2026 West Virginia Master Naturalist State Conference
Camp Dawson Event Center | July 24–26, 2026 | Kingwood, West Virginia
Join Master Naturalists from across West Virginia for a weekend of learning, field experiences, networking, and fellowship at beautiful Camp Dawson.
Whether you are attending classes, joining us for meals and evening events, or arriving early to connect with fellow participants, we look forward to seeing you.
Resources:
–2026 Conference Class Descriptions
Conference Registration Options
Conference + Friday & Saturday Evening Meals – $145
Conference Only – $110 (optional add-on meals available)
Meals Only (No Conference Sessions) – varies based on selections
Optional Add-Ons:
- Box Lunches – $12
- Friday Barbecue – $25
- Saturday Banquet – $50
Registration includes access to conference activities based on the options selected.
Lodging is not included and must be reserved separately with Camp Dawson.
Lodging Reservations
Lodging at Camp Dawson must be arranged separately.
Camp Dawson Reservations:
(304) 791-7001
Lodging is limited, and early reservations are strongly recommended.
Estimated cost: approximately $75 per night (subject to availability and pricing).
When making a reservation, please reference confirmation number 282351 and identify the block under the West Virginia Master Naturalist Program.
Thursday Evening Networking
If you arrive early on Thursday evening, you are invited to join us for informal networking at the fire pit from 8:30 PM to 10:00 PM.
This is a great opportunity to relax, connect with fellow attendees, and kick off the weekend.
Important Registration Information
Registration Deadline
Conference registration closes June 15, 2026, or earlier if capacity is reached.
Registrations cannot be accepted after the deadline due to meal counts and facility requirements.
Registration Completion Requirements
Registration is not considered complete until all of the following have been submitted:
- Completed Conference Registration Form
- Completed Visitor Control Center (VCC) Form required by Camp Dawson
- Payment of registration fees (built into registration form)
Visitor Control Center (VCC) Requirement
All attendees must complete the VCC form required for access to Camp Dawson.
Additional details and instructions will be provided during registration.
Individual Registration Requirement
Each person attending must complete their own registration form and payment.
This includes individuals attending:
- Meals only
- Evening events only
- Conference activities without classes
If multiple people are attending, each individual must submit a separate registration.
Refund Policy
Registration fees are non-refundable, except in the following circumstances:
- Documented medical emergency
- Completion of the VCC form and denial of access to Camp Dawson
Failure to complete the VCC form does not qualify for a refund.
Space Availability
Space is limited and registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Before You Register
Participants are responsible for reviewing conference details, class descriptions, and schedule information prior to registering.
Program details and schedules are subject to change. The most up-to-date information is available here.
Ready to Register
Before submitting your registration, please make sure you have:
- Reviewed the conference schedule and class descriptions
- Arranged or planned lodging with Camp Dawson
- Completed required VCC information
- Prepared to submit payment
Field Trip Meal Planning
Many field trips take place off-site or at locations a distance from Camp Dawson. Participants attending these trips will not have time to return to Camp Dawson for lunch.
Participants should plan accordingly by either:
Bringing their own lunch, or
Purchasing a box lunch during registration
Box lunches will be placed in coolers and will accompany the field trips for convenience.
