About 

The Virginia Master Naturalist Program is designed to develop a corps of well-informed volunteers to provide education, outreach, and service dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas within their communities for the Commonwealth of Virginia.

The Virginia Museum of Natural History is one of the five sponsoring agencies of the Virginia Master Naturalist program, along with the Virginia Cooperative Extension (College of Natural Resources and College of Agriculture and Life Sciences), the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (State Parks), and the Virginia Department of Forestry.

Chapters

Chapters are running and in development across Virginia. While VMNH sponsors the program state-wide, it is closely involved with two specific chapters, the Southwestern Piedmont Chapter and the Rivanna Chapter.  To locate a chapter in other areas of the state and to learn the requirements for getting Master Naturalist certification, go to www.virginiamasternaturalist.org.

The Southwestern Piedmont Chapter represents Master Naturalists of Martinsville, Henry County, parts of Patrick County and other surrounding areas.  This chapter began its first training session for volunteers in August of 2007. The next training session will take place in the fall of 2008. The deadline to register for the 2008 training session is July 18th. Anyone interested in becoming a Master Naturalist in this area should contact Christy Deatherage (recorder) or Denny Casey (advisor) at 276-634-4141.

YES! Teen Camps

The YES! (Youth for Environmental Stewardship) Teen camp program is a series of summer day camps for middle school students. Campers will travel to local parks, including Frank Wilson Park, Fairystone State Park, and the new Richard P. Gravely Nature Preserve, to experience hands-on nature studies and outdoor adventures. Camp fee includes swimming, canoe rentals, and snacks.

Summer 2008 YES! TEEN CAMP SCHEDULE