🌿 Boydton! Ready to explore the natural world and give back to your community?

Join us for our Basic Training Info Session and learn how to become a Virginia Master Naturalist!

📍 Southside Regional Library — 1294 Jefferson St, Boydton, VA
📅 December 13, 2025
⏰ 1:00–2:00 PM

Discover the impact Master Naturalists make through:
🌼 Education & Outreach
📊 Citizen Science
🌳 Stewardship Projects

If you’ve ever been curious about local ecology, conservation, or volunteering outdoors, this is the perfect place to start!

We’d love to have you there! 🍃
More info: Southside.naturalists@gmail.com
www.southernpiedmontmasternaturalists.org

🌿 Love nature and want to make a difference?
Join us for a Virginia Master Naturalist Basic Training Info Session in Chase City!

📅 December 9, 2025
🕠 5:30 p.m.
📍 Estes Center – 316 North Main Street, Chase City, VA

Learn how you can become a certified volunteer helping with education, citizen science, and environmental stewardship across Southside Virginia. 🌎

🔗 More info: www.southernpiedmontmasternaturalist.org
📧 southside.naturalists@gmail.com

#VirginiaMasterNaturalists #SouthernPiedmontVMN #ChaseCityVA #VolunteerInNature #CitizenScience #Conservation

🌿 Interested in becoming a Virginia Master Naturalist?
Join us for a Basic Training Info Session right here in Clarksville!

📍 Rooted Cafe — 307 Virginia Ave, Clarksville, VA
📅 December 7, 2025
⏰ 12:30–1:30 PM

Come learn how YOU can get involved in:
✨ Citizen Science
✨ Environmental Stewardship
✨ Education & Outreach

This is a casual, friendly session where you can meet current members, ask questions, and see what the program is all about. Whether you love wildlife, conservation, hiking, community projects, or simply want to learn more about the natural world—there’s a place for you!

Don’t miss it! 🌱
More info: Southside.naturalists@gmail.com
www.southernpiedmontmasternaturalists.org

🎄✨ Join the Southern Piedmont Master Naturalists at the Hometown Christmas Market! ✨🎄
Discover the beauty of evergreen trees, learn about nature in winter, and let your little ones create their own handmade ornaments inspired by the great outdoors. 🌲💫

🗓 Saturday, December 6
⏰ 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
📍 South Hill Farmer’s Market
🎁 Free Entry!

Stop by our table to explore, create, and connect with nature this holiday season! 💚

🌕✨ Join Us for a Moonlit Adventure! ✨🌕
Experience the beauty of nature in a whole new light — by the glow of the full moon! 🌲🌙

The Southern Piedmont Master Naturalists invite you to our Full Moon Hike on the Tobacco Heritage Trail.
📅 Date: December 4
🕗 Time: 8:00–8:45 PM
📍 Meet at: The Caboose in LaCrosse
👟 Open to the public — all ages welcome!

Bring a flashlight or headlamp just in case the moonlight hides behind the clouds, and get ready for a peaceful evening surrounded by nature.

Learn more at 👉 www.southernpiedmontmasternaturalist.org

#VirginiaMasterNaturalists #SouthernPiedmontVMN #FullMoonHike #TobaccoHeritageTrail #ExploreVirginia #NightHike #GetOutside

🌲✨ Poetry in Nature – Winter Series ✨🌲

Join Master Naturalist Alicia Washburn for a gentle hike where we’ll pause to read and reflect on poems inspired by the natural world—including selections from the beloved poet Mary Oliver. 🌿

🍂 November 29 | Greenwood WMA Cemetery Loop | 3:30–4:30 p.m.
📍 1999 Greenwood Rd, Boydton, VA

Come walk, listen, and take time to notice nature’s beauty—leaving refreshed, calm, and connected. 💫

🌿 Interested in becoming a Virginia Master Naturalist?
Join us for our Basic Training Info Session in Halifax!

