Apply for the Fall 2026 Basic Training Class: Applications open at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, July 19, 2026, and close at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, July 26, 2026.
Come learn from local experts who cover topics in biogeography, citizen science, ecology, geology, interpretation, native flora and fauna, weather, and climate, and much more.
Photo: by FMN Rob Warren – FMN crew at MNSP 022026
The Basic Training Course, the first step towards initial certification, offers fun and interactive instruction on our local environment. Becoming certified typically takes 6 to 12 months. The first step includes attending all classes and field trips (or making them up), completing the final exam and making a presentation on a topic of interest related to being a naturalist.
Initial certification, as well as annual recertification, requires 8 hours of continuing education and 40 hours of volunteer service. Basic training and continuing education are both educational and useful for preparing participants to volunteer as master naturalists in their communities.
Fall 2026 COURSE DETAILS
- Classes run September 3 through November 19, 2026, on Thursdays from 6:30-9:30 p.m.
- Classes will be held in person at the Fairfax County Government Center.
- Field trips to Fairfax County natural areas will be held in person, on four Saturdays during the course from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. A fifth Saturday will be scheduled should a field trip need to be rescheduled due to weather.
- Attendance at the 12 classes and 4 field trips is mandatory for graduation. Up to three classes (or two classes and one field trip) may be made up within 12 months of completion of basic training (e.g., during the next training cycle, with another master naturalist chapter, or by making special arrangements with approval from the Training Committee Chair).
- Trainees are required to have an email address and internet access, since program communications, training material access, and volunteer hour reporting are all done via the internet.
- The program is targeted toward adults, 18 or older. Youth, age 16-17, may apply under specific conditions.
- Class size is limited to 22 trainees with a maximum of two youths.
- We are committed to reducing financial barriers to participation in the VMN program. The standard fee for the training course is $200. The option to select a different registration fee based on your need is available as part of the volunteer application process.
Click here to view tentative 2026 Fall Training class schedule.
Fall 2026 APPLICATION DETAILS
- The application link opens at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, July 19, 2026, and closes at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, July 26, 2026
- It must be completed in one sitting. The program does not have an option to save and complete it later.
- Before filling out the application, it is highly recommended that you view the tip sheet for the application instructions linked below. It includes tips as well as a mock-up (sample) of the application for you to preview.
View the tip sheet and sample application here.
- You will be prompted to set up a Better Impact (BI) account. If you already have a BI account (such as with Master Gardeners) you may use the same username and password.
- You will be asked to provide three references whom we will contact. Provide the names of people who are familiar with your background and skills, but who are not family members. Please provide email and phone numbers where they can be easily reached.
- Applicants will be notified of their status by August 21, 2026.
- Questions? Email FMNclassselection@gmail.com.
STAY TUNED – APPLICATION LINK COMING SOON!
Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and local governments, and is an equal opportunity employer. For the full non-discrimination statement, please visit ext.vt.edu/accessibility.