Old Rag Master Naturalists

Old Rag Master Naturalists are dedicated stewards of the natural world across the northern Piedmont and Blue Ridge foothills of Virginia. Our members are the hands, eyes, and voices of conservation in this region – observing, documenting, teaching, and restoring the natural resources that make our area so extraordinary. 

Because of you — our generous donors — ORMN accomplished the following in 2025!

Sponsored the Blind Birder Bird-a-Thon at Lenn Park in May. Participants identified 17 bird species by sound and learned how to use the Merlin app to enhance their birding experience. After the walk, the President of the Federation of the Blind of Virginia shared that the event made him realize “birds are all around us,” and that he would pay closer attention to their presence and songs.

This meaningful project earned ORMN the “Nature for All” Award from the Virginia Master Naturalists, and we look forward to hosting additional inclusive events in 2026.

Partnered with The American Chestnut Foundation to relaunch ORMN’s Chestnut Grove Program. We identified Hoover Ridge Park as the site for our first new Chestnut Grove installation, planned for 2026.

Be sure to check out our Chestnut Grove Campaign and follow along as we help restore this iconic native tree to our landscape

Partnered with the Virginia Grassland Bird Initiative (VGBI), ORMN purchased and installed more than 50 American Kestrel nesting boxes across our region. In 2025, we monitored a total of 91 boxes and successfully fledged 92 kestrels — a strong return for a species that depends on active conservation.

Each box is checked weekly during breeding season, with all data carefully reported back to VGBI to support statewide research and habitat efforts.

Be sure to explore our Adopt a Kestrel Box Campaign and help us keep these little falcons flying.

Partnered with the Virginia Bluebird Society, ORMN installed and monitored 26 bluebird trails totaling 274 nest boxes across our region. In 2025 alone, those trails produced an impressive 834 baby bluebirds.

Each trail is checked weekly throughout the breeding season, with all data carefully recorded and reported back to the Virginia Bluebird Society to support statewide conservation efforts.

Consistent monitoring makes the difference — and these numbers show it.

Partnered with the Culpeper Soil and Water Conservation District and the Izaak Walton League of America Save Our Streams team, ORMN monitored 12 local waterways in 2025: Rush River; Thornton River at Rock Mills; the North and South Forks of the Thornton River at Sperryville; Hazel River; Hughes River; Popham Run; Rose River; Rapidan River; Conway River; and the South River.

Each site is monitored twice annually, with data submitted at the state level to Culpeper Soil and Water and federally through the Clean Water Hub.

This steady, boots-on-the-ground monitoring ensures long-term water quality tracking and helps protect the health of our region’s rivers and streams.

Sponsored two scholarships awarded to local high school seniors pursuing degrees in environmental science — investing in the next generation of conservation leaders.

Visit our website to learn more!

If you love the outdoors and are ready to do more than just admire it, we’d love to have you join us.

Our training program equips volunteers with solid foundational knowledge and hands-on skills to make a meaningful impact on conservation efforts throughout the Piedmont region.

Topics include:
Ecology, biodiversity, and invasive species; geology, soils, and fungi; entomology; ornithology; herpetology; ichthyology; mammalogy; forest ecology and botany; aquatic systems and wetlands; weather patterns; citizen science; nature journaling; and communication skills.

There’s nothing quite like rolling up your sleeves and seeing the difference you’ve made. Through volunteer service and community support, you help protect the natural places we all value — right here at home. 

Please continue your generous support so we can keep this important work moving forward in 2026.

With your donations, we’ll keep boots on the ground, projects growing, and conservation efforts strong right here at home.

"Disclosure Statement: A financial statement is available upon request from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services PO Box 1163, Richmond, VA 23218."