Virginia Master Naturalist Training: What You'll Learn

In a year or less, you will: Collect a firm understanding of natural sciences in the context of Virginia’s ecological systems, deepen strong  foundational knowledge through continuing education and experience, then extend that knowledge to the community through volunteer service. 
Basic Training Course

The basic training course covers the background knowledge and skills that every naturalist needs to have.  Each chapter tailors the course to fit its local environment and community, so no two courses are exactly the same.  All the courses will meet the following objectives and guidelines. Monthly webinars and chapter programs support continuing education opportunities following completion of your basic training course.

A Virginia Master Naturalist will know…
  • All aspects of their role as a Virginia Master Naturalist, the mission and objectives of the program, and the guidelines for participation
  • What a naturalist is and does and the significance of naturalists and natural history
  • The biogeography of Virginia, including the physiographic regions and the geological and ecological aspects that make them distinct
  • Basic concepts of ecology
  • Basic concepts of geology
  • Basic resource management principles
  • Some native flora and fauna in the region
  • The general process of science
  • The roles of Virginia state agencies in the management and conservation of natural resources

A Virginia Master Naturalist will be able to…
  • Use a key to identify organisms
  • Use a field guide
  • Share knowledge with others (verbally and/or in writing)
  • Make and record observations in nature
  • Recognize when he or she does not know the answer to a question, but be able to seek out answers from people, books, or other reliable resources

Every Virginia Master Naturalist training will include…
  • Both field and classroom experiences, with a minimum of 10 hours (approximately 25%) of the course time spent in the field
  • Information from unbiased, research-based sources
  • Material on the following topics:
    • Introduction to the Virginia Master Naturalist program
    • American Naturalists
    • Basic Ecology
    • Biogeography
    • Geology
    • Nature of Naming
    • Education and Interpretation Skills
    • Citizen Science and Research Skills
    • Ecology and Management of the systems occurring in the region
    • Overview of vertebrates, invertebrates, trees and other plants (biology, ecology, identification, conservation and management)

Additional information for Virginia Master Naturalist Chapters developing their basic training course can be found in the Guidelines for Basic Training.