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By Jennifer Mauer and Stella Payne

Are you passionate about your local environment and eager to make a difference? Do you want to take an active role in preserving and restoring vital habitats and species?

Do you enjoy learning about coastal Virginia’s natural habitats and ecosystems and participating in local citizen science projects?

If you’re interested in raising public awareness through education, the Virginia Master Naturalist Program is the perfect opportunity for you! Join the Historic Southside Chapter of the Virginia Master Naturalist Program for our annual Basic Training Program, starting Jan. 16 at the VA Cooperative Extension Office in the Isle of Wight Courthouse.

This comprehensive program includes 27 hours of engaging classroom instruction covering vital topics such as ecology, birds, mammals, insects, fish, reptiles, plants, wetlands, forestry, weather, and geology. Additionally, you’ll participate in four exciting field trips on select Saturdays, where you can apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings.

We will be exploring the Great Dismal Swamp, Piney Grove Preserve, Blackwater Ecological Natural Area Preserve and Ragged Island Wildlife Management Area. Don’t miss this chance to connect with nature and your community! For more information, please visit www.vmnhistoricsouthside.org or call the Virginia Cooperative Extension Office at 757-365-6261.

Virginia Cooperative Extension programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Virginia State University, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating.