Submitted by Monica Hoel and Tanya Hall, VMN-Holston Rivers Chapter

The Holston Rivers Chapter of VMN had purchased the rights to do a showing of the Freshwaters Illustrated film, "Hidden Rivers." The intention was to show it during Abingdon's famous Virginia Highlands Festival in August, but the festival, like everything else in 2020, got cancelled. 

After much hand-wringing, the chapter's sponsor, Tanya Hall (Chief Ranger for Visitor Experience at Hungry Mother State Park) suggested talking to the owner of the drive-in movie theatre that is about 4 miles from the gates to the state park. The drive-in would allow us to follow COVID-19 protocols in addition to providing a unique and fun location. Park Place Drive-In was happy to be part of the plan, and the results were overwhelming. 

The purpose of showing the film was strictly educational, but the group ended up charging a nominal fee to cover the cost of the venue and technical support (and many patrons made donations to support the project).  There was hope of having 40-50 people in the audience at the Highlands Festival, but, on a moonlit night in October, more than 85 cars (more than 160 patrons) pulled into the Park Place Drive-In to watch this beautiful movie about the rivers and aquatic life in Appalachia.  The group also showed two short films; one on bringing back brook trout to Tennessee streams and one on the Hellbender Salamander. 

To add to the fun, one of the "stars" of Hidden Rivers drove up from Chattanooga to join the fun. Casper Cox is featured in the movie talking about the importance of these rivers, and he has written a book on  river snorkeling.  He sold some books and, of course, posed for some pictures.

All in all, the event landed squarely in the "silver linings" category during these unusual times as members noted that the attendance was far greater than any of them imagined. Those in attendance texted, emailed, and added Facebook comments to thank the chapter for an event that opened their eyes to many issues -- and also provided a beautiful evening under the stars.

I moved to Virginia in December of 2007 and quickly discovered the Virginia Master Naturalists.  I was in the 2008 Basic Training Class, the second class for the chapter.  I was so excited; I would go to the public library a few days before each class to read up on the next topic.  As soon as I graduated, I was coaxed into the Basic Training Planning Committee.  The next year, I was drafted to be the Chapter President.  I held may of the positions on the Board since then and continue to serve today after 693 hours. 

I enjoyed 437 hours of Continuing Education so far, which included every State Conference to date.  I think a lot of credit is due the state office for all the wonderful Conferences and Webinars they have organized for our benefit.  

My favorite projects involve Citizen Science (3252 hours!).  I participate in bird counts, FeederWatch and NestWatch.  I monitor rainfall daily and water quality monthly.  I collected acorns for DoF and Callary Pear leaves for a genetics project.  I hunted for rare plant species and froze Orchard Mason Bees, after fishing them out of cups of propylene glycol.  I participated in many Blitzes, hunting for the different species native to Virginia.  I am also a volunteer at the Virginia Museum of Natural History where I have been involved in the Paleontology lab, Archaeology lab, and the Wet Lab (where they keep specimens in alcohol) as well as having the opportunity to do some field work in both Paleontology and Archaeology. 

Last year, I volunteered to lead the Southern Piedmont Native Plant Campaign.  This plus helping the museum’s Education Department with its many festivals gives me 759 hours of Education Service. 

Stewardship project account for 297 hours, most spent on the designing and installing Wildlife Habitats. 

In all, it has been a wonderful 12 years and I’m looking forward to the next 5000 hours! ​​​

By Marissa Guill, graduate student, Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, Virginia Tech
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The fox squirrel (Sciurus niger) is the largest species of tree squirrel native to the United States. In Virginia, fox squirrel populations are still present in the Delmarva Peninsula and west of the Piedmont into the Appalachians. However east of the Appalachians, particularly in the lower Piedmont and Coastal Plain, fox squirrels are rare and patchily distributed, especially the southeastern subspecies Sciurus niger niger, or the southeastern fox squirrel. Regionally, formerly suitable habitat has been subjected to fragmentation and degradation of mixed pine-hardwood forests and bottomland hardwoods by conversion to agriculture and plantation forestry, as well as decades of fire suppression. At this moment, the southeastern fox squirrel holds an unknown distributional status in Virginia which could ultimately impact future management efforts.

