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Volunteers Needed: Habitat Restoration Project at Occoquan Bay NWR, April 20th

Photo: Courtesy of ASNV, Garlic Mustard

Saturday, April 20, 2024
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Occoquan Bay NWR
14050 Dawson Beach Road
Woodbridge, VA, 22191

This program is part of the Stretch Our Parks initiative, in partnership with the staff of Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge.

On Saturday, April 20, help remove invasive garlic mustard from a meadow in the refuge. Volunteers will partner with Refuge staff, Audubon volunteers and neighbors to make more space in the meadow for native grasses that birds love!

Garlic mustard’s roots release chemicals that alter the important underground network of fungi that connect nutrients between native plants, inhibiting the growth of important native species. Luckily it can be easily removed – but there is a lot of it! Learn more about Garlic mustard here.

No experience necessary! The staff will show you how to identify and remove Garlic mustard. Trash bags will be provided. The area may be muddy so please bring rain boots or waterproof shoes, and gardening gloves if you have them.

Meet at the Central Parking Lot, not at the Visitor Information Center lot. Registration recommended but not required, please feel free to bring a friend!

Help Count Butterflies on July 1 at Occoquan Bay

Photo by Plant NOVA Natives, Mourning Cloak Butterfly

Saturday, July 1, 2023
8:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Occoquan Bay NWR,
13950 Dawson Beach Road
Woodbridge, VA, 22191

Participation is limited. To sign up, email Tina at [email protected].

Volunteers are needed for the upcoming North American Butterfly Association butterfly count at Occoquan Bay on July 1, starting at 8:00AM. No previous experience is required, and beginners will be grouped with more experienced volunteers. This is a great opportunity to learn more about local butterfly species, enjoy some lovely summer weather, and give back by volunteering.

Click here for more information.