The WV Master Naturalist Program
The development of the West Virginia Master Naturalist Program began in 2003 and grew out of a partnership among the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (including the Wildlife Resources Section’s Wildlife Diversity Program and the Parks and Recreation Section), West Virginia University Cooperative Extension Service, Canaan Valley Institute, and Davis and Elkins College. These programs somewhat resemble the Master Gardener Programs that have been so popular across the United States.
Potomac Valley Master Naturalists
The Potomac Valley Master Naturalist Chapter is the official Master Naturalist chapter for the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia. Potomac Valley Master Naturalists come from diverse backgrounds, but we share a love for the outdoors and concern for the local environment, and we want to provide education and service to help our community. The PVMN program facilitates this goal because it provides science-based education and volunteer opportunities to connect people to nature and help them become environmental stewards.
PVMN Coordinating Committee
The PVMN Coordinating Committee (PVMN CC) consists of members of the PVMN Community who are responsible for the planning and execution of PVMN’s instructional programming and all of its day-to-day operations. Nominations for the Committee occurs in the Fall of each year, and voting for the nominated candidates occurs at the PVMN Annual Meeting. But you can start shadowing now a Committee member who is leaving the Committee member at the end of 2021. Please email PVMN@PotomacAudubon.org or call 681-252-1387 for more info.
The current PVMN CC includes the following members:
| Chair: | Rich Brager and Kris Phillips (interim co-chairs) |
| Chair Emeritus: | Clark Dixon |
| Data Management Coordinator | Debbie Crouse |
| Facilitator: | Stacy Toup |
| Instruction and Training Coordinator: | Kris Phillips |
| Recognition Coordinator: | Maria Parisi |
| Recorder: | Laura Clark |
| Recruitment and Retention Coordinator: | Rich Brager |
| Student Coordinator: | Lisa Kovatch |
| Treasurer: | Colleen Young |
| At-Large Members: | Philip Folk and Susan Loonsk |
| PVAS Representative: | Krista Hawley |
To contact the Coordinating Committee or if you are interested in joining the Committee, please send an email to PVMN@potomacaudubon.org or call 681-252-1387. The PVAS Representative will get you in touch with the appropriate PVMN CC Member.
Click Here to learn more about us from our 2006 Founding PVMN Chapter Members.
