Become a Master Naturalist

Are you ready to become a Master Naturalist? 

The application period for the Spring 2024 Arlington Regional Master Naturalists’ Volunteer Basic Training Course has closed. Please check back here for information on the Fall 2024 class, or contact us if you’d like to be placed on an interest list.

Program Requirements

Applicants should commit to completing the Basic Training Class, as well as 40 hours of volunteer service and 8 hours of continuing education annually.  Volunteers who complete all three become Certified Master Naturalists.  The program is open to all who will be at least 18 years of age on the first day of class.  ARMN members volunteer primarily in Arlington, Alexandria and Falls Church but can volunteer on an approved project anywhere in Virginia.

The Arlington Regional Master Naturalists (ARMN) 14-week Basic Course provides the knowledge and skills that will enable you to become an active volunteer and a vital part of the ARMN community.  Class sessions are usually held on Tuesday evenings from 6:45 pm to 9:30 pm via Zoom. Four all-day field trips on weekend days are also an integral part of the classes.

The Volunteer Basic Training course is intensive and requires a significant time commitment. Trainees must attend all classes and field trips. (If a class is missed due to unforeseen circumstances, it must be made up by watching the recording and completing the assigned work. Field trips are more difficult to make up and can be done only through special arrangement.) Field trips involve walking on woodland trails and may include some hills and uneven surfaces.  Alternate field training can be arranged to accommodate individuals with disabilities.

The ARMN Basic Training Class covers many subjects, including:

• The significance of naturalists and natural history
• The geography of Virginia and its distinctive zones
• Basic ecology
• Basic concepts of geology and soils
• Principles of weather and climate
• Native plants and their importance to our ecosystem
• Identification of non-native invasive plants and understanding problems they create
• Identification of local trees
• The role of insects, reptiles, amphibians and mammals in our local environment
• Citizen Science and research skills
• Basic education and interpretation skills that support sharing knowledge with others

How to Apply  

• Complete the on-line application form when it becomes available for the next class. Follow instructions to create a user name to log-in. Space is limited and there is often a waiting list – please be sure to submit a complete and thorough application.
  • The application form requests email addresses for references. Provide 3 non-family member references who can speak to your commitment to community service and/or the natural environment.
  • After entering all requested data in the application form, click “Submit”. You will receive an email that confirms receipt of your application.
• Participate in one of the Information Sessions offered for prospective trainees.
• Course fee of $200 is due after notification of acceptance into the program. Please indicate on your application if you would like to be considered for a scholarship.

Virginia Master Naturalist programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact Sarah Calhoun at: sfcalhoun@vt.edu (703 228 7488) during business hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations at least 5 days prior to the event. (TDD number is (800) 828-1120.)

Contact Us if you have questions.