📅 November 29, 2025
⏰ 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
📍 Halifax Farmer’s Market
209 S Main St, Halifax, VA

Come learn how you can get involved in citizen science, education and outreach, and stewardship right here in Southside Virginia. This session is perfect for anyone curious about nature, conservation, or volunteering in their community.

💬 Meet current volunteers
🪴 Explore upcoming projects
📚 Learn what’s included in Basic Training
🟢 Free and open to the public!

Questions?
📧 southside.naturalists@gmail.com
🌐 www.southernpiedmontmasternaturalists.org

We hope to see you there! 🌼

🌿 Interested in nature, wildlife, and conservation?
Learn how to turn your passion into purpose by joining the Virginia Master Naturalist Basic Training Info Session in Kenbridge!

📅 Saturday, November 22, 2025
🕥 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
📍 Ripberger Public Library, 117 S. Broad St., Kenbridge, VA

Come discover how you can volunteer in education, citizen science, and environmental stewardship across Southside Virginia.

🔗 Learn more: www.southernpiedmontmasternaturalist.org
📧 Email: southside.naturalists@gmail.com

#VirginiaMasterNaturalists #SouthernPiedmontVMN #KenbridgeVA #Conservation #Volunteer #CitizenScience #EnvironmentalEducation

Join us for a free Basic Training Info Session and discover how you can connect with nature, learn from experts, and make a difference right here in Southside Virginia!

📍 Where: Brunswick County Library, 133 Hicks Street, Lawrenceville, VA
📅 When: November 15, 2025
⏰ Time: 10:00 a.m.

Come learn how volunteers across the state are helping with:
🦋 Education & Outreach
🌎 Citizen Science
🌳 Stewardship

Whether you love birds, butterflies, or simply being outdoors, there’s a place for you in our Southern Piedmont Chapter. 🌼

💚 More info:
📧 Southside.naturalists@gmail.com
🌐 www.southernpiedmontmasternaturalist.org

#VirginiaMasterNaturalists #SPMN #VolunteerInNature #CitizenScience #NatureLovers #SouthsideVA

Come walk the park's bluebird trail with a Virginia Master Naturalist as she checks the nestboxes and records data for the Virginia Bluebird Society. Proper nestbox design and mounting as well as the importance of regular monitoring will be discussed. Participants should have the opportunity to view eggs and/or nestlings as they learn about conservation efforts that have resulted in the comeback of the Eastern Bluebird.

Discover the Magic of Bluebirds at Occoneechee State Park! 

Meet at OSP Visitor Center.

Come and be with Southern Piedmont Master Naturalists for an engaging outreach program on the Bluebird Trail in the park.

Learn how stewardship of nesting boxes plays a vital role in protecting these beloved songbirds. Discover the best practices for installing and monitoring nest boxes to support cavity-nesting birds. Whether you’re looking to enhance your own backyard or simply experience the joy of bluebird conservation, this program will inspire you to take action for wildlife. Don’t miss this chance to connect with nature and make a difference.

When

Saturday Jun 14, 2025 ⋅ 10am – 12pm (Eastern Time - New York)

Location

Occoneechee State Park, 1192 Occoneechee Park Rd, Clarksville, VA 23927, USA

Come walk the park's bluebird trail with a Virginia Master Naturalist as she checks the nestboxes and records data for the Virginia Bluebird Society. Proper nestbox design and mounting as well as the importance of regular monitoring will be discussed. Participants should have the opportunity to view eggs and/or nestlings as they learn about conservation efforts that have resulted in the comeback of the Eastern Bluebird.

Join us at the Eagle Point Boat Ramp (5371 Taylor Ferry Road, Boydton, VA 23917) from 9AM to 12PM for a trail workday focused on trail improvements and Leave No Trace. For more information contact Will Daniel at 434.738.6143 ext. 6150.

