Big Thank You to Founder Marilyn Schroeder
The Fairfax Chapter (FMN) has one official Cooperative Agreement (CA). A mutual agreement between FMN and Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) agreeing to provide mutually beneficial resources. The CA was originally signed in 2007 with a revised version of the CA was signed in 2022 by VCE Exec Dir. Micheal Cutter (for FMN) and FCPA Jai Cole, Executive Director FCPA.
Marilyn behind an educational book table at a county fair – photo courtesy of Marilyn Schroeder
As Chair of the Fairfax Chapter’s Coordinating Committee, Marilyn Schroeder drafted the original CA when the FMN charter was established in 2007. She then represented FMN as the liaison until June 2025 when she passed the reins to another FMN volunteer. At the chapter membership meeting in June, FMN recognized Marilyn’s 18 years coordinating the meat and marginalia of FCPA activities – applying for field permits, identifying volunteer opportunities, providing FCPA trainers for FMN classes, and a myriad of other detailed responsibilities in coordination with other FMN Committees. Annually, FMN contributes more service hours towards FCPA activities than to any other single FMN chapter associate.
Even though Marilyn will continue to volunteer in other FMN activities, it is with much gratitude that we sincerely give thanks for her many years of specific service as the liaison. She was previously honored as an FMN Trailblazer for her significant contributions in establishing the FMN chapter in 2007 – drafting initial By-laws and Operating Manual, and serving in several board positions over the years.
