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 […]
Cover photo: Marilyn Schroeder Looking for a Project Code? With 2023 entering the final quarter, this is a good time to review FMN Projects Codes, how to find them, and how to use them in Better Impact (BI). All VMN chapters are required to develop and maintain a project catalogue in accordance with VMN guidelines. […]
On September 13th, the Fairfax County Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination (OEEC) announced the recipients of the 2023 Environmental Excellence Awards. The September Board of Supervisor’s newsletter referenced that since 2000, Fairfax County has issued the Environmental Excellence Awards to recognize county residents, county employees, businesses, and organizations who demonstrate extraordinary leadership within the […]
This announces the second CE tour of the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History developed and tailored for VMNs by FMN John Kelmelis. What: Interpretive Tour of the Museum of Natural History for Virginia Master Naturalists When: September 27, 2023 at 3:00pm Where: National Museum of Natural History in DC Meet in the rotunda at the […]
Cover photo: Susan Martel The first ‘Afternoon at the Smithsonian’ CE tour was a big success. This tour identifies the relationship of some Natural History Museum exhibits to the natural environment of Virginia including the geologic history, mineralogy, entomology, osteology, evolution, mammalogy, and many other topics. Some of the take-aways include an introduction of how […]
Cover photo Jerry Nissley The pollinator garden redux at the Potomac River Occoquan National Wildlife Refuge is certainly not a complete success story yet but the story behind how it got started and kicked off is a complement to success. Let’s rewind … FMN set up an outreach table the Mason Neck Eagle Festival a […]
On 30 July, 2023 FMN offered its first of (hopefully) several CE Kayak Adventures. Everything worked out to a T and what a nice evening it was too. Perfect weather, full moon, eagles, herons, frogs in our boats, high tide, and Tom (the lead guide) managed to navigate the group through the hydrilla to observe […]
CE announcement at the Smithsonian Natural History Museum – What: Interpretive Tour of the National Museum of Natural History for Virginia Master Naturalists When: August 16, 2023 at 3:00pm Where: National Museum of Natural History Meet in the rotunda at the information desk beside the big elephant. How long: Approximately 2 hours. Group limit. 6 […]