CE event at the Smithsonian

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CE announcement at the Smithsonian Natural History Museum –
What:
Interpretive Tour of the National Museum of Natural History for Virginia Master Naturalists
When:
August 16, 2023 at 3:00pm
Where:
National Museum of Natural History
Meet in the rotunda at the information desk beside the big elephant.
How long:
Approximately 2 hours.
Group limit.
6 individuals
To register:
1. Login to BI and click on your ‘Opportunities’ tab.
2. Select ‘Opportunity Calendar’ from the pull-down list.
3. Find event in the displayed calendar and click on it to display event details.
4. To sign up, Click on the ‘Sign Up’ box in the lower right. This automatically signs you up and puts the event on your calendar.
5. To claim CE hours: use All Continuing Education -> FMN All other Chapter Training

Bring paper and pencil to take notes if you desire. No recordings please.
Dr. Kelmelis will guide an interpretive tour of the Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Natural History relevant to Virginia Master Naturalists.  This tour will identify the relationship of some exhibits to the natural environment of Virginia including the geologic history, mineralogy, entomology, osteology, evolution, mammalogy, and many other topics.  Some of the take-aways will include an introduction of how the NMNH’s display collection can be used to enrich the naturalist’s understanding of science, the scientific method, and some techniques that are applicable to naturalists’ domain of interests; as well as some facts related to the natural condition and history of Virginia.

Dr. Kelmelis is former Chief Scientist for Geography for the U.S. Geological Survey, Senior Counselor for Earth Science at the U.S. Department of State, former Professor of Science, Technology and International Policy, and Founding Faculty of the School of International Affairs at Pennsylvania State University.  He holds a BA in Earth Science; MS in Engineering; and Ph.D. in Geography. He is a volunteer and docent at the Smithsonian Institution and a Virginia Master Naturalist in the Fairfax County chapter.

 

cover photo: Jerry Nissley

VMN Continuing Education Webinar: Community Generated Data Informs Our Understanding Of the Vulnerability Of Frog and Toad Species To Climate Change, July 24th

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Photo: Wood Frog by Randy Streufert

Monday, July 24, 2023
12:00-1:00 PM

Pre-registration required

Description: To mitigate climate change-driven biodiversity loss using limited resources, conservation biologists and wildlife managers often use assessments to prioritize species that are at risk of extinction. But some assessments require a lot of data which isn’t available for all species. These data-poor species might be overlooked, delaying actions that could reduce their extinction risk. In this webinar, you’ll see how community generated data aids assessments of climate change vulnerability by placing data-poor species on the same scale as data-rich species through an example for 90 species of frogs and toads in the US.

Presenter: Traci DuBose is an ecologist who enjoys working to conserve animals with complex life cycles for future generations. After receiving a PhD from the University of Oklahoma studying stream ecosystems, she leveraged available data to inform the conservation of frogs, toads, and red cockaded woodpeckers at Virginia Tech. She currently is an Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education program post-doctoral fellow investigating the cause of enigmatic freshwater mussel declines as a part of a large interdisciplinary team.

*Note: As always, the VMN CE Webinar will be recorded, and the recording will be available on the VMN Continuing Education Webinar Series webpage within two weeks of the webinar.

Blue Ridge PRISM Summer Meeting: “These Are Not Your Grandpa’s Quail”, July 19th

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Photo Courtesy of the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources

Wednesday, July 19, 2023
11:30 am – 1:00 pm
via Zoom

Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/640679949977

The northern bobwhite aka bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus) is the only quail native to eastern North America. Its clear, whistled call was once a common sound throughout its range. You hear its call much less often now because of a steep decline in the bobwhite quail population, mostly due to habitat loss. For its Summer Meeting, Blue Ridge PRISM will welcome Marc Puckett, a certified wildlife biologist and the Small Game Project Leader for the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. He will discuss the bobwhite quail and how to manage its habitat in multiple scenarios so that these birds can thrive.

This is a free online event and includes a question & answer period with the audience. Those who register will receive access to the recording.

