***NOTICE*** In person Information Sessions will be held at Henrico Fairfield Library on September 16th from 6PM to 8PM and Richmond Broad Rock Library on September 22nd 6PM to 8PM. Classes for 2027 will be Tuesdays starting January 19th to April 27th from 6PM to 9PM. Applications can be submitted from September 1st to September 30th. If you are interested in applying for our 2027 training class, click here.

The Riverine Chapter’s Basic Training Course is conducted annually. Classes are held from January through April (one meeting per week, plus some Saturday or Sunday field trips). Training consists of 14 or 15 mandatory weekly classes plus at least 10 hours of Field trips per year.

Classes nights could be held Monday thru Thursday (6pm to 9pm) depending on class site availability at Westminster Canterbury, 1600 Westbrook Avenue, Richmond, VA 23227. This is a volunteer organization, so we look for folks who will volunteer at least 40 hours per year and who expect to stay with the organization at least for several years.

We are committed to reducing financial barriers to participation in the VMN program. The standard fee for the training course is $150. The option to select a different registration fee based on your need is available as part of the volunteer application process.

If you are interested in applying for the next class, you may send an email to getmoreriverineinfo@riverinemn.org. We will send you a reminder before the next application period in September.

The VMN training class prepares you to become a Certified Virginia Master Naturalist volunteer. The VMN Program is a statewide corps of volunteers providing education, outreach, and service dedicated to the beneficial management of public natural resources within their communities.

The basic training course covers the background knowledge and skills to prepare you for service as a VMN volunteer. This includes a wide range of topics in many areas relating to the natural sciences. Initial certification, as well as annual recertification, requires 8 hours of approved continuing education and 40 hours of approved volunteer service within a year following completion of your basic training course. You can complete your volunteer service in any of four key areas: Citizen Science, Stewardship, Education and Outreach, and chapter Administration.