Volunteer educators, citizen scientists, and stewards helping Virginia conserve and manage natural resources
Historic Southside 2023 Activity Summary
Our Mission
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.
Interested Virginians become Master Naturalists through training and volunteer service.
Who Can Participate?
People who are curious about nature, enjoy the outdoors, and want to be a part of natural resource management and conservation in Virginia are perfect candidates to become Virginia Master Naturalists.
It is open to all adults regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status.
It is open to all adults regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status.
Overview
The process for becoming a certified Virginia Master Naturalist typically takes 12 months. One starts by completing a 40-hour basic training course offered by a local chapter such as ours of the program. An additional 8 hours of continuing education and 40 hours of volunteer service in approved projects are also required. These requirements for continuing education and volunteer service must be met each year in order to maintain certification. An important part of the certification process is the required 40 hours of volunteer service. Certification is the goal for all members but after training is not a requirement. You can be an active member of the group and not be certified.
Structure
The program is organized into local chapters and overseen by statewide committees. Learn more about the program's structure.
Chapters are in development across Virginia. In an area where there is no existing chapter, several interested people and an advisor from a sponsoring agency can start their own.
Chapters are in development across Virginia. In an area where there is no existing chapter, several interested people and an advisor from a sponsoring agency can start their own.
Historic Southside Chapter Board - 2024
Elected Officials:
Co-Presidents – Linda Maddra and Beth Aberth
Vice President – Jennifer Maurer
Treasurer – Cindy Edwards
Secretary – Linda Byrd-Masters
Committee Chairs:
Basic Training – Jen Maurer
Membership – Cathy Cupp
Newsletter – Ronda Gibbs
Outreach – Sandra Holloway
Better Impact Administrator / Website – Chris Peters ** not a member of the Board
Co-Hosts – Cassidy McKelvie and Kaitlyn Price
Continuing Education - Candace Thomas
Historian – Chris Peters
Volunteer Service Projects - Ronda Gibbs
Media - Yolanda Crady
Newspaper Coordinator - Stella Payne
Member at Large - Lynn Wehner
Past President - Cindy Edwards
Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Its programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or any other basis protected by law.If you are a person with a disability and desire assistance or accommodation, please notify the Isle of Wight Extension Office at (757) 365-62619/TDD*) during business hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. *TDD number is (800) 828-1120.
