Browsing by Author "Prysby, Michelle D."
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- American NaturalistsParker, Amber L.; Prysby, Michelle D.; Kirwan, Jeffrey L. (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 2015-06-19)Discusses the definition of natural history, important naturalists who have contributed to describing the natural history of Virginia, skills of a naturalist, resources commonly used by naturalists, and how to establish and keep a useful field journal.
- Bridging the Benefits of Online and Community Supported Citizen Science: A Case Study on Motivation and Retention with Conservation-Oriented VolunteersFrensley, B. Troy; Crall, Alycia; Stern, Marc J.; Jordan, Rebecca; Gray, Steven; Prysby, Michelle D.; Newman, Greg; Hmelo-Silver, Cindy; Mellor, David; Huang, Joey (Ubiquity Press, 2017)This study explores the motivations and barriers for participation and persistence in an innovative citizen science pilot project with Virginia Master Naturalist volunteers. The project combines self-guided online training, in-person meetings, and collaboration through social networking and “mental modeling” to support on-the-ground development and execution of citizen science projects developed by participants. Results suggest that the two strongest motivators for volunteers to participate in the project were an interest in the environment and an interest in protecting a local natural resource. Our findings indicate that volunteers with more prior experience participating in citizen science projects and those with higher gross incomes were more likely to persist in the project. Our data also suggest that decisions to persist or drop out of the project were influenced by volunteers’ time commitment, their ability to use the online tools, the perceived relevance of the resources, and the saliency of the project. Projects that arose from pre-existing environmental issues seemed to be more salient and may have enhanced volunteer persistence. We discuss the influence of our findings and the implications for the development of future citizen science projects.
- Safety and Risk Management for Virginia Master Naturalist VolunteersPrysby, Michelle D. (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 2020-11-11)In this publication, we describe the common categories of risk Virginia Master Volunteers may encounter as part of their learning and service in the program. We give examples of specific risks in each category, and we describe recommended strategies for VMN volunteers to follow. While this publication is not a comprehensive list of all possible risks, it should make volunteers aware of typical risks and guide their identification of and planning for the particular risks of their activities. At the end are several worksheets to help volunteers plan for and document risk management plans.
- Sustaining America's Aquatic Biodiversity - Crayfish Biodiversity and ConservationHelfrich, Louis A.; Prysby, Michelle D. (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 2020)Biodiversity and conservation of Crayfish. Crayfish biology, appearance, habitat, diet, growth, reproduction, collecting, economic and ecological value, and threats
- Virginia Master NaturalistPrysby, Michelle D. (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 2011-07-01)Provides information on the Virginia Master Naturalist Program for prospective members including what the program is, the type of person that is a candidate, and how to become a certified member.
- Virginia Master Naturalist Program Strategic Planning Report 2015-2020Prysby, Michelle D. (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 2015-04-09)This report summarizes the findings from a strategic planning process conducted by the Virginia Master Naturalist program in 2013-2014. The process involved three steps: a comprehensive needs assessment to identify program needs, strategic planning workshops to identify initiatives for addressing those needs, and online voting to prioritize proposed initiatives.
- Virginia Master Naturalist, Basic Training Course, BotanyHayden, W. John; Prysby, Michelle D. (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 2019-07-19)Provides information about the Virginia Master Naturalist basic training course in botany.
- Virginia Master Naturalist, Basic Training Course, Botany (Introductory Version)Hayden, W. John; Prysby, Michelle D. (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 2019-07-19)Provides information about the Virginia Master Naturalist basic training course in botany.