This event is put on by the Blue Ridge PRISM. Please direct any questions to them. https://blueridgeprism.org/

NASA Moon Trees Quest: A Citizen Science Project Collaboration with the USDA Forest Service

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Image Courtesy of the Globe Program NASA Moon Trees Quest

Did you know that in 1971 the Apollo 14 spacecraft carried seeds of several trees into space? Well those seeds of species such as sycamore, loblolly pine, coast redwood, sweetgum, and Douglas-firs were planted all over the United States. The NASA Moon Trees Quest is a citizen science project collaboration with the USDA Forest Service to collect data on the accessible remaining trees as well as examples of the species around the country. Using their free GLOBE Observer app, you can join the quest and help gather data about the trees near you. Click here to learn how to participate, accurately measure trees and submit your tree observations.

FMN’s to log volunteer hours for this activity there is an existing CS code of : C700: GLOBE Observer — NASA

Welcome to the Fairfax County Park Authority Latino Conservation Week, July 15th

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Welcome to the Fairfax County Park Authority Latino Conservation Week, a celebration of the community’s profound connection to nature and their contributions to conservation efforts. This week-long event invites you to embark on a journey of exploration, education, and engagement, honoring the rich heritage and environmental stewardship of Latino individuals. Join the celebration with these fun-filled, family programs!

Downloadable Flyers:

In Spanish: SEMANA LATINA DE LA CONSERVACIÓN (fairfaxcounty.gov)
In English: Latino Conservation Week (fairfaxcounty.gov)

Here are some featured events:

Free Fishing at Lake Fairfax
Saturday, July 22, 2023
8:00 AM -12:00 PM

LAKE FAIRFAX LOCATION
1400 Lake Fairfax Drive
Reston, VA, 20190
Map of Lake Fairfax Park

Join our expert staff to guide fun fishing adventures. Our bilingual staff will help answer questions about rules, regulations and fishing advice. The free event includes all equipment, tackle, and bait.

Conservation Day at Frying Pan Farm Park
Saturday, July 15, 2023
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM

FRYING PAN FARM PARK LOCATION
2709 West Ox Road
Herndon, VA, 20171
Map of Park

Head on down to the farm for wagon rides, tours and fun at Frying Pan Farm Park. This free event will feature wagon rides and tours of the farm in Spanish.
Wagon Rides at 10:30 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 12 p.m.
Tours of the Farm at 11 a.m. and 12 p.m.

Native Plant Seminar
Wednesday, July 26, 2023
7-8 PM

Register today at www.plantnovatrees.org/zooms-en-espano

Explore native plants with a free Zoom seminar in Spanish. Learn how to identify and remove invasive plants with expert, Patricia Greenberg, Invasive Management Area Program Manager for the Fairfax County Park Authority.
Register today at www.plantnovatrees.org/zooms-en-espano

Ecology Walk – Hosted by the Friends of Dyke Marsh, September 16th

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Photo by Ned Stone, A Dyke Marsh inlet.

Saturday, September 16, 2023
10:00am

Meet at the Haul Road trail entrance,
Dyke Marsh, Alexandria

Join naturalist and biologist Charles Smith at 10 a.m. on an ecology walk and learn all about tidal marsh ecology, vegetative communities, system stressors, seasonality of vegetation and wildlife and ecosystems’ importance. So everyone can hear and learn, FODM will have to limit the walk to 20 people. To register, email [email protected] and put “September Ecology Walk” in the subject box. Meet at the Haul Road trail entrance. Bring water, wear sturdy shoes and sun protection. We kindly request that you not bring pets. Hosted by the Friends of Dyke Marsh.

Butterfly Walk, August 26th

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Photo by Plant NOVA Natives, Mourning Cloak Butterfly

Saturday, August 26, 2023
10:00am
Meet at the south Belle Haven Park parking lot

Dyke Marsh, Alexandria Join Friends of Dyke Marsh for a butterfly and dragonfly walk with Larry Meade. Meet at the south Belle Haven Park parking lot. Limited to 20. Register by sending an email to [email protected] and put “butterfly walk” in the subject box.

