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

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

Audubon Christmas Bird Count (CBC) for 2025 Needs New Coordinators

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Photo: FMN Lori Scheibe

Article by FMN Elaine Sevy

After many years, Su Jewell and Kurt Gaskill are stepping down as Audubon Christmas Bird Count coordinators, and are searching for new coordinators so the count for 2025 can go on.

Su was the Sector 10 coordinator, which included boundaries called “Lake Accotink,” described below.  Kurt has served as the compiler for the Ft. Belvoir sector, also described below.  Kurt is trying to set the date for the count this year. It’s not definite, but it’s likely to be either Jan. 3 or 4 (2026).

Su is willing to set up the new coordinator for Sector 10 and can be reached via email at naturewrite@yahoo.com.  Please contact her directly if you’d like to help keep this tradition alive, and continue compiling important data for Lake Accotink and the Ft. Belvoir sector.

Here are the boundaries of Su’s area, Sector 10, which is called “Lake Accotink” but covers the surrounding areas:

Sector 10 – “Lake Accotink”

E to I-495 and I-95, S to Pohick Rd

Pohick Rd NW to Fairfax Co. Parkway, NW on Fairfax Co Pkwy to Burke Lake Rd

NE on Burke Lake Rd to Rolling Rd then angle to Braddock Rd near the intersection with Northhampton

N  to Braddock Rd.

Includes L. Accotink, Accotink Stream Valley Park, Springfield G & CC, Pohick Stream Valley Park, Huntsman Lake, and Fort Belvoir Proving Grounds.

Su said some of the volunteers who have participated in past “Lake Accotink and Environs” CBC counts are available to assist this year as well.  She can provide names and contact information.  It’s also critical to recruit new volunteers.

Here’s the description for Kurt Gaskill’s responsibilities as Ft. Belvoir sector leader: 

“First, appoint Sector Leaders familiar with the habitats and birds of a Sector.  Ideally, a Sector Leader should take on the task for a few years (otherwise the compiler spends all of his/her time recruiting Leaders).  Sector Leaders are responsible for recruiting volunteers, assigning routes, and collecting results which are then tallied and forwarded to the compiler.  Currently, the Sectors are: Huntley Meadows, Fort Hunt, Mt Vernon, Fort Belvoir, Gunston, Mason Neck, the Maryland Potomac (Colonial Farms down thru Chapman Landing to Indian Head plus nearby marshes), Occoquan Bay NWR, Leesylvania, Burke Lake and Lake Accotink.

Second, obtain permission to count key areas such as the wildlife refuges and state parks.  Sector Leaders often deal with the park level (and landfill) permissions.  For permits to the refuges, the compiler contacts the biologist of the refuge, fills out the form for the permit and obtains the permit, lock codes, etc.  All of this should be done relatively early – before Thanksgiving as the December holidays often make it difficult to finalize paperwork.

Interested in being a Roving Naturalist?

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Photo: Huntley Meadows Park, View from Observation Tower, by Jerry Nissley

 

Huntley Meadows Park is looking for a Roving Naturalist. If you are interested in providing on-site naturalist interpretation and being outside in this beautiful park, and are interested in the stewardship of the park’s natural and cultural resources, they are looking for a roving naturalist to join them for 4 hours a month (with a 1-year commitment).

Duties include committing to monthly shifts, walking to set locations within the park to tally park visitors (noting issues encountered and reporting back to staff), and answering visitor questions.

Required:

  • Ability to communicate and interact with people of all ages.
  • Ability to work independently.
  • Comfort working in a public setting.
  • Background check.

Site and on-the-job orientations are offered, and they provide training (to include facility-based safety and outdoor safety training). 

Location: Huntley Meadows Park, 3701 Lockheed Blvd, Alexandria, VA

Minimim age: 16

Time commitment: 4 hrs / month for 1 year

Sign Up / Learn More: This opportunity is listed on the Volunteer Fairfax site, but you can also contact Brooks Long (Outreach & Volunteer Coordinator) at Brooks.Long@fairfaxcounty.gov or 703-768-2525.

Manassas-Bull Run Christmas Bird Count, December14th

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Photo: Carolina Chickadee, Jeff Drake/Great Backyard Bird Count

Sunday, December 14, 2025
8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Centreville, VA (map)
Fee: FREE – Registration required

The Manassas-Bull Run Christmas Bird Count (CBC) will be on Sunday, December 14 The center of the 15-mile diameter count circle is near the intersection of Routes 28 & 29 in Centreville. Birders of all skill levels are needed.

Signing up is easy! Just contact Phil Silas with your phone, email, and birder level (B=Beginner, N=Novice, I=Intermediate, E=Expert), and any notes or comments no later than December 6th.

If you participated last year, your sector or route leader should to be in touch soon. If you don’t hear from anyone by after the Thanksgiving weekend, contact Phil Silas.

Organizers will also be offering an opportunity for feeder watchers. If you or someone you know lives within the count circle and cannot go out in the field, he or she can observe from inside, counting the birds that come to a feeder or yard on December 14 as an alternate way to participate.

Fairfax County Park Authority graphic of National Public Lands Day

National Public Lands Day – Volunteer at a Fairfax County Park!

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Photo: Fairfax County Park Authority

Since 1994, National Public Lands Day (September 27, 2025) has mobilized volunteers of all ages to engage in a celebration of service and stewardship of America’s public lands. The event is the largest single-day national volunteer effort to preserve, restore, improve and enjoy America’s public lands.

