Volunteers Needed for Reston Bioblitz – Saturday September 13th

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Image: Courtesy of the Reston Association Environmental Team

On Saturday, September 13, join us for the Reston Bioblitz 2025 – a biodiversity survey to find and identify as many plant and animal species as possible in a 24 hour period. 

Why: Reston has more than 1,300 acres of open space, home to a large number of species. Reston is also undergoing great change with redevelopment and densification. Help us document Reston’s biodiversity so we can improve baseline data to help in future conservation decision-making and action.

 Who: Scientists, naturalists and volunteers of all experience levels

Adults (16 & older) can participate in this citizen science challenge. An iNaturalist training will be provided. We are looking for:

  • Experienced iNaturalist app users.
  • Digital photographers (cell phone or DSLR).
  • Locals with familiarity of Reston’s natural areas and trails.
  • Adults (16 & older) with an interest in citizen science.

 When: Saturday, September 13, 2025

 Where: Reston-wide

Teams will be sent to designated natural areas. Individuals can report species anywhere in Reston, even your own backyard! Download the iNaturalist app and join the Reston BioBlitz 2025 project at Reston Bioblitz 2025 · iNaturalist.

Turtles, Snakes + A Reptile Discovery Walk & Learn @Wolf Trap National Park, September 7th

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Photo: By Ron Grimes, Common Ribbon snake, March 2025

 

Sunday, September 7, 2025
10:00AM – 11:30AM EDT

Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts
1551 Trap Road Vienna, VA 22182

Event is FREE but Registration is required.

Registration: Please RSVP only if you plan to attend. If your plans change, PLEASE cancel your tickets 2 days in advance so others can participate.

Join a Park Ranger who will introduce you to some “animal ambassadors” plus lead an adventure through the trails of Wolf Trap National Park to discover the reptiles & and more- hiding in plain sight!

What to expect:

  • Meet several “animal ambassadors” including male and female box turtles, a small snapping turtle, and Eastern Gartner snake, Eastern Rat Snake
  • A gentle hike along the trails at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts
  • Identification tips and cool facts about native species
  • How to become a wildlife watcher in your own backyard
  • Fun for all ages—no science background needed!

High School Fairfax Master Naturalist Makes a Big Impact at Hidden Oaks …and volunteering makes a big impact on her

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Photo: By Kristina Watts, Juliet Phillips building the scarecrow hut

Photos and Article by Kristina Watts, Hidden Oaks Nature Center Site Manager (and FMN)

During the last two weeks of summer vacation, Juliet Phillips has spent her mornings helping kids with nature crafts, supervising science experiments, playing instructional games on the nature trail, and reading stories out loud at snack time. After camp, she checks in to see if there is any other work that can be done to finish up the projects she’s working on here at Hidden Oaks. I’d say this is a typical volunteer day, but the truth is there is no “typical” day for her, given the variety of activities she’s involved in.

Photo: By Kristina Watts, Juliet Phillips presenting the snake enrichment board she constructed to Hidden Treasures Pirate Camp (with Jackie the eastern rat snake).

Juliet is a senior at Thomas Jefferson High School. She became a Fairfax Master Naturalist during the spring of her sophomore year. She remembers taking the Basic Training class during track season – she busily rushed from school to practice to class each week. She became a Fairfax Master Naturalist because she was looking for ways to broaden her knowledge about nature in the local area, and to ways to volunteer. Her mother heard about the Basic Training class from a friend who is an FMN, and upon researching the program, Juliet realized that it was perfect for her.

Juliet started volunteering at Hidden Oaks Nature Center soon after joining FMN. She was happy to find opportunities here because of our flexible hours (weekends are a must for a busy student) and volunteer activities specifically for teens. She started with our teen stewardship projects and habitat management (invasive species removal) workdays, and now also has a bi-weekly animal care shift. She also helps out at interpretive/educational programs. Because of her hardworking attitude and overall capability, she has become an important part of our HONC team.

Photo: By Kristina Watts, Juliet Phillips building the scarecrow hut

She first exhibited her detail-orientedness and ability to work independently when asked to install bird strike decals during a teen workday. Her leadership ability was solidly demonstrated on another teen workday when our task was to rebuild the scarecrow hut (a representation of a Native American structure). She creatively took on the engineering design and gently directed the other volunteers. She used her Eagle Scout training to teach the others how to do rope lashings to hold the structure together. The hut – which usually needs to be rebuilt annually – is holding up remarkably well and has been used in dozens of field trip demonstrations.

