Ranger at the Refuge: Tundra Swans, December 28th

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Photo: Tundra Swans, Randy Streufert, The Potomac Flier (The NVBA)

Sunday Dec. 28, 2026.
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Other details:

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

Mason Neck State Park, 7301 High Point Rd., Lorton, VA 22079.
Woodmarsh Trail Observation Deck at Elizabeth Hartwell 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 Arctic tundra breeding grounds to warmer winter habitats. Along the way, they face numerous challenges, including harsh weather and the need to find suitable feeding areas. During your visit, you’ll learn about their impressive strength and stamina as they fly thousands of miles to return to the tundra they call home.

Meet rangers stationed at the observation deck at the Woodmarsh Trail within the Elizabeth Hartwell Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge. The Woodmarsh Trail Observation platform is approximately 1 mile from the parking lot. The trail is unpaved with slight elevation changes. The trail offers a longer loop to the observation platform if you like.   Please stay tuned to the website for any weather-related changes to the program.

Additional dates

Ranger at the Refuge: Tundra Swans – Jan. 3, 2026. 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Ranger at the Refuge: Tundra Swans – Jan. 11, 2026. 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Ranger at the Refuge: Tundra Swans – Jan. 17, 2026. 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Ranger at the Refuge: Tundra Swans – Jan. 25, 2026. 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Winter Fest 2026 – Mason Neck State Park, January 1, 2026

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Image: Mason Neck State Park – Winterfest 2026

Jan. 1, 2026
7:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Mason Neck State Park, 7301 High Point Rd., Lorton, VA 22079.
Various Locations throughout the Park

 

Other details:

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

Bundle up and celebrate the wonder of the season! Join folks for a day of frosty fun, nature exploration, and cozy community cheer. Discover how wildlife adapts to winter, take a guided hike through the quiet woods, create nature-inspired crafts, and warm up by the campfire with a hot beverage. It’s a perfect way to enjoy the beauty and magic of winter outdoors! Festivities will take place near the picnic area. Look for specific information on the hikes. Please plan to be outdoors the entire time. If the weather becomes unfavorable, we will make alternative arrangements.

7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Sunrise Hike 3.6 miles moderate hike, meet at the trailhead for High Point Trail near the picnic area.
Folks will hike along the High Point Trail to Wilson Springs to Kanes Creek, then to Eagle Spur, and back. This hike will be a moderately paced hike to start the new year with a heart-healthy activity. You will then spend a short time at the observation point, then return to the picnic area. This trail is partially paved, mostly dirt, with some elevation changes. Not wheelchair nor stroller-friendly.

10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the Picnic Area

Crafts.

Snow Science.

Campfires and warm beverages.

10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Winter animal adaptation story “hike”. This family-friendly “hike” will explore how different animals adapt to winter. Meet Interpreters at the picnic area at 10:30, or, if you prefer to learn and explore on your own, the story walk will be available from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Winter Tree ID Hike on High Point Trail. This will be a slower-paced hike, with many stops along the way to identify trees. Interpreters will have some winter tree ID guides to share and will teach you to look for the subtle signs trees give us for identification. Interpreters will meet you at the trailhead to High Point near the group picnic area. This is wheelchair and stroller-friendly.

About First Day Hikes

Every year on Jan. 1, Virginia State Parks celebrates First Day Hikes. This nationwide initiative invites people to ring in the new year by connecting with nature and making lasting memories at a state park. Ranger-led and self-guided First Day Hikes are offered across the state, giving visitors of all ages and skill levels the chance to explore outdoors. January 1 is a Free Parking Day at all Virginia State Parks. (The admission fee at Natural Bridge still applies).

Who Wants to Talk Trees, Birds, Bugs & Beyond?

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Photo by 2y.kang on Unsplash

The our Speaker’s Bureau list has been yielding presenters for Arbor Row, but lately the offering has dried up —and we don’t want this wonderful nature-immersion program for seniors to stall.

They would love hearing about birds, trees, butterflies, gardens—pretty much anything with wings, petals, fur, or chlorophyll.

Do you have a favorite bird?

A funny backyard wildlife story?

A go-to native plant you can’t stop recommending.

