In addition to the 40-hour basic training, Virginia Master Naturalists are required to attend 8 hours of continuing education in order to qualify for certification. Continuing education is intended to provide volunteers with the background knowledge and skills needed to effectively perform the volunteer service of their choice. Continuing education may be one eight hour workshop or several smaller programs.
Unlike basic training, eight hours of continuing education is required annually for re-certification. Our committee of Continuing Education also provides a monthly event, currently online, of speakers on every imaginable topic related to nature, and oversees a quarterly book club discussion. While continuing education opportunities are many and varied, some examples of local continuing education include:
- Stream monitoring training offered quarterly by Rivanna Conservation Alliance.
- Training sessions on Wildlife Mapping, Project WILD, Project Learning Tree, etc offered by state agencies.
- Interpretive guide training for the School Tour program at the Ivy Creek Natural Area offered in the spring and fall.
- First Saturday Bird Walks offered each month by the Monticello Bird Club at the Ivy Creek Natural Area.
- Tree identification walks offered quarterly by the Ivy Creek Foundation.
See other continuing education opportunities on our calendar of events.