This summer, in addition to her animal care shifts and a few weeks as a volunteer camp assistant, she has enthusiastically volunteered to take on some individual tasks to improve visitor experience here at Hidden Oaks. She designed and built a snake exercise board to provide our Animal Ambassador snakes with enrichment and a place to demonstrate their climbing skills during programs. She’s currently working on constructing a bamboo xylophone/chime structure for Nature Playce, to add a musical element to the natural play area. Again, putting her scouting skills to use, a future activity is helping us organize a volunteer opportunity for scouts to tie together the Nature Playce fence splits and posts to stabilize the fence and prevent guests from moving the stacked pieces.

Photo: By Kristina Watts, Juliet Phillips helping to protect oak saplings from deer browse

Over the past year, Juliet has been figuring out where she wants to go to college and what she wants to study. She knew she wanted to pursue a degree in the environmental science realm, but it was difficult to parse out the differences between the natural world-related programs (e.g., environmental science, environmental studies, conservation biology, forestry, etc.). The training she’s received as an FMN has been helpful in that
she’s been able to explore various aspects of environmental science, and to get a foundation in all of them. Volunteering at HONC has helped her realize what she likes and what she doesn’t want to do long-term. As of now, her path is leading her toward a major in wildlife biology.

Juliet’s favorite part of volunteering is being able to say she’s made a positive impact on her community at the end of the day. We at HONC are appreciative for all of the contributions from all of our volunteers, and are proud and grateful for the accomplishments that Juliet has made here at the park. If there are any other youth in your life that have a passion for nature, look for volunteer opportunities at Hidden Oaks or any of the other Fairfax nature centers.

FCPA Landscape Legacy and Sustainability Program

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Written by FMN Katy Johnson

The Fairfax County Park Authority has over 420 parks; 82 of those parks, comprising 13,341 acres, are designated/classified as resource-based parkland. Resourced-based parkland does not usually contain recreational facilities and is managed to protect the biological communities and cultural resources in environmentally sensitive and significant lands.

Rita and a smiling crew of volunteers after good days work – photo Rita Peralta

The Landscape Legacy and Sustainability Program managed by the FCPA Natural Resources Branch has requested FMN volunteer help specifically for their sustainability projects. These projects have gone through initial restoration so volunteers will help ensure that the areas continue to thrive. FMNs interested in volunteering can do so by clicking the Volunteer Portal link to sign up. The portal will be updated as new opportunities are added. Rita Peralta, who you may recognize as an FMN class and field trip instructor, is the lead FCPA point of contact for these projects. Her contact information is found in the portal link.

Initial restoration of a park fringe area – photo Rita Peralta

FCPA originally partnered with FMN in 2007, and recommitted the Cooperative Agreement in 2024. According to Fairfax Chapter’s 2024 Annual Report, FMNs volunteered on over 20 different FCPA projects including Community Education, Stewardship, and Citizen Science. There is an FMN activity code in BI to cover all types of service activities with FCPA.

FMN’s Partnership with FCPA plays an important role in maintaining and stewarding Fairfax County’s natural resources. By volunteering with FCPA, FMNs will continue to support FCPA’s mission, “To enrich the quality of life for all members of the community through an enduring park system that provides a healthy environment, preserves natural and cultural heritage, offers inspiring recreational experiences, and promotes healthy lifestyles.”

Acknowledgments:

FCPA Rita Peralta, Ecologist II, Resource Management Branch – Photos
FMN Katy Johnson, FMN/FCPA Liaison – article author

 

LOUDOUN WILDLIFE’S NATIVE PLANT SALE AT MORVEN, September 13th

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Photo: Courtesy of LOUDOUN WILDLIFE’S NATIVE PLANT SALE AT MORVEN

September 13, 2025
9:00 am – 2:00 pm

 

Did you know that fall is the best time to plant trees, shrubs and other perennials? A huge selection of native plants will be available at Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy’s Fall

Native Plant Sale from five native plant nurseries: 

Nature By Design 
Hill House Farm Nursery
Seven Bends Nursery
Watermark Woods
Yellow House Natives 

The sale takes place at the Morven Park visitor parking lot in Leesburg (access via main entrance on Old Waterford Road) from 9am to 2pm.
Knowledgeable volunteers will be on hand to help you choose plants suited to your space and goals. Be sure to visit the Native Plant Information Center for expert talks offered throughout the day on topics like native plants for beginners, transitioning to a native garden and managing invasive species.
Enjoy a cup of coffee from a local vendor while you explore tables hosted by nonprofit partners working to protect and restore native ecosystems. You can also learn about the programs and how to get involved in local conservation efforts. For more information about Loudoun Wildlife’s Native Plant Sale, please
contact nativeplantsale@loudounwildlife.org.