The Fairfax County Park Authority invites you to help celebrate National Public Lands Day by taking part in any of a wide selection of service activities to protect the natural, cultural and recreational resources of the county’s treasured park system. There are a number of locations where you can sign up to help on September 27, ranging from trash cleanup to invasive plant removal.

To learn more, please visit the county’s page on National Public Lands Day or see below.

Who can participate? Anyone 8 and older

For specific park, time and activity, please see below. Each sign-up link provides further details about each location’s activities, including a site contact. You can also look up each activity through the Volunteer Fairfax site.

Location Volunteer Activity Date Time Check-in location VMS Sign-Up
Wakefield Trash cleanup, 20 volunteers Sept 27 9 – 11 a.m. Map Sign Up
Difficult Run SVP Trash cleanup and trimming overgrowth along trail, 10 volunteers Sept 27 9 – 11 a.m. Map Sign Up
Huntley Meadows Park Watershed Cleanup Sept 27 9 – 11 a.m. Map Sign Up
Colvin Run Mill Park Invasive pull Sept 27 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Map Sign Up
Hidden Oaks Invasive pull Sept 27 9 – 11 a.m. Map Sign Up
Laurel Hill Park Removal of vegetation obscuring rail box car feature along Gerry Connolly Cross County Trail (GCCCT) Sept 27 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Map Sign Up
Oakmont Park Invasive Management Area (IMA) site leader will host a Helping Our Lands Heal (HOLH) restoration project Sept 27 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Map Sign Up
Twin Lakes GC Invasive Management Area (IMA) workday Sept 27 9 – 11 a.m. Map Sign Up
Sully Historic Site Trail work, garden clean up & grounds clean up Sept 27 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Map Sign Up
Eakin Community Park Invasive Management Area (IMA) workday Sept 27 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Map Sign Up

 

Hidden Oaks Migratory Bird Count – 2025

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Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Annandale is looking for volunteers to help with their fall migratory bird counts. The surveys occur every Saturday at 8am beginning on September 20th, running through and including November 22nd. Each will last an hour. The goal is to get a sense of what migratory birds stop by Hidden Oaks as they head their way south, so the center can make educated decisions for an interpretive plan. No prior birding experience is required, but some knowledge of identification is recommended. We’re hoping to recruit some participants eager to learn, and some experienced individuals who feel confident leading surveys.

Anyone who is interested in volunteering should contact Eren Edwards at (Megan.edwards@fairfaxcounty.gov) directly, for a short in-person conversation on expectations.

Service hours can be recorded using:
C106: FCPA Citizen Science Programs — Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA)

The link to the sign-up genius has more information. Sign up genius link:

Dates are listed on the BI calendar, but please use SignUpGenius to register.

Cover photo: red headed woodpecker – FMN Jerry Nissley

VDoF Acorn and Seed Collection – 2025

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The VA Department of Forestry (VDoF) Acorn and Seed Collection Program was established to sustain the native tree population in Virginia by collecting native acorns, raising trees on farms, and reforesting areas that may have been destroyed by fire or disease. This year VDoF has again partnered with Potomac Conservancy’s Tomorrow Tree’s Program, Fairfax Tree Stewards, and Virginia Master Naturalists to improve the quality of the collection. VDoF’s Community Forester for Fairfax, provided training to the above coalition, designed to help identify correct seed types and collection methods. Please check-out VDoF’s sustainability program for details and a chart of acorn types collected.

Mt Vernon collection Bin – photo Jerry Nissley

In an effort to expand collection sites, we are pleased that Supervisor Storck has offered space at the Mt. Vernon Government Center to host an Acorn Collection Bin. Mt. Vernon’s Potomac Corridor is rich with heritage oak trees in prime maturity that are producing quality seeds, so this bin is a welcome addition to the network.

A link to the complete list of collection locations and a signup sheet is shown at the bottom of the article.

VDoF seed collection season is approximately 1 Sep through 15 Oct.
Collection bags, sized for 5 or 10 lbs, are available on location in limited supply. Brown paper bags are also accepted in the Collection Bin.
Collection requirements:
1. Please DO NOT collect acorns in plastic bags. Acorns will mildew and spoil.
2. Please separate different acorn types into separate bags and include a leaf from the tree to help with positive identification.
3. Please label the bag with type of acorn, collection date, and collection site (zip code at least)

Links:

drop-off site locations: https://tomorrows-trees.org/find-a-dropoff/
Collection bin Locations:
  1. Fairfax City Composting Center – City Hall (open 1 Sep)
  2. Herrity VDoF office (open later in Sep)
  3. Hidden Oaks Nature Center (open Sep 1)
  4. Mt Vernon District Governmental Center (open Sep 1)
  5. Potomac Overlook Park (open Sep 1)
  6. Vienna Community Center (open Sep 1)
  7. Walker Nature Center (open by Sep 5)
  8. Winkler Botanical Preserve (open Sep 1)
Here is the sign-up link for volunteering at our sites (you can sign up as Bin monitor AND driver or just pick one for a given week until Oct 15th.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4CAEAA29A1FFC70-58162477-tomorrows

Tomorrow’s Trees: https://tomorrows-trees.org/

Acorn and Nut Collection : Virginia Department of Forestry

Projects | Fairfax Tree Stewards