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Basic Training

Virginia Master Naturalists Course Information for Applicants

2023 Virginia Master Naturalist Basic Training

Applications for the Spring 2024 Peninsula Master Naturalist Training class are now being accepted. Application processing will begin in early January 2024; please note that applications will be processed in the order they are received.

Thank you for your interest in becoming a Virginia Master Naturalist (VMN) with the Peninsula Chapter (PMN). The VMN training class prepares you to become a Certified Virginia Master Naturalist volunteer.  The VMN 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.

The basic training course covers the background knowledge and skills to prepare you for service as a VMN volunteer. This includes a wide range of topics in many areas relating to the natural sciences. Initial certification, as well as annual recertification, requires 8 hours of approved continuing education and 40 hours of approved volunteer service within a year following completion of your basic training course. Members are expected to provide at least 40 hours of volunteer service and earn 8 hours of continuing education each year.

You can complete your volunteer service in any of four key areas: citizen science, stewardship, education and outreach, and chapter administration.

Basic Training Course details
  • Classes run from March 6 to May 29 on Wednesday evenings from 6-9.​
  • Classes meet at Denbigh Community Center and Sandy Bottom Nature Park.  
  • 4 field trips will be held on Saturdays during the course - 2 of the field trips will run from 9-12 and 2 of the field trips will run from 9-4.
  • It is highly recommended that trainees have an email address and internet access, since program communications and volunteer hour reporting are usually done in this manner.
  • Program is targeted toward adults 18 or older.     
  • Class size is limited to 20 trainees.
  • Upon acceptance into the program the course fee of $150.00 will be due.  Do not send the fee with your application.  This fee covers basic training and course materials and must be paid prior to March 6. Payment can be made via a Paypal link on our website or by sending a check to: ​   
Virginia Master Naturalist ​Peninsula Chapter                  
809 Aberdeen Rd #9263  
Hampton, VA 23670​

Peninsula Master Naturalists Course Requirement

1. Attendance at the classes and field trips is mandatory for graduation and VMN membership. Review the schedule on the website to confirm you will be available for all classes.  You may miss up to 2 classes and 1 field trip and still graduate from the basic training course but these must be made-up within 12 months of completion of basic training in order to become a chapter member.  You may make-up classes during the next training cycle, with another VMN chapter, or by making special arrangements with approval from the Training Committee Chair.
2. Attend one PMN General Meeting –  General membership meetings are held on the second Tuesday of the month at 6:00 PM at Sandy Bottom Nature Park.  Currently, meetings are in-person and on zoom.
3.  Attend a bird walk at Newport News or New Quarter Park with the Hampton Roads Bird Club.  
4. Complete Journal Entries for each class topic. There will be three journal reviews during the training course to assess journal entries.
5. Prepare and present a short presentation on an assigned naturalist.

Click here to view the draft 2024 Spring PMN Training Class Schedule

Training Schedule

Spring 2024 Application Detail

  • The application link is now open. Applications will be accepted on a rolling admissions basis, so when the class is full (20 persons accepted), the link will be closed. Applying sooner is better, but applications will close on 1 March.
  • The application must be completed in one sitting.  The program does not have an option to save and complete it later.
  • Before filling out the application, we recommend you view the tip sheet for the application instructions linked below.  It includes tips as well as a sample of the application for you to preview.

Online Application Tip Sheet

  • You will be prompted to set up a Better Impact (BI) account.  If you already have a BI account (such as with Master Gardeners) you may use the same username and password.
  • You will be asked to provide three references whom we will contact.  Provide the names of people who are familiar with your background and skills, but who are not family members.  Please provide email and phone numbers where they can be easily reached.
  • Applicants will be notified of their status by February 21, 2024.
  • Questions?  Email pmnbasictraining@gmail.com or contact Megan Tierney at 757-890-4940
Apply Here
or, scan this QR code:
PictureMammalogy Class at Virginia Living Museum from Rex Holmlin