
Laurels – Winter 2026
Each quarter, we invite VMN chapters to share stories of their impacts, accomplishments, and awards. Take the time to read them all so that you may be inspired by these tremendous volunteers and their impactful projects!


Each quarter, we invite VMN chapters to share stories of their impacts, accomplishments, and awards. Take the time to read them all so that you may be inspired by these tremendous volunteers and their impactful projects!

Two new natural area preserves, one expansion By Emi Endo, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation Virginia has added two new natural area preserves to the statewide system and nearly…

Bob Toner has contributed over 16,300 volunteer hours as a Virginia Master Naturalist volunteer in the Eastern Shore Chapter.

The VMN State Program office recognizes volunteers who completed 250, 500, 1,000, 2,500, and 5,000 hours of service between July and December 2025.

Three Virginia Master Naturalist chapters stepped up to help with monthly tick surveillance to provide a better picture of tick activity across Virginia.

VMN volunteers embraced the #Treemendous20th theme and delivered forest-related service across the Commonwealth. Their efforts resulted in thousands of trees planted or rescued, dozens of educational events that raised public awareness of the importance of trees, and contributions to six different forest-focused scientific studies.

In 2025, the program grew to 3,649 enrolled volunteers. Together, they reported more than 262,955 hours of service in Virginia, valued at more than $9 million.

We recognize outstanding achievements by VMN volunteers through our annual statewide program awards.
The Virginia Master Naturalist program’s state office is now accepting nominations for seven statewide awards. These awards will be judged by the VMN statewide office team and one or more…

The VMN State Program office recognizes volunteers who complete 250, 500, 1,000, 2,500, and 5,000 hours of service. These are cumulative volunteer hours starting when a volunteer joins the program.…