Ask Experts About Native Plants!

Transform your yard into a thriving haven for local wildlife and discover the beauty of sustainable gardening with the lineup of native plant talks at Loudoun Wildlife’s Native Plant Sale, September 13th at Morven Park in Leesburg. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting your green journey, the expert talks offer valuable insights to help you nurture a healthier planet, one plant at a time.

Visit the LWC Native Plant Sale Info Tent from 9 to 1 to for displays and talks:

9:00–10:00 AM.   “Native plant “Right Plant, Right Place” display and Q&A

10:00 AM.              “Native Plants for Northern Virginia,” Jim Knowles / Abernethy & Spencer Greenhouse & Garden Center

10:30 AM.              “Native Plantings in Our Communities,” a panel discussion including Leesburg Mayor Kelly Burk, Hillsboro Mayor Roger Vance and others.

11:00 AM.               “Native Plant Garden Design,” John Magee / Magee Design

11:30 AM.                “Invasive Plant Identification & Removal,” Natali Walker / Blue Ridge PRISM

12:00–1:00 PM.      Native plant Q&A, featuring LWC’s Wildlife Sanctuary Program

 

Culmore Summer Adventures

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Under the leadership of FMN Jo Doumbia, FMN has supported the Culmore Teen Center and Second Story programs since 2023.
The 2025 summer program just wrapped up and Jo would like to thank the ten FMN volunteers that directly supported their outdoor activities.

Huntley Meadows view from Observation Tower – photo Jerry Nissley

This year FMN directly supported four rewarding outdoor nature programs: 1. A guided tour at Huntley Meadows Park teaching the composition and benefits of wetland environments with Sarah Mayhew, Donna Stauffer, Brian Kiviat, and Jerry Nissley. 2. A day of fishing and fun at Lake Fairfax with Rob Shapiro. 3. An always wild and exciting kayak river adventure at Riverbend Park guided by Kim Munshower, Jonathan Eskew, and Rob Warren. This was a wonderful opportunity to learn about our region’s geology, history, and river systems. 4. And last but not least, a relaxing morning of Forest Bathing at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts led by our free agent for nature, Ana Ka’ahanui, assisted by Wendy Cohen. Forest Bathing (shinrin-yoku) is the practice of spending time in nature, immersing oneself in the forest atmosphere through all sensory engagement.

Jo also sends out a hearty thank you to FCPA for generously providing access and resources at Huntley Meadows, Riverbend, and Lake Fairfax.

Please read more about the summer program, Culmore Teen Center, and efforts in Fairfax County by Second Story in the article by Annandale Today.

Cover photo – Clear wing hummingbird moth on milkweed in Huntley Meadows wetland – photo Jerry Nissley

FMN Is Part of Arbor Row’s Nature Immersion Program – Offering Both Learning and Volunteer Opportunities

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Photo: David Shipper/Audubon, Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Arbor Row Center, a new senior facility now open on the ground floor of The Mather began offering its first programs in May.  FMN is part of Arbor Row’s nature immersion program.  The inaugural season includes presentations by the following members:

8/22/25       Jo Doumbia                                          Hummingbirds

9/19/25       Professor Mike Walker                   Aldo Leopold impersonator

10/17/25    Jan Wolf, Ph.D.                                   Turtles

11/21/25    Peter Mecca                                        Black bears

 

Registration for Jo’s presentation on Hummingbirds is open.  FMN members are invited to attend.  Register in advance here:  https://archummingbirdaug22.eventbrite.com/

Are you interested in working with those age 50+?  Would you like to be part of a groundbreaking nature immersion program in Tyson’s?  For the fall, we need 3 or 4 members to assist the Arbor Row Center Manager with two-four Nature Walks.  Volunteers will help keep hikers on-path and with the group.  In the Spring, Arbor Row Center will need volunteers to support an 8 week Walking Challenge.  We are also soliciting ideas and members who can offer nature themed events or presentations beginning in 2026.  Please contact marilynanneparks@gmail.com or Jo at  120411tigre@gmail.com for more information.

Arbor Row Calendar of Events https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/neighborhood-community-services/sites/neighborhood-community-services/files/Assets/documents/calendars/arbor-row-center-calendar.pdf

(When viewing the calendar – be sure to scroll all the way down to view the August calendar, which begins on page 10.

