💡 CE: Virginia Master Naturalist Statewide Conference and Volunteer Training 2024 (Virtual)
September 27 – September 29
Conference Theme –
Connections: Humans, nature, and their mutual impacts
Our 2024 Virginia Master Naturalist conference theme focuses on the role that VMN volunteers can play in building positive connections between people and the rest of the natural world in which we exist. Research shows that time spent in nature has positive benefits for human physical, mental, and social well-being. Unfortunately, individuals often face barriers to spending more time in nature or do not have correct information about natural resources. And, humans’ impacts on species, ecosystems, and natural resources can be positive or negative, depending on our actions.
Virginia Master Naturalist volunteers are well-positioned to help people build more positive connections to nature. They can provide safe and enjoyable experiences in nature along with research-based information through their educational programs. They can also steward publicly accessible natural areas so that they are better spaces for both humans and native flora and fauna. In addition, VMNs can help increase our understanding of natural resources through science.
Sessions in this conference may be focused on a particular species or ecological system, a natural resource issue or management strategy, a volunteer project, or a skill, but all of them will relate in some way to connections between humans and the natural world.
Registration
Registration opens — August 5, 2024
Registration closes — September 16, 2024
Last day to request a refund — September 19, 2024
Access to Zoom Events opens for attendees — September 20, 2024