Join the Leave No Trace Team and Southern Piedmont Master Naturalist Chapter at Buggs Island Brewery (101 2^nd St., Clarksville, VA 23927) beginning at 5:30 PM for a fun night of Leave No Trace themed trivia. Prizes will be awarded. 

Calling all youth! Join the Leave No Trace Team, Southern Piedmont Master Naturalist Chapter, and John H. Kerr Reservoir Park Rangers from 10AM to 12PM for a fun, structured program where youth participants will rotate through three different stations all focused on Leave No Trace. Youth Program will be at the Joseph S.J. Tanner Environmental Education Center (5164 Buggs Island Rd., Boydton, VA 23917).

Come walk the park's bluebird trail with a Virginia Master Naturalist as she checks the nestboxes and records data for the Virginia Bluebird Society. Proper nestbox design and mounting as well as the importance of regular monitoring will be discussed. Participants should have the opportunity to view eggs and/or nestlings as they learn about conservation efforts that have resulted in the comeback of the Eastern Bluebird.

Come walk the park's bluebird trail with a Virginia Master Naturalist as she checks the nestboxes and records data for the Virginia Bluebird Society. Proper nestbox design and mounting as well as the importance of regular monitoring will be discussed. Participants should have the opportunity to view eggs and/or nestlings as they learn about conservation efforts that have resulted in the comeback of the Eastern Bluebird.

Come walk the park's bluebird trail with a Virginia Master Naturalist as she checks the nestboxes and records data for the Virginia Bluebird Society. Proper nestbox design and mounting as well as the importance of regular monitoring will be discussed. Participants should have the opportunity to view eggs and/or nestlings as they learn about conservation efforts that have resulted in the comeback of the Eastern Bluebird.

Tuesday, February 18 from 6PM to 7 PM

Program Topic: Planting Virginia Natives

Presenter: Virginia Witmer, Outreach Coordinator; Virginia Coastal Zone Management (CZM) Program; Virginia Department of Environmental Quality 

Open to public.

Program free and open to the Public. Launched in 1998 by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and National Audubon Society, the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) is a community/citizen science project to collect data on wild birds. The Southern Piedmont Master Naturalists invite you to join us at this beautiful Virginia State Park to watch, identify, and count as many birds as we can find. These observations help scientists better understand global bird populations before one of their annual migrations. Expect to walk 2-4 miles on mostly level terrain. Please wear layers because it's likely to be cold when we begin and warm up as we go along. Sturdy footwear is essential, and the terrain may be wet in places. The Visitor Center has restrooms and water and will be open from 10:00-4:00; please plan accordingly. Please bring binoculars. 

Virginia Master Naturalist Terri Mewborn, will record observations for the group using eBird and share the checklist with participants who provide their eBird userid and/or email address.

Meeting place is the Clover Visitor Center is at 1035 Fort Hill Trail, Randolph, VA 23962. 

“If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services, or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact Taylor Clarke, Extension Agent at (434) 738-6191, ext 4371 during business hours of 8:00 am and 5:00 pm to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event. TDD number is (800) 828-1120."

You're Invited to a Basic Training Info Session!

Interested in becoming a Virginia Master Naturalist? Join us online to learn about the steps to becoming certified with the Southern Piedmont Chapter. This virtual session will cover the application process, training requirements, and the various volunteer opportunities that let you contribute to conservation efforts through Education and Outreach, Citizen Science, and Stewardship.

Event Details:

Date: January 26, 2025
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Online via Zoom
Meeting ID: 885 8022 7058
Passcode: 383786

What to Expect:

~Application Process: Understand the steps involved in applying, including references, a background check, and a brief interview.
~Basic Training Requirements: Learn about the required training sessions, assessments, and the $125 tuition fee.
~Certification Steps: Discover how to complete volunteer hours and continuing education to become a certified Master Naturalist.

This session is perfect for anyone passionate about nature and looking to make a difference in their community. Join from the comfort of your own home and take the first step toward becoming a Master Naturalist!

