Registration opened for the 2014 Master Naturalist session on July 1. Master Naturalists are people who want to make a difference by helping maintain the quality of our natural areas and local ecosystems.
Participants receive 60 hours of training, including classes and field trips covering amphibians, birds, plants, wetlands and more. An additional eight hours of education and 40 hours of volunteer service is required for certification. Participating with the Merrimac Farm Master Naturalists is a fun way to learn more about nature nearby, improve your community and meet new friends.
Charlie Grymes, Prince William Conservation Alliance Chairman and Merrimac Farm Master Naturalist, thinks the program is terrific, saying “The more you know about your local places, the more interesting they are. This is a great opportunity to discover nature close to home.”
No previous experience is needed.
“The most important qualification for potential Master Naturalists is a desire to learn more about wildlife habitats and contribute to your local environment through volunteer service,” said master naturalist Judy Gallagher
The $200 program fee covers all classes and supplies. Registration is open until the class maximum of 12 participants is reached. For more information, including how to apply, check online at pwconserve.org/masternaturalist. email [email protected] or call us at 703-490-5200.
Recent Stories

A surge in riders across OmniRide commuter bus routes is triggering overcrowding issues on several key lines, prompting officials at the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission (PRTC) to weigh how and where they can expand service — especially as the region heads into a busy fall season.

The ArtsFairfax Events Calendar is your destination for all arts and culture activities in Northern Virginia. Find a concert, play, poetry reading, or exhibition in your neighborhood—many events are free and family-friendly!
Are you part of a performing arts group, school, or cultural organization? You can add your events and classes, too. The ArtsFairfax Events Calendar is free and easy to use.
Your attendance at local arts events supports small businesses in our community and the art makers who help make Fairfax and its surrounding region so vibrant. With the ArtsFairfax Events Calendar, you can stay curious and stay local to plan your next arts adventure!

Go Ape, America’s leading aerial adventure park provider, is proud to unveil a revitalized experience across its iconic Zipline & Adventure Parks. This refresh goes beyond physical upgrades; it reflects a renewed mission to foster meaningful connections between people, nature, and self.
“Go Ape has always been about thrilling treetop adventures,” says Chrissy Very, Senior Director of Marketing. “Now, we’re redefining what it means to truly connect: through purpose-driven outdoor experiences that inspire courage, reflection, and joy.”
As access to public outdoor spaces becomes more limited, Go Ape steps in to bridge the gap with immersive, inclusive, and wellness-focused adventures for individuals, families, and groups.
Your Weight Matters National Convention
Hosted by the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) since 2012, this highly-anticipated gathering is the nation’s leading gathering focused on empowering individuals with science-based education, support and practical tools for managing weight and improving health.
This unique Convention truly has something
Van Metre 5K Run
Participate in the 33rd Annual Van Metre 5K Run—a race that goes further than 3.1 miles, where every stride you take supports Children’s National Hospital. The Van Metre 5K Run donates 100% of proceeds to Children’s National Hospital and has