George Mason University hosts free lecture on climate change, Apr. 24th

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An Evening with Dr. Ed Maibach: What Do Americans Think About Climate Change, and What—If Anything—Do They Want to Do About It?

Old Town Hall, City of Fairfax
3999 University Drive, Fairfax VA
Wednesday, 24 April 2019
7 pm

Dr. Edward Maibach will present an overview of the findings from public opinion polls regarding climate change conducted over the past decade. Recently there has been a sharp increase in the public’s understanding of and concern about climate change. He will discuss Mason’s efforts to increase public understanding of climate change. There will be an opportunity for questions following the presentation.

Dr. Maibach serves on the advisory council of George Mason University’s newly launched Institute for a Sustainable Earth (ISE), which will address Earth’s future, including the problem of global climate change. He is also a Mason distinguished University Professor and a communication scientist who is expert in the uses of strategic communication and social marketing to address climate change and related public health challenges. His research – funded by NSF, NASA and private foundations – focuses on public understanding of climate change and clean energy; the psychology underlying public engagement; and cultivating TV weathercasters, health professionals, and climate scientists as effective climate educators. From 2011 to 2014, Ed co-chaired the Engagement & Communication Working Group for the 3rd National Climate Assessment, and he currently advises myriad government agencies, museums, science societies and civic organizations on their climate change public engagement initiatives. He earned his PhD in communication science at Stanford University, his Masters in Public Health at San Diego State University, and his BA in psychology at University of California, San Diego.

FrogWatch USA training and service

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Photo by Barbara J. Saffir (c)

Trainings:
Thursday, 11 April 2019, 6-9 pm @ Huntley Meadows Park, Alexandria, VA
Sunday, 14 April 2019, 3-6 pm @ National Zoological Park, ­ Rock Creek Campus
Saturday, 27 April 2019, 3-6 pm @ National Zoological Park, ­Rock Creek Campus

The FrogWatch, USA, National Zoo chapter is entering its seventh season of FrogWatch USA at the zoo. To date it has monitored 75 sites in DC, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and Maine and has submitted almost 2,000 frog call observations.

FrogWatch tracks frog populations throughout the United States. Participants will choose a monitoring site that is easily accessible and close to where they live or work to listen to frogs that are calling throughout the warmer months. The three indoor trainings help orient people with the frogs that are in the DC-metro area and their calls. Content is the same, so chose one training that fits your schedule. If you are interested please contact Matt Neff: neffm@si.edu.

VMN CE Webinar: Maple syrup as a forest product, Mar. 28th

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Virginia Master Naturalists Continuing Education Webinar

Thursday, 28 March 2019, 12:00 pm
Meeting Number: 199-915-948
Link to join: Join Webinar

It’s possible to collect sap sustainably from any species of maple, sap that can be processed into a valuable syrup.  In many parts of Virginia, this can prove to be a viable cottage industry (or at least an interesting demonstration project).  The VMN-High Knob Chapter has overseen a demo “sugar bush” on the Powell River Project Research & Education Center in Wise County for the last four winters.  Chris Allgyer and Phil Meeks will discuss the process for collecting sap and making syrup, as well as its potential as an off-season forest product.  Other species of trees that can yield a usable syrup will also be discussed.

Presenters:

Phil Meeks is the Extension Agent for Agriculture & Natural Resources in Wise County and is the chapter advisor for the High Knob Chapter of VMN.

Chris Allgyer is President of the VMN High Knob Chapter. He recently retired from Mountain Empire Community College where he taught mathematics for 46 years.

Link for recordings of this and past webinars: VMN Continuing Education page.

If you have specific technical questions, try the Zoom Support Center.

What kinds of insects do birds eat? Find out from Audubon, March 24

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The Audubon Society of Northern Virginia will hold an Audubon Afternoon on Sunday, March 24 at the National Wildlife Center, 11100 Wildlife Center Drive in Reston.  Ashley Kennedy, a doctoral candidate at the University of Delaware, is an entomologist who has used her own research and photos provided by citizen scientists from around the country to determine what types of insects various types of birds eat.   She will present fascinating photos and videos of birds bringing food to their young as she discusses birds’ diets and the role of native plants in attracting the insects that birds rely on.  There will be a social gathering at 2:30 followed by Ashley’s presentation at 3 PM.  The event is free and open to the public.

Learn about Audubon at Home, May 9th

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Photo by Barbara J. Saffir (c)

Green Spring Gardens
4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, VA
Thursday, 9 May 2019
7:30 – 9 pm
Program and talk with Betsy Martin & Alda Krinsman

The Audubon at Home program was created to make a difference by supporting the efforts of property owners and managers to become better stewards of nature in their own outdoor spaces. It embraces the principles of the National Audubon Society’s Bird-Friendly Communities and promotes citizen participation in conserving and restoring local natural habitat and biodiversity.

