Basic Training

The basic training course covers the background knowledge and skills that every naturalist needs to have. The Banshee Reeks Chapter has designed a curriculum consisting of fifteen sessions, from September to May of each year.  Classes are limited to 30 students. Cost of the total program is $200/person and includes all of the course materials. Classes are open to anyone 18 years or older at the date of the orientation class.

Classroom lectures are held in the Education Annex at Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve. The majority of classes are split between lecture and field work (at Banshee Reeks, Rust Nature Sanctuary, or other local natural resource areas), and are generally be held on Saturdays, from 9 am to 3 pm. The schedule is available on the Class Schedule page.

Participants are expected to cover all the material of the course. If a student misses a class, she or he is expected to make up the work within one year from the completion of the session. This can be done either by attending the missed class during the next session or by offering evidence of having covered the topics of the missed class in a Continuing Education class or training given by an outside provider.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this program, please contact the Chapter Advisor, John Rohm, at 540-899-4169. (TDD number is 800-828-1120) during business hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations prior to the application deadline for the course.

Download the 2012 Virginia Master Naturalist Program Membership Application as a PDF or Word file.

Directions to Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve can be found on the Friends of Banshee Reeks directions page