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Photo: Fairfax County Park Authority

Hidden Oaks Fall Migratory Bird Count – Citizen Science Opportunity, September Through The Month of October!

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Photo: Hidden Oaks, Fairfax County Park Authority

Saturdays, September 5th through October 31st, 2026
8:00-9:15 AM
Hidden Oaks Nature Center

Please click here for additional information and sign-up details!

 

Join FMN volunteers as they assess the migratory birds passing through the park!

As the fall season arrives, we are interested in identifying and recording the types and numbers of birds migrating through Hidden Oaks!

Time and Location:

Bird Counts will take place on Saturdays from 8-9:15 AM at Hidden Oaks Nature Center, though the month of October. Volunteers will meet in front of the native garden by the main parking lot. Please arrive about 15 minutes before the start time.

It is recommended that all participants use the restroom prior to arrival, as there will be no building access. There is a restroom located down by the restored stream near the playground.

Additonal Parking:

If the parking lot is full, additional parking can be found by the Packard Center. If you park in the Packard Center lot, take the Storybook Trail to the nature center.

Weather:

In the case of rain or heavy wind, the program will be canceled. Laura will email you the night before if this is the case.

Can I join if I’m a beginner?

Yes! All are welcome to participate. The more eyes out searching, the more likely folks will find birds. You’re likely to pick up several tips and tricks along the way from others.

Minimum age to participate: 12

Children under 15 MUST be accompanied by a registered adult

FMN members can get citizen science hours using C106: FCPA Citizen Science Programs — Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA)

Recommended Materials:

Wear appropriate footwear and dress for the weather. Long pants and bug spray are recommended.

Bring your binoculars if you have them. Organizers do have a few binoculars and field guides that you are welcome to use for the duration of the count.

It is recommended that all participants download the ‘Merlin’  and ‘eBird’ app, as they have several ID tools that are very helpful. Volunteers will also be using Cornell’s website ‘Birdcast’ to determine migration patterns and the birds you are most likely to see.

Questions or concerns?

Contact Laura Anderko – dr.laura.anderko@gmail.com

Location:
Hidden Oaks Nature Center
7701 Royce Street
Annandale, Virginia 22003

Soldiers to Scientists – First Activity

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Hello FMN volunteers – nature sojourners, citizen scientists, outdoor enthusiasts, and nature journalists.

FMN recently added Soldiers to Scientists as a chapter partner and created two activity codes to record support hours for relevant projects (E170: Soldiers to Scientists Educational Projects and S170: Soldiers to Scientists Service Activities, under Community Outreach).

Nature Journal example

Through SciStarter ,  S2S recently connected with Metropolitan Washington MENSA and they would like to hold a bioblitz at Dora Kelley Nature Park in Alexandria on Saturday, September 26th (roughly 8:30 – 12:00). After exploring the park in small groups with VMN support (both ARMN and FMN volunteers), S2S would like to conclude with reflections and nature journaling. Dora Kelly Nature Park runs along Holmes Run Stream Valley adjacent to the Buddie Ford Nature Center.

S2S created a SignUp Genius soliciting 12 volunteers interested in education and outreach, nature journaling, and working with a youth audience, and/or citizen science contributions to iNaturalist.

Please join together with S2S, SciStarter, VMN, and MENSA on this uniquely cooperative project.

ARMN Project Lead – Terri McPalmer terrimcpalmer@gmail.com
ARMN Chapter Contact – Laura Gilmore 240-205-1355 lauritagilm@gmail.com

FMN Chapter Contacts – Jerry Nissley jerry14niss@gmail.com  // John Goodin johntgoodin@gmail.com

 

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

Stream Monitoring Citizen Science & Training Opportunities, May and June Dates Available

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Photo: By FMN J. Quinn, Stream monitoring

Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District (NVSWCD) Spring stream monitoring season is in full swing! They hope you’ll be able to join them at one of the upcoming stream monitoring workshops.

Are you interested in obtaining a Virginia Save Our Streams Stream Monitoring certification? This certification is not required for the workshops, but it allows you to monitor your own site if you wish. The certification consists of three parts – watching online webinars, passing an online macroinvertebrate ID exam, and taking an in-person field protocols exam.

Field Certification Event at Cub Run

When: Sunday, June 1, 3:00-6:00pm
Where: Cub Run Stream Valley Park, Centreville

To qualify for your field protocol exam, you must have passed the online macroinvertebrate ID test and have attended at least 1-2 stream monitoring sessions. Learn more about the VASOS Stream Monitoring certification here. For questions or to register, please email Ashley. Please DO NOT sign up for the field certification event using the general workshop signup below – the field certification event and workshop will run concurrently, but registration is separate. Thanks!

