Science Saturday: Grass Identification Workshop and Survey, November 18th

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Image: Courtesy of The Clifton Institute

Saturday, November 18, 2023
 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

The Clifton Institute
6712 Blantyre Rd
Warrenton, VA 20187

Fee: FREE, but registration is required

Register here.

Since 2019, The Clifton Institute has been working to restore a 100-acre field that was dominated by Tall Fescue into a diverse native grassland. In cooperation with Virginia Working Landscapes and the Oak Spring Garden Foundation, they are conducting an experiment to test which of eight methods are best for establishing and maintaining native plants. In this workshop, participants will be given a brief introduction to the restoration experiment and an introduction to common grass species identification. Then attendees will walk about half a mile out into the grassland where they will practice their grass identification skills while learning about the methods the scientists use to study the results of the different treatments.

Cost: Free!

Age:  Adults and children accompanied by an adult.

Weather policy: Rain or shine except in case of extreme weather (e.g. thunderstorm or significant snow fall).

COVID-19 Information: This program will be entirely outdoors (an outside porta potty will be available). Please do not attend if you are experiencing or have experienced in the last two weeks any symptoms associated with COVID-19 (fever, cough, shortness of breath, etc.).

Registration is REQUIRED.


Cancellation policy: If you register and can no longer attend this event, please let The Clifton Institute know as soon as possible so that they can open your spot to someone else.

By registering for this event, you are affirming that you have read and agree to The Clifton Institute liability release policy.

Leonid Meteor Shower Viewing Party, November 17th

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Image: Courtesy of The Clifton Institute

Friday, November 17, 2023
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

The Clifton Institute
6712 Blantyre Rd
Warrenton, VA 20187

Fee: FREE, but registration is required

Register here.

Every year the Leonids grace the skies with a shower of meteors. On this program you will take advantage of the long winter nights to look for meteors, as well as learn a few constellations and look at the stars through a telescope. There will be a bonfire for some warmth, but you may also want to bring a sleeping bag or blanket, warm drink, and something to recline on like a sleeping pad, poncho, or lawn chair. If Friday is too cloudy for stars, the backup date will be Saturday, November 18.

Cost: Free!

Age: Adults and children accompanied by an adult.

Bring: Please bring warm clothes and a sleeping bag, blanket, and something to lay back on if desired.

Weather policy:Date and time subject to change dependent on weather. Please check your email for updates on the morning of the event.

COVID-19 Information: This program will be entirely outdoors (an outside porta potty will be available). Please do not attend if you are experiencing or have experienced in the last two weeks any symptoms associated with COVID-19 (fever, cough, shortness of breath, etc.).

Registration is REQUIRED.


Cancellation policy: If you register and can no longer attend this event, please let The Clifton Institute know as soon as possible so that they can open your spot to someone else.

By registering for this event, you are affirming that you have read and agree to The Clifton Institute liability release policy.

Lichens of Wildcat Mountain, November 11th

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Image: Courtesy of The Clifton Institute

Saturday November 11, 2023
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Registered attendees will be emailed the address and directions.

Fee: FREE, but registration is required

Register here.

On this program Executive Director and amateur lichenologist Bert Harris will lead participants on a tour of the greenstone barrens and adjacent oak-hickory forests of Wildcat Mountain in Fauquier County. The full-sun greenstone outcrops and mature hardwoods at this site host a diverse and beautiful community of lichens and mosses, as well as rare vascular plants that specialize on rock outcrops.

Beginners with no lichen experience are welcome! Bert will go over the basics of lichen identification in the field.

Participants will be walking off-trail, on uneven terrain. Registered attendees will be emailed the address and directions.

Cost: Free!

Age: Adults and children 12 and older accompanied by an adult.

Weather policy: Rain or shine except in case of extreme weather (e.g. thunderstorm or significant snow fall).

COVID-19 Information: This program will be entirely outdoors. Please do not attend if you are experiencing or have experienced in the last two weeks any symptoms associated with COVID-19 (fever, cough, shortness of breath, etc.).

Registration is REQUIRED.

Cancellation policy: If you register and can no longer attend this event, please let The Clifton Institute know as soon as possible so that they can open your spot to someone else.

By registering for this event, you are affirming that you have read and agree to The Clifton Institute liability release policy.

 

FREE Bird Feeding Webinar on November 29th

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Photo: ASNV, Northern Cardinal by Alexis Hayes

Wednesday, November 29, 2023
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Virtual, hosted by Audubon Society of Northern Virginia

Fee: FREE, but registration is required

Register here.

Greg Butcher will offer tips about increasing the number and variety of birds that visit your backyard this winter. In addition, he will introduce you to Project FeederWatch, a program of the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology that allows you and your family to contribute to science. After the presentation they will test your backyard bird identification skills with a Kahoot!

