I love to find a waterfall. Or simply revisit one I've seen years ago.
Like the Big Falls of the Pinnacle Natural Area Preserve.
This drop near the center of Russell County, Va., flows into the Clinch River.
It's quite secluded, approached by a walking trail.
It's also a great place to study wild life and rare plants.
That's why you'll find it on the list of field trips in the upcoming classes by the Holston Rivers Chapter of the Virginia Master Naturalists.
In a nutshell, the Virginia Master Naturalist Program is a statewide corps of volunteers providing education, outreach and service.
The program is dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas within their communities.
Interested Virginians can become "Master Naturalists" through training and volunteer service.
In many ways, it's similar to becoming a "Master Gardener."
"The training class is open to all Virginia residents," said organizer Gwen Kirby.
"No prior experience in the sciences is necessary, merely an interest in the natural world. Tennessee residents are welcome to participate. The class is great for teachers."
This year's classes start on Thursday, Feb. 16, at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center, Room 240, and meet on Thursdays at 6:30 p.m.
Classes run through May 10.
Field trips are being held on Saturday, going to places like the Pinnacle plus the Appalachian Trail; the Buller Fish Hatchery in Smyth County near Sugar Grove; and the Mount Rogers Naturalist Rally at Konnarock, Va.
The rally is being held in May.
The course focuses on local geology and karst systems, groundwater systems, aquatic biology, native animals, ornithology, forestry, wildflowers, stream management, weather and more.
To become certified, Master Naturalists are expected to complete 40 hours of basic training including classroom hours and three field trips, eight hours of advanced training and 40 hours of volunteer service in the 12 months following their class.
The program cost of $100 includes nearly $100 worth of books and resources plus class tuition, field trips, registration fee for the Mount Rogers Naturalist Rally and the chapter dues of $25 for the year.
Space is limited in the program.
Information about the activities of the chapter and an application for basic training can be found at www.holstonrivervmn.org. You can also find a wealth of information at virginiamasternaturalist.org.
The Virginia Master Naturalist program is a statewide corps of volunteers providing education, outreach, and service dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas within their communities.
Interested Virginians become Master Naturalists through training and volunteer service.
jtennis@bristolnews.com / (276) 791-0704
Want to learn more?
» Contact Monica Hoel at mhoel1985@gmail.com or (276) 944-3516; or Shauna Russell at srussel@bvps.org.
» On the Web: Visit www.virginiamasternaturalist.org
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