Pohick Creek Stream Monitoring Workshop

When: Thursday, May 29, 4:00-7:00pm
Where: Pohick Creek Stream Valley Park, Springfield

The stream monitoring site on Pohick Creek is located on the cross-county trail, popular with runners, dog walkers, and families. This is the largest and deepest stream monitored in these public workshops. This is an accessible stream site, which can be reached by wheelchair and/or other assistive tools over a paved path (there may be some uneven spots). Learn more and register for this workshop and others here.

 

Cub Run Stream Monitoring Workshop

When: Sunday, June 1, 3:00-6:00pm
Where: Cub Run Stream Valley Park, Centreville

This site features some of the largest hellgrammites we find in Fairfax County! (Haven’t heard of them? Be sure to research this super cool macroinvertebrate!). Just a stone’s throw from the parking area, this site is very popular, and you can certainly see why! Learn more and register for this workshop and others here. Want to get your stream monitoring certification here? Please email Ashley instead of registering.

 

Accotink Creek Stream Monitoring Workshop

When: Wednesday, June 11, 4:00-7:00pm
Where: Long Branch Stream Valley Park, Fairfax

Help explore this new stream site! Adopted this spring, this stream is tiny but mighty. Monitors found a lot of diverse macroinvertebrate populations the last time we visited this site! This site is located within a short walk from the parking area over a paved trail. Learn more and register for this workshop and others here.

 

Sugarland Run Stream Monitoring Workshop

When: Saturday, June 14, 9:00am-12:00pm
Where: Sugarland Run Stream Valley Park, Herndon

This site is located near one of the largest great blue heron rookeries (breeding/nesting areas) in the eastern US. Monitors often find plenty of newly hatched young crayfish in the spring. This is also the most accessible stream site, which can be easily reached by wheelchair and/or other assistive tools over a paved path. Learn more and register for this workshop and others here.

 

The NVSWCD is very excited to contribute their stream data to state and national datasets. If you’d like to see data from all the NVSWCD regional stream monitoring team’s active sites, you can find the organization on the Clean Water Hub.

Butterfly and Dragonfly Surveys, April-October

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Photos: Top: L-R Sam Schaen – Monarch Butterfly, Juan Gonzalez, Peck’s Skipper
Bottom: L-R Photo by Ana Ka’ahanui – Halloween pennant dragonfly, Ana Ka’ahanui -Blue Dasher dragonfly

Butterfly and dragonfly surveys are carried out in temperate months (April-October), normally on Friday mornings, at one of four sites ( listed below) around Occoquan Bay, all within the 15-mile diameter circle established for the annual North American Butterfly Association’s Annual Count.

The results of these surveys are made available to the participants and other interested individuals and agencies, including the Fairfax County Park Authority, the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority, and agencies of the U.S. Interior Department. The results of the butterfly-dragonfly surveys are summarized, along with the results of the general surveys, in an annual report.

 

Survey: Occoquan Regional Park Butterfly and Dragonfly
Friday, May 30, 2025
8:30 AM 12:00 PM
Occoquan Regional Park
9751 Ox Road, Lorton, VA, 22079 United States

Participation is limited. Email us to make a reservation here.

Survey: Metz Wetlands Butterfly and Dragonfly
Friday, May 23, 2025
8:30 AM 12:00 PM
Metz Wetlands
15875 Neabsco Road Woodbridge, VA, 22191 United States

Participation is limited. Email us to make a reservation here.

Survey: Meadowood Butterfly and Dragonfly Survey
Friday, June 6, 2025
8:30 AM 12:00 PM
Meadowood Recreation Area
10406 Gunston Road Lorton, VA, 22079 United States

Participation is limited. Email us to make a reservation here.

Survey: Occoquan Bay NWR Butterfly and Dragonfly
Friday, June 13, 2025
8:30 AM 12:00 PM
Occoquan Bay NWR
13950 Dawson Beach Road Woodbridge, VA, 22191 United States

Participation is limited. Email us to make a reservation here.

Stream Monitoring Citizen Science & Training Opportunities, April and May Dates Available

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Photo: By FMN J. Quinn, Stream monitoring

Are you interested in obtaining a Virginia Save Our Streams Stream Monitoring certification? This certification is not required for the workshops, but it allows you to monitor your own site if you wish. The certification consists of three parts – watching online webinars, passing an online macroinvertebrate ID exam, and taking an in-person field protocols exam. The next field protocol exam will be offered at the end of the spring monitoring season, likely in June. Please reach out to the stream monitoring coordinator, Ashley, with any questions.