For more information, contact us at Southside.naturalists@gmail.com or visit www.southernpiedmontmasternaturalist.org

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services, or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact Tony Clarke, Extension Agent at (434) 738-6191, ext. 4371 during business hours of 8:00 am and 5:00 pm to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event. TDD number is 1-800-828-1120.

Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Its 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.

Tuesday, January 21st from 6PM to 7PM 

Program Topic: Healthy Soils

Presenter: Louise Jacques (Resource Soil Scientist; USDA-NRCS VA)

Open to public.

You're Invited to a Basic Training Info Session!

Interested in becoming a Virginia Master Naturalist? Join us for an informative session to learn what it takes to become a certified Master Naturalist with the Southern Piedmont Chapter. This session will guide you through the journey, covering the application process, basic training requirements, and certification steps. You’ll also learn about the volunteer opportunities in Education and Outreach, Citizen Science, and Stewardship that await you.

Event Details:
Date: January 18, 2024
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Location: Southside Planning Commission, 200 S. Mecklenburg Ave., South Hill

What to Expect:
~Application Process: Understand the steps for applying, including references, a background check, and a phone interview.
~Basic Training: Learn about the required training sessions, assessments, and the $125 tuition fee.
~Certification Requirements: Discover how to complete your volunteer and continuing education hours to become fully certified.

This session will provide an overview of the Master Naturalist program and give you a clear understanding of how to get involved in conserving and restoring Virginia’s natural heritage.

For more information, reach out to Southside.naturalists@gmail.com or visit www.southernpiedmontmasternaturalist.org

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services, or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact Tony Clarke, Extension Agent at (434) 738-6191, ext. 4371 during business hours of 8:00 am and 5:00 pm to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event. TDD number is 1-800-828-1120.

Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Its 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.

You're Invited to a Basic Training Info Session!

Want to become a Virginia Master Naturalist? Attend this Info Session to learn about the path to certification and discover how you can make a difference through education, citizen science, and stewardship. This session will provide a full overview of the application process, training requirements, and volunteer opportunities available with the Southern Piedmont Chapter.

Event Details:
Date: January 18th
Time: 12:00 p.m.
Location: Factory Street Brewing, 210 Factory St., South Boston, VA

What to Expect:
~Application Process: Find out what’s needed to apply, including references, a background check, and an interview.
~Basic Training Requirements: Learn about the training sessions, assessments, and tuition fee to complete the program.
~Certification Steps: Understand how to fulfill your volunteer hours and continue learning to become fully certified.
This is a great opportunity to explore how you can contribute to conservation efforts and support Virginia's natural heritage as a Master Naturalist.

For more information, contact us at Southside.naturalists@gmail.com or visit www.southernpiedmontmasternaturalist.org

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services, or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact Tony Clarke, Extension Agent at (434) 738-6191, ext. 4371 during business hours of 8:00 am and 5:00 pm to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event. TDD number is 1-800-828-1120.

Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Its 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

POC: Terri Mewborn
Trash Tuesday Litter Patrol.  SPMNs are invited to join Terri Mewborn for a litter patrol at Staunton View Park. Bring your own gloves and, if desired, your own grabber. Terri will bring heavy duty trash bags. SPMNs are welcome to bring a non-VMN friend or neighbor along. This park is located about 9 miles north of Clarksville, off Highway 15. The address is 2325 Staunton River Rd, Clarksville, VA 23927. Road dead-ends into the parking area. Call Terri (703) 942-6321 if you have questions.

You're Invited to a Basic Training Info Session!

Are you eager to learn about becoming a Virginia Master Naturalist? Join us at this Info Session to discover the journey to certification, including the application process, training requirements, and volunteer opportunities. This session will provide valuable insights into how you can contribute to conservation efforts through Education and Outreach, Citizen Science, and Stewardship activities with the Southern Piedmont Chapter.

