Over the last six weeks, eight master naturalists have spent over 37 hours working in the shade of James Madison University campus trees – identifying trees to species, collecting data on each tree’s health and maintenance needs, and assisting the Edith J Carrier Arboretum as staff begin the process of logging trees there. Over 100…

New approved activity for HMNs! Thanks to Scott Jost in our new Cohort VIII class of trainees, the Headwaters Chapter Volunteer Service Projects Committee has approved Bumble Bee Watch as a citizen science activity. From Scott’s proposal for the project: Project Purpose and Value: Bumble Bee Watch is a collaborative effort to track and conserve…

Maple Flat Ponds Each spring, as wood frogs and salamanders across Virginia make their way to vernal pools, so too do avid Vernal Pool Monitors. This presented an opportunity for me to connect with an extraordinary citizen scientist and Master Naturalist by the name of John Holden. If you ever get a chance to attend…

Learn about a unique volunteer opportunity at Shenandoah National Park, thanks to Jerry Hopkins! Shenandoah National Park [SNP] has four wildflower planters along the 105 mile Skyline Drive.  One is located near the north entrance [Front Royal] at Dickey Ridge Visitors Center; one is at the entrance station at Thornton Gap; one is at the Big…

We are working on initiating a new project for volunteers to work on to earn their volunteer hours. The Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) is seeking the help of Virginia Master Naturalists in spreading awareness and education on living with black bears to a broader audience in hopes to alleviate negative interactions and human-bear conflicts…