Greg Butcher is a retired Ph.D. ornithologist and former ASNV board member. In addition to the U.S. Forest Service, Greg has worked for the National Audubon Society, American Birding Association, Partners in Flight, Birder’s World magazine, and Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Greg is a lively and informative public speaker and interpreter for bird conservation and ecology worldwide.

Survey: Meadowood Butterfly and Dragonfly Survey, October 20th

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Photo by Plant NOVA Natives, Mourning Cloak Butterfly

  

Meadowood Recreation Area
10406 Gunston Road
Lorton, VA, 22079 United States (map)

Butterfly and dragonfly surveys are carried out in temperate months (April-October), normally on Friday mornings, at one of four sites around Occoquan Bay, all within the 15-mile diameter circle established for the annual North American Butterfly Association’s Annual Count.

The results of these surveys are made available to the participants and other interested individuals and agencies, including the Fairfax County Park Authority, the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority, and agencies of the U.S. Interior Department. The results of the butterfly-dragonfly surveys are summarized, along with the results of the general surveys, in an annual report.

Participation is limited. Email us to make a reservation here.

AHS – Projects and Partnerships

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Article by FMN Susan Farmer

Fairfax Master Naturalists  chapter is partnering with the American Horticultural Society (AHS) at their River Farm location in Fairfax County. River Farm is a beautiful 27-acre property located along the George Washington Parkway overlooking the Potomac River that has been AHS headquarters since 1973. The River Farm location is one of George Washington’s original five farms.

AHS headquarters – photo Jerry Nissley

Members of Virginia Master Naturalists, Fairfax Chapter (FMN) will provide volunteers in support of AHS activities as well as promote awareness of AHS educational opportunities inline with the FMN mission.

To help celebrate their 50th year at River Farm, AHS initiated several new projects in 2023. With the help of volunteers, River Farm is replacing the old azalea garden with 2400 native plants, converting a large lawn into a native meadow, renewing all the bluebird boxes, building a greenhouse, and creating an accessible path through the wooded area to the riverfront. FMN will be working with other AHS volunteers and staff to fulfill their vision.

AHS Border garden – photo Jerry Nissley

FMN created three project codes to cover AHS Stewardship projects, Educational programs, and Citizen Science opportunities.

S275: Stewardship Projects at American Horticultural Society River Farm
E275: Educational Projects at American Horticultural Society River Farm
C275: Citizen Science Projects at American Horticultural Society River Farm

AHS formal garden – photo Jerry Nissley

Two opportunities on the top of their list for FMN are the removal of invasive vines to prep for native plantings and to re-establish their bluebird trail. The Invasive Vine Removal Program will be on consecutive Saturday mornings beginning October 7th. Help restructuring the bluebird trail and then subsequently monitoring the boxes will start very soon. FMN Susan Farmer has volunteered to be the FMN liaison for all projects at River Farm.

If you would like to get involved at this national showcase for gardening and horticultural practices along gorgeous river front property, please contact Susan at [email protected]

AHS HQ view from River side – photo Jerry Nissley

FMN Project Codes Explained

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Cover photo: Marilyn Schroeder

Looking for a Project Code?
With 2023 entering the final quarter, this is a good time to review FMN Projects Codes, how to find them, and how to use them in Better Impact (BI).

All VMN chapters are required to develop and maintain a project catalogue in accordance with VMN guidelines. The FMN catalogue taxonomically lists all FMN approved projects. The FMN Project code structure varies in some ways when compared to other Chapters and FMN project codes have a unique format that helps with annual reporting.

The FMN Project Catalog in BI is an up to date, on-line, searchable list of FMN volunteer opportunities organized by areas of interest. A viable resource at your fingertips that lists approved projects for volunteering as an FMN. The full catalog of Project Codes may be viewed from your initial BI screen by clicking on the Opportunities tab and selecting Opportunity List.

The organizing construct is based on VMN Operating Manual guidelines. FMN has nine project categories and one CE component:
1. Admin
2. Birds
3. Community Outreach
4. Habitat creation and restoration
5. Native plants and invasive removal
6. Parks
7. School Engagements
8. Water and wetlands
9. Wildlife Surveys
CE = All Continuing Education (All CE hours are recorded under this)

FMN Project Codes beginning with C = Citizen Science; codes beginning with E = Education/Outreach; and codes beginning with S = Stewardship. C, E, and S codes are distributed throughout the 9 FMN Categories depending on the project description and purpose.