Our goal is to better understand the distribution of fox squirrels in Virginia to reveal important habitat requirements and ecological specialization. We are currently seeking out volunteers and citizen scientists to help us collect sightings of fox squirrels across Virginia. We are specifically seeking observations from counties east of the Blue Ridge mountains, south of interstate 64, north of the North Carolina state line, and all the way east to the coast of Virginia (not including the Delmarva peninsula). Although this is our focus area, we are further trying to identify the overlap or separation of ranges between the eastern fox squirrel (Sciurus niger vulpinus, commonly found in the Blue Ridge), versus the southeastern fox squirrel. Therefore, any observations of fox squirrels in Virginia proves beneficial. 

Differences between the eastern fox squirrel and the southeastern fox squirrel can be difficult to identify as southeastern fox squirrels often vary greatly in pelage and color. However, they do have distinguishing characteristics. Both fox squirrels are larger than grey squirrels with a rounder face. Eastern fox squirrels have light tan to cinnamon orange undersides and the tip of their tail is orange or black. The southeastern fox squirrel differs from the eastern fox squirrel in that it contains black head markings or pelage on the body, as well as white or grey noses and white ears and feet. Their body color can vary from silver, grey, or agouti with greyish, buff, or black characteristics.
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If you have recently seen a fox squirrel or if you would like more information, you can visit our study website at: http://cmi.vt.edu/FoxSquirrel.html. If you would like to send us an observation you can email us at foxsquirrelreport@vt.edu with the date, location, and picture or access our iNaturalist project site at https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/fox-squirrels-sciurus-niger-in-southeastern-virginia-usa. You can also use our email stated above for any further questions about the project and fox squirrels. Thanks for your help Master Naturalists! 

What’s Happening at VIMS 
By Karen Duhring, Middle Peninsula Chapter Advisor

The 4th annual Catch the King citizen science mapping event was held in October during the year’s highest astronomical tides. Virginia Master Naturalists were among nearly 160 volunteers who mapped GPS points along the high tide line of shorelines, coastal bays and creeks from Virginia Beach to the Northern Neck.  Valuable information was gathered even though this year’s citizen science effort was reduced due to the coronavirus pandemic.  The data collected on smartphones by volunteers are used to fine-tune an increasingly accurate tide flood forecast model developed at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS).  Results from the 2020 Catch the King event are displayed online, with a comparison between the model’s forecast and the high tide line captured by the volunteers.
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VIMS field trips and training classes for Virginia Master Naturalists continue to be affected by the coronavirus pandemic. All public events, guided tours and classes at VIMS or sponsored by VIMS off-campus remain suspended.  Hopefully VIMS field trips and classes will resume soon for VMN basic training and continuing education.  Meanwhile, Zoom basic training classes on Wetlands and Coastal Ecology were held for the Historic Southside and Peninsula chapters.  VIMS also offers virtual continuing education opportunities, including the After Hours Lecture series with recordings of Past Lectures, plus a  Multimedia Resource Center.  
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Visit the VIMS web site or contact Karen Duhring for more information and assistance finding resources related to coastal and marine science. 

New Natural History Research Articles by Virginia Master Naturalists

Banisteria, the journal of the Virginia Natural History Society is now completely electronic and Open Access.  Articles are now posted on the VNHS website as soon as they are reviewed and formatted.  At the end of each year, they are compiled into a single PDF, also posted on the website.

The VNHS welcomes contributions of natural history research articles by Virginia Master Naturalist volunteers.  In fact, two of the articles in the current edition (Number 54, 2020) were co-authored by VMN volunteers!

