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

 

Italy’s Birds and Conservation Efforts with Marco Valtriani, November 24th

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Image Courtesy of the Northern Virginia Bird Alliance (NVBA)

Free Event – Registration is required

Virtual AND In-person at National Wildlife Federation
11100 Wildlife Center Drive
Reston, VA, 20190United States (map)

Come for an evening with Marco Valtriani, an Italian biologist who has over twenty-five years of experience guiding birders and nature lovers through Italy. He’s a pioneer in Italian ecotourism and a certified nature guide (Guida Ambientale Escursionistica). You can learn more about Marco here.

Join in welcoming Marco to northern Virginia where he will share how Italy’s passion for birds, nature, and conservation has shaped the country’s landscapes through history. You’ll also get an opportunity to learn more about Marco’s ongoing ecotourism initiatives with S-Cape Travel, which offers unique opportunities for birding adventures across famous Italian “boot.”

This is a hybrid event! You can join in one of two ways:

  • In Person: Meet Marco and connect with other guests at he National Wildlife Federation office. There will be Italian treats for those who come in person!

  • Online: You can also join the event via Zoom. Please note that online participants will only see Marco at the podium, not the full room view. Questions from virtual participants will be submitted through the Zoom chat. The link will be sent to registered participants one week before the event.

Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, looking to travel soon, or simply curious about Italy’s rich environmental heritage, this event offers a rare opportunity to learn directly from a passionate expert.

2026 Hog Island Scholarship Virtual Event, November 20th

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Image: Courtesy of the Northern Virginia Bird Alliance (NVBA)

Thursday, November 20, 2025
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Virtual Event
FREE –  Registration is required

Each year, Northern Virginia Bird Alliance (NVBA) offers one classroom teacher, specialist or school administrator a scholarship to “Sharing Nature: An Educator’s Week” at Hog Island Audubon Camp, in coastal Maine. The scholarship covers tuition, room, board and transportation. Hog Island Audubon Camp has offered environmental education programs for adults, teens, families and conservation leaders since 1936.

Last year’s scholarship recipient, Deborah Hammer, is an Autism and Low Incidence Specialist with Arlington County Schools. She coaches hundreds of teachers, paraprofessionals, and other staff across the district who work with over 1,200 students. She is using her experiences from camp to implement nature-focused strategies that helps teachers make academic content fun and engaging for their students who struggle to learn. Want to learn more about this opportunity? Join us for this virtual info session!

Who is this for? This free virtual event is for anyone interested in hearing about Deborah’s camp experience, asking questions about the camp or scholarship program, or applying for next year’s program. After Deborah’s presentation and Q&A, NVBA staff will share details about this year’s scholarship and camp.

Scholarship Eligibility: Applicants must be a public classroom teacher, specialist or school administrator in the NVBA chapter territory (Counties: all of Arlington, Fairfax, Prince William, and Stafford; and portions of Loudoun, Fauquier, Culpeper, Rappahannock and Spotsylvania. Independent cities: Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Fredericksburg, Leesburg, Manassas and Manassas Park.)

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.

33rd Annual Gem, Mineral & Fossil Show – Presented by The Northern Virginia Mineral Club Inc, November 22-23, 2025

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Photo: Provided by The Northern Virginia Mineral Club Inc

November 22-23, 2025

Saturday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Admission:
Adults: $6, Seniors (65+): $4, Teens (13-17): $3
Children 12 and under accompanied by an adult are FREE.
GMU Students & Faculty with ID are FREE.

PDF flyer for a discount – print or show on your phone

Place: Dewberry Hall, Johnson Center, George Mason University Campus in Fairfax (map)
Park in Lot A. Look for our Courtesy Shuttle & Designated Walking Path to the Mineral Show.
GPS: https://bit.ly/3fBZfh8 (takes you to GMU’s Lot A)

Sponsored by the Dept of Atmospheric, Oceanic and Earth Sciences at GMU

Features: Demonstrations, Exhibits, Kids Activities, and Door Prizes.
Mini-mines for children to dig in and get free fossils and minerals.
SILENT AUCTION on SUNDAY
Approximately 20 Dealers with Gems, Minerals & Fossils for sale.

Congratulations Margaret E. Fisher – A 2025 Environmental Excellence Awardee

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Photo: Fairfax County Government

Today, Fairfax County announced the winners of the 2025 Environmental Excellence Awards, recognizing outstanding individuals, organizations and businesses that have made remarkable contributions to environmental stewardship and sustainability.

This year’s winners include a senior planner advancing climate resilience, a wastewater director restoring ecosystems, a Fairfax County Public Schools team fostering environmental literacy, a dedicated advocate for habitat restoration, a grassroots partnership promoting sustainability in underserved communities, and a business championing circular fashion and textile waste reduction.

“These winners exemplify how individual and collective action can positively transform our community,” said Chairman Jeffrey C. McKay. “Their achievements inspire all of us to continue working together to protect and enhance our natural environment for future generations.”

The Environmental Excellence Awards are presented annually to recognize county residents, county employees, businesses and organizations who have dedicated their time and expertise to preserving the health and beauty of Fairfax County’s natural resources. The awards are administered by the Environmental Quality Advisory Council with support from the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination (OEEC). A committee of the council selects awardees from a pool of nominations.

Individual County Resident Category

Margaret E. Fisher is a dedicated environmental advocate whose efforts range from certifying her property as a Wildlife Sanctuary to leading impactful initiatives across Fairfax County. Through her “Bee Safe Neighborhood” initiative and roles as a Fairfax Master Naturalist and Outreach Director for Plant NOVA Natives, she has inspired hundreds to protect biodiversity, restore ecosystems, and adopt pesticide-free practices. Her collaborations with groups like the Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions demonstrate her commitment to habitat restoration, environmental education, and creating lasting community impact.

So well deserved, Margaret! Congratulations!

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.

MOTHtober Fest at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, October 17th

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Photo: Io Moth by Judy Gallagher

 

Friday, October 17, 2025
8:30 pm – 10:30

Fee: $7.00

Register here!

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
9750 Meadowlark Gardens
Vienna, VA 22182 United

Organizer: (NOVA Parks)
Discover the magic of moths at MOTHtober FEST! Experience a unique nighttime adventure celebrating these fascinating nocturnal pollinators with Roving Naturalist Matt Felperin and Ana Ka’ahanui of Capital Nature. Using bed sheets and black lights, you will attract, observe, and identify a variety of moths while learning why these, often-overlooked, insects are vital to our ecosystems.