12. Inspiring a Love of Nature with Kevin Divins, Virginia Master Naturalist

“Every little thing has a purpose, even a microorganism in the water. Understanding how everything is connected has given me a better appreciation of nature.” – Kevin Divins, Virgnia Master Naturalist

Who inspired your love of nature? Today’s guest, Kevin Divins, inspires others as a certified Virginia Master Naturalist, a statewide corps of community-based volunteers who help conserve and manage natural resources and public lands. Kevin explains how understanding the natural world enhances his outdoor experience hiking, camping and kayaking across Virginia. He also shares his favorite lesser-known locations for untouched beaches and pristine outdoor spaces. Let’s Go!

Mentioned Links:

• Virginia Master Naturalists: http://www.virginiamasternaturalist.org/

• Chesapeake Bay Foundation: https://www.cbf.org/

• James River Association: https://thejamesriver.org/

• Blue Sky Fund: https://blueskyfund.org/

• Christmas Bird Count: https://www.audubon.org/conservation/science/christmas-bird-count

• Virginia Native Plant Society: https://vnps.org/

• Audubon-At-Home: https://www.audubonva.org/audubon-at-home

• Bringing Nature Home by Doug Tallamy: https://www.alibris.com/Bringing-Nature-Home-How-You-Can-Sustain-Wildlife-with-Native-Plants-Douglas-W-Tallamy/book/24338619

• Nature’s Best Hope by Doug Tallamy: https://www.alibris.com/search/books/qwork/45235654

• iNaturalist App: https://www.inaturalist.org/

• Merlin Bird ID: https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/

• Mathews County, Virginia: https://www.mathewscountyva.gov/

• New Point Comfort Lighthouse: http://www.newpointcomfortlighthouse.org/

• New Point Comfort Nature Preserve: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/natural-heritage/natural-area-preserves/newpoint

• Bethel Beach: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/natural-heritage/natural-area-preserves/bethel

• DCR Natural Area Preserves: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/natural-heritage/natural-area-preserves/

• Richardson’s Café, Matthews County: https://richardsonscafeonmain.com/

• Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources: https://dwr.virginia.gov/

• Mobjack Kayaking: http://www.mobjackkayaking.net/

• Virginia State Parks: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/

• Westmoreland State Park: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/westmoreland

• Caledon State Park: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/caledon

• Holliday Lake State Park: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/holliday-lake

• Virginia State Parks Trail Quest: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/trail-quest

• Pocahontas State Park: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/pocahontas

• Mason Neck State Park: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/mason-neck

• Smith Mountain Lake State Park: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/smith-mountain-lake

• Virginia State Parks Reservation Line: 1-800-933-7275 or www.ReserveAmerica.com

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