John Bunch (VMN-Historic Southside Chapter) contributed a report of a fascinating study he has made of the Eastern Hercules Beetle, co-authored with entomologist Art Evans.  Two interesting observations (of many): the male beetles make an odor that smells like blueberries and the males also cause distinctive scars on ash trees that remain visible for years.

Adrienne Frank (VMN-Historic Rivers Chapter) is the lead author of an article on the annotated butterfly checklist for the greater Williamsburg area created by Virginia Master Naturalist and Coastal Virginia Wildlife Observatory volunteers.  Co-authors include Ken Lorenzen and Brian Taber.

Well done, John and Adrienne!  We encourage everyone to read their articles and to think about how you might share your own VMN natural history studies in Banisteria. 

A Virtual Vernal Pools Experience with the New River Valley Chapter

​Contributed by Dianna Bridges
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Judy McCord, a Certified Virginia Master Naturalist volunteer in the New River Valley Chapter, worked with Claytor Lake State Park to make a video on vernal pools that was featured earlier this year on the Virginia State Parks Facebook page.  Along with monitoring the vernal pools at the park, Judy also collects data for FrogWatch there and assists with education programs.  Check out the video to learn about vernal pools and aquatic organisms and to see a VMN in action!

Fairfax Master Naturalists Recognized for Service in County Parks and Nature Centers

Contributed by Marilyn Schroeder and Janet Quinn VMN-Fairfax Chapter

Hidden Oaks Nature Center recognized four Fairfax Master Naturalists with the 2019 Presidential Service Award for volunteer service that year.  Bob Dinse received the silver award for volunteers who contributed 250-499 hours.  Val Bertha, Hank Dahlstrom, and Marilyn Schroeder received the bronze award for volunteers who contributed 100-249 hours.

Scott Schroth was recognized in August 2020 as the Volunteer of the Month for Fairfax County's Riverbend Park and Scott's Run Nature Preserve.  He participated in several invasive removal and habitat restoration projects and led watershed cleanup activities over the summer.  Scott particularly enjoys citizen science opportunities such as wildflower surveys, native grass seed collection, and the Adopt-a-Spot program.  Read more about Scott on the Fairfax Master Naturalist Chapter website.

Cathy Ledec will be honored in November with the 2020 Sally Ormsby Environmental Stewardship Award for 17 years of volunteer service at Huntley Meadows Park and for the Fairfax County Park Authority.  This award recognizes individuals and organizations whose actions embody the spirit and values of stewardship and result in tangible environmental benefits.  In the award nomination, Ledec was cited for making an “enormous difference” at Huntley Meadows Park, Mt. Eagle Park and other FCPA properties.  Read more about Cathy's work on the Fairfax County website.

​Cheryl Jacobson Reaches the 6,000 Hour Milestone
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It is with great pride that the Historic Rivers Chapter adds Cheryl Jacobson to our list of members who have achieved the 6000-hour milestone. Cheryl, who became a Virginia Master Naturalist in 2011, has recorded over 6,000 hours of energy and enthusiasm, leading many projects as well as participating in a huge variety of activities. For example, she has recorded 4500 hours of citizen science, with hours ranging from directing our local Osprey Watch project, to monitoring butterflies, to assisting with the leadership of the spring and Christmas Audubon bird surveys, to serving as one of our coordinators for our Chapter’s bluebird trails, and most recently, being the springboard for our new and wonderful Purple Martin Project. She has also served on our HRC board, led educational activities and nature clubs in schools, parks, and the New Kent Forestry Center, and provided leadership in our stewardship activities, ranging from helping to create a rain garden, to picking up litter and ‘Keeping JCC Beautiful’, to collecting acorns for the Forestry Center and making oyster reef balls for VIMS.
We are so proud of Cheryl and the energies and enthusiasm she has brought to the Chapter and to our Tidewater families. It is characteristic of our Chapter that her enthusiasm has been nurtured and has flourished without flagging for nearly 10 years but it is truly a tribute to Cheryl that she has not only achieved this personal goal but definitely made a difference in the environment and in our community.
Kudos to our amazing Master Naturalist – Cheryl Jacobson!!!

