A master naturalist is a citizen scientist who focuses on natural resource restoration and conservation efforts within their region. Every new member completes an extensive training course before they can actively volunteer on behalf of the Virginia Master Naturalist (VMN) Program. Once a member, educational opportunities remain an ongoing benefit of the Program, alongside a wide range of volunteer opportunities shared with like-minded individuals. From conducting bird surveys, to building pollinator habitats, there is bound to be a project that interests every nature enthusiast.

VMN is a formal, state-sponsored program. Members are recognized as volunteers of the Commonwealth of Virginia and of the Virginia Cooperative Extension, which is the lead sponsoring agency of the VMN.  As such, volunteers are expected to follow the policies and guidelines outlined in the VMN handbook.

Mission Statement: The Virginia Master Naturalist Program is a corps of well-informed volunteers who provide education, outreach, and service dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas within their communities for the Commonwealth of Virginia.

The Virginia Master Naturalist Program (www.virginiamasternaturalist.org) is a statewide initiative jointly sponsored by the following Virginia organizations: Cooperative Extension; Institute of Marine Science Center for Coastal Resources Management; Museum of Natural History; and Departments of Conservation and Recreation, Department of Environmental Quality, Department of Forestry, and Department of Wildlife Resources.  The program is based in the Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation within the College of Natural Resources and Environment at Virginia Tech.