Come Learn With Us
You don’t have to be a scientist or an expert to become a Master Naturalist. Curiosity, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn and volunteer are what matter most.
Come discover the remarkable natural world around Richmond—and find out how you can help protect and share it with others.
Discover Your Natural World. Make a Difference in Your Community.
Have you ever wanted to learn more about the plants, animals, waterways, and natural places around you—and then put that knowledge to work?
The Riverine Chapter of the Virginia Master Naturalist Program welcomes people from Henrico County, Hanover County, and the City of Richmond who are curious about nature and interested in giving back to their community.
Whether you’re an experienced naturalist or simply someone who loves being outdoors and wants to learn more, the Virginia Master Naturalist program offers a wonderful opportunity to learn, connect, and make a difference.
Start Your Journey with Basic Training
The Riverine Chapter offers its Basic Training Course once a year, with classes running from January through April.
The course combines classroom learning with hands-on experiences in the field. You’ll explore a wide variety of natural science topics and gain the knowledge and skills needed to begin volunteering as a Certified Virginia Master Naturalist.
What does training involve?
- 14–15 mandatory weekly classes
- One evening class each week, generally Monday through Thursday, 6:00–9:00 p.m.
- At least 10 hours of field trips
- Classes are held at Westminster Canterbury, 1600 Westbrook Avenue, Richmond, VA 23227, depending on site availability
Our classes and field experiences are designed to help you better understand the natural world right here in our own communities—and introduce you to others who share your interest in nature.
Learn. Volunteer. Connect.
Virginia Master Naturalists are volunteers who use their knowledge and enthusiasm to support the natural resources in their communities.
After completing Basic Training, volunteers maintain their certification by completing:
- 40 hours of approved volunteer service each year
- 8 hours of approved continuing education each year
There are many ways to get involved, so you can find opportunities that match your interests and abilities. Volunteer activities fall into four main areas:
Citizen Science
Help collect and contribute valuable information about Virginia’s natural resources.
Stewardship
Take part in hands-on projects that help protect and improve natural areas.
Education & Outreach
Share your knowledge and enthusiasm for nature with others in the community.
Chapter Administration
Help keep our organization running and support fellow volunteers.
We hope you’ll join us not just for the training, but as part of a community of volunteers who are committed to learning and making a difference for years to come.
Keeping the Program Accessible
We believe that financial circumstances shouldn’t prevent someone from participating in the Virginia Master Naturalist program.
The standard Basic Training fee is $150. We also offer the opportunity to select a different registration fee based on your financial need during the volunteer application process.
Ready to Learn More?
Interested in becoming a Riverine Chapter Virginia Master Naturalist?
The application period for each year’s class takes place in September. If you’d like to be reminded when applications open, we’d love to hear from you.
Email us at:
getmoreriverineinfo@riverinemn.org
We’ll add you to our reminder list and contact you before the next application period.
Live Somewhere Else?
The Riverine Chapter serves Henrico County, Hanover County, and the City of Richmond.
If you live elsewhere in Virginia, visit the Virginia Master Naturalist chapter directory to find a chapter near you.
If you live outside Virginia, try searching for “Master Naturalist” + the name of your state. Many states have similar volunteer programs focused on connecting people with nature and serving their local communities.If you live in another state search for Master Naturalist for your state.
