Giving Thanks for Virginia Master Naturalists

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. For me, it always involves a hike, some of my favorite foods, family, a 4 1/2 day weekend, and, of course, an opportunity to reflect on the many things for which I am thankful. This year, one of those things is Virginia Master Naturalists!

I am thankful for all of our local volunteer board members, committee members, and other leaders who not only keep this program going at the local level, but continually improve it. Usually you are implementing improvements before I can even think of them! Already this year, VMN volunteers have contributed 10,791 (approximately $227,000 worth) hours on activities that keep the local chapter vibrant, such as recruiting and training new VMN volunteers.

I am also thankful for all of the volunteers who are driven to educate youth about natural resources. You are giving our next generation of natural resource stewards the tools and knowledge to care for our woods, wildlife, and waters. In 2011, you already have made more than 28,000 contacts with youth! Whether you've taught a kid to plant a tree, test water quality in a stream, or just appreciate the outdoors, you've made a difference!

I am thankful that the stewardship activities of Virginia Master Naturalists have helped my state have more trees, more oysters, fewer invasive plants (well, at least in some locations), more nature trails, more Bay grasses, and more wildlife habitat (at least in some places.)

I am thankful that Virginia Master Naturalists are citizen scientists, helping us learn more about and keep track of birds, turtles, frogs, butterflies, aquatic macroinvertebrates, American chestnuts, and more! Most of these studies couldn't happen without volunteer involvement.

Thank you, Virginia Master Naturalist volunteers, for all that you do!