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Bi-weekly Email for June 28

6/28/2022

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Hello, VMNs. We’re coming up on the 4th of July. Enjoy the fireworks between your latest volunteering gigs! Lots of CE opportunities for you in this Bi-weekly email!

This email includes:
  1. VMN State Office closed July 4-8
  2. Conference update - Registration types and fees posted
  3. Call for Submissions - 2023 VMN Recertification Pin Artwork
  4. Continuing Education Opportunities - so many!
  5. Volunteer Opportunity - DWR survey

VMN State Office Closed July 4-8
The VMN State Office will be closed July 4-8 as both Tiffany and Michelle will be on vacation. They will both be back in the office on July 11. 

Conference Update
Registration Types and Fees have been added to the conference webpage! Click on “Registration” at the top of the page to see details. 

You can also click on “Full Program” at the top of the page to see information on field trips, classroom sessions and instructors.

Be sure to peruse the Full Program before registration opens on July 14 at 6pm so you know your first and second choices during each time slot. You will be required to choose your sessions as part of your registration.

Call for Submissions - 2023 Recertification Pin Artwork
The 2023 recertification pin, earned by VMN volunteers who complete at least 40 hours of approved volunteer service and 8 hours of approved continuing education during 2022, will be an image of a Virginia mammal. Which mammal it will be and the artwork for the pin will be determined through an artwork contest. VMN volunteers are invited to submit their own artwork no later than August 19, 2022.  Please review the complete guidelines and link to submit on our website.

Continuing Education Opportunities

Theater Delta Presents Be Creative
Virginia Cooperative Extension invites volunteers, employees, and partners to Be Creative, a Theater Delta interactive theater performance addressing strategies for inclusive outreach and practicing cultural humility in pursuit of dignity and belonging for all members of a community. If you are interested in continuing your learning about diversity, equity, and inclusion and how to build trust with diverse groups in your community, we think you’ll find this event useful and engaging. 
June 30, 2022, 10:00-11:30 am, virtual. Register at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIkceGhrDsrH91QGtDWnzK1e_ptmlcQE9R0. 

July VMN Continuing Education Webinar
Title: Throwing Shade in RVA
Date and Time: Wednesday, July 13, 2022, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm (Note the earlier start time than normal!)
Description: Here in the midst of summer is a good time to learn about how urban heat impacts certain neighborhoods more intensely than others. Research in the City of Richmond and around the country demonstrates how urban tree canopies, poverty, and historical discriminatory housing policies all influence an area’s vulnerability to heat waves. Learn about this research and how community partners are working together to build resilience to extreme heat.
Presenter: Dr. Jeremy Hoffman is the David and Jane Cohn Scientist at the Science Museum of Virginia and Affiliate Faculty in the L. Douglas Wilder School and the Center for Environmental Studies at Virginia Commonwealth University. Dr. Hoffman connects audiences to their changing planet through participatory environmental research and interactive, hands-on, and immersive experiences, earning recognition through his research and work being featured in the New York Times, National Geographic, The Washington Post, as well as being selected as the Chapter Lead for the Southeast Region in the Fifth National Climate Assessment, one of Style Weekly Richmond's Top 40 Under 40 in 2019, one of the Grist 50 Fixers for 2020, and a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in 2021.
Registration: Please pre-register for the webinar at this link.  
Other information: This webinar will be recorded.  A link to a captioned recording will be posted on the VMN CE Webinar Series page approximately two weeks after the webinar.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact Michelle Prysby, VMN Program Director at 434-872-4587/TDD*) during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.
*"TDD number is (800) 828-1120.

VMN Brown Bag Field Days - July 30 and August 13
Our new VMN Brown Bag Field Days are a great way to earn 4-6 hours of CE in one day!
*Freshwater Mussels - Blacksburg on July 30; 16 slots left!
*Freshwater Mussels - Charles City on August 13; 10 slots left!

REMEMBER! Registration is first come, first serve so reserve your spot today!

Please see the attached documents for details and registration information for each Field Day.
NOTE: Each document has a registration link unique to that event.
*VMN Field Day Info_Mussels in Blacksburg
*VMN Field Day Info_Mