These Links will take you to information about the

West Virginia Master Naturalist Program

The West Virginia Master Naturalist Program allows individuals to increase their knowledge and appreciation of the natural world (through coursework, volunteer opportunities and networking), while helping their communities and the environment. Training is offered in a broad range of specialties in the fields of natural history and environmental educations. Topics include mushrooms, wild-flowers, insects, snakes, birds, mammals, habitats, weather, geology, fossils, nature interpretation and teaching, and more, all from a West Virginia perspective. Course work plus volunteer time qualify the trainee for certification as a West Virginia Master Naturalist.

The classes are open to anyone over 16 years of age, with an interest in natural history.

To be certified you must complete 64 hours of classroom and field training (48 hours of core classes and 16 hours of electives). You can take up from one to four years to complete this coursework. You must also complete 30 hours of volunteer work and to maintain your certification ,eight hours of training and 16 hours of volunteer time are required each year.

You can learn more by going to: http://www.wvstateparks.com/packages/masternaturalist.htm

Other links to check out:

http://master_naturalist_resources.cherokeehawk.com/ - lists the recommended books for the WV Master Naturalist Class.

http://www.masternaturalistwv.org/ - UnOfficial West Virginia Master Naturalist Site

http://www.nwf.org/wildlifeuniversity/ - National Wildlife Naturalist Classes (online)

http://masternaturalist.tamu.edu/ - Texas Master Naturalist Site

http://www.masternaturalist.org/ - Florida Master Naturalist Site

United States Naturalist Sites