The Virginia Master Naturalist Program
Fall 2008 Training Course, Loudoun County, VA
The Banshee Reeks Chapter of the Virginia Master Naturalist Program will begin its Fall 2008 training course on September 9th. Class schedule, application and details are found on the Chapter website: www.vmnbansheereeks.org Classes are open to adults 18 and older; class size is limited.
The curriculum consists of fifteen Saturday sessions, with time split between the classroom and field studies. Sessions run from September to May of each year. Cost of the total program is $200/person and includes all of the course materials.
The training course is focused on the Piedmont region of the state. Topics include Virginia’s biogeography and climatology, basic ecology, identifying the organisms found in Virginia’s natural habitats, botany, taxonomy, natural interpretation and teaching skills, resource management, as well as use of field guides and tools.
About The Banshee Reeks Chapter of the Virginia Master Naturalist Program
The Banshee Reeks Chapter of the Virginia Master Naturalist Program is a corps of volunteers located in Loudoun County who provide education, outreach, and service dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and areas within our community.
Founded in 2006 at the Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve in Leesburg, the chapter has, to date, conducted 3 Basic Training sessions and a number of Advanced Training events. 35 members have attained state certification, with 12 recent graduates of the training program working towards their certification. Each member is required to participate in a minimum of 40 hours basic training, 8 hours of advanced training and 40 hours of volunteer service. To retain certification, Virginia Master Naturalists must fulfill annual requirements of 8 hours advanced training and 40 hours of volunteer service. Events and programs are available on the chapter website:
www.vmnbansheereeks.org
The Virginia Master Naturalist program is sponsored jointly by the following state agencies:
- Virginia Cooperative Extension
- Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
- Virginia Department of Forestry
- Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries
- Virginia Museum of Natural History
For more information, please contact: Susan Abraham, Chapter President 540.729.4497 vmnbansheereeks@gmail.com
Rob Payne, Communications Committee Chairpersonrnspayne@the-paynes.com