Basic Training 2026 Application and Information

The Tidewater Chapter offers one training in the Spring of the year. Classroom sessions this year will occur on March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, April 13, 20, 27 and May 4, 11 (6-9PM). Field trips are scheduled for March 28, April 25, May 9 and 16 (typically instruction from 9am-1pm (plus travel time). Attendance is mandatory for all classes and field trips.

The course fee is $125 and includes all materials, field trip fees and first year chapter dues.

Planning is underway for the Spring 2026 Basic Training class. Information and links to all necessary documents are listed below.

NOTE: Applications need to be completed in one sitting. Assemble all information ahead of time. The deadline for receipt of applications and all references is January 15, 2026. Personal references are required for a complete application. All applicants should send their references the additional document provided (either word or pdf format) allowing time for completion by the deadline. Applicants will be notified in January of the interview schedule.

  1. GENERAL INFORMATION READ FIRST: 2026_Course_information_for_applicants-1

2. APPLICATION: Please click HERE

3. SEND A COPY OF THE REFERENCE QUESTIONNAIRE TO EACH OF YOUR REFERENCES:

Available in two versions:

2026_Reference_Questionnaire (fillable Word document)

2026_Reference_Questionnaire (pdf, to be completed manually or online with Adobe Pro)

HELPFUL TIPS:

Find additional information in these following links:

FAQ about TMN Basic Training

Tidewater Chapter of Virginia Master Naturalists: Promoting natural resource conservation in southeastern Virginia