Article by FMN Stephen Tzikas Reprinted from Virginia Bluebird Society The Bird Box, Spring 2022, with permission. In 2021 I volunteered to be a bluebird monitor at Langley Fork Park in McLean, Virginia. It is one of many citizen science programs promoted by the Virginia Master Naturalists and managed by the Virginia Bluebird Society (VBS). […]
Photo: Luke Franke Fairfax County Park Authority is expanding its education on the importance of dark skies. Light pollution has negative effects on wildlife, plants, people, energy consumption, and human health. They are looking to celebrate international dark sky awareness week Home – International Dark Sky Week with some educational blogs and events. Are there any […]
Photo: Gordon Atkins, GBBC Thursday, April 14,2022 7 – 8:30pm Where: ONLINE ASNV Members: $10 Non-members: $20 Register here. Wildlife photographer, filmmaker, and Nikon Ambassador Kristi Odom will be joined by photographer Molly Riley to discuss all things related to bird photography, from lens and camera choices, to autofocus settings. They will not only talk about how to […]
Photo courtesy of Plant NOVA Natives Northern Virginia’s oldest and best-loved trees are in danger, and the threat is in plain sight – and yet there are few who can see it. But help is on the way! Tree Rescuers – a new community education and outreach program – is shining a light on non-native […]
Photo: Ed Haas Thursday, April 14, 2022 7 – 8 pm Ages 16-Adult Free Register here by April 12th; enter activity number 206201006 in the search. Learn about Reston’s participation in the national citizen science project, Caterpillars Count! Volunteers are needed to collect weekly data on the abundance and phenology of caterpillars and other arthropods […]
The Nature Conservancy is partnering with Fairfax County Park Authority to do a wonderful watershed cleanup around 15 different Fairfax County parks! Registration for the annual Fairfax County Watershed Cleanup is now available at www.nature.org/fairfaxcleanup. They need nearly 500 volunteers to help clean up plastic bottles, cans and other debris. It’s a great way to […]
Photo: Robert Collins on Unsplash The Fairfax County Park Authority has dynamic public programs that need volunteers. Here is a sample of spring opportunities at Hidden Oaks and for International Dark Sky Awareness Week. A more complete list is here. For other opportunities tailored to your interests, talk to the Volunteer Coordinator at your favorite […]
Photo courtesy of Eagle Fest Saturday, May 7, 2022 10am – 6pm Mason Neck State Park 7301 High Point Rd, Lorton, VA The Eagle Festival will be live and in-person this year! Please mark your calendar for a wonderful day at Mason Neck State Park. There will be live animal presentations all day long, as […]
Article and photos by FMN Mike Walker Like last year, I saved every scrap of “plastic” that came in to my home in January and February. Fortunately I have a wonderful screen porch to store this stuff outside during the cold weather. As you can see above, in two months, I collected a shocking total […]
Photo: Barbara Saffir The Northern Virginia Bird Club offers three guided bird walks a week at a variety of locations. The trips are free and open to all. There is no need to register for the local trips. Here is the schedule for March – June 2022.