A secret superpower for spotting foxes, frogs, or fungi.

If you said yes to any of the above… congratulations, you’re speaker material! No podiums, no pressure—just a friendly chat with a group of seniors who genuinely enjoy learning something new each month.

Presentations can be short, friendly, and conversational—perfect for an audience that loves learning and connecting.

Not sure what to talk about? We’ve built a menu of fun topics—birds, trees, pollinators, nature journaling, seasonal changes, backyard habitats, and more. Pick one you love and make it your own.

Offer a new one not included here:

Birds & Wildlife
● Backyard birds of Fairfax County
● Bird songs 101: recognizing calls in your neighborhood – introduce Merlin App
● Pollinators and why they matter (bees, butterflies, and moths)
● Urban wildlife: foxes, deer, squirrels, and other neighbors – cool/fun facts
● How to create wildlife-friendly habitats at home (just an idea as they will not be able to do so)

Trees & Forests
● Native trees of Northern Virginia
● How to identify common trees by leaves, bark, and shape – possible around their site. Do not know whether they have trees planted
● The importance of old trees and forest edges
● Invasive vines & plants: how they affect our local trees –
● Seasonal changes in our forests
● The story of Fairfax Tree Rescuers PRISM

Gardening & Native Plants
● Easy native plants for small yards and patios
● Shade vs. sun gardens: choosing the right plants
● Container gardening with natives

Environmental Stewardship
● How climate change is affecting our local ecosystems
● Everyday actions seniors can take to support nature
● How to recognize and report invasive species
● Citizen science opportunities for all ages

Nature Appreciation & Well-Being
● Nature journaling for relaxation and memory
● The healing power of spending time outdoors
● Mindful walks: slowing down to truly see nature
● Photography in your backyard or local parks.

If you’ve ever thought, “I could talk about that,” this is your moment. Let’s not let the program fizzle—let’s make it flourish!

Your voice, your stories, and your curiosity can brighten someone’s day.

If you’re interested (or even just curious), let the members of the outreach committee know:
Marilyn Parks MARILYNANNEPARKS@gmail.com, Kelly Gilbert kellyjo.gilbert@gmail.com, and/or Jo Doumbia 120411tigre@gmail.com
Arbor Row is waiting—and they can’t wait to learn from you!

SHARE YOUR PASSION FOR THE NATURAL WORLD – National Museum of Natural History Volunteer Program

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Photo: FMN Jerry Nissley, Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History
The Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History is putting out a general call for volunteers and is developing a training program to help increase the number of people in the different disciplinary halls.
Typically 100 hours are requested per year and this is easy to complete with the flexible schedule available.

Do you have a passion for understanding the natural world and our place in it? Spark conversations about science and natural history with the world by joining the volunteer team at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History!

The National Museum of Natural History Volunteer Program is recruiting new volunteers to engage visitors in four amazing opportunities:

  • Bison: Standing Strong
  • Cellphone: Unseen Connections
  • David H. Koch Hall of Human Origins
  • Sant Ocean Hall

See Brochure for more details!

https://vol.si.edu/pages/opportunities

Accepting applications until December 31st

For more info contact:

NMNHVolunteer@si.edu

George Mason’s Virginia Climate Center Releases First-ever Statewide Climate Assessment

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Cover of the First Virginia Climate Assessment, Virginia Climate Center–George Mason University

George Mason University’s Virginia Climate Center (VCC) has unveiled the commonwealth’s first comprehensive, peer-reviewed climate assessment—a landmark report that provides science-based insights into Virginia’s changing climate and its impacts on communities, infrastructure, and the economy. 

This report marks the inaugural comprehensive assessment of climate conditions across the Commonwealth of Virginia. While Virginia’s diverse weather and climate patterns have been examined in both local and broader national and global contexts, no prior effort has synthesized the wealth of scholarly research specific to Virginia into a unified resource.

The Virginia Climate Assessment provides a science-based evaluation of the ways past, current, and anticipated climates have and will impact Virginia and its people. As the first report of its kind for the state, it provides a collection of evidence-based key messages that have been prepared and extensively reviewed
by technical and scientific experts across Virginia and beyond. It is expected to be the first in a series of such assessments, establishing a baseline against which future changes and impacts can be measured and understood, and adaptation effectiveness and resilience can be evaluated.