The four-part Project Code format was developed by the FMN IT team when VMN rolled out BI state wide. This format allows the organization of Project Codes to facilitate automated analysis of data for annual reporting requirements. The 4 parts are:
1. FMN category – | 2. Project Code: | 3. Project Title – – | 4. Project Org

Following are 4 examples to illustrate format and usage:

1. Birds – C034: Bluebird Trails – – VA Bluebird Society

Project code C034 covers monitoring bluebird boxes exclusively along the Bluebird Trail as prescribed by the Virginia Bluebird Society (VBS). Activities must be organized by VBS and data reported to VBS. The Project Org is VBS. However, Fairfax county parks also provide bluebird box monitoring opportunities. So for activities on park property, hours would be charged to Parks code C106 with data reported to FCPA. Understanding the Project Org is important.

2. Parks – C106: FCPA Citizen Science Programs — Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA)
Project code C106 covers most citizen science projects on FCPA park property as identified in the project description. Monitoring vernal pools, duck boxes, and bluebird boxes are examples. Data is reported to FCPA by the volunteer. The Project Organization is FCPA. Reading Project description is helpful in choosing the correct code to use.

3. Community Outreach – E543: Education and Outreach — FMN
Project Code E543 is for educational, community outreach projects (tabling, teaching, instructing) as defined in the project description. The Project Organization is FMN.

4. Parks – S179: Virginia State Park Stewardship Projects — Department of Conservation & Recreation (VDCR)
Project code S179 is used for Stewardship projects on State park property. For example, the physical planting of native plants, the removal of invasive plants, or shoreline cleanup. VDCR is the sponsor Project Org for the code.

Project Org (part 4 of a code) is the value entered into the Project Organization field in the BI template when recording your service hours. Just copy that value into the Project Organization field. No need to guess. Project Organization entry should always match part 4 of a Project Code; never needs to be ‘n/a’.

Photo: Jerry Nissley

There are multiple Project Codes under each category and admittedly, some appear duplicative between categories. We are working to improve that so if in doubt please ask.

Generally though, a Project Code can be found by understanding what category a project falls under, determining if the project is Citizen Science, Stewardship, or Educational outreach, and then reading the project title and description.

Of course, the Projects/Hours Committee will continue to be at your service to answer future questions at [email protected].

For additional insight into Project codes:

The VMN Policy Handbook may be read here: VMN Manual 

The FMN Operating Handbook may be read here: FMN Handbook

Click on the video link to view a BI Video and push ahead to 9:05 mark to see how VMN explains using the Opportunities List and Calendar to view Projects or Activities. Take note that FMN historically uses ‘unscheduled’ Project Opportunities. We only use the Calendar function to schedule CE events.

FMN Joe Gorney Environmental Excellence 2023

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On September 13th, the Fairfax County Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination (OEEC) announced the recipients of the 2023 Environmental Excellence Awards. The September Board of Supervisor’s newsletter referenced that since 2000, Fairfax County has issued the Environmental Excellence Awards to recognize county residents, county employees, businesses, and organizations who demonstrate extraordinary leadership within the community and exceptional dedication to the preservation and enhancement of the county’s natural resources. This year’s winners include a high school senior working on environmental stewardship, a small business reducing waste, a condo association safeguarding green spaces for its residents, and three county employees advancing sustainability practices.

FMN Joe Gorney was one of the three winners in the County Employee Category.

 Joe’s award profile stated that he is a Planner with the Department of Planning and Development, Environment and Development Review Branch. He works collaboratively with other county agencies on a diverse range of environmental review topics, working to create a sustainable future for residents and employees. He was the staff lead for the Environmental Plan guidance update for the Reston planning study, designating Reston as “biophilic” community.

With FMN Joe is a past President and currently teaches the “Personal Stewardship for the Land” module for FMN Basic Training Cohorts. He was part of a team that monitored 36 bluebird boxes at Twin Lakes for several years. He also helped establish the golf course as an Invasive Management Area (IMA) site and has now transitioned to IMA site leadership duties.

Joe Gorney and colleague Carley Aubrey working at Herrity Center – photo courtesy of Joe Gorney

In 2023 he has already volunteered over 40 hours in several categories on various Projects. In addition to the IMA site leadership role at Twin Lakes, he has been busy designing a couple of native plantings (see cover photo) at the Fairfax County Government Center (GC). He said, “We’ve already removed invasives around the GC Memorial area, which is an ongoing management process, and planted the area with natives. We’re also investigating planting 48 native trees around the GC Ellipse, which may happen in mid-October. I’m also inventorying landscape invasives around the GC, which are to be removed and replaced with natives, and designing other native tree plantings to the east of the GC. In addition to invasive pulls at the GC Memorial area, I’ve helped organize and participate in invasive pulls at the Herrity Building.” Joe also found time to be active on Audubon Home Ambassador projects and support FMN board with occasional admin duties.

Please join us in congratulating Joe on his well earned 2023 Environmental Excellence Award.

