The Songs of Insects, A Talk and Walk, September 11th

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Norma Hoffman Visitor Center
Huntley Meadows Park, 3701 Lockheed Blvd., Alexandria, VA
Wednesday, 11 September 2019
7 pm

The Friends of Dyke Marsh invite you to a presentation that will explore the world of singing insects using nature images and sound recordings. You’ll learn where to find these insects, how to identify them by looks and songs, how and why they sing, and how you hear their songs. Their speaker will be Wil Hershberger, an avid naturalist, nature photographer, nature sound recordist, and co-author of the book “The Songs of Insects.”

The talk will be followed by a walk, beginning at 8 pm, to listen for singing insects. The number of people on the walk is limited to 20, so if you want to go on the walk please register in advance by sending an email to [email protected]. Registration will be on a first-come, first-served basis. (No registration is needed to attend the talk.)
This program is cosponsored by the Potowmack Chapter of the Virginia Native Plant Society. It is free and open to the public. An informal social, beginning at 6:30, will precede the presentation.

Free “Designing for environmental sustainability and social impact” course starts July 9th

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Develop entrepreneurial solutions that promote environmental conservation and address problems of poverty. This is a hands-on, project-based 6-week course that consists of weekly readings, videos, and workshops and is offered for FREE with the support of MAVA Foundation. You’ll explore different environmental challenges, identify areas of opportunity, and learn how to propose impactful solutions. You’ll have the opportunity to work with a team and learn from experts like Levi’s VP of Sustainability as well as the CEOs of the Nature Conservancy and Green for All.

By the end, you’ll have mastered a handful of collaborative and entrepreneurial approaches to help you promote both environmental sustainability and social impact – whether you’re a conservation specialist, a social entrepreneur, or a passionate change agent.
Ready to tackle an environmental challenge?
ENROLL FOR FREE

Thriving Earth Exchange introduces the Community Science Fellowship

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Thriving Earth Exchange’s new Community Science Fellowship offers the chance to build your skills and make a difference as you facilitate a collaborative project to address critical community priorities. Shepherding a community science project from idea to impact, our volunteer Fellows hone the skills to manage diverse teams, work across disciplinary boundaries, and connect science to action.

Learn more about the Fellowship experience.

Apply to become a Fellow.

Riverbend fern walk, led by Kit Sheffield

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Sunday, June 23
8:30-11:30 a.m.

On this hike in Riverbend Park, Kit will discuss the characteristics that differentiate ferns from other organisms and talk about what to look for when identifying ferns. The group will cover about two miles at a moderate pace on trails that are well maintained but may be muddy if there has been recent flooding. Expect to see and identify fifteen+ species along the way. Learn to identify Christmas fern, to distinguish between cinnamon fern and interrupted fern, what ferns to avoid in your garden, and why scouring rushes are now included in the ferns.

Kit Sheffield is the Membership and IT Coordinator for the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PATC) and Vice President of the Fairfax Chapter of the Virginia Master Naturalists (FMN). With a passion for pteridophytes, he leads fern hikes for PATC, FMN, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, and the Audubon Naturalist Society.

VNPS programs are free and open to the public.
However, you must register to attend. Please click here to REGISTER.
To CANCEL your registration or ask a QUESTION, please email [email protected]

Fairfax Food Council Presents: Indoor Gardening, July 16th

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Daniels Run Peace Church
3729 Old Lee Hwy., Fairfax, VA 22030
Tuesday, 16 July 2019
7 – 8:30 pm

Ryan Pirault, Founder of Livity Works LLC, will be sharing his techniques, knowledge and experience in this introductory class on “Whole House Permaculture.” Building a culture of permanent agriculture and sustainability is something all of us can participate in even if we live in a tiny cramped apartment. Take this class to learn about growing mushrooms, sprouts, and other healthy food inside your home or apartment. Click here to register.

Native Bees: Why they matter and how to support them, June 22nd

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Brambleton Library
22850 Brambleton Plaza, Brambleton, VA
Saturday, 22 June 2019
12 – 2 pm

At this Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy sponsored event, you’ll learn about the many fascinating and bee-utiful native bees that live in our gardens and the plants that support them. You will get a close-up look at Mason and Leafcutter Bees, discuss some simple ways that you can attract native bees in your garden, and help them thrive. Hosted by the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy, RSVP here.

2019 Fairfax County ESLI Environmental Education Conference, June 22nd

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Fairfax County Government Center
12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, VA 22035
Saturday, 22 June 2019
9 am – 3 pm

Connect with high school and college students from around Virginia, DC and Maryland to learn about ways you can get involved with environmental education initiatives in your school and community. Learn effective environmental education games and teaching skills that you can use to teach kids in your community, and enjoy a free sustainable meal. This one-day conference will be held on June 22, 2019 and is located at the Fairfax County Government Center in Fairfax, VA. The event is free for students. Contact us at [email protected] or visit our website at www.eslileaders.org to learn more, and click here to register.

Fairfax Food Council Presents: Gardening with Deer, Squirrels, and Other Hungry Creatures, June 18th

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Daniels Run Peace Church
3729 Old Lee Hwy., Fairfax, VA 22030
Tuesday, 18 June 2019
7 – 8:30pm

Are you feeding wildlife instead of the people your garden produce was intended to nourish? You’re invited to hear Adria Bordas give a presentation on preventing deer, squirrels and other creatures from overwhelming your garden. The last half of this workshop will be a roundtable discussion of local gardeners sharing tips and techniques for making your garden a less easy target for birds and four-footed filchers. Click here to register by June 14th.

Rain Barrel Workshop, June 15th

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Fairlington Community Center
3308 S. Stafford St., Arlington VA
Saturday, 15 June 2019
10am – 12pm

Rain barrels purchased from retail sources can be expensive. As part of a regional initiative, Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District offers build-your-own rain barrel workshops and distributes low-cost rain barrels to Fairfax County citizens. You will learn how to install and maintain a rain barrel and take one home! By installing a rain barrel at your home you will provide your plants with water they will love, save money and water, and protect the Chesapeake Bay! The workshop is free to attend and learn more about rain barrels, and building a rain barrel for you to take home is $55. Learn more about the program and register to attend this workshop.

Interfaith learning and engagement: Exploring why nature matters to us

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Join this 6-session youth outdoor education program for a special interfaith Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience. Together, the group will explore why nature is important and discuss what we can do to connect with and protect the earth. 

Session 1: June 23 

Whitehall Farm | 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM | Clifton, VA | Introduction to the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, Part I 

Session 2: June 30 

Hard Bargain Farm | 1:30 PM – 5:30 PM | Accokeek, MD | Introduction to the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, Part II 

Session 3: July 7 

Whitehall Farm | 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM | Clifton, VA | Art in Nature 

Session 4: July 14 

Whitehall Farm | 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM | Clifton, VA | Environmental Stewardship and Sustainable Farming 

Sessions 5: July 21 

Theodore Roosevelt Island | 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM | Washington, DC | Invasive Plant Removal 

Session 6: July 28 

Hemlock Overlook Regional Park | 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM | Clifton, VA | Educational Hike 

Space is limited. For more information or to register [email protected] | www.greenmuslims.org 

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