READ THE FULL REPORT

An executive summary for busy readers and the VCA’s top findings.

KEY MESSAGES

1. Virginia’s climate is shaped by weather patterns stemming from higher and lower latitudes, while regional variation reflects topography and coastal
proximity (high confidence).

2.The Virginia climate has become warmer (very high confidence) and wetter (medium confidence) in recent decades, with greater precipitation extremes
(high confidence) and more frequent tidal flooding (very high confidence) along the Atlantic coast.

3.Climate projections indicate continued warming (very high confidence) and wetting (medium confidence) for Virginia through the middle to late 21st century, with chronic tidal flooding along the Atlantic coast (very high confidence).

The Virginia Climate Assessment is intended to be used to inform climate adaptation plans, resilience strategies, and policy decisions, and provide evidence for developing targeted responses to climate impacts. Key Messages can be used to identify areas of critical need for strategic planning, provide supporting evidence for budget proposals, and outline potential directions for policy development or climate action planning.

Connecting People with Nature: FMN Outreach in Action

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Article and Photo by FMN Marilyn Parks

Connecting People with Nature: FMN Outreach in Action

Our programs could reach thousands of people and have deep impact on the community.  The Outreach Committee supports volunteer activities hosted by our partner organizations, represents the chapter at public events, and creates hands-on opportunities for county residents to experience environmental science up close.

In 2025, the Committee focused on promoting awareness of Fairfax Master Naturalists and advancing our mission to preserve, protect and promote the natural habitat of Virginia.

Senior Engagement

We established a partnership with Arbor Row Senior Center in Tysons and scheduled a series of nature presentations geared to the 50+ community in the county.  FMN Speakers Bureau volunteers presented engaging presentations designed toward immersing seniors in nature.  Jo Doumbia presented an overview on hummingbirds; Pete Mecca spoke about living with black bears.  We had an engaging discussion on turtles with Dr. Jan Wolf.  Professor Mike Walker gave an overview of the naturalist, Aldo Leopold, with his in unique impersonation. Nature immersion events are currently being planned for next year.   In January we will host a discussion on how and where to hike in Fairfax County.  February will focus on birds you are likely to see in February and cover the basics on how to use Merlin.  What nature subject are you passionate about?  Would you like to share that passion by educating seniors?  Begin by updating your profile in BI and join the Speakers Bureau.

Library Engagement

Fairfax County libraries host events on a range of topics of interest to the Fairfax community.  These events occur in the library branches and at venues such as schools, parks, theater spaces and senior centers.  Events are always free to the public, and the library outreach has recently expanded to citizen science and nature.  In October, emmy award winning photographer and director, Kathryn Pasternak visited Tysons-Pimmit and offered tips on improving your own photography skills.  As an FMN, Kathryn explored ways residents can contribute to the local scientific community through the app, iNaturalist.

Culmore Teens Programs

FMN Jo Doumbia, along with 10 other FMN members, supported the Culmore Teen Center and Second Story summer activities, by introducing socio-economically challenged teens to nature through lectures, nature hikes, fishing and kayaking at several FCPA parks.

 

Promoting our Basic Training

To expand our advertising outreach, we assisted the Training Committee by distributing awareness of the registration process of our Basic Training Course.   We placed informative pamphlets at the local Fairfax County libraries. We also sent the registration details to the communication officers of all county District Supervisors asking they post our announcement in their newsletters.

Tabling Events

Tabling events involve participation in high traffic public areas to promote awareness of our cause and to engage with the public.  This year, our tabling events got a fresh new look.  We purchased a new exhibit tent sporting our new label and updated tablecloths to match.  FMN members have been responsive to the chapter’s call for staffing these events, providing a clear call to action that is much appreciated.  Tabling events have included:  Mason Neck Eagle Festival, Sully Historic’s Earth Day Festival, Reston’s Walker Nature Center Spring Festival, and many more.  Recognizing the value we bring, FMN is fortunate to be invited back to continue supporting our partner programs.

