Do you listen to bird songs and wonder who's singing?
Do you find rocks in your garden and want to know about how they are formed?
Do you gaze at the hazy blue of the far-off ridges and want to explore their beauty?

Virginia Master Naturalists channel their curiosity and passion for the natural world into volunteer service through the State certification process. Certification through the Shenandoah Chapter requires:

Basic Training
40+ hours to become certified

Classroom and field experiences in natural history, conservation, resource management, interpretation, and research led by local experts.
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Geology Field Trip, Alex Newhart, Shenandoah Chapter

Advanced Training
8 hours annually

Lectures or workshops in personally-chosen specialized topics that build on basic training.
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Ichthyology Field Trip, Hannah Bement, Shenandoah Chapter

Volunteer Service
40 hours annually

Volunteer projects in education, citizen science, or stewardship that take place throughout the region.
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Andy Guest State Park Volunteering, Bob Edmonds, Shenandoah Chapter

Do you want to join our chapter?

To start your journey as a Virginia Master Naturalist, prospective members should apply for the Basic Training Course which is offered each Spring by the Shenandoah Chapter at Blandy Experimental Farm and State Arboretum. 

Details & Next Course Schedule

The Basic Training Program for Spring 2025 is scheduled for March 15 - May 17, 2025. Classes will be held on Wednesday evenings from 6 - 9 PM and on Saturdays from 9 AM - 2 PM. Wednesday evening classes will be held at in the Library at Blandy Experimental Farm and State Arboretum of Virginia located on Route 50 just east of Route 340. Saturday field work classes will be held at Blandy and other locations.
       

How to Apply

Applications for the next Basic Training Course to be held in Spring 2025 will be accepted beginning in October 2024 and ending with the first 30 applications or December 31, 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 Rebecca Harriett at [email protected].
       
​A limited number of full and partial scholarships are available.
The Virginia Master Naturalist program is sponsored by Virginia Cooperative Extension. Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Its programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, military status, or any other basis protected by law.