The Official Site of
West Virginia State Parks & Forests

Master Naturalist Program in West Virginia

The mission of the West Virginia Master Naturalist Program is to train interested people in the fundamentals of natural history, nature interpretation and teaching, and to instill responsible environmental stewardship. The program ultimately provides a corps of highly qualified volunteers to assist government agencies, non-government organizations, and schools with research, outdoor recreation development, and environmental education and protection.

West Virginia State Parks welcomes Master Naturalist (MN) volunteer work. Individual parks and forests are wonderful areas to demonstrate and share MN skills and knowledge with visitors and guests via presentations, hikes or volunteer work (such as trail maintenance and interpretative displays). Individuals in the MN program are required to conduct volunteer hours to maintain Master Naturalist status. Suggested opportunities at state parks include, but are certainly not limited to: interpretive programs or presentations, seasonal naturalist work, leading hikes, nature center hosting, etc.
Master Naturalists volunteering hours at a state park or forest should contact the area superintendent to discuss the possibilities. Master Naturalists complete a volunteer work agreement with the state parks system. Reporting of volunteer hours to the Master Naturalist program is the responsibility of the individual or group.

To learn more about this program and for class descriptions and registration forms, Click Here. You will be redirected to detailed program information. The Master Naturalist Program is overseen by the WV DNR, Wildlife Section.

Master Naturalist Chapters in WV
The map indicates active chapter locations. Click on the red dot for chapter information.

Miscellaneous Information
The park system does not oversee the MN program or the chapter meetings, classes, etc., but serves as an outlet to practice Master Naturalist skills or share knowledge in a public setting and as part of the interpretative programs offered to the public.

Master Naturalist events or activities at state parks and forests may be posted to this page as available.

Master Naturalists interested in volunteering services at a state park or forest and not sure who to contact, email Parks Naturalist. Your assistance and interest in natural history and interpretation is welcome.

Contact Master Naturalist Coordinator
Master Naturalist Brochure (pdf)

Get involved with these additional state parks and forests programs:

Very Important Parks Person (VIPP)
Geocaching
Volunteer Park Host
Hiking Program
Click for WV State Park & Forest Events Calendar

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