A natural history lesson for Central Virginians

If you are interested in learning more about the natural history of Central Virginia, a class will begin in mid 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 community. There are currently more than 20 chapters within 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.

The process for becoming a certified Virginia Master Naturalist usually takes six to 12 months and includes both a basic training course as well as 40 hours of volunteer service.

In our area a training course offered by the Central Virginia Master Naturalists is scheduled to begin soon. Classes start on Sept. 15 and will meet every Wednesday evening from 6:30 to 9:30 through Dec. 15.

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 are scheduled throughout the area.

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. Some of the current volunteer opportunities include working with the Appalachian Trail Club, Claytor Nature Center, scouting organizations, City Market Green workshops, and monitoring of invasive species. 

The focus of the Master Naturalist Program is on education and citizen science. The cost for the class is $100.00 per person. Registration and payment are due by Aug. 15. To learn more about the local Virginia Master Naturalist Program or to obtain an application, go to www.virginiamasternaturalist.org/centralvirginia.html

News and Notes

Earlier this week, a reader sent me a photo of what appeared to be an adult robin, but the unfortunate bird was missing all of its tail feathers. Often this is a result of an encounter with a predator. Although a lack of tail feathers results in impaired flight, most songbirds can survive this temporary condition. As soon as the robin molts, new tail feathers will grow back and the plumage will be normal again.

If you happen to be traveling east this weekend, you might be interested in the purple martin festival “Gone to the Birds” scheduled for 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday in Richmond. Thousands of birds swarm in to roost in the pear trees on 18th Street by the 17th Street Farmer’s Market. Vendors and information booths will be set up in the market.

Dalmas, a naturalist, writes a weekly column for The News & Advance. Readers may e-mail her at jtdalmas@juno.com.