The Alleghany Highlands Master Naturalist Chapter Extends Deadline for 2010 Class

Have you ever wanted to know more about the animals, plants or geology of the Alleghany Highlands? If so, the Virginia Master Naturalist training program was designed just for you. The Alleghany Highlands Chapter of the Virginia Master Naturalists will hold its fourth annual Master Naturalist Training Class at Douthat State Park starting February 18, 2010. The class will be held on Thursday evenings from 5-8:30 PM at the historic Douthat Lake View Restaurant. The cost is $125 per person and includes dinner before each class. In addition to the 10 evening classes, there will be 3 Saturday field trips. Topics in the curriculum include ecological concepts, biogeography, geology, soil science, wild flowers, trees and shrubs, birds, mammals, insects, amphibians and reptiles, fish and stream biology. Following completion of the class, students complete a take-home written exam and a practical exam. After accumulating 8 additional hours of advanced training and 40 hours of volunteer work, students are certified as Virginia Master Naturalists. The Alleghany Highlands chapter members participate in volunteer activities including environmental education in local schools as well as citizen science projects such as monitoring blue bird nesting and hawk watching. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the wonders of nature that surround us here in the Highlands and to help protect them. For more information and to download an application for the class, go to our website at www.virginiamasternaturalist.org/alleghanyhighlands.html. Applications are also available from the Douthat State Park office. Application deadline has been extended until February 12, 2010. For more information contact Keith Carson at 474-2858.