 

Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District (NVSWCD) Spring stream monitoring season is in full swing! They hope you’ll be able to join them at one of the upcoming stream monitoring workshops.

Little Difficult Run Stream Monitoring Workshop

When: Sunday, April 20, 3:00-6:00pm
Where: Fred Crabtree Park/Fox Mill District Park, Herndon

This small stream is in a peaceful wooded park a short hike away from the parking area. Little Difficult Run often scores very highly on our macroinvertebrate index because its watershed lies almost completely within the protected parkland. Reaching this site requires hiking through the woods and over uneven terrain. Learn more and register for this workshop and others here.

 

Pohick Creek Stream Monitoring Workshop

When: Sunday, May 4, 9:00am-12:00pm
Where: Pohick Creek Stream Valley Park, Springfield

The stream monitoring site on Pohick Creek is located on the cross-county trail, popular with runners, dog walkers, and families. This is the largest and deepest stream monitored in these public workshops. This is an accessible stream site, which can be reached by wheelchair and/or other assistive tools over a paved path (there may be some uneven spots). Learn more and register for this workshop and others here.

 

TBD Stream Monitoring Workshop

When: Saturday, May 10, 1:00-4:00pm
Where: TBD

Organizers are holding this space as a rain date for another workshop, or perhaps to explore a new stream to add to the monitoring roster. Although they don’t have any more details yet, they wanted to share this placeholder with you, with more info to follow in the May newsletter.

 

Quander Creek/Dyke Marsh Muddy Bottom Stream Monitoring Workshop

When: Thursday, May 15, 10:00am-12:00pm(ish)
Where: Mount Vernon District Park, Alexandria

 

Volunteers will monitor a small tributary of Dyke Marsh twice this spring in partnership with the Friends of Dyke Marsh. This is NVSWCD’s only muddy bottom stream, all others use the rocky bottom protocol. This is great opportunity for new and certified monitors alike to see a different stream habitat. They also see a lot of cool crane fly larva and dragonfly larva here! Reaching this site requires walking through the woods and over uneven terrain. Space at this workshop is limited. If you’re interested in participating, please email Ashley.

 

TBD Stream Monitoring Workshop

When: Thursday, May 22, 3:00-6:00pm
Where: TBD

Organizers are holding this space as a rain date for another workshop, or perhaps to explore a new stream to add to our monitoring roster. Although the they don’t have any more details yet, they wanted to share this placeholder with you, with more info to follow in the May newsletter.

 

The NVSWCD is very excited to contribute their stream data to state and national datasets. If you’d like to see data from all the NVSWCD regional stream monitoring team’s active sites, you can find the organization on the Clean Water Hub.

Stream Monitoring Citizen Science & Training Opportunities, September

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                                                                                                                              Photo: FMN J. Quinn, Hidden Pond stream monitoring

NoVa Soil & Water Conservation District: Stream Monitoring Citizen Science & Training Opportunities

Wolftrap Creek Stream Monitoring Workshop

When: Saturday, September 7, 9:00am-12:00pm
Where: Wolftrap Creek Stream Valley Park, Vienna

This site features a small, shallow stream along a popular paved trail. Come see where monitors have counted over 1,700 bugs this summer! This is an accessible stream site, which can be reached by wheelchair and/or other assistive tools over a paved path (there is a moderate/steep slope). Learn more and register for this workshop and others here.

Sugarland Run Stream Monitoring Workshop

When: Sunday, September 15, 9:00am-12:00pm
Where: Sugarland Run Stream Valley Park, Herndon

This site is located near one of the largest great blue heron rookeries (breeding/nesting areas) in the eastern US. Monitors often find plenty of newly hatched young crayfish in the spring and hellgrammites all year. This is also their most accessible stream site, which can be easily reached by wheelchair and/or other assistive tools over a paved path. Learn more and register for this workshop and others here.

Horsepen Run Stream Monitoring Workshop

When: Thursday, September 26, 4:00-7:00pm
Where: Horsepen Run Stream Valley Park, Herndon

This site has undergone a lot of change over the last few years! While it had become more challenging to monitor this site in the past, recent changes to the streambed have brought more riffles to monitor and they are excited to see how this changes the macroinvertebrates they may find! This is an accessible stream site, which can be reached by wheelchair and/or other assistive tools over a paved path (there is a moderate/steep slope). Learn more and register for this workshop and others here.

 

Other Training and Stream Monitoring Opportunities

The NVSWCD are very excited to contribute stream data to state and national datasets. If you’d like to see data from all the NVSWCD regional stream monitoring team’s active sites, you can find our organization on the Clean Water Hub.

