I never pass up a chance to spend a few hours in one of Virginia’s parks, public forests and wildlife preserves.
Often, too, I envy the folks who make a living – or just spend their days as volunteers – among the wonders of some piece of paradise like the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, Blue Ridge Parkway or Hungry Mother State Park.
Some greet visitors and share history. Others explain nature’s miracles.
And some simply lead groups and brag about the beauty in their corner of the world.
But how do you get to be somebody like that?
Well, some go to schools.
Other might elect to be a "naturalist" through a new line of training being held across Virginia.
Formally, this is Virginia’s new "Master Naturalist" program. And a line of classes is slated to begin in Abingdon in February.
Link Elmore is excited about it all.
A former Richmond resident, Elmore showed up in the Mountain Empire a few years ago and was blown away by the beauty on the Virginia Creeper Trail.
He loved this area so much that he decided to put down roots with his family.
Now, Elmore is launching a training program for the Abingdon-based Holston Rivers chapter of the Virginia Master Naturalists.
For $75, participants in the 12-week program can learn more about rare plants and animals, plus share field experience with various experts.
You can take a trip to the newly built Virginia Museum of Natural History in Martinsville and attend the Mount Rogers Naturalist Rally at Konnarock in May.
"Basically," Elmore promised, "the idea is to condense all of this vast knowledge."
And then?
Well, Elmore said, you may not become an expert on biology, forestry or stream ecology through this program.
But this training, he said, will make you more qualified to lead groups at parks or along nature trails.
"This is modeled on the Master Gardeners program," Elmore said. "This is basically the naturalists’ version of it."
* Want to sign up for the naturalist program? Call (276) 676-2789.
JOE TENNIS is a features writer for the Herald Courier. He may be reached at (276) 791-0704 or jtennis@bristolnews.com
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