If you are interested in learning more about the natural history of Central Virginia, a class will begin in early September that will help you accomplish this goal.
The Virginia Master Naturalist Program is a statewide group of volunteers whose goal is to provide education, outreach and service for the beneficial management of natural resources within their communities. There are currently more than 20 chapters around the state. Anyone may participate in the program; The only necessary qualifications are a curiosity about the natural world and a desire to share your knowledge.
It usually takes about six to 12 months to go through the process of becoming a certified Virginia Master Naturalist. It includes a basic training course and 40
hours of volunteer service.
In our area, a training course offered by the Central Virginia Master Naturalists is scheduled to begin Sept. 9. The group will meet every Wednesday from 6:30 to 9:30 through Dec. 9 on the campus of Lynchburg College.
Among the topics included in the course are a review of the physiography of Virginia, basic concepts of ecology, an introduction to geology, an overview of native plants and animals, watershed issues and basic resource management principles. A significant portion of the course will be devoted to hands-on activities, and four field trips throughout the area are scheduled.
If you are wondering what type of activities might constitute the 40 hours of volunteer service, the opportunities are varied. If you enjoy working with young people, you might want to offer your assistance to public schools or through projects at municipal or state parks. Volunteers are needed for help in maintaining trails or restoring wildlife habitat. For those with an interest in scientific research, work is needed to collect water quality data or participate in various wildlife studies.
The cost for the class is $100 per person. Registration and payment are due by Aug. 15. To learn more about the program or to obtain an application, go to www.virginiamasternaturalist.org/centralvirginia.html.
News and notes
Last Saturday, Rexanne Bruno and I went out searching for any stray herons or egrets that may have wandered toward Central Virginia after the breeding season. We didn’t have any luck with those species, but did get the first summer record for a green-winged teal at Mill Creek Lake in Amherst County.
On July 15, bird clubs across Virginia lost a great friend, Peggy Opengari. She had visited the Lynchburg Bird Club many times and often spoke about her travels to some of the world’s most interesting bird habitats.
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