I want to thank you for taking a few moments to read my very
first blog for the Central Rappahannock Master Naturalist Chapter. The goal is to post at least once a week on Monday. More often as time allows. Occasionally we will have guest bloggers in various areas of expertise.
Being new to the Chapter I am often asked questions by friends, family, acquaintances and those I meet regarding the program.
- What exactly is a naturalist? Many seem to think it involves food or clothing, but being naturalist involves neither. Webster's Dictionary defines a naturalist as, “an expert in or student of natural history.” I definitely fall into the “student” on my journey to learn more about Virginia natural history.
- Why did you become a Master Naturalist? It is personal for each of us. Some desire to share their knowledge with others on the nature, others to study and have a positive impact on our natural world, many to get involved in conservation programs, and the list goes on. So why did I join? Certainly nothing so glamorous. I do not have a science background, being one of those boring full time employed financial management types who struggles spelling the word biology. Some Master Naturalists at the Blandy Experimental Farm chatted with me during their Spring Garden Fair last year. They provided a brochure and it sounded interesting. The rest is history. The bottom line (yes one of those accounting terms) is that anyone can be a Master Naturalist, no matter your background, education, location, full time employed, student, retired, etc., for we all can make a difference.
- What does it take to join a Chapter? Find a chapter near you, take a 40-hour basic training course, complete 40 hours of volunteer service and complete 8 hours of continuing education. Most of all take in what you learn and enjoy all that nature has to offer. I have learned more than could be imagined and am seeing the positive impact just one person can have.
Join us on this journey, embrace nature with us and
hopefully learn something along the way.
Madelyn
“Just living is not enough…one must have sunshine, freedom and a little flower.” Hans Christian Andersen
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