For questions about the Arbor Row Center Calendar, please contact Arbor Row Center Manager Carrie Conley at cconley@themathertysons.com

Article Review: “For the First Time in Decades, Hikers Can Walk in Forests of Mature, Wild American Chestnuts” Article by By Eric Wallace

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Eric Wallace’s Article: “For the First Time in Decades, Hikers Can Walk in Forests of Mature, Wild American Chestnuts”, published in the July 24, 2025, Garden & Gun: Article Link

Eric Wallace’s article is a well-written and inspiring piece that effectively highlights a significant ecological achievement—the partial restoration of the American chestnut. It balances historical context, scientific detail, and emotional appeal.

For the first time in nearly a century, hikers can once again walk through mature forests of wild American chestnut trees, thanks to long-term conservation efforts. Once known as the “redwood of the East,” the American chestnut dominated forests from Mississippi to Maine, offering durable wood and abundant nuts. However, a devastating fungal blight introduced in the early 1900s wiped out nearly all mature trees within a few decades, rendering the species functionally extinct.

In response, the American Chestnut Foundation (ACF) and its partners spent decades developing blight-resistant hybrids by crossbreeding American chestnuts with Asian varieties and then backcrossing to retain the original tree’s genetics. These efforts are now bearing fruit—literally and figuratively—with sites like Lesesne State Forest in Virginia hosting 60-year-old, 70-foot-tall chestnut trees that are once again producing nuts.

Today, visitors can hike through several restored chestnut groves across Virginia, including Matthews State Forest, Sky Meadows State Park, and Mountain Lake Wilderness. The trails range from two to four miles and offer a rare opportunity to witness the rebirth of a species that once seemed lost. This resurgence of the American chestnut is more than a conservation victory—it’s a hopeful sign that damaged ecosystems can be healed with persistence and science.

Article Review, “Dyke Marsh: A Fragile Treasure” by Glenda C. Booth, President, Friends of Dyke Marsh

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Photo by Ned Stone, A Dyke Marsh inlet.

Article: “Dyke Marsh: A Fragile Treasure”, published in the July 14, 2025, Northern Virginia Bird Alliance News:  https://www.nvbirdalliance.org/news/dyke-marsh-a-fragile-treasure

Glenda Booth’s article presents a thorough overview of Dyke Marsh’s ecological importance, biodiversity, history of degradation, and current restoration efforts.

Dyke Marsh, part of the George Washington Memorial Parkway and overseen by the NPS, is one of the largest tidal freshwater marshes remaining in the Washington, D.C. area—some parts are over 2,200 years old. It is a vital habitat supporting over 230 bird species and a rich variety of plants and wildlife. This area delivers vital ecological services such as flood mitigation, water purification, and biodiversity support.

Once damaged by decades of dredging, it has faced severe erosion, invasive species, and pollution. Restoration efforts, including a breakwater and shoreline stabilization, aim to reverse the damage. The Friends of Dyke Marsh (FODM) actively support conservation through invasive species removal, wildlife monitoring, and public education. Despite its fragility, Dyke Marsh remains a valuable natural refuge for both wildlife and visitors.

Dyke Marsh stands as a rare and vital natural habitat in the D.C. region—rich in biodiversity and ecological function, yet under serious threat from past dredging, ongoing erosion, invasive species, and human disturbance. Thanks to significant funding, restoration actions, and volunteer efforts by FODM, there is hope for its recovery and continued benefit for wildlife and people.

Friends of Dyke Marsh Ask Your Help To Tackle Invasive Plants, Various Dates: August Through December

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Photo: FMN Margaret Fisher, Trees being engulfed by invasive plants

Help protect native plants by pulling and clipping invasive plants. You will receive training to identify the five or so target plants. FODM kindly ask that you not bring pets. Invasive plants can threaten and outcompete native plants.

Bring gloves, hand clippers and water. Instructions, plant examples and trash bags will be supplied. Wear long sleeves and pants and sun protection. Some tools will be available to share. The event will be cancelled in the event of lightning or severe storms.

Meet at the Haul Road trail entrance bench. If it is raining one hour before a scheduled session, we will cancel it.

Haul Road Trail directions and parking:

GPS coordinates: 38.777739, -77.050540 South of Alexandria off the GW Memorial Parkway at the sign for Dyke Marsh Nature Preserve and Belle Haven Marina, turn east onto the road toward the Potomac River. Take the first left and park in the Belle Haven Park lot. Walk back to the marina road and turn east, toward the river. Walk 30 yards. On your right is a Dyke Marsh sign and the entrance to the Haul Road trail.

Click here for additional information and sign-up link.

Date(s):

  • August 16, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
  • August 30, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
  • September 13, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
  • September 27, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
  • October 11, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
  • October 25, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
  • November 8, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
  • November 22, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
  • December 6, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
  • December 20, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.