting About Upcoming Training Course

The Southwestern Piedmont Chapter will hold a public informational meeting on July 16th at the Virginia Museum of Natural History, in the Walker Lecture Hall, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Community members are invited to attend to learn more about the program and the upcoming course of study beginning the on August 18, 2009.

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, Dennis Casey, at the Virginia Museum of Natural History at (276) 634-4184 (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 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.

Register Now for the 2009 Basic Training Course

THIS CLASS IS NOT FULL. NEW APPLICANTS ARE BEING ACCEPTED.

Classes are held in the education center at the Virginia Museum of Natural History and in various locations in the field.

How to apply: Download a MS Word application form at http://www.virginiamasternaturalist.org/southwesternpiedmont_application.doc, or contact the Chapter Advisor (see above).

Topics Covered in the Course

Courses offered in the Chapter's 2009 training agenda include:

Southwestern Piedmont Chapter Virginia Master Naturalist Volunteer Service Projects

Updated June 1, 2009

Education Projects

  1. “Coyote”, “Hydro-Power”, and “Smith River Trail Hike” Programs presented at Cub Scout Day Camp
    Project Leader: Danny Martin

  2. “Coyote: The New Comer” presentation for visitors at Reynolds Homestead
    Project Leader: Danny and Susan Martin or

  3. “Creature Feature” Displays (different wildlife each month) for visitors at Philpott Lake- Visitor Assistance Center
    Project Leader: Danny and Susan Martin or

  4. Development of BSA Merit Badge Education Resources
    Project Leader: Ruth-Decker Chaney

  5. Interpretation at VMNH/ tours for visiting groups
    Project Leader: Gael Chaney

  6. Recycle Education Game for pre-planned events
    Project Leader: Marty Bullins

  7. Trout in the Classroom
    Project Leader: Marty Bullins

  8. Teaching an MN Chapter Basic Training Class
    Project Leader: Gael Chaney

  9. Publicity and Communication Networking
    Project Leader: Lynn Pritchett

  10. Area Pocket Naturalist Guide
    Project Leader: Denny Casey

  11. Teach SOLs 4.4 & 4.5 (Plant life and ecosystems) to four fourth grade classes at Patrick Henry Elementary School
    Project Leader: Marty Bullins

Citizen Science Projects

  1. Water Quality Monitoring
    Project Leader: Lisa Cahill

  2. Plant Inventory of Frank Wilson Park
    Project Leader: Gael Chaney  

  3. Research and Collections Volunteer
    Project Leader: Ruth-Decker Chaney

  4. Frank Wilson Park Eco-Survey
    Project Leader: Christy Deatherage

Stewardship Projects

  1. Frank Wilson Memorial Park Clean-Up in Martinsville City
    Project Leader: Christy Deatherage

  2. Smith River Clean-Up in Henry County
    Project Leader: Marty Bullins

  3. Invasive Species Removal with Volunteer Groups
    Project Leader: Larry Turner

  4. Gravely Nature Preserve Stewardship Project in Henry County
    Project Leader: Denny Casey

  5. Collection of acorns from native oak species for seedling stock
    Project Leader: Lynn Pritchett

  6. Invasive Species Removal Day
    Project Leader: Kathy Fell

  7. City Park Beautification
    Project Leader: Kathy Fell

Sponsors and Partners

The Virginia Master Naturalist program is sponsored by five agencies:

  • Virginia Cooperative Extension
  • Virginia Department of Conservation & Recreation
  • Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries
  • Virginia Department of Forestry
  • Virginia Museum of Natural History

Local Partners (Source-Annual Report):

Last revised on Thursday, June 11, 2009