Women of Influence in Fairfax City

In April 2026, FMN Katy Johnson was awarded the 2026  Woman of Influence Award by the City of Fairfax. She credits her involvement with FMN and her advocacy for the remaining wild spaces in Fairfax City for this recognition. Even though she intentionally kept the two separate her active involvement with Virginia Master Naturalist opportunities and FMN education were key factors.

FMN Katy Johnson, Women of Influence announcement, Fairfax City

An FMN since 2021, Katy has recorded a major portion of her volunteer hours under the Habitat Creation and Restoration Category with the City of Fairfax Stewardship code; and the Native Plants and Invasive Removal category with the PRISM code; her remaining hours are spread over other conservation efforts in parks and her communities of interest. She is also the Fairfax County Park Authority liaison for the FMN chapter.

Ashby Pond Rescue – A Success Story
As an example of her active conservation in the field, recall in 2024 Katy was influential in an effort to save native plants and turtles from the reconstruction (draining) of Ashby Pond in Fairfax City. (Ashby Pond  link).
As a follow-on to the success of this project, she reported that on April 11th, 2026 approximately 30 of the rescued turtles were returned to the pond. They came home to a potential buffet of fish that were stocked for a fishing Derby. Even though those fish were likely too big for the turtles, they can always dream. In addition to the returning turtles, the pond and banks were restored with native vegetation.
Katy reiterated that many volunteers from FMN and Fairfax City were involved in the rescue, restoration, and return – please know that each of their efforts were truly appreciated and the turtles were saved because of the willingness of people to speak and act on their behalf!
She also expressed thanks to Satishi Ito, Fairfax City’s Public Works Manager, for being willing to listen to citizen concerns and for making this success story even possible. And many thanks to Dr. Todd Rimkus, Biology and Biochemical Research Area professor at Marymount University, for providing the turtle expertise to do so.

Conservation in action! Congratulations to Katy and all our volunteers that contribute on a daily basis to the conservation of natural resources in Virginia, Fairfax County, and our surrounding communities.

Fairfax County Park Authority Will Host Wetlands Awareness Day at Huntley Meadows Park on May 3rd

Photo: by FMN John Eppler, Canada Goose

 

Sunday, May 3, 2026
12:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

Free but registration is requested.

Huntley Meadows Park

Huntley Meadows Park is located at 3701 Lockheed Blvd. in Alexandria. For more information, visit the Huntley Meadows Park website or call 703-768-2525.

The Fairfax County Park Authority will host Wetlands Awareness Day on Sunday, May 3, 2026 at Huntley Meadows Park from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. This free community event celebrates the ecological importance of the county’s premier wetland sanctuary with live animal encounters and educational activities.

Event Highlights
  • Live Wildlife: Up-close encounters with live raptors, reptiles, and amphibians.
  • Guided Exploration: Stroll forested paths and immersive 1/2-mile boardwalk trails to spot local flora and fauna.
  • Interactive Learning: Hands-on exhibits and displays focused on wetland conservation and biodiversity.
  • Registration: Admission is free, though online registration is recommended to secure a spot.
Logistics & Transportation

Due to high attendance, the main parking lot at Lockheed Boulevard often reaches capacity.

  • Free Shuttle Service: Shuttles run every 15 minutes from 
    Groveton Elementary School starting at 11:30 AM.
  • Last Shuttle: The final departure to the park is at 3:30 PM, with the last return shuttle leaving at 4:15 PM.
  • ADA Parking: Pull up to the main park entrance for direction from staff to designated ADA spots.

Mark your calendar for the 2026 Fairfax Earth Day Festival April 25th!

Image: Courtesy of Fairfax County Park Authority – 2026

Saturday, April 25, 2026
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Lake Fairfax Park
1400 Lake Fairfax Dr, Reston, VA 20190

Admission is FREE; Parking is $10 per car at the gate.
Cash and credit accepted.

Learn how you can make a positive impact on the planet through exciting, interactive activities and games

Enjoy:

  • Outdoor Discovery Activities
  • Interactive Nature Exhibits
  • Earth Friendly Vendors
  • Food Trucks
  • Craft Beer Garden
  • Local Bands and Live Entertainment
  • Free Giveaways
  • Furry Farm Friends

And so much more!

