Photo: Plant NOVA Natives Native vines can be terrific additions to your landscape. The most popular one, Coral Honeysuckle, is a hummingbird magnet! Unlike the non-native invasive vines that we see everywhere killing trees, our native vines seldom hurt them. They co-evolved with our trees and are important members of the ecosystem, attracting numerous and […]
Photo courtesy of Defensores de la Cuenca Celebra la Naturaleza y la Salsa con Nosotros el 20 de Septiembre Friday, September 20, 2024 4:30 pm Alabama Park Drive, 1100 Alabama Drive, Herndon VA FREE Groove to the rhythm with Fairfax County Park Authority, Defensores de la Cuenca, and Opportunity Neighborhoods with salsa dancing and making. […]
Photo: SERC Tuesday, September 17, 2024 7 pm Sponsored by Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) Register here. Major transitions between technologies, like the switch from gas lights to electric lights, may seem quick when we look back on them. But transitions generally take decades. During this time, progress is inevitably punctuated by setbacks as proponents […]
Photo: FMN Jerry Nissley Hidden Oaks Nature Center 7701 Royce Street, Annandale VA Contact volunteer coordinator [email protected] Front Desk Wednesdays, 9am to 1pm or 1pm to 5pm If you love nature and enjoy talking to people, consider volunteering at Hidden Oaks’ front desk. You will welcome visitors, orient them to the park, answer questions, and […]
Saturday, September 21, 2024 11 am – 3 pm Leopold’s Preserve 16290 Thoroughfare Road, Broad Run, VA The highly anticipated Fall Festival at Leopold’s Preserve, is proudly brought to you by the White House Farm Foundation and Northern Virginia Conservation Trust. Here are some of the festivities you can expect: Nature Adventures: Join guided hikes, explore trails, […]
Photo and article by Plant NOVA Natives We all know the climate is getting hotter. The week of July 22 included the world’s two hottest days in recorded history. At the same time, the average annual rainfall in Virginia has risen, as a warmer atmosphere tends to hold more moisture. Since it also creates more […]
Photo: Earth Sangha Sundays, Mondays and Wednesdays 9 am – 12 noon 6100 Cloud Drive, Springfield VA Register here. Earth Sangha propagates local ecotype native plants for sale and distribution in Northern Virginia. They are a non-profit and rely heavily on volunteers to keep their plants growing. They have plenty of repotting to do, in […]
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 […]