Vernal Pools: Introduction to a Unique Wetland Habitat, August 2nd

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Photo Courtesy of the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy

 

Wednesday, August 2, 2023
7:00pm

Rust Library
380 Old Waterford Rd NW
Leesburg, VA + Google Map

Learn more and register here.

Vernal pools, also known as ephemeral or seasonal pools, are an important yet often overlooked wetland. As the name suggests, they are temporary pools only holding water for a brief time each year. During that time, they are home to mysterious shrimp, developing dragonfly larvae, and are critical breeding grounds for several of our local salamander and frog species. These vernal pools are in rapid decline due to development. Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy’s Jenny Erickson for a look into the wildlife that utilize these pools and what we can all do to help protect these sensitive wetlands. This program is co-sponsored with the Loudoun County Public Library.

Questions: Contact [email protected].

Stream Monitoring Citizen Science & Training Opportunities

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Photo by FMN J. Quinn, Stream monitoring at Pohick Creek.

 

Difficult Run Stream Monitoring Field Training

When: Thursday, July 20, 9:00-11:30am
Where: Difficult Run Stream Valley Park, Great Falls

This field training is targeted to those pursuing the VASOS stream monitor certification and will focus heavily on protocols. This long-standing stream site has changed greatly in width, depth, and streambed composition since NVSWCD first began monitoring the site. You never quite know what you’ll find! Learn more and register for this workshop and others here.

 

Cub Run Stream Monitoring Field Training

When: Saturday, July 29, 9:00-11:30am
Where: Cub Run Stream Valley Park, Centreville

This field training is targeted to those pursuing the VASOS stream monitor certification and will focus heavily on protocols. Trainees often find a variety of interesting macroinvertebrates here, including large hellgrammites. Learn more and register for this workshop and others here.

 

Little Difficult Run Stream Monitoring Field Training

When: Thursday, August 10, 9:00-11:30am
Where: Fred Crabtree Park, Herndon

This field training is targeted to those pursuing the VASOS stream monitor certification and will focus heavily on protocols. This beautiful stream site is located a short hike into the woods and currently available for adoption by a certified stream monitor. Learn more and register for this workshop and others here.

 

Pohick Stream Monitoring Field Training

When: Saturday, August 19, 9:00-11:30am
Where: Pohick Creek Stream Valley Park, Springfield

This field training is targeted to those pursuing the VASOS stream monitor certification and will focus heavily on protocols. This site along Pohick Creek runs adjacent to the Cross County Trail and features a family- and pet-friendly walking trail in addition to cool stream critters. Learn more and register for this workshop and others here.

 

More Training and Stream Monitoring Opportunities

 

The NoVa Soil & Water Conservation teams are  very excited to contribute their stream data to state and national datasets. If you’d like to see data from all the NVSWCD regional stream monitoring team’s active sites, you can find our organization on the Clean Water Hub.

Results of Third Annual Dragonfly Count at The Clifton Institute

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Photo by Ana Ka’ahanui, Blue Dasher dragonfly

The Clifton Institute third annual dragonfly count took place on Sunday, June 25th. Their goals with the count are to track changes in dragonfly numbers to aid in their conservation and to generate interest in this fascinating group of insects.

With the help of 25 volunteers, they found 57 species of dragonflies and damselflies, a new high! They have now seen 67 species across the three years. They added three new species to the count this year, Aurora Damsel, Vesper Bluet, and Sable Clubtail (Larry Lynch photo). Other highlights included rare or uncommon species like Laura’s Clubtail, Lilypad Forktail, Appalachian Jewelwing, Sphagnum Sprite, and Amber-winged and Elegant Spreadwings (Linda Gammello photo).

It’s really exciting to start to be able to compare abundance across years. Numbers of several of the common pond-dwelling species (Slaty and Widow Skimmers, Eastern Amberwing, Common Whitetail, and Blue Dasher; Bob Blakney photo) were down this year. Could this be a result of lower water levels from the drought?

The results of the count are here and some of the best photos are here.

Thank you so much to the volunteers that made the count possible! Their area leaders this year were Bridget Bradshaw, Josh Jakum, Larry Lynch, and Larry Meade. A thank you to the landowners who allowed access to their special properties! The count volunteers are so grateful for their support of the count.