WINGS OVER WOLF TRAP birds, butterflies, dragonflies +optional garden tour, April12th

Photo: Courtesy of Wolf Trap Park,  Native Woodland Garden

 

Sunday, Apr 12, 2026
9:30 am to 10:30 am

This Event is FREE however Space is limited so please register early

Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts
1551 Trap Road
Vienna, VA 22182

Overview:

 

Expert led nature walk to identify migratory birds, butterflies, dragonflies, and more at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts

🐦Join Larry Meade for a fun and educational nature walk around the grounds of Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts. April is prime time for bird migration as colorful birds such as warblers sing and show off their breeding plumage. While attendees are enjoying the birds, they will also be looking for other interesting creatures such as butterflies and dragonflies. With over 300 species of birds migrating over the area, attendees should spot quite a few species of birds. Larry works with various conservation groups in the area and will share his deep expertise in a fun and educational manner. Appropriate for all ages. Explore and learn more about the nature side of this gem of a National Park.

🦋Learn how to identify species by sound, color, size, shape and patterns.

🕛Nature walk leaves promptly at 9:30am. Please arrive at least 15 minutes early.

🔍Larry Meade is president of the Northern Virginia Bird Club. He is a frequent bird walk leader, a writer, a photographer, and program presenter. He also has an interest in butterflies and is the compiler of the Alexandria Butterfly Count which is held is September.

📸Photo Credits: Larry Meade. For more information, to join and/or to make a donation Northern Virginia Bird Club | WATCH – STUDY – ENJOY – UNDERSTAND – CONSERVE (nvabc.org)

Please note: There is an optional one-hour Native Woodland Garden Tour led by the Green Spring Extension Master Gardeners following this event from 10:45am-Noon

All ages welcomed. Paths are not stroller friendly.

We love dogs but ask that you leave them at home for this event.

This Event is FREE however Space is limited so please register early as we expect this Event to be SOLD OUT. If you pre-register and cannot make it, PLEASE use Eventbrite to Cancel well ahead of time as we are sure to have a waiting list for this Event.

📍Meeting Location: Main Entrance to the Filene Center- adjacent to the Box Office.

Directions: Turn into Wolf Trap’s main entrance at the digital sign (1551 Trap Road, Vienna), and follow the road to the Filene Center. Free Parking available in nearby lots

🤓Prepare: Wear clothing and shoes suitable for woods, trail walking and the weather. Rain or shine. You may want to bring binoculars, sun and bug protection, water, a basic first aid kit and your cell phone for taking photos. iNaturalist uploads are always appreciated.

Leave No Trace.

Assumption of Risk and Waiver of Liability Attendees assume all risks and accept sole responsibility for any injury, illness, damage, loss, claim, liability or expense of any kind that attendee may experience or incur in connection with attending the event. Attendee hereby releases, covenants not to sue, discharges and hold harmless Friends of Wolf Trap, its volunteers, members, and guests, of and from any such claims, including all liabilities, claims, actions, damages, costs or expenses of any kind arising out of or relating thereto.

📷Photo Consent: Your participation means you give your consent to be photographed, filmed or otherwise recorded and to the release, publication, exhibition or reproduction of and all recorded media of your appearance, your voice, for any purpose whatsoever in perpetuity including, by way of example ony, use on social media.

🌩️N OTE: In the case of inclement weather, this event will be rescheduled.

Wolf Trap National Park Visitor Information. For more information and directions, visit: Wolf Trap National Park Visitor Information

https://www.nps.gov/wotr/planyourvisit/index.htm

www.friendsofwolftrap.org

For FMN’s: These events count as educational credit under “Continuing Education – National Park Service” (sponsoring organization).  Each session that you attend counts as one hour of educational credit.

In-person Art Class: Sketching Birds 101 with Jess Michetti, April 8th

 

Sketch: Sketching Birds 101 by Jess Michetti

Wednesday, April 8, 2026
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Fee: Members $12.00, Nonmembers $23.00

National Wildlife Federation Building
11100 Wildlife Center Drive
Reston, VA 20190

Click here for Registration and Sign-up

About the course:

In the spirit of Draw A Bird Day (04/08/2026), students will use pencils, pens and copy paper to enjoy drawing birds – together! This event celebrates drawing birds as a way to enjoy the challenge of putting pencil to paper and learn something about our subject along the way.

Draw A Bird Day began in the UK in the 1940s when a young girl asked her wounded uncle to draw a bird for her while visiting him in the hospital. He obliged, and the girl told him he was not a good artist and laughed. The simple act of drawing and sharing lifted his spirits, and from then on, he and others in the hospital drew birds together every time the girl would visit, taking their minds off their injuries and bringing a bit of joy to the hospital ward. Draw a Bird Day is celebrated every year on her birthday, April 8.

Students will talk about materials and techniques along the way as we draw an American Robin together, step-by-step. Absolutely no experience is required, and all skill levels are welcome!