We are thrilled to invite you to join our committee as we work to strengthen our connection with the local community.  Your fresh ideas and unique perspective will be invaluable as we plan and execute new community programs.  How do you think we can best serve our community?  Please share any ideas you may have for new programs or ways to improve our current efforts.  We are especially interested in ideas that address specific community needs.  Contact Jo Doumbia 120411tigre@gmail, Kelly Gilbert kellyjo.gilbert@gmail.com or Marilyn Parks marilynanneparks@gmail.com

 

Our friends at Mount Vernon HS Are Asking for Volunteers to Judge Their Science Fair

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Stephanie Duchaine, of Mount Vernon High School in Fairfax County, is reaching out to the FMN Membership for volunteers interested in being a judge for the Mount Vernon High School science fair.  They would love to have you join them!  

The science fair will be held on January 27 (snow date: February 3) from 8:00 am to roughly 12:00 pm for general judging, or as late as 1:00 pm for Grand Prize judging.  Judging is easy!  Previous experience as a judge is not needed; however, judges should have an interest in science.  Judges will listen to student presentations, ask questions, and evaluate student work using a simple rubric.  Refreshments will be served 

On a personal note, Ms. Duchaine wanted to share how much their students and science teachers appreciate the FMN judges’ time and feedback.  Mount Vernon would be extremely grateful if you were able to volunteer as a Science Fair Judge.  If you are interested in volunteering your time as a judge, please complete this Google Form to let them know if there is a particular category that you would like to judge.

 Thanks for your consideration,

Stephanie Duchaine

DWR Asking Public to Report After Increase in Suspected Cases of Avian Influenza

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Photo: Joe Subolefsky – Black Vultures./Audubon Photography Awards

PRESS RELEASE: RICHMOND, VA

The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) has recently received reports of groups of dead black vultures across the state including several counties in Southwest Virginia. Preliminary testing indicates that the likely cause is H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Although disease activity is currently centered in black vultures, with migration season beginning, it is likely there will be mortalities in other bird species as well.

DWR asks that if you observe any of the following, please notify the Department by calling the Virginia Wildlife Conflict Helpline at 1-855-571-9003 or emailing wildlifehealth@dwr.virginia.gov.

  • �� Five or more dead vultures, waterfowl, shorebirds, or seabirds in the same area within five days
  • �� Sick or dead eagles, hawks, owls, or turkeys, excluding ones found on the road
  • �� Ten or more dead wild birds of any species in the same area within five days

The public is advised to avoid picking up or handling sick or dead wild birds. If you must dispose of a dead bird on your property, wear rubber gloves and other personal protective equipment, such as a mask and eye protection. Dead birds should be buried or double bagged and disposed of in a secured outdoor trash can or landfill. After disposing of the carcass, wash hands thoroughly with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, and disinfect clothing, and shoes. If you are frequently in contact with poultry, including backyard flocks, or other domesticated birds, you are encouraged to have separate clothing and shoes for use in the areas where you keep those birds. In addition, keep flocks away from vultures and ponds or similar bodies of water that are also accessible to wild waterfowl. Taking these precautions will help reduce the risk of spreading the virus.

If you develop any flu-like symptoms after handling wild birds (fever, body aches, red or itchy eyes, etc.), contact your state or local health department.

More information on Avian Influenza can be found on the Virginia DWR website.

Living with Black Bears Project Wins National Award!

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Alliance of Natural Resource Outreach and Service Programs (ANROSP) 2025 Award for Outstanding Volunteer Project Presented to Virginia Master Naturalist Program: Living with Black Bears in Virginia

The “Living with Black Bears” project, a partnership between VMN and the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, received the 2025 Outstanding Volunteer Project Award from the Alliance of Natural Resource Outreach and Service Programs (ANROSP). ANROSP is a professional organization for Master Naturalist-type programs, and the Virginia Master Naturalist program was one of the founding program members in 2006. The Outstanding Volunteer Project Award recognizes a volunteer service project that promotes natural resource management and provides natural resource education. The award was given in October at the 2025 ANROSP annual conference in Destin, Florida.

