Article by FMN Joe Gorney, photo by J. Quinn As Master Naturalists, we sometimes help reclaim vegetated areas from the clutches of non-native invasives. At the end of this process, we’re often confronted with a degraded and/or blank slate in need of enhancement. But deciding what to plant can be a challenge. Optimally, we’d use […]
Virginia Outdoors Foundation is thrilled to announce that they are now accepting applications for their 2021 Virginia Outdoors Foundation (VOF) Natural Science Fellowship (Herpetology) position. This fellowship will be focused on the pursuit of scientific discovery and increasing knowledge related to the resident snake populations at VOF’s Preserve at Bull Run Mountains – which is […]
Io moth by Judy Gallagher Thursday, July 29, 7:00 – 8:00 PM (Online via Zoom)Field Trip: Saturday, July 31, 8:30 PM –10:30 PM Lorton, VAFee: FREE, but registration is required You all know something about butterflies but you probably don’t know much about their cousins, the moths. Did you know many adult moths eat nectar but others don’t […]
Photo courtesy of Plant NOVA Natives Many insects are picky eaters, only able to eat the plants with which they evolved, meaning the plants that are native to their region. Butterflies are a good example, since although the adults can sip nectar from non-native flowers, their caterpillars depend on specific native plants.The majority of bees […]
Plant NOVA Natives was launched in 2014 to promote and increase the use of locally native plants in Northern Virginia. One of nine campaigns within the state-wide Plant Virginia Natives marketing partnership, it is a grand coalition of governmental, nonprofit and for-profit organizations that have pooled their resources to work toward this common goal. The […]
Reprinted with permission of Audubon Society of Northern Virginia; photo by Leslie Frattaroli, NPS Clean and take down your feeders and bird baths until further notice! As hard as it is for bird watchers to take their feeders down, there is now a critical reason to do so. Recent unexplained bird deaths in our region […]
BB nest feature photo by Barbara J. Saffir Have you ever wondered what’s inside those white boxes on poles standing in open fields? They are Bluebird boxes paid for and erected by Bluebird Societies to provide habitat for Bluebirds, native cavity nesters. Trained personnel regularly monitor the boxes to record data for scientific research. A […]
Virtual Thursday, June 24 and Friday, June 25, 2021 9am – noon both days Register here. Don’t miss the chance to collaborate with other tree stewards, hear speakers on the latest tree topics and learn about some of the latest resources available to expand your involvement in community outreach. See the agenda here.
Augochloropsis metallica, a species of sweat bee; photo: USGS Monday, June 21, 2021 7 – 9pm Zoom This chapter meeting will include the graduation ceremony for the Spring 2021 Basic Training Class. Deana Crumbling will provide a presentation about native bees. Deana worked as a chemist with the U.S. EPA for 21 years and retired […]
Photo courtesy of Environment Expo Fort Hunt Park 8999 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria VA Saturday, June 26, 2021 8am – Noon Reserve your FREE ticket today! This FREE Family Friendly Event will include: Exhibitors, Workshops, Live Music, Live Reptile and Owl Programs, Electric Vehicles, Nature Walks, Junior Ranger Program, Touch-a-Truck Recycling, History Tours, Purple Glass […]