Wolf Trap National Park Service Opportunity – 2026

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Logo: Friends of Wolf Trap

 

Wolf Trap National Park has six (6) open volunteer Service positions to be Nature Event Planners for calendar 2026.

The National Park Service at Wolf Trap National Park (not to be confused with the Wolf Trap Foundation – the non-profit that runs the entertainment side of the Park) hosts ten (10) nature events each calendar year. The events are typically 90 mins long and occur on the first Sunday of each month and are typically led by a volunteer nature subject matter expert. Prior events have featured nature hikes; subject matter experts focused on birds, flowers, reptiles, insects, and mushrooms; children’s events around art in nature, bats, fireflies and more.

The Friends of Wolf Trap (FOWT) coordinate these events for the Park and will lend support and training for the volunteers.
With support from FOWT, duties would involve:

1) Selecting the topic (it could be simply a hike or a focus on a natural resource, such as reptiles, mushrooms, trees, etc.);
2) Securing a subject-matter expert (e.g., an FMN or a representative of an organization with applicable expertise);
3) Preparing and posting the Eventbrite description;
4) Sharing the Eventbrite link with Wolf Trap National Park and other “partner” organizations to drive interest and attract registrants;
5) Monitoring Eventbrite registration activity up to the date of the event;
6) Securing volunteer support in proportion to the number of registrants expected to attend. Generally, about half of Eventbrite registrants actually attend – the weather being a determining factor. Volunteer support is usually found among the FOWT members and the FMN community for handling sign-in, directing parking, answering miscellaneous questions, providing general natural resource knowledge, interacting with the participants, and ensuring safety.
7) Identifying and securing any logistical support needed by the presenter (e.g., a microphone, table and chair, covered shelter, etc., most of which are available through the Park)
8) Seeking FOWT approval for modest expenditures, if needed. (E.g., a speaking fee for an expert or a contribution to a featured organization).
Wolf Trap National Park and FOWT will provide support, suggestions and oversight, as desired, to those who volunteer for this Service assignment. A schedule that allocates monthly assignments among those who volunteer, will be developed to help ensure a manageable, meaningful experience for each volunteer. Two (2) volunteers will be assigned to each event. Volunteers will be assigned to three (3) events per year.

Volunteers will log 5-10 FMN service hours per person for each of the events they manage. The FMN Service Code is S168 – National Park Service Stewardship Projects.
This project can be done largely from home. Presence on the day of the event is helpful but not required. A year’s commitment is requested.
Please Contact Kathy Stewart: 703-403-4923; bugssite@aol.com with questions or to apply to volunteer for this Service project.

 

AERO Opportunities: Want to Get More Involved with Wildlife? Learn About Getting Licensed in 2026

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Photo: Provided by A.E.R.O Animal Education and Rescue Organization

 

AERO Opportunities: Want to Get More Involved with Wildlife? Learn About Getting Licensed in 2026

Community Outreach – S213: DWR Stewardship Projects — Department of Wildlife Resources (VDWR)

 AERO education events are eligible for Continuing Education hours as well.

Hello A.E.R.O. Volunteers & Friends,
If you’ve been thinking, “I’d love to help more” or “I wish I could work more directly with wildlife,” this is your chance. The 2026 licensing cycle with the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) is coming up soon, and it is time to reach out specifically to those of you who do not currently hold a wildlife rehabilitation license but might be interested in taking that next step.

Why Get Licensed?

Having a DWR wildlife permit allows you to:

  •   Help with hands-on wildlife care
  •   Transport/rescue injured or orphaned animals more independently
  •   Assist rehabbers in their homes or facilities
  •   Participate in hands-on trainings and free A.E.R.O. classes in 2026 at a deeper level

For many volunteer roles with A.E.R.O. – especially transport, caregiving, and in-depth training opportunities – it is strongly preferred that you hold at least a Category IV (Care Provider / Wildlife Hospital Aide) license.


Interested in Apprenticing or Getting a New License?

If you are interested in:

  •   Getting more involved
  •   Becoming permitted to work with wildlife, or
  •   Starting as an apprentice under a sponsor

  Please reply to this email and let me know. 

I’ll help you figure out which path and category makes the most sense for you.

To become an apprentice, you will need: 

  •   A formal agreement with a sponsor (Olivia)
  •   A room dedicated exclusively to wildlife care
  •   A setup that meets the state’s facility requirements (I can send you the DWR checklist)
  •   Completion of 6 hours of Continuing Education (CE)

Don’t worry if that sounds like a lot — A.E.R.O. Volunteers will walk you through each step, connect you to trainings, and help you meet the requirements.

License Categories (Quick Overview)

Here are the main volunteer-related categories:

  •   Category I – Apprentice: For beginners under sponsorship
  •   Category II – Rehabilitator: For experienced rehabbers handling most species
  •   Category IV – Care Provider / Wildlife Hospital Aide: For assisting at permitted facilities
  •   Category V – Student / Intern: For short-term training or school-related experience

If you’re not sure where you fit, just reach out — A.E.R.O. Volunteers can talk through your interests, time, and space at home.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re curious, even if you’re not 100% sure yet, please email me back and say you’re interested in learning more.
We’re happy to support you in moving from “helper” to permitted wildlife caregiver or apprentice in 2026. Our animals – and our rehab team – always need more good people.

Thank you for all you already do for A.E.R.O. and Virginia’s wildlife.

 — Olivia

EMAIL: olivia@aeroanimalrescue.org

President, A.E.R.O

Animal Education and Rescue Organization

Spotted Lanternfly – The Fight Continues

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It is increasingly hard nowadays to avoid running into a Spotted Lanternfly (SLF). They are in our parks, backyards, and favorite public spaces.

However, efforts to stomp, squash, and smash the spread of this nuisance invader has a stalwart champion in FMN Susan Laume. Via a pilot program under Fairfax County’s Urban and Community Forestry Division (UCFD) and with support from FCPA’s Natural Resources IMA group, she and the Laurel Hill Park Volunteer Team (FMNS Kathy Stewart, Aurora Boughi, and others) have been vacuuming SLFs at Laurel Hill Park.

Yes vacuuming – an innovative, environmentally safe, and non-toxic tool in the toolbox to help control the invasion. Given the good initial results and positive feedback, UCFD is planning to add vacuums to the county library’s equipment rental program.

In addition to Susan’s habitat management work, she also contributes articles to the Connection Newspaper. Please read more about the SLF and the county’s management program in her Connection article from this summer. Scroll down to page 10 looking for, what else, “Stomp, Squish, Slap, Smash”.

Service hours removing invasive insects may be recorded under one of two FMN codes. S109 for service in County parks; S256 for non-park sites.
S109: FCPA Habitat and Insect Management – – Fairfax County Park Authority.
S256: Fairfax County Habitat and Insect Management — Fairfax County

Acknowledgements:

Cover photo credit: Stephen Ausmus, USDA

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.