The Winter 2025-2026 newsletter of the Shenandoah Chapter of the Virginia Master Naturalists is available here.

The latest newsletter of the Shenandoah Chapter of the Virginia Master Naturalists is available here.

The next Virginia Master Naturalists Training Class being run by the Shenandoah Chapter will be held from March 14  through May 20, 2026 at the Library at Blandy Experimental Farm in Boyce VA, and other nearby locations for field trips.

Applications for the course will be accepted beginning in October 2025 and ending with the first 30 applications or December 1, 2025, whichever comes first. A tuition fee of $200 will be charged to cover classroom books, supplies and materials. For more information about the course please contact us at [email protected].
       
​A limited number of full and partial scholarships are available.

The latest newsletter of the Shenandoah Chapter of the Virginia Master Naturalists is available here.

In this issue, we meet our new newsletter editor, the president's message highlights some upcoming events, we learn about the nature photography exhibits supported by chapter members, we meet the 2025 class, have an update on the education program, and more.

In this 20th edition of the Saw-whet, we feature Evelyn Joran-Thiel who is the class of 2024 board representative for our chapter. Her profile reflects a real passion both throughout an impressive professional career and through a lifelong love of the outdoors. 

Our featured Famous Naturalist is Liberty Hyde Bailey who was instrumental in establishing the "New Agrarianism" movement calling for harmonious relationship between people and the land, promoting sustainable agricultural practices that respect ecological integrity.

Our photography group has been quite active, and there’s a page giving an overview of their many efforts. Also, we feature Fisher’s Hill in Shenandoah County - a great place for master naturalists to spend a few hours. Do you know the difference between damselflies and dragonflies? Under our Did You Know feature, you can find out. And have you ever listened to Jessica Bowser’s Virginia Outdoor Adventures podcast? It’s a great listen for those interested in Virginia’s many natural resources.

The next Virginia Master Naturalists Training Class being run by the Shenandoah Chapter will be held from March 15  through May 17, 2025 at the Library at Blandy Experimental Farm in Boyce VA, and other nearby locations for field trips.

Applications for the course will be accepted beginning in October 2024 and ending with the first 30 applications or December 31, 2024, whichever comes first. A tuition fee of $200 will be charged to cover classroom books, supplies and materials. For more information about the course please contact Rebecca Harriett at [email protected].
       
​A limited number of full and partial scholarships are available.

,Join us at Blandy Experimental Farm on Friday September 13th from 6-9pm for a free community screening of the documentary film Hometown Habitat: Stories of Bringing Nature Home.

In attendance will be native plant nurseries, wine by Valerie Hill Vineyard and food by Fork'd. Meet with local conservation groups and experts and win prizes!

The film begins at 7:30 PM in the Blandy outdoor amphitheater. Come early for food, wine, plant sales, and information! Bring chairs or blankets for your comfort.

The Summer 2024 edition of our award-winning Saw-Whet Newsletter has 21 pages packed with informative articles covering the graduating chapter class of 2024, a profile of member Julie Pińeiro, bears and bobcats in Virginia, a profile of famous naturalist David M. Carroll, the new Paw Paw Trail at the Virginia State Arboretum, Sky Meadows Volunteer of the Year member Paul Guay, and much more.

In this edition of the Saw-whet, our Volunteer of the Year is celebrated. Our Member Profile features a retired professor. We include the story of a former student turned PhD candidate and welcome our new chapter officers. We also recognize several important volunteer hours achievements, thank two very dedicated project leaders who are stepping down, and recognize a new VMN kiosk at Sky Meadows.

In this edition of the Saw-whet newsletter, there are two President’s messages: one from outgoing president Mary Beth Yarbrough and one from incoming president Rebecca Harriett. We can’t thank Mary Beth enough for her wonderful leadership over the past two years. She has been an exceptional president for our chapter. Richard Stromberg is featured in our Member Profile. A founding member of our chapter and a Golden Circle volunteer - simply put, he’s a legend. On the heels of the hottest year on record, Ellen Schwalenstocker has written a compelling article regarding how VMN’s can offer help. And Jennifer Flitton Adams has written about the importance of native plants.