This course is designed to introduce the public to the work of the Master Naturalists and other volunteers. It is a selection of six volunteer projects illustrative of the Master Naturalists' activities. Taking this course will teach you more about nature and how you can be a part of preserving our natural resources. Sessions include "Ivy Creek: Charlottesville's Natural Area," "Fluvanna County: How Volunteers Changed the Landscape and Created a More Natural Experience", "Promoting Pollinators," "Looking After the Rivanna," "A Bluebirds' Tale," and "Aliens in our Woods".

NOTE: Students should be prepared to go outside for part of the class with sturdy footwear and outwear appropriate for the weather. Each session will be taught by certified Master Naturalists: Marjie Giuliano, volunteer at Ivy Creek Natural Area since its inception 40 years ago. Walter Hussey, Virginia Master Naturalist and Virginia Master Gardener. Dorothy Tompkins, graduate of the first Master Naturalist class in Virginia, past president of the Rivanna Master Naturalist, and Virginia Master Gardeners botany teacher in three counties. David Smith, Geologist, Certified Virginia Master Naturalist, Rivanna Conservations Alliance (RCA) board member, and Certified Stream Monitor with Virginia Save our Streams. Ann Dunn, Virginia Bluebird Society board member, Coordinator for Albemarle and Fluvanna Counties, and State Data Manager. Rod and Maggie Walker, co-founders of BlueRidgePRISM.org which seeks to reduce the impact of invasive plants in the northern Blue Ridge Mountains. Virginia Master Naturalists are volunteer educators, citizen scientists, and stewards helping Virginia conserve and manage natural resources and public lands.