The Wildlife Sanctuary Program brings trained naturalists together with property owners and managers on a mission to restore natural habitat. The program offers information, on-site consultation and recommendations to help you establish and nurture sustainable natural habitat in your backyard, neighborhood, school, church, park or business in spaces that range from a small corner of your yard to many acres. Results-based sanctuary certification depends on the success of the habitat to attract and support wildlife. The program seeks to expand wildlife habitat in the area and fosters appreciation for the value of native plants and all the wildlife that depend on them.

Flowery Waters of Spring: Ecology & Conservation of Vernal Pool Wetlands in Virginia, Apr. 11th

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Green Spring Gardens
4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria
Thursday, 11 April 2019
7:30 – 9 pm

Program and talk with Michael S. Hayslett, Principal of Virginia Vernal Pools, LLC. Mr. Hayslett is a former biology and environmental instructor at Sweet Briar College and other Virginia schools. He has spent a career pursuing the study, awareness, and conservation of the freshwater wetlands known as “vernal pools” around his native Virginia. His research has focused on amphibian ecology, but this Master Naturalist is fascinated with all aspects of these special little ecosystems and with natural history in general.  Brought to you by the Virginia Native Plant Society.

Chickens, a Backyard Management Workshop, Mar. 30th

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Herndon Fortnightly Library
768 Center St., Herndon
Saturday, 30 March 2019
1 – 2 pm

Interest in locally grown food is on the rise, from urban gardening to backyard chicken operations. Raising backyard chickens as a source for high quality fresh eggs, meat or as pets can bring the family together, while producing your own locally grown food.  Willie Woode, Senior Conservation/Agricultural Water Quality Specialist for the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District will present along with St. Clair D. Williams, Senior Assistant to the Zoning Administrator of Fairfax County.  Space is limited and registration is required.  Register today!

Birding by Ear Boot Camp, April 14th

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Photo by Barbara J. Saffir (c)

Julie J. Metz Wetland Preserve and Leesylvania State Park, Woodbridge, VA
Saturday, 14 April 2019
7 am-3:30 pm

Spend a full day learning bird song in the field and on the trails with birding expert Greg Fleming. Some basic birding knowledge is a prerequisite, such as being able to identify some common local birds by sight. Bring a bag lunch, we’ll be out in the field all day but will break for lunch at Leesylvania State Park. This class will fill up quickly! Register here. Limited to 15 students. $50 Audubon Society of Northern Virginia members/$60 non-members.

How to lead a bird and nature walk, Apr. 6th

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Location TBD
Saturday, 6 April 2019
9 am – 12 pm

Do you love birds? Wildflowers? Frogs? Fungi? Some other aspect of nature? Do you ever think you might like to share that love with others in an organized way, but are not sure how to do it? If so, this workshop will answer a lot of questions and give you good tips on how to be a successful leader. Some time in a classroom setting and will be followed up with a walk to practice what you’ve learned. Register here. Limited to 15 students. $10 Audubon Society of Northern Virginia members/$15 non-members.

Instructor: Dixie Sommers has been an Audubon member since 1986 and became a serious birder after moving back to the Washington area from Ohio in 2006, adding to her long interest in nature photography and travel. She is an avid e-bird user and enjoys using photography to help learn the birds, and sharing her photos. In addition to favorite places in Virginia, her recent birding travels include Alaska, Cuba, Ecuador, Ohio, South Florida, Antarctica, and Argentina. Dixie lives in Alexandria, Virginia, and retired from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics after a long career of counting jobs and workers. Now she counts birds!

Early Spring Birding, Mar. 28th

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Photo by Barbara J. Saffir (c)

Fairfax High School Room A139, 3501 Rebel Run, Fairfax, VA 22030
Thursday, 28 March 2019
7 – 9 pm

Late March can offer spectacular birding, marking a transition between winter and spring, Many of our winter birds, such as waterfowl and sparrows, are still around, but they are joined by early migrants returning to breeding territories. This workshop will discuss birds that occur here at this time of year, with a special focus on species that are migrating into our region and their arrival dates. An ancillary field trip offers a chance to encounter many of these birds in their natural settings. Register here. $30 Audubon Society of Northern Virginia members/$40 non-members

Instructor: Larry Meade is Audubon Society of Northern Virginia Education Chair and president of the Northern Virginia Bird Club.