Virginia Association for Environmental Education (VAEE) Annual Conference February 25-27, 2027

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Image: Courtesy of The Virginia Association for Environmental Education

 

VAEE is excited to bring the Annual Conference back to the Northern Virginia area February 25-27, 2027 at the Hilton Fairfax, and they are currently accepting session proposals! They hope you will consider submitting your proposal as they meet to celebrate Learning That Moves Us.

Proposals are due by October 16, 2026. Please follow this link to submit your proposal.

What moves you? What are you driven to change, to embrace, to learn, to share? What makes you want to lean in and learn more? We are all lifelong learners and connected by our love of learning. This conference brings together environmental educators, teachers, researchers, community leaders, policymakers, partners, and learners from across Virginia. Together, attendees explore and share the learning and education practices that move and inspire us to make our communities and the commonwealth a better, more resilient place to live and thrive.

Organizers are seeking proposals for conference sessions that engage, educate, and move attendees with the goals of making our collective EE practice in Virginia stronger and more resilient. They encourage presenters to consider how their sessions will engage their audience – hands-on activities, group discussions, and collaborative work sessions are a few examples that create a more memorable and meaningful experience for session attendees.

This year’s concurrent sessions will be categorized according to these tracks:

  • Building Leadership in EE – building leadership skills, fund-raising strategy, board development, maintaining professional standards, resume building workshops, leading successful meetings, engaging board and volunteers, etc.

  • Collaboration in Practice –  connections between formal and nonformal educators, transdisciplinary and cross-curricular connections, building partnerships and networks, uplifting the EE community, etc.

  • Research, Evaluation, and Impacts – recent research in the EE field, assessment and evaluation tools and tips, application of best practices, enhancing student engagement in EE, developing environmental literacy plans, etc.

  • Reaching Diverse Learners – creating belonging for a diversity of learners, working in a variety of spaces, creating inclusive learning environments, reaching underserved/underrepresented audiences, providing new/increased resources to meet learner needs, etc.

  • EE in Action – successful projects and programs, lessons learned, sharing activities/lesson plans/resources, etc.

Three different Session Lengths are available:

  • Lightning-style mini sessions (15 minutes or less)

  • Standard sessions (45 minutes)

  • Workshop sessions (1 hour 45 minutes total; includes a 10-minute break)

Proposals are due by October 16, 2026. Please follow this link to submit your proposal.

Please also consider submitting a nomination for the 2027 VAEE Awards for Excellence in Environmental Education! Organizers are excited to celebrate exemplary educators and programs from 2026. Award categories include the Environmental Education Program of Excellence, Outstanding Environmental Educator of the Year, Exemplary Service to EE, Young Professionals, and Legacy Awards. Learn more and submit your nominations here.

The 34th North American Invasive Species Management Association (NAISMA) Annual Conference Is Headed to Alexandria, VA – October October 19–23!

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Logo: North American Invasive Species Management Association (NAISMA)

NAISMA’s 2026 Annual Conference will take place at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center, just minutes from Washington, D.C. This event brings together invasive species management professionals, researchers, educators, and policymakers from across North America to share ideas, innovations, and strategies for protecting natural ecosystems.

The NAISMA Annual Conference is your opportunity to connect with leading professionals, discover the latest innovations in invasive species management, and contribute to shaping the future of our field. From engaging keynotes to hands-on workshops, this event offers a rich program for attendees from diverse backgrounds.

Event Details:
  • Dates: October 19–23, 2026 

  • Location: Hilton Alexandria Mark Center, Alexandria, Virginia (near Washington, D.C.) 

  • Theme: Local Leadership – Global Impact
  • Full Agenda: – Click here!