Event Details:

Date: January 9, 2025

Time: 5:30 p.m.

Location: Virginia Cooperative Extension, 311 Washington St., Boydton

What to Expect:

~Application Process: Learn the steps required to apply, including references, a background check, and a phone interview.

~Basic Training Requirements: Understand what the training entails, including sessions, assessments, and the $125 tuition fee.

~Certification Steps: Discover how to fulfill your volunteer hours and complete continuing education to become a certified Master Naturalist.

This session is perfect for anyone looking to make a positive impact on Virginia’s natural environment and engage with the community as a Master Naturalist.

For more information, contact us at Southside.naturalists@gmail.com or visit www.southernpiedmontmasternaturalist.org

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services, or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact Tony Clarke, Extension Agent at (434) 738-6191, ext. 4371 during business hours of 8:00 am and 5:00 pm to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event. TDD number is 1-800-828-1120.

Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Its 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.

You're Invited to a Basic Training Info Session!

Are you curious about becoming a Virginia Master Naturalist?

Join us for an Info Session to discover what it takes to become part of this dedicated community of volunteers. This session will provide an overview of the Master Naturalist program, including the application process, basic training requirements, and certification steps. Whether you’re passionate about conservation, education, or citizen science, this session will help you understand how to get involved and make a positive impact in your community.

Event Details:
Date: December 12, 2024
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Virginia Cooperative Extension, 133 Legrande Ave., Charlotte Courthouse

Learn about:
~Application Process: Steps to apply, including background checks, references, and an interview.
~Basic Training: What the training involves, including required sessions, presentations, assessments, and the $125 tuition fee.
~Certification Requirements: Complete 40 volunteer hours and continue with 8 hours of ongoing education to become certified.

This session will cover the full journey to becoming a certified Master Naturalist and the many ways you can engage in Education and Outreach, Citizen Science, and Stewardship activities.

For more information, contact us at Southside.naturalists@gmail.com or visit www.southernpiedmontmasternaturalist.org

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services, or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact Tony Clarke, Extension Agent at (434) 738-6191, ext. 4371 during business hours of 8:00 am and 5:00 pm to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event. TDD number is 1-800-828-1120.

Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Its 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.

Join Us at the South Hill Farmer’s Market!

Come visit our booth on December 7th, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the South Hill Farmer’s Market! We’ll be diving into the fascinating world of scats and tracks, teaching you how to identify animal signs you might find in nature. It’s a great way to get closer to wildlife and understand more about the animals living in our area.

We’ll also be sharing information about our Southern Piedmont Master Naturalists' program—learn how you can get involved in our conservation efforts, educational outreach, and citizen science projects. Stop by for an engaging conversation, and let’s talk about how you can make a difference!

You're Invited to a Basic Training Info Session!

Want to become a Virginia Master Naturalist? Attend this Info Session to learn about the path to certification and discover how you can make a difference through education, citizen science, and stewardship. This session will provide a full overview of the application process, training requirements, and volunteer opportunities available with the Southern Piedmont Chapter.

Event Details:

Date: December 3, 2024
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: Bracey Community Center, 127 Nellie Jones Rd., Bracey

What to Expect:
~Application Process: Find out what’s needed to apply, including references, a background check, and an interview.
~Basic Training Requirements: Learn about the training sessions, assessments, and tuition fee to complete the program.
~Certification Steps: Understand how to fulfill your volunteer hours and continue learning to become fully certified.

This is a great opportunity to explore how you can contribute to conservation efforts and support Virginia's natural heritage as a Master Naturalist.

For more information, contact us at Southside.naturalists@gmail.com or visit www.southernpiedmontmasternaturalist.org

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services, or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact Tony Clarke, Extension Agent at (434) 738-6191, ext. 4371 during business hours of 8:00 am and 5:00 pm to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event. TDD number is 1-800-828-1120.

Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Its 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.