Thank you for your interest in the Virginia Master Naturalist Program.
To be considered for membership in our organization and its basic training class, please complete the application, which can be accessed with the button to the right. Before completing the application please read the information about this program that can be found here. You will need to complete your application in one sitting so be sure to have contact information for three non-family references available when you begin the application.
The Virginia Master Naturalist training class prepares you for certification in the Virginia Master Naturalist (VMN) Program. The VMN Program is a statewide corps of volunteers providing education, outreach, and service dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas within their communities.
The next training class will be held in person on Monday evenings from 6-9 pm at in Jepson Hall on the campus of Univ. of Mary Washington (UMW) in Fredericksburg, from Aug. 4 – Nov. 17, 2025. The class is limited to 24 students.
There will also be four outdoor Saturday morning sessions. There is a take home, open book test at the end of the class.
We are committed to reducing financial barriers to participation in the VMN program. The standard fee for the training course is $150. The option to select a different registration fee based on your need is available as part of the volunteer application process.
The topics covered will include:
- Geology/Biogeography
- Forest Ecology and Management
- Ecological Concepts
- Biological and Chemical Water Monitoring
- Macroinvertebrates and Ichthyology
- Ornithology
- Botany
- Soil Science
- Interpretation and Teaching Skills
- Land Use/Urban Systems
- Citizen Science
- Mammals
- Weather and Climate
- Entomology
- Herpetology
