The VMN Blog

The VMN Blog

many small uprooted tree seedlings stacked together

Addressing the Significant Ecological Threat of the Chinese Parasol Tree

VMN volunteers engage in early detection and rapid response to stop the spread of a potentially invasive tree species.

Emerald Ash Borer beetle on a tree with lots of serpentine shaped tunnels in the trunk

From Our Sponsors

DOF Emerald Ash Borer cost-share program, DEQ Citizen Monitoring grants, and DCR Natural Heritage 40th anniversary events

six volunteers posed outdoors with flats of native plants and gardening tools

Laurels – Spring 2026

Each quarter, we invite VMN chapters to share stories of their impacts, accomplishments, recognitions, and awards.

four volunteers pose in front of a table with paper plates that have pictures of butterflies and caterpillars on them

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!

steep forested hillside

From Our Sponsors and Partners – Winter 2026

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…

man in winter coat seated on a log in a sandy wooded area, with three other people posed nearby

Bob Toner: An Appreciation

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

silver pin with Virginia Master Naturalist logo and anchor with text 250 Hours

New Milestone Achievements by VMN Volunteers – Winter 2026

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.

person dragging a piece of white fabric along a forest edge

VMN volunteers help increase understanding of ticks and tick-borne diseases

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

Six foot tall wire oak tree model covered with paper mache bark and with a small canopy of branches and leaves. An owl stuffed animal peers out of a hold in the tree and a blue jay stuffed animal perches on a branch.

Virginia Master Naturalist Volunteers Lead Treemendous Forest Stewardship

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. 

A gentleman stands in front of a group of 20 people. In a small clearing surrounded by longleaf pine trees.

Virginia Master Naturalist Program 2025 Year in Review

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.