Cheryl is part of our VMN Golden Circle.

Recognition for an Amazing Photo

​Historic Rivers chapter member Judy Jones had one of her photographs selected for display in the Virginia Wildlife Magazine’s 2020 Photo Showcase (July/August edition). The photo was taken on January 6th, 2020 and depicts a mature bald eagle diving for fish on the James River.  Judy managed to snap the magnificent photo just as the eagle was doing a midair about face after glimpsing a fish in the water below.

​The James Eike Service Award recognizes two Virginia Master Naturalists from the Historic Rivers Chapter for outstanding service to the Virginia Society of Ornithology.
 
Shirley Devan was nominated by Patti Reum, with letters of support from Dan Bieker and Lenny Bankester. Shirley is heartily recognized for her long-term commitment to the VSO board, serving in the challenging role of Membership Chair. Her use of Constant Contact has vastly improved communications with our members. Shirley has attended many of the VSO field trips and organized a team for the annual Kiptopeke Challenge.
 
Dave Youker was nominated by Jane Frigo, with letters of support from Pete Peterman and Thomas Charlock. Quoting Jane, “his contributions to the Virginia Society of Ornithology and other statewide projects to enhance, educate and preserve our avian populations span more than a decade. He does not seek out attention for his efforts but quietly continues to work toward providing a future for our avian populations and sharing that knowledge.”
 
Dave’s noteworthy accomplishments include, among many others, his service to VARCOM and the Hampton Roads Bird Club, his work at the Western Shore Marshes IBA, avian surveys at Craney Island, Grandview and Hampton Roads Bridge/Tunnel, managing the MOTUS operation at Craney Island and participating in a VSO sponsored avian population study in the Dominican Republic. Dave also serves as regional coordinator of the 2nd Breeding Bird Atlas.
 
These awards were to be presented at the VSO Annual Meeting, which was canceled this spring because of the pandemic. Awardees will be recognized at the next publicly held event.

​2020 MPMN Contributions to Butterfly Counts
 
Contributed by Susan Crockett, VMN-Middle Peninsula Chapter

Twelve members of the Middle Peninsula Master Naturalist Chapter volunteered for eight North American Butterfly Association (NABA) butterfly counts this spring, summer, and fall. Between May and September they contributed 456 hours of counting butterflies in five different areas: Northumberland and Lancaster Counties, Essex and Northern Neck Counties, Virginia Beach (including the Hampton Roads Agricultural Research and Extension Center, Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge), Chippokes Plantation State Park, Williamsburg, York and Gloucester Counties). Because of their efforts counting in the Gloucester sector of the Williamsburg Area Count was included for the first time in 14 years. The members were: Bill Blair, Edie Bradbury, Michelle Brown, Chris Conley, Susan Crockett, Carol Kauffman, Jack Kauffman, Jeannie Miller, Debbie Rollins, Sherry Rollins, Jan Towne, and Jan Tyndall. Bill Blair, Susan Crockett, and Jan Towne also served as sector leaders in several of the counts.

​It Takes a Village

Contributed by Charlene Uhl, Kathleen Aucoin, Bonnie Beers, Carolyn Smith, and Barry Buschow, VMN-Old Rag Chapter

When the Old Rag Master Naturalist chapter’s 2020 Basic Training class (Class X) was postponed due to COVID-19, the Basic Training Committee (BTC) kicked into high gear to keep the class engaged and involved through a variety of efforts. Monthly conference calls were held with trainees and many of their mentors, discussing topics such as journaling, naturalist books, projects that could be done alone or within social distancing guidelines, and rich conversations among trainees and mentors ; book bundles relating to future class topics were distributed; BTC, in coordination with VMN, secured approval for trainees to begin earning volunteer hours once they successfully completed the Risk Management training; several field trips were scheduled that met COVID-19 safety guidelines; and mentor involvement with trainees was encouraged. Simultaneously BTC developed a new class format and began official Master Naturalist training via Zoom in September.