The Living with Black Bears project addresses the serious concern of human-bear conflicts in Virginia, aiming to alleviate negative interactions through spreading awareness and education. It also aims to strengthen the partnership between the VMN program and DWR by modeling how VMN volunteers can effective assist DWR in its mission. In the project, trained VMN volunteers give presentations and conduct outreach to share a common message about behaviors Virginians can adopt to reduce conflict with bears.

From when the project was piloted in 2022 through July 2025, VMN volunteers have given 70 presentations to community groups, tabled at 83 different community events, and made more than 53,000 direct contacts. Evaluation results from the sit-down presentations indicate that attendees are learning more about bears and plan to adopt some new behaviors, such as leashing their dogs and taking down their bird feeders when bears are active.

Congratulations to all the following VMN volunteers, Peter Mecca, Marilyn Parks, Sarah Mayhew, Jo Doumbia, and Gerald R Warren, who have been part of this project and to Courtney Hallacher of DWR, who coordinates the effort! If your chapter is not currently participating in the project and would like to, contact the VMN State Office.

Native Tree and Acorn Collection Results – It Went NUTS.

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The VA Department of Forestry (VDoF) Acorn and Seed Collection Program was established several years ago to help sustain the native tree population in Virginia by collecting native seeds and acorns, raising trees on VDoF farms, and reforesting areas that may have been destroyed by fire or disease. In 2025, VDoF again partnered with Potomac Conservancy’s Tomorrow Tree’s Program, Fairfax Tree Stewardsm and Virginia Master Naturalists to improve the quality of the collection.

Seed collection bin at Mt Vernon Gov Center – photo Jerry Nissley

In an effort to increase and distribute collection sites in and around Northern Virginia, Mindy Kania (Tommorow’s Trees program coordinator) and Jacob Zielinski (Community Forester for VDoF) developed a presentation that was hosted at Hidden Oaks Nature Center (HONC). It was well attended by VMN members of both the Fairfax and Arlington Region chapters, which resulted in an increase of collection sites for 2025 as shown below.

Whereas this article focuses on Northern Virginia chapters, I would be remiss not to mention that many other VMN chapters around the state contributed to the at large VDoF program as well. Twenty one FMN members contributed 163 hours this year.

FMN Kristina Watts (site manager at HONC) monitored their bin and commented that it seemed to be constantly full. “We had a lot of visitors asking about it, what the collection was for, how they could contribute, etc. So I think it was a good conversation starter about forest stewardship. We also had people calling to ask directions to find our site to drop off their bags, so it was a great way to get new people to find our park. Lots of benefits to this program!  I’m happy that Hidden Oaks could help.”

Vienna Town Center bin – photo Maryum Dadkhah

FMN Maryum Dadkhah is pictured with the Vienna Community Center bin she helped monitor.  This was a new bin for 2025 and reported collecting 884 pounds of acorns and seeds.

The recorded poundage astonishingly increased this year over 2024, which is a compliment to preparation by Mindy and Jacob and the many volunteers that monitored the bins and transported the collective bounty. Mindy mentioned that the unrecorded boxes and bags of seeds randomly dropped off  at the Fairfax County Government Center, significantly increased the total collected. VDoF did report the need to bring in additional containers to hold the increased volume delivered to the cold storage facility in Gainsville.

All that being said, Mindy and Jacob would like to Thank all the volunteers that steadfastly contributed to the measurable success of the 2025 VDoF Acorn and Seed collection activity this year – it was #Treemendous20th.

Collection bin Locations and recorded totals in pounds:
1. Fairfax City Composting Center – City Hall (1860)
2. Herrity VDoF office (unknown but ALOT)
3. Hidden Oaks Nature Center (938)
4. Mt Vernon District Governmental Center (295)
5. Potomac Overlook Park (786)
6. Vienna Community Center (884)
7. Walker Nature Center (1017)
8. Winkler Botanical Preserve (1111)
9. Private Individual Donations (2250+)

Sample list of tree species collected include – black walnut, chinkapin oak, white oak, red oak, willow oak, pin oak, chestnut, hickory, Shumard oak, and black oak.

Acknowledgements:

Cover Photo and Vienna Town photo – FMN Maryum Dadkhah

Mt Vernon bin – FMN Jerry Nissley