About the Speaker

Jess Michetti is the graphic designer and artist behind Good Goose Graphics. She’s an avid bird watcher, and birds are her favorite subject to draw. She shares her highly detailed colored pencil drawings online and at northern Virginia area art shows throughout the year and hopes that her work inspires viewers to slow down, notice and care for the beauty of nature all around them…to choose wonder.

Spring 2026 Tree Rescuer Extravaganza!

Photo: Courtesy of Fairfax Prism

March 21-April 12, 2026

JOIN volunteers at any of these tree rescues to learn about invasive plants and what you can do to help!

What to Know Before You Go

What to Wear: Long-sleeved shirts and long pants to protect against thorns, sturdy shoes, a hat.

What to Bring: Water. See instructions for each event about tools. If you have them, bring clippers, loppers, and/or small saws. If you don’t, most event leaders will have some extra tools you can borrow.

Sign Up: Please use the registration form or link on the calendar to let the event leaders know you are coming. Children must be over age 11 to actively participate.

 

Would you rather help in other ways?

Volunteer to help organize? Please fill out the interest form.

Donate money to support the work of the PRISM or adopt parks? Please see this page

PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR A THE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS!

 

 

 

28th Annual Eagle Festival!

 

 

 

Photo: Courtesy of Eagle Fest at Mason Neck State Park

May 9, 2026
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Mason Neck State Park,
7301 High Point Rd.,
Lorton, VA 22079.
Visitor Center Lawn

All events for the festival are free for everyone to enjoy!
Click here for additional information.

Join this full day of live animal shows, hands on educational opportunities, and outdoor recreation clinics that all aim to highlight the rich natural history of Northern Virginia and foster stewardship of our environment.

  •  See live wildlife up close
  •  Learn about our resident bald eagles and see them fly overhead
  •  Visit exhibits from our many conservation partners
  •  Enjoy live music, food, and more

Special thanks to the Friends of Mason Neck State Park for their continued support of the park and this event, and thanks to all our Peninsula partners and sponsors that make this event possible.

Other details:
Standard parking or admission fee applies: Yes.
Extra fee: No.
Registration required: No.
Children welcome: Yes.
Phone: 703-339-2385
Email Address: MasonNeck@dcr.virginia.gov

Spring 2026 Native Plant Sales in Northern Virginia

Photo: Courtesy of LOUDOUN WILDLIFE’S NATIVE PLANT SALE AT MORVEN

 

 

Saturday, March 28
8:00am-1:00pm
National Arboretum Native Plant Sale
2400 R Street
Washington DC 20002Held in conjunction with the National Arboretum’s Lahr Native Plant Symposium 
Friends of the National Arboretum:
http://www.fona.org

Friday, April 10 & Saturday, April 11
9am-3pm
American Horticultural Society Spring Garden Market at River Farm
7931 E Boulevard Drive
Alexandria VA 22308
See Garden Market site for details.
Native plant vendors include Seven Bends Nursey.

Saturday, April 11
9am-2pm
Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy Native Plant Sale
Morven Park
17195 Southern Planter Ln, Leesburg, VA
Native plant vendors include Hill House Farm & Nursery and Nature by DesignWatermark WoodsSeven Bends NurseryYellow House Natives.
See Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy website and facebook page for details

​​​

Saturday, April 11
10:00am
Friends of Riverbend Park Bluebell Sale
Riverbend Park
8700 Potomac Hills Street
Great Falls, VA 22066
Pre-sales orders end on March 31, 2026 for native plant and bluebell orders.
Pickup close to the visitor center and in conjunction with the Bluebell Festival. Bluebells will be available to purchase in person at the festival.
 – and –

Saturday, April 18
10am-5pm
Friends of Riverbend Park – Pickup for Native Plant Sale Riverbend Park Educational Pavilion
8700 Potomac Hills Street
Great Falls, VA 22066
Pre-sales orders end on March 31, 2026 for native plant and bluebell orders.

 

Saturday, April 18
10am-3pm
Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia Spring Celebration and Plant Sale
Glencarlyn Library Community Garden
300 South Kensington Street
Arlington, VA 22204
Vendors include Hill House Native Plants & Master Gardeners Hosted by Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia

Saturday, April 18​
9:30am-1:00pm pickup
Walker Nature Center Native Plant Sale
11450 Glade Drive
Reston, VA 20191
Pre-orders are due by April 3rd at 5pm.
Online form for pre-orders is available.
See naturecenter@reston.org for other details.

