New on-line CE opportunity for FMN. When: Thursday evening, March 7th at 7pm. How long: Approximately 1 hour Description: Eastern Bluebirds were once as common as robins in Northern Virginia until the early 20th century when introduced species, habitat loss and pesticides caused alarming population declines. Join in to learn how this lovely species has […]
January 13, 2024 – FMN was able to kick-off the stewardship activity to replace and monitor the Blue Bird Boxes at River Farm. Susan Farmer is the FMN coordinator for service and citizen science activities at River Farm. When the American Horticultural Society (AHS) notified her that the donated boxes were in, she organized FMN […]
What: FMN CE Evening Woodcock Walk for Virginia Master Naturalists When: on Friday, March 8th from 5:30-7pm Where: Huntley Meadows Park – South Kings Hwy entrance Meet at in the parking lot. How long: Approximately 2 hours. Group limit: 15 individuals Take an evening stroll with a park naturalist through the forest to one of […]
Our friends at Mount Vernon HS are asking for volunteers to judge their science fair. E152: Science Fair Judge at Fairfax County Science Fairs — FCPS Several FMN have supported them in past so their request was sent to previous judges but it is not limited to previous judges. Read on… “Good morning, My name […]
Washington’s River Farm, the headquarters of the American Horticulture Society (AHS) is renovating their Bluebird Trail and FMN is building a team to help. The Eastern Bluebird, Sialia sialis, once as common as the robin, saw a drastic decline in population for many reasons including loss of habitat, pesticide use, snag removal, an influx of […]
The FMN stewardship code for Grasses for the Masses has been inactivated. Habitat Creation and Restoration – S015: Grasses for the Masses — Chesapeake Bay Foundation. This project is no longer sponsored by CBF and the code has been inactivated. However, DCR (Virginia State Parks) is a sponsoring organization for this program and Mason Neck is […]
Fairfax County Park Authority and the Fairfax County Park Commission announced their 2023 Elly Doyle awards presented annually to deserving volunteers or organizations. For 2023, two FMN volunteers received “Outstanding Volunteer” Awards via parks they support. Jo Doumbia received an award via Hidden Oaks Nature Center (HONC) in Annandale and Celia Boertlein via Huntley Meadows […]
Vermiculture is the intentional cultivation of worms. In gardens and farms, worms are raised and used to break down organic materials as part of a composting process called vermicomposting. Vermicomposting is the natural aerobic (oxygen-required) process of the decomposition of organic matter into soil using worms. Worms breakdown organic material into bioavailable components. These components […]
Recently, while waiting for busses filled with 3rd graders to arrive for a school program at Huntley Meadows, the conversation of idle interpreters turned to the insane number of acorns we are finding and hearing in our yards this year. By hearing, I mean pelting like a hailstorm on our roofs, decks, cars, and metal […]
Article by FMN Susan Farmer Fairfax Master Naturalists chapter is partnering with the American Horticultural Society (AHS) at their River Farm location in Fairfax County. River Farm is a beautiful 27-acre property located along the George Washington Parkway overlooking the Potomac River that has been AHS headquarters since 1973. The River Farm location is one […]