Entries by Mary Ann Bush

Turtles, Snakes + A Reptile Discovery Walk & Learn @Wolf Trap National Park, September 7th

Photo: By Ron Grimes, Common Ribbon snake, March 2025   Sunday, September 7, 2025 10:00AM – 11:30AM EDT Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts 1551 Trap Road Vienna, VA 22182 Event is FREE but Registration is required. Registration: Please RSVP only if you plan to attend. If your plans change, PLEASE cancel your tickets 2 […]

High School Fairfax Master Naturalist Makes a Big Impact at Hidden Oaks …and volunteering makes a big impact on her

Photo: By Kristina Watts, Juliet Phillips building the scarecrow hut Photos and Article by Kristina Watts, Hidden Oaks Nature Center Site Manager (and FMN) During the last two weeks of summer vacation, Juliet Phillips has spent her mornings helping kids with nature crafts, supervising science experiments, playing instructional games on the nature trail, and reading […]

FMN Is Part of Arbor Row’s Nature Immersion Program – Offering Both Learning and Volunteer Opportunities

Photo: David Shipper/Audubon, Ruby-throated Hummingbird Arbor Row Center, a new senior facility now open on the ground floor of The Mather began offering its first programs in May.  FMN is part of Arbor Row’s nature immersion program.  The inaugural season includes presentations by the following members: 8/22/25       Jo Doumbia                                          Hummingbirds 9/19/25       Professor Mike Walker      […]

Article Review: “For the First Time in Decades, Hikers Can Walk in Forests of Mature, Wild American Chestnuts” Article by By Eric Wallace

  Eric Wallace’s Article: “For the First Time in Decades, Hikers Can Walk in Forests of Mature, Wild American Chestnuts”, published in the July 24, 2025, Garden & Gun: Article Link Eric Wallace’s article is a well-written and inspiring piece that effectively highlights a significant ecological achievement—the partial restoration of the American chestnut. It balances historical […]

Article Review, “Dyke Marsh: A Fragile Treasure” by Glenda C. Booth, President, Friends of Dyke Marsh

Photo by Ned Stone, A Dyke Marsh inlet. Article: “Dyke Marsh: A Fragile Treasure”, published in the July 14, 2025, Northern Virginia Bird Alliance News:  https://www.nvbirdalliance.org/news/dyke-marsh-a-fragile-treasure Glenda Booth’s article presents a thorough overview of Dyke Marsh’s ecological importance, biodiversity, history of degradation, and current restoration efforts. Dyke Marsh, part of the George Washington Memorial Parkway […]

Friends of Dyke Marsh Ask Your Help To Tackle Invasive Plants, Various Dates: August Through December

Photo: FMN Margaret Fisher, Trees being engulfed by invasive plants Help protect native plants by pulling and clipping invasive plants. You will receive training to identify the five or so target plants. FODM kindly ask that you not bring pets. Invasive plants can threaten and outcompete native plants. Bring gloves, hand clippers and water. Instructions, […]

Winter Nature Art Classes at Hidden Oaks, October 10th and November 15th

Drawing by Elaine Sevy   Improve your naturalist observation skills and add excitement to your nature journals! Naturalist Nayeli Arellano will present nature drawing and journaling classes at Hidden Oaks Nature Center, 7701 Royce Street, Annandale. To sign up: Call 703-222-4664 weekdays 9am- 4pm or Log into Parktakes by using:  http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes Registration for Fall classes […]

Difficult Run Stream Valley Park Habitat Restoration! – Oakton, August 17th

Image: Courtesy of the Fairfax County Park Authority August 17th,2025 10:00 am – 12:00 pm Difficult Run Stream Valley Park Oakton, VA 22124 Contact Name: Sara Holtz Email: sh12sh34@gmail.com Primary Phone: 703-901-0603 CLICK HERE FOR REGISTRATION AND OTHER DETAILS. Did you know that invasive plants are a huge threat to local wildlife, including migrating birds? Help out these […]