Canaan Valley Master Naturalist classes will begin in May. Prospective students are encouraged to attend the Wild Yards program on March 16 listed above. To become a certified WV Master Naturalist, you must complete 62 hours of instruction and 30 hours of approved nature related volunteer work. Class topics include: Aquatic, Wetland and Terrestrial Habitats, Mammals, Insects, Wildflowers, Fish, Geology, Trees, Amphibians and Reptiles, Habitat Improvement for Wildlife and many others. You can complete the coursework part of the program in 5 full weekends, but you have up to 4 years to complete coursework and volunteer hours. There are no tests.
The state program is sponsored by the WV Division of Natural Resources (WV DNR), and the Canaan Valley chapter is a committee of the Friends of the 500th of the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge. Classes are generally held at the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center and usually include a lecture and field portion. Participants generally say the program is a great way to learn about the area’s nature and to meet others with similar interests.
Weekends for classes this year will be: May 17 – 19, June 7 – 9, July 12 – 14, August 16 – 18 and Sept 20 – 22. For more information, go to www.mnofwv.org and/or contact Andrea Dalton – AndreaDalton64@gmail.com or 304-704-2476. The cost of the program is $175 which includes all classes until you are certified (up to 4 years). Scholarships are available.