Entries by Mary Ann Bush

Virginia Osprey Festival, April 12th

Saturday, April 12, 2025 9:00 am to 4:00 pm Town Hill Colonial Avenue &, Washington Ave, Colonial Beach, VA 22443 Photo: Courtesy of the National Park Service, Osprey Virginia Osprey Festival in Colonial Beach The 7th Annual Virginia Osprey Festival in Colonial Beach, hosted by the Virginia Osprey Foundation will be held on Saturday, April […]

Winter Symposium & Central Virginia Nursery and Landscape Association Short Course Homes and Habitats, February 12th and 13th

Image: Courtesy of the Winter Symposium & CVNLA Short Course   Wednesday, February 12 & Thursday, February 13, 2025 9:00 am – 3:55 pm In-Person OR Virtually, via Zoom Click here for more session information and ticket/registration details. Presented by Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Central Virginia Nursery and Landscape Association, and Virginia Cooperative Extension Explore […]

Where Do Wildlife Go in Winter?

  Photo: Sheila Sund from Salem, Wooly Bear Caterpillar, United States, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons Where Do Wildlife Go in Winter? article by Betsy Martin featured as a Wildlife Sanctuary Almanac article for Northern Virginia Bird Alliance. The ancients puzzled over the disappearance and reappearance of birds. Aristotle thought they transformed into […]

First Hike Fairfax Photo Contest returns for 2025! Submission Before Noon on Thursday, January 2nd

Image: Courtesy of Fairfax County Government – First Hike The amazingly popular First Hike Fairfax Photo Contest returns for 2025! Grab your coats and cameras and join the fun on New Year’s Day along more than 334 miles of Park Authority trails. Participation is simple: Visit any FCPA trail on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. Take a photo to commemorate […]

Calling All Teachers: Apply for NVBA’s Hog Island Scholarship by February 25th

Photo: Walker Golder/Audubon Photography Awards, Atlantic Puffins  Each year Northern Virginia Bird Alliance (NVBA) offers a full scholarship and transportation to “Sharing Nature: An Educator’s Week” at National Audubon Society’s Hog Island Camp in Maine. Hog Island Audubon Camp has offered environmental education programs for adults, teens, families and conservation leaders since 1936. While there, […]

“Swanfall” by Tom Blackburn

Photo: Tundra Swans, Randy Streufert, The Potomac Flier (The NVBA) Tom Blackburn has written a beautiful article about the magnificent tundra swans. Between 200 and 400 of these migratory birds are spending the winter in the Great Marsh of Belmont Bay (Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge). “Swanfall” is the term used to describe the annual […]

Ranger at the Refuge: Tundra Swans, Dec 7th (Other Dates Available)

Photo: Courtesy of Elizabeth Hartwell Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge   Tundra Swans are known for their striking white plumage and long, graceful necks, making them a favorite among birdwatchers. Each year, these incredible birds undertake a remarkable migration from their breeding grounds in the Arctic tundra to warmer winter habitats. Along the way, they […]

Nature Jobs With The Fairfax County Park Authority

Photo: Courtesy of The FCPA, Nature and History Jobs The Resource Management Division of the Fairfax County Park Authority serves the community through nature and culture at nine diverse parks. Build your career through education and stewardship of natural and cultural resources at a nature center, historic site, working historic farm or public garden. The […]

Wayside interpretive Signage Project Intern

Photo: Courtesy of FCPA Wayside Interpretive Signage Wayside interpretive Signage Project Intern  The Park Authority is currently undergoing a revamping of the signage displayed across county parks. The role of this position is to aid in the research, development, and creation of these interpretive signs. At a higher level, the purpose is to enhance park […]