The Potomac Valley Master Naturalist Program is still accepting applications for its 2012 classes but the deadline to apply is fast approaching. Applications must be postmarked by Jan. 14. Candidates will be notified of their selection by Feb. 1.

Instruction will begin in March 2012 and continue monthly through October.

As is the case each year, enrollment will be strictly limited to 20 people.

Established in 2007, the Potomac Valley Master Naturalist Program is sponsored by the Potomac Valley Audubon Society and is a chapter of the State of West Virginia Master Naturalist Program. Its classes are open to anyone who wants to be certified as a Master Naturalist by the state of West Virginia.

In all, 64 hours of classroom time and 30 hours of volunteer work are required to complete the certification cycle.

Classes are held at the National Conservation Training Center in Shepherdstown, Cacapon State Park in Berkeley Springs, Yankauer Nature Preserve in northeastern Berkeley County and Cool Spring Farm in southern Jefferson County.

Tuition is $300 per person for the full course of instruction. A limited number of scholarships will be available.

Application forms and more details are available on the Potomac Valley Audubon Society website at www.potomacaudubon.org. Scholarship applications are also available there. For more information email Melanie Snyder at littleowl48@hotmail.com.