2024 NABA Butterfly Count, July 20th

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Photo: by FMN Jerry Nissley, Tiger swallowtail VMN Logo

July 20, 2024
9:00 am – 3:00 pm

The Clifton Institute
6712 Blantyre Rd
Warrenton, VA 20187

FREE but Registration is REQUIRED.

Every year community scientists help count the butterflies in 15-mile-diameter circles all around the country and contribute their data to the North American Butterfly Association. This summer the Clifton Institute will host their 29th annual butterfly count and celebrate their 22nd year contributing data to NABA. Butterfly enthusiasts of all levels of experience are welcome! If you feel like you don’t know many butterflies, this is a great way to learn and it’s always helpful to have more eyes pointing out butterflies. Participants will be assigned to small teams, led by an experienced butterfly counter. Once you volunteer, you will receive more information about your team closer to the date. Each team will survey a variety of sites within the designated count circle.  Everyone will meet at the Clifton Institute at 3:00 PM to tally results over cold drinks (provided).

Stream Monitoring Citizen Science & Training Opportunities, July

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Photo: FMN Janet Quinn

NoVa Soil & Water Conservation District: Stream Monitoring Citizen Science & Training Opportunities

Difficult Run Stream Monitoring Workshop

When: Thursday, July 18, 9:00am-12:00pm
Where: Difficult Run Stream Valley Park, Great Falls

This stream site in Great Falls is a short walk through the woods to a river with wide, sandy banks. These trails are very popular with hikers and we often get high water quality scores at this site. Learn more and register for this workshop and others here.

Cub Run Stream Monitoring Workshop

When: Sunday, July 21, 9:00am-12:00pm
Where: Cub Run Stream Valley Park, Centreville

This site features some of the largest hellgrammites we find in Fairfax County! (Haven’t heard of them? Be sure to research this super cool macroinvertebrate!). Just a stone’s throw from the parking area, this site is very popular and we can certainly see why! Learn more and register for this workshop and others here.

Big Rocky Run Stream Monitoring Workshop

When: Thursday, July 25, 9:00am-12:00pm
Where: Cabell’s Mill, Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, Chantilly

Our stream monitoring site on Big Rocky Run is located near the historic Cabell’s Mill in Ellanor C. Lawrence Park. This park features great trails with interpretive signage and our stream site is a stone’s throw from Walney Pond, where you may get to see the happy beaver family that lives there. Learn more and register for this workshop and others here.

 

Other Training and Stream Monitoring Opportunities

The NoVa Soil & Water Conservation teams are  very excited to contribute their stream data to state and national datasets. If you’d like to see data from all the NVSWCD regional stream monitoring team’s active sites, you can find our organization on the Clean Water Hub.

Stream Monitoring Citizen Science & Training Opportunities, June

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Photo: FMN Janet Quinn, Hidden Pond stream monitoring

NoVa Soil & Water Conservation District: Stream Monitoring Citizen Science & Training Opportunities

Horsepen Run Stream Monitoring Workshop

When: Sunday, June 9, 9:00am-12:00pm

Where: Horsepen Run Stream Valley Park, Herndon

This site has undergone a lot of change over the last few years! While it had become more challenging to monitor this site in the past, recent changes to the streambed have brought more riffles to monitor and we’re excited to see how this changes the macroinvertebrates we may find! This is an accessible stream site, which can be reached by wheelchair and/or other assistive tools over a paved path (there is a moderate slope). Learn more and register for this workshop and others here.

 

Wolftrap Creek Stream Monitoring Workshop

When: Thursday, June 13, 9:00am-12:00pm

Where: Wolftrap Creek Stream Valley Park, Vienna

This site features a small, shallow stream which usually has a good number of beetles along a popular paved trail. This is an accessible stream site, which can be reached by wheelchair and/or other assistive tools over a paved path (there is a moderate slope). Learn more and register for this workshop and others here.

 

Pohick Creek Stream Monitoring Workshop

When: Saturday, June 15, 9:00am-12:00pm

Where: Pohick Creek Stream Valley Park, Springfield

Our stream monitoring site on Pohick Creek is located on the cross county trail, popular with runners, dog walkers, and families. This is the largest and deepest stream that we monitor in our public workshops. This is an accessible stream site, which can be reached by wheelchair and/or other assistive tools over a paved path (there may be some uneven spots). Learn more and register for this workshop and others here.

 

Other Training and Stream Monitoring Opportunities

The NoVa Soil & Water Conservation teams are  very excited to contribute their stream data to state and national datasets. If you’d like to see data from all the NVSWCD regional stream monitoring team’s active sites, you can find our organization on the Clean Water Hub.