  • Registration Rates:
    • Full Conference Registration: $600
    • One-Day Registration: $315
    • Student Full Conference: $370
    • All-Access Conference Bundle: $824 (includes full registration, banquet ticket, field experience, and a one-year NAISMA membership)
  • For more conference information please click here!
Jerry Nissley

Woodland Sanctuary Workday for Hidden Oaks Nature Center, November 8th

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Photo: By FMN Jerry Nissley, Hidden Oaks Nature Center

Woodland Sanctuary Workday for Hidden Oaks Nature Center

Join volunteers to help restore an area within FCPA’s Annandale Park that was formerly designated a “Native Garden maintained by Fairfax Master Naturalists.” They are turning it into a Woodland Sanctuary that can be used for educational purposes and habitat protection.  They need help installing native plants on Sunday, November 8, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.  Earn service hours!

Please dress for the weather, bring garden gloves and water to drink. RSVP to Laura Anderko at dr.laura.anderko@gmail.com.  Please park at the playground/picnic shelter parking lot in Annandale Community Park (4030 Hummer Road) and walk up the path toward the nature center- participants will be near the campfire area.

This project is funded by Fairfax Master Naturalists 2026 mini-grant.  Hidden Oaks Nature Center staff expect that the woodland sanctuary will be visited by community members, school groups, scouts, class and camp participants, artists, and senior groups, and will bridge a connection between viewers and nature, with emphasis on the habitats and ecosystems. Because it is located on an already ADA-accessible path, the area will provide outdoor interpretation opportunities for those with limited mobility who may not otherwise be able to participate in guided outdoor walks and activities.

Image Courtesy of Fairfax Tree Rescuers Prism

Fall Tree Rescue Extravaganza II, October 3rd to November 1st

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Image: Courtesy of Fairfax Tree Rescuers Prism

Fall Tree Rescue Extravaganza II takes place across various locations and times during the four weekends of October 2026 (running from October 3 to November 1) to help save local trees from invasive vines. No experience necessary!

What to Know Before You Go

What to Wear: Long-sleeved shirts and long pants to protect against thorns, sturdy shoes, a hat.

What to Bring: Water. See instructions for each event about tools. If you have them, bring clippers, loppers, and/or small saws. If you don’t, most event leaders will have some extra tools you can borrow.

Sign Up: Please use the registration form or link on the calendar to let the event leaders know you are coming. Children must be over age 11 to actively participate.

 

Would you rather help in other ways?

Volunteer to help organize? Please fill out the interest form.

Donate money to support the work of the PRISM or adopt parks? Please see this page. 

Featured October 2026 Events – Click here for specific event details and restistration information:

  • Tree Rescue at Colvin Run Park
  • Stanton Park Tree Rescue – Sunday, October 4, 2026 at 9:00 AM
  • Tree Rescue at Laurel Hill Park Central Green – Saturday, October 17, 2026 at 9:00 AM
  • Brentwood Farm Park Tree Rescue – Sunday, October 18, 2026 & Sunday, October 25, 2026 at 9:00 AM
  • Vienna Klub Kudzu Southside Park – Mondays, October 5, 12, 19, & 26  at 10:00 AM until 12:00 PM
  • Centreville Pleasant Hill Park – Monday, October 12, at 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM
  • Brentwood Farm Park Tree Rescue – Sunday, October 18 at 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM
  • Reston Hunters Green – Saturday, October 24 at 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM
  • Burke Rolling Valley West Park – Saturday, October 24 at 10:00 AM until 12:00 PM
  • Herndon Horsepen Run Stream Valley Park –  Saturday, October 24 at 9:00 AM until 11:30 AM
  • Fairfax South Railroad Street Park – Sunday, October 25 at 10:00 AM until 12:00 PM
  • Fairfax Brentwood Farm Park Tree Rescue – Sunday, October 25 at 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM
  • RestonTree Rescue at Lake Fairfax Park – Saturday, October 31st at 9:00 AM until 11:30 AM

Oakton Library Habitat Gardens Clean-up Day, October 3rd

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Image: Courtesy of Friends of Oakton Library

Saturday Oct 3, 2026
9:00-11:00 am.

