Basic Training - 2025 CLASS
Volunteer educators, citizen scientists, and stewards helping Virginia conserve and manage natural resources
The Historic Southside Chapter is planning a Basic Training class for January, 2025. The class will be held on Tuesday evenings, every other week through May, 2025. Exact dates will be posted at a later date. If you are interested in becoming a Master Naturalist, please click on the “Contact Us” tab above and send us your name, email address and phone number to be added to the list.
Please read over the information given below as you consider joining the 2025 Basic Training program - the first step in becoming a Virginia Master Naturalist.The information below relates to previous training cohorts and is presented here for informational purposes. If you would like to be put on the waiting list for the 2025 class, please click on the “Contact Us” tab above Thank you.
Training to become a Virginia Master Naturalist consists of what amounts to a semester's worth of college level courses taught by local professionals and professors, all experts in their fields. If you have never taken a college course, don't be intimidated; our speakers welcome all questions! If you have taken courses in these subjects, they are all great refreshers!
Each January we begin with a Meet-n-Greet event to fully explain the commitment involved in becoming a Virginia Master Naturalist and to provide trainees a time to meet chapter members and learn about the current projects of the Chapter. Training classes typically begin in early February and meet every other week through May.
Check out the typical training schedule listed below.
Each January we begin with a Meet-n-Greet event to fully explain the commitment involved in becoming a Virginia Master Naturalist and to provide trainees a time to meet chapter members and learn about the current projects of the Chapter. Training classes typically begin in early February and meet every other week through May.
Check out the typical training schedule listed below.
Cohort VII Graduates
Birding at Chippokes Plantation State Park
Each year the application period for the coming year is from November to January. Since the class number is limited, you are encouraged to apply early. Your application and payment are needed to reserve your seat. The application form is online and the link is given blow. Once your application has been reviewed and accepted, you will be notified as soon as possible. We look forward to assisting you in expanding your knowledge of our natural world and joining us in our efforts to improve our local environment.
A typical fee of $150/person or $225/couple (subject to change) covers the cost of materials and expenses for the classroom series and field trips. There is no cost for instruction. The fee includes many wonderful nature field guides and books to use for a lifetime of nature observation and work.
The basic training classes are held at the Isle of Wight County Cooperative Extension Office behind the Isle of Wight County courthouse complex (17100 Monument Circle, Ste. B, Isle of Wight, VA). If you would like more information contact the Isle of Wight Cooperative Extension Office at 757-365-6261 between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Additional Information can be found on the web www.virginiamasternaturalist.org.
Our application process is online and may be completed on an internet enabled PC, Laptop, tablet or mobile device such as a smartphone.
A typical fee of $150/person or $225/couple (subject to change) covers the cost of materials and expenses for the classroom series and field trips. There is no cost for instruction. The fee includes many wonderful nature field guides and books to use for a lifetime of nature observation and work.
The basic training classes are held at the Isle of Wight County Cooperative Extension Office behind the Isle of Wight County courthouse complex (17100 Monument Circle, Ste. B, Isle of Wight, VA). If you would like more information contact the Isle of Wight Cooperative Extension Office at 757-365-6261 between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Additional Information can be found on the web www.virginiamasternaturalist.org.
Our application process is online and may be completed on an internet enabled PC, Laptop, tablet or mobile device such as a smartphone.
Virginia Master Naturalist
Historic Southside Chapter
Typcial Basic Training and Field Trip Schedule
Historic Southside Chapter
Typcial Basic Training and Field Trip Schedule
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.
