The Virginia Master Naturalist 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. Interested Virginians become Master Naturalists through training and volunteer service. 

 

The process for becoming a certified Virginia Master Naturalist typically takes 6 to 12 months. One starts by completing a 40-hour basic training course that includes both required in-class instruction and field work offered by a local chapter of the program. An additional 8 hours of advanced training are also required. An important part of the certification process is the required 40 hours of volunteer service.

 

The Pocahontas Chapter will provide a volunteer base highly educated in natural resources, trained in the skill sets necessary to work alongside community organizations to increase education and awareness of the community’s natural resources. These volunteers participate in a course specifically designed to meet the needs of Chesterfield and its surrounding environs. The volunteers would also be available to provide such services as environmental education, water monitoring services, wildlife data collections and habitat restorations.

 

The Chapter is based in Pocahontas State Park in Chesterfield County, Virginia. The first group of 28 members completed basic training classes in April, 2009.  he 2010 class completed in May consisted of 22 new members.  The latest class of 24 graduated in May, 2011. More than half our members have completed full certification and others are well on their way.

 

Virginia Master Naturalist programs are open to all, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status.