Photo: By Jo Doumbia, FMN Culmore Teens Summer Program 2023

Fairfax Master Naturalists in the Summer – Culmore Teens Summer Nature Program

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Article and photos by FMN Jo Doumbia, FMN Outreach Committee Chair

As the warmth of summer fades, I find myself reflecting on the amazing journey 20 teens from the disadvantaged area of Culmore went through this summer as they participated in the Teens Summer Nature Camp. The camp itself was made possible via the combined energies and commitment of many sponsors with several dedicated Fairfax Master Naturalist (FMN) volunteers providing program support and guidance.

With hands-on support by FCPA, the Second Story Program at the Culmore Community Center, and the assistance FMN volunteers, we conducted nature related activities at Colvin Run, Hidden Oaks Nature Center, and Riverbend Park. We helped this youth group establish lasting positive connections with nature through activities such as orienteering, geocaching, reptile feeding, green careers discussion, and kayaking.

It was truly delightful to witness the high level of engagement on the part of the teens across the different summer activities. Their questions, comments, and concerns were right-on and not much different than those of many FMNers when first introduced to new or unknown concepts. The Culmore teens, along with the Second Story leadership, extend heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to the FMN volunteers.

Photo: By Jo Doumbia, FMN Culmore Teens Summer Program 2023

Photo: By Jo Doumbia, FMN Culmore Teens Summer Program 2023

It is very rewarding just to realize the possibilities for volunteer programs like FMN, to share their enthusiasm, experience, and knowledge with those communities that have limited or no access to natural resource educational opportunities. For the Culmore teens and the FMN volunteers, this summer’s successful outreach experience just may be the beginning of more enriching educational experiences.

The continued success of programs like this, which I hope to be the first of many, depends on the sustained interest and willingness of knowledgeable volunteers. With a solid volunteer base we can help establish and support educational outreach experiences for natural resource stewardship in underserved and disadvantage communities. One of the most important connections these young people made was to realize the relationship between themselves and nature. They found enjoyment and strength through their summer journeys and experiences which may help them become better stewards of the planet.

As a follow up, and per request of the teens, we look forward to possibly offering a once-a-month nature outing. Be on the lookout for invitations to volunteer.

In closing, I want to express profound gratitude for our volunteers’ incredible support. In particular to Kim Munshower, JaneEllen Saums, Rob Warren, Jerry Nissley, and Whitney Redding, as well as to Suzanne Holland from the Hidden Oaks Nature Center.

Jerry Nissley

FCPA Is Hiring Roving Naturalists for Fall and Spring Programs

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Photo: By FMN Jerry Nissley, Hidden Oaks Nature Center

FCPA is hiring Roving Naturalists for fall and spring programs. See the job details below and send a resume to [email protected]

If you would rather volunteer than work for FCPA we have opportunities to support this program as a volunteer as well.  Click this link to sign up as a volunteer https://volunteer.fairfaxcounty.gov/custom/1380/#/opp_details/188975

 

Position Title: Roving Park Naturalist

ROVING PARK Naturalist is responsible for teaching children Environmental Education and historical programs. Rovers work with Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) and the general public. Position is under the general direction of the Manager of Education and Outreach and the specific program directors at work sites. Some program research, planning, and development may be required.

Job Description: Roving Park Naturalist (Rovers) teach a wide variety of education programs. Main duties include Meaningful Watershed Education Experience (MWEE) for 7th grade FCPS. Other duties include 4th grade MWEE offered at various elementary schools which focuses on invasive plants. Rovers will also lead programs, teach camps, work events and other activities with scout groups and the general public. Uniform shirts and name tags provided.

Location: Work will require travel to various Fairfax County Park Authority sites/schools. Occasionally attend outreach events and staff a booth as a representative of FCPA and interact with the public to inform them of FCPA resources and programs.

Qualifications: Applicants should have some course work in nature/history, education, interpretation, or outdoor recreation. These would be beneficial but are not required. Applicants should have the ability to work with all age groups. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Be able to walk long distances over various types of terrain and stand for long periods of time.
 
Salary: Starting at $14 to $18 hr. based on experience, no benefits. This position cannot exceed 980 hours per calendar year.

Hours: Weekday mornings (8:30m-1:30pm) Sept-Oct and April-May is required. Training offered in spring and fall semesters. After the 7th grade MWEE program is completed, additional work may be available afternoons, weekends and evenings.

To Apply: Applicants should send a current resume and cover letter to: [email protected] OR

Fairfax County Park Authority Suite 936
12055 Government Center Parkway Fairfax, VA. 22035
Resource Management Division Education & Outreach

Necessary Special Requirements: 

  • The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check to the satisfaction of the employer.

If you have any questions, please email [email protected] or visit us online.

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact 703-324-4900 for assistance. TTY 703-222-7314. EEO/AA/TTY. 

Fairfax County Park Authority prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.  

 

 

Tammy Schwab
Manager, Education & Outreach
Resource Management Division
Fairfax County Park Authority
12055 Government Center Parkway
Phone (703) 324-8750