Oakton Library
10304 Lynnhaven Place
Oakton, VA, 22124-1785

Contact:  Gretchen Cervantes,  gretticervantes@gmail.com

Gretchen Cervantes is  on the board of the Friends of Oakton library. The Friends need some help maintaining their certified habitat gardens. They have 3 beds at the library that the they maintain. The Friends are always looking for volunteers to help, mainly  on two scheduled clean up days, one on October 3 and another in the spring.
They want to spread the word amongst the FMN group  to see if anyone is interested in helping them during their clean up days, or other times of the year. If so, please let  Gretchen know.

Any advice you could give would be greatly appreciated.

Soak in the Oaks, October 24th

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Photo: Tricia Rowlison

October 25
8:00 am to 9:30 am

Hidden Oaks Nature Center Location
7701 Royce Street
Annandale, VA 22003

$10/person
16- adult

Enjoy a digital detox as you hike through the woods and learn about the healing benefits of nature. Practice forest bathing techniques designed to help you connect with nature and improve your well-being. Led by a certified forest bathing instructor. Registration is required. 

Additional details can be found on the Fairfax County website.

 

spicebush, berries

Are You Going to Eat That? October 25th

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Photo: Tricia Rowlison

October 25
10 am – 11:15 am

Ellanor C. Lawrence Park Location
Visitor Center & Amphitheater
Chantilly, VA 20151

$9/person
10-adult

Enjoy a naturalist-led hike and identify plants that are safe to eat and which ones to avoid. Participants will learn how plants were used in rope making and folk remedies with connections to Eastern Woodland Indians. Registration is required.

Additional details can be found on the Fairfax County website.

 

Wild Plant Nursery Work Day with Earth Sangha, October 14th

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Photo: Courtesy of Earth Sangha

October 14
12 p.m. – 1 p.m.

Earth Sangha
6100 Cloud Dr
Springfield, VA 22150

Help care for native plants at the Wild Plant Nursery! Volunteers will assist with repotting plants as well as weeding, watering and labeling. Your efforts will help keep the nursery thriving and support the native plants that provide important habitat and resources for local wildlife.

Additional details can be found on the Earth Sangha website.

 

Pollinator Garden Work Day at Mason Neck, October 21st

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Photo: Tricia Rowlison

October 21
9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Visitor Center Pollinator Garden
Mason Neck State Park
7301 High Point Rd.
Lorton, VA 22079

Join the Friends of Mason Neck for a volunteer garden day at Mason Neck State Park! Help care for the park’s pollinator gardens by planting native species, weeding and mulching to support local wildlife, promote biodiversity and keep these natural spaces thriving. No gardening experience is needed, just a love of the outdoors and a willingness to help.

Additional details can be found on the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation website.

 

Elly Doyle Awards – 2026

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Fairfax County Park Authority recently announced their Elly Doyle Awards for 2026. FMN Margaret Fisher was honored with the 2026 Sally Ormsby Environmental Stewardship Award for her environmental contributions spanning a 30 year period.

FMN Margaret Fisher – photo by FMN Betsy Martin

Her FCPA award cited the following accomplishments during this time:
“An environmental steward, Fisher has educated and inspired others across Fairfax County to restore vital habitats across public and private lands. Her work promoting native plants, removing invasives and rescuing trees have made a lasting impact over her 30 years of volunteerism and leadership. Fisher’s contributions and many roles include serving as a stream monitor at Popes Head Creek, an IMA site leader, and a founder of Plant NOVA Natives, Plant NOVA Trees and the Tree Rescuers program, which has led to the rescue of at least 22,000 trees.”

FMN congratulates Margaret for her overall accolades and thanks her for her direct stewardship to our chapter. Margaret first volunteered for FMN in 2017 and has since compiled 7273 volunteer hours (and counting), which is the most hours recorded in our chapter for an active member. She participates in a myriad of FMN categories including Habitat Restoration, Wildlife Surveys, Water and Wetlands, and Native Plants Management.