Many ORMN members beyond the BTC assisted in these efforts. As a result of everyone’s involvement and support, Class X trainees have logged almost 400 volunteer hours (as of October 19) and graduation of our 19 trainees is expected in spring 2021.

To read the full story, go to https://www.oldragmasternaturalists.org.

​Banshee Reeks Chapter Big Tree Surveys

Contributed by Kyle Baker, Volunteer Service Projects Chair in the VMN-Banshee Reeks Chapter

The Banshee Reeks Chapter has spent some of the down time this summer not only anticipating getting back “out there” and working on volunteer service projects, but also used the time to plan several new flora and fauna surveys for the Chapter. The surveys will provide a better understanding of biodiversity, species occurrences, uncommon species, and non-native species in the natural areas and habitats. The information from these surveys will also inform education and outreach activities in the Chapter and foster an overall appreciation of the natural heritage in area parks and natural areas.  Although many of these surveys are planned to begin in 2021, this new survey effort launched this October with two inventory and big tree surveys at the Chapter’s home base of the Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve (BRNP) in Loudoun County. BRNP was first established in 1999 and these are the first systematic tree surveys to occur there.  

Over two beautiful October days, applying best practices of small team sizes and social distancing, twelve enthusiastic VMNs from the Banshee Reeks Chapter hit the trails and set out on this new survey effort. The surveys have been a great success and are yielding some very interesting initial results. Overall, a small distance of the trails at BRNP have been surveyed so far and 27 species of trees have been identified.  Of particular interest is an old fence line we discovered off a trail while investigating a big tree. The survey team followed this fence line and discovered several very large and old trees. Loudoun County maintains its own Big Tree Registry. Comparing our big tree measurements of the first tree along this fence line indicates is it likely tied in first place with the largest pin oak currently on the Loudoun County Big Tree Registry. Leaf abscission was well underway and the leaves were raining down on us, so since we were losing canopy leaves, our Big Tree Scores are probably on the low end.  The Chapter may have, at least, some county champions at BRNP. 

We have just begun to explore this old fence line as it contains a number of big and impressive trees and any big tree contenders for the Big Tree Registry will be submitted for verification in 2021. Working together with outstanding VMNs from the Banshee Reeks Chapter have made these surveys a great success. The flora and fauna surveys will resume in 2021 and we will certainly return to the old fence line to measure these impressive big trees under a full canopy.  

Stay tuned to project updates on the project blog on iNaturalist at https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/plants-and-animals-of-banshee-reeks-nature-preserve.

Rivanna Chapter Volunteer Recognized for Service in Fluvanna County

Ida Swenson (VMN-Rivanna Chapter) was featured in the Fluvanna Review.  Ida is part of our VMN Golden Circle, and she is a very active volunteer in Fluvanna and neighboring counties, especially with environmental education programming.

Submitted by Nora Cox and Shelly Evans (VMN-Central Virginia Chapter)
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Bill Bensiek, a Virginia Master Naturalist volunteer in the Central Virginia Chapter, passed away in August at the age of 87.  

Bill was a constant presence at chapter membership meetings, events, and basic training classes.  He drove over 796 miles to volunteer, completed over 237 advanced training hours, and volunteered over 1,057 hours (and there's no doubt these numbers are underreported)!  Bill started with the VMN program in 2006, though he actually was part of the Central Virginia Chapter before that, as it pre-dated the statewide program.  Bill was awarded the Acorn Award, an award bestowed to those who start as a trainee and through extraordinary work, usually over a period of time, grows into a Master Naturalist who makes significant contributions to the chapter and/or community, in 2008.  He was an inspiration as a Master Naturalist and will be sorely missed.  

His obituary in the Lynchburg newspaper states, "Bill loved all things outdoors, including gardening, hiking, and fishing.  He was a devoted member of the Central Virginia Master Naturalists for 20 years."