Saturday, April 18
9:00am-2:00pm pickup
Seven Bends Primavera Party
76 Moose Road
Berryville, VA 22611
2nd yearly gardening and conservation celebration

Saturday, April 25
9:00am-4:00pm
National Arboretum Garden Fair and Plant Sale
National Arboretum
3501 New York Ave NE
Washington DC 20002
Contact Friends of National Arboretum: http://www.fona.org

Saturday, April 25
9am-2pm
Northern Alexandria Native Plant Sale
The Church of St. Clement Episcopal Church
1701 N. Quaker Lane
Alexandria, VA 22302
See website for details

Saturday, April 25
1pm-4pm​
Long Branch Nature Center Plant Pickup
625 S Carlin Springs Road
Arlington, Va 22204
Visit registration.arlingtonva.us starting sometime in March  to pre-order, and payments can be made by e-check or credit card online. Email longbranch@arlingtonva.us or call 703-228-4747 (option 9) for questions

 

DONT FORGET –  LOCAL PLANT NURSURIES:

Nature by Design in Alexandria, Earth Sangha in Springfield and Watermark Woods in Hamilton, Virginia are open throughout the growing season to supply your needs. 

Fairfax County Offers Free Trees to Community Organizations

Photo: Courtesy of the Fairfax County’s Urban and Community Forestry Division

 

~Application deadline is April 10, 2026~

FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va – Community-based organizations in Fairfax County can apply to
receive free trees for planting on private properties, through a program by Fairfax County’s
Urban and Community Forestry Division (UCFD) of the Department of Public Works and
Environmental Services.

The program, offered in partnership with Casey Trees, is designed to help community
organizations in Fairfax County – such as volunteer groups, civic associations and faith-based
organizations – obtain high-quality, professionally grown trees suitable for planting. Purchasing
top-quality trees can be a challenge for these organizations.

This opportunity focuses on increasing tree cover in economically disadvantaged communities,
which typically do not benefit from moderate to high tree cover.

How to Apply: Fairfax County Tree Distribution to Community Organizations | Public Works and
Environmental Services
UCFD will prioritize applications for tree-planting sites within or adjacent to Fairfax County-
designated highly vulnerable communities, as defined by the county’s One Fairfax policy and its
associated Vulnerability Index. While planting in highly vulnerable communities will be
prioritized, all community organizations are encouraged to apply for tree delivery, regardless of
where tree planting is proposed.

The costs of the trees and delivery are covered by the county’s Tree Preservation and Planting
Fund and will be offered at no cost to participating organizations.

About the Trees and Delivery

Available trees are professionally grown, landscape quality, and meet or exceed industry
standards. Trees are sized 1.5” to 2.0” in caliper, 8-10 feet in height, and weigh approximately
130-150 pounds each. All trees comply with Fairfax County’s Natural Landscape Policy and are
non-invasive, regionally native, ecologically appropriate species and cultivars.

Casey Trees’ Casey Tree Farm is recognized as one of the foremost nurseries in the region.
Casey Trees will reserve and deliver trees directly to community organizations for planting
projects in Fairfax County. Delivery includes loading and offloading at a single location
designated in the application
Learn about UCFD’s tree programs: Urban and Community Forestry in Fairfax County | Public
Works and Environmental Services

Fourth Annual Conference for Spanish-Speakers – With Hands-on Training in The Afternoon, February 26th

Photo: Plant NOVA Natives

 

Thursday, February 26, 2026 (Rain Date: Thursday, March 5)
9:00 am – 12:30 pm (Optional practical session – 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm)

Location: Annandale, VA (Location will be sent to registrants)

Registration is required by February 25.   Please click on the link for details and to register. (PlantNovaTrees.org/clase-en-espanol)

All for free! (Lunch and snacks are included.)

Spanish-language Workshop for Landscape Professionals 

Learn about native plants and natural landscape management. 

Open to owners, designers, foremen, laborers, and employees of garden centers.

Fourth annual conference for Spanish-speakers – with hands-on training in the afternoon
Thursday, February 26, 2025 in Annandale. The conference is free and in person and includes lunch.
Topics include
  • Introduction to invasive plant control as a business
  • Native shrubs and vines for the garden
  • Invasive shrubs and vines

If our new guide Native Plants for Virginia Gardens has been printed, everyone will receive a copy.

Special event – this year only!

In partnership with Fairfax Tree Rescuers PRISM, we will be combining this conference with the first offering of a certificate course on the identification and control of invasive plants. The course will include both on-line and in-person learning. Those wishing to be eligible for a certificate should stay for the afternoon session and plan to do the on-line learning and a second in-person practice later. Click here for more information.

Questions? plantnovanatives@gmail.com