Become a Virginia Master Naturalist by Joining the Eastern Shore Chapter
Learn, contribute, and have fun helping Eastern Shore communities conserve natural resources and public lands through education, science, and stewardship.
The Virginia Master Naturalist volunteer program is designed to prepare individuals to carry out the various activities and projects that are central to our mission. Virginia Master Naturalists are on the front lines of science-based environmental activity, putting in effort where it matters to protect and promote the natural resources of the Eastern Shore of Virginia.
Once you complete the Basic Training Course, you’ll be hands-on. You might monitor and maintain natural areas, collect data, work alongside researchers, engage in outreach, or be in an educator role. Or, you may observe birds and report your sightings, or participate in any of dozens of other activities. There is something for everyone.
The online application for the 2025 course will be available here on May 1st.
Please review ALL of the information on this page before applying. Check this page regularly for the latest information. See a blank application form here.
You must complete the application online. If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services, or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact esmn.training@gmail.com.
MISSION: Virginia Master Naturalists are volunteer educators, citizen scientists, and stewards helping Virginia conserve and manage natural resources and public lands.
- The Eastern Shore Chapter sponsors and supports dozens of projects, providing a wide range of volunteer service opportunities to its members throughout Accomack and Northampton counties.
- Members work with various groups in diverse settings such as wildlife refuges, parks, and nature preserves to carry out the VMN mission on the Eastern Shore.
MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS: You must complete the Eastern Shore Chapter Basic Training Course to become a Chapter member. All Chapter members are expected to perform volunteer service on the Eastern Shore consistent with the Chapter’s mission. There is no minimum requirement for the number of hours you volunteer. There is something for everyone!
BASIC TRAINING COURSE (BTC): The BTC covers the background knowledges and skills needed to prepare you for your VMN volunteer service. This includes a wide range of topics with an emphasis on the nature and natural resources of the Eastern Shore.
- The course is planned for ten (10) consecutive Thursdays from Sept 4 – Nov 6, 2025, including classroom instruction and field trips. Classes are held at the Virginia Institute for Marine Science Eastern Shore Laboratory in Wachapreague and various field locations on the Eastern Shore.
- Trainees are expected to arrive for each class no later than 9:00 am. Classes will adjourn no later than 4:00 pm, and may end earlier. You will be given a syllabus on the first day of class, including field trip locations and dates.
- Trainees are expected to attend all classroom and field sessions. If you are unable to attend a session you may need to complete make-up activities to complete the course.
- The course fee is $150.00. Limited scholarships are available.
- Applications are processed in the order in which they are received. The course is limited to 20 trainees.
TIMELINE
- May 1 – Online application available.
- July 1 – Applicants notified of acceptance on or before this date.
- August 1 – $150 course fee submission deadline.
- September 4 – November 6: course term (9am -4pm each Thursday).
FOR MORE INFORMATION: If you have questions please contact us.
You may wish to visit the Virginia Master Naturalist’s “Become a Master Naturalist” for additional details. Go ahead, we’ll be here when you come back!
