June 18, 2017

2017 Virginia Master Naturalist Classes Accepting Applications

Thank you for your interest in becoming a Virginia Master Naturalist. The Central Rappahannock Chapter will be holding a training course from August-December 2017.

The purpose of the training is to prepare participants for volunteering as Master Naturalists in our community. Though it is an excellent training opportunity, our purpose is for establishing a base of natural resource volunteers.

Information/Orientation sessions are scheduled for:

  • June 26th at the Salem Church Library
  • July 10th at the King George Library
  • July 24th at the England Run Library

Sessions will start at 7:00 pm and last about 1 ½ hours.  It is strongly recommended that you plan to attend one of these sessions.

Classes will begin on August 7th at 6:00 PM at Jepson Science Center, Room 109 on the University of Mary Washington campus.

Applications for the training can be downloaded from www.virginiamasternaturalist.org or obtained by calling 540-621-9689 or emailing karen.snape@dof.virginia.gov or j-m- scibek@msn.com.  The cost for the training is $150.

To enroll, submit your application which can be found by selecting the application link on the right side of this blogspot under "Important Links". Fees are due with Application.  Make checks payable to VMN-CRC.  Enrollment is limited to 20 on a first come basis.

Applications should be submitted to:

Virginia Master Naturalist CRC
P. O. Box 5996
Fredericksburg, VA 22403

If you have questions, please contact Jim Scibek at masternaturalistcrc@gmail.com or Karen Snape, 540-621-9689 or email karen.snape@dof.virginia.gov

Please note the following:

1. To become a Certified Master Naturalist, a trainee must:

  • Complete the 40 hours basic training course with a minimum of 25% time in the field;
  • Pass the post-training assessment with a score of 70% or higher;
  • Complete a minimum of 8 hours of advanced training, approved by the Central Rappahannock Chapter;  and
  • Complete a minimum of 40 hours of service, approved by the Central Rappahannock Chapter.
Each volunteer has a maximum of 12 months from the last day of basic training to complete the remaining requirements for certification.  Certification is valid through the calendar year following the year in which the requirements were completed.  To maintain certification, volunteers complete an additional 8 hours of advanced training and 40 hours of service annually.

2. Due to statewide regulations, applicants must be 18 years old by the start of the training session (August 10, 2015) or aged 14-17 and accompanied by an adult who is responsible for them, as long as they are both registered participants in the program.

3. Training Class Schedule and Location– Classes will be held Monday evenings from 6:00 PM-9:00 PM at Jepson Science Center, Room 109 on the University of Mary Washington campus starting with the Orientation and Introductory session on August 7th .

Master Naturalist guidelines require 25% of the training to take place outdoors. Three required Saturday sessions are scheduled. Saturday classes usually last four hours and will be held at Motts Run, the Friends of the Rappahannock facility on Falls Hill Avenue or other location within the CRC chapter’s region. See schedule which can be found at the link provided on the right side of this blogspot under "Important Links".

4. Trainees may not miss more than 2 classes, and all missed sessions must be made up by attending the appropriate class(es) within 12 months of the completion of the training or other approved make-up activities.

5. Additional information on the Virginia Master Naturalist Program can be found at http://www.virginiamasternaturalist.org 

Virginia Master Naturalist programs and employment are open to all, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status.  An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact VDOF at 804-633-6992 or 540-621- 9689 during business hours of 7 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Mon. – Thurs. to discuss accommodations

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