Photo: Smithsonian Environmental Research Center Tuesday, August 20, 2024 7 pm Webinar by Smithsonian Environmental Research Center Free Register here. How do plants make a living? That question has propelled botanist Dennis Whigham for his nearly 47-year career with the Smithsonian. Orchids were especially bewitching. Join Dennis for a journey of discovery through the orchid […]
Photo: Smithsonian Associates Monday, August 26, 2024 6:45 – 8:15 pm Smithsonian Associates Webinar $20 members/$25 nonmembers Register here. Some stories that people tell about octopuses almost defy belief. These animals are said to steal from fishermen, escape from aquariums, invent tools, play with toys, make friends, and hold grudges. How many of these tales […]
Photo: SERC Tuesday, July 16, 2024 7 pm Hosted by Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) Register here. From frogs to salamanders, amphibians are secretive but essential to our health and the function our ecosystems. But despite their critical role, amphibians are facing a crisis: Over 40% are threatened with extinction. How can we reduce that […]
Image: American Bird Conservancy Thursday, July 25, 2024 4 pm Presented by American Bird Conservancy (ABC) Register here. Seabirds were humans’ first companions when we ventured onto the ocean. With adaptations for long flights over open waters, seabirds like the Laysan Albatross endure some of the harshest conditions on Earth. They are champions of the […]
Photo: Rick Ahrens (NABA) The North American Butterfly Association (NABA) has run the Butterfly Count Program in the United States, Canada, and Mexico since 1993. Each of the approximately 450 annual counts consists of a compilation of all butterflies observed at sites within a 15-mile diameter count circle in a one-day period. The annually published […]
Article and photo by Plant NOVA Natives Dense plantings between properties are a valuable amenity, so much so that they are mandated for many building projects. A mixed hedge consisting of native plant species has the added value of supporting the songbirds in our communities. Privacy screens don’t always work out as planned, though, so […]
Photo: Earth Sangha Wild Plant Nursery, 6100 Cloud Drive, Springfield VA Mason District Park, 6621 Columbia Pike, Annandale VA Register to volunteer here. Wild Plant Nursery Workdays: Every Sunday, Monday, and Wednesday from 9am-1pm at the Wild Plant Nursery. Earth Sangha still has plenty of repotting to do! Plus, the usual weeding and labeling. The […]
Photo: Emily Carter Mitchell, Zebra Swallowtail Tuesday, June 18, 2024 7 – 8:30 PM Virtual ASNV Members $10/Non-members $15 Register here. The sight of butterflies fluttering around on a warm day is one of the most iconic signs of summer. These beautiful insects usually only live for a few weeks as adults, but they make […]
Photo: Sara Holtz, tree with “mulch volcano” Article by Cindy Speas, Chair of the Fairfax County Tree Commission I am frequently asked “What service do you use for advice about the health of your trees?” I’m glad to get the question, because often the expertise needed for lawn and landscape care is not the same […]
Article and photo by Plant NOVA Natives If you grew up in suburbia, a pristine lawn was a welcome herald of spring. Everyone enjoys the smell of freshly mowed grass and the look of a well-kept, manicured lawn. So what, you might wonder, is the problem with turfgrass? After all, it is a green, living […]