The Basic Training Class is your first step to becoming a Virginia Master Naturalist and involved citizen. In this class we strive to give you an experience that will

• Introduce you to basic ecological and environmental topics.

• Help you connect with people and organizations who share values of love and respect for our Earth and communities.

• Enable you with the knowledge and skills you need to participate in education, research, or stewardship initiatives in your community.

• Classroom sessions are intended for you to absorb and apply what we learn with guidance and camaraderie. Pre-class assignments will help prepare you for in-class discussion and activities, and post-class assignments will reinforce your learning and help you practice your skills between classes.

• In the process of learning to identify Virginia’s wild plants and animals, we’ll also cover interdisciplinary topics like natural resource management, environmental systems, and sustainability.

• Several field trips and projects will allow you to dive deeper into topics of interest with other classmates, current CVMN members and class instructors.

• Opportunities to log volunteer hours will further facilitate your full certification.

Location: Camp Kum-Ba-Yah and Legacy Oaks Clubhouse, both in Lynchburg, VA

Classes: February 2nd through May 14th

·         Fourteen classroom sessions on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 to 8:30pm

·         Five field trips on Saturdays, each approximately 4 hours  

Age: 18+ may attend unaccompanied, ages 14-17 must be accompanied by an adult

Course Fee: We are committed to reducing financial barriers to participation in the VMN program. The standard fee for the training course is $85. The option to select a different registration fee based on your need is available as part of the volunteer application process.