Potomac Valley Master Naturalist Program
Our Potomac Valley Master Naturalist Program has proven to be one of our most popular adult programs.
History:
Relatively new on the scene, Master Naturalist programs are patterned after the Master Gardener Program that has been offered in many states for many years by local extension agents. The basic approach for both programs is to combine education with public service.
West Virginia's Master Naturalist Program is one of the first in the nation. It was established in 2003 by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, and it is administered by that agency.
We partnered with WVDNR in 2006 to establish our Master Naturalist program, which is the official Master Naturalist Chapter for the Eastern Panhandle.
How it works:
Those who complete our program are certified by the state as West Virginia Master Naturalists. This qualifies them to assist with natural resource activities in various ways, such as docenting in state parks, assisting educators with instruction, participating in wildlife surveys, and other citizen science activities.
Enrollment is limited to 20 persons a year. Participants receive 64 hours of classroom and field instruction in a broad range of natural history and environmental education topics. Instructional sessions are held weekends from March through October, mostly at the National Conservation Training Center just outside Shepherdstown and Cacapon State Park near Berkeley Springs.
Program participants must also complete a minimum of 30 hours of volunteer service to become fully certified. To remain certified, they must participate in 8 hours of training and 16 hours of volunteer service every year.
The cost to enroll is $300, which covers all classes and instruction. Partial scholarships are available.
How to Apply:
PVAS typically makes program applications available on this website in late October or early November, and applications must be submitted by early to mid January. Applications are competitive. Those selected for enrollment are notified by February 1.
For more information about the program, or to request notification when applications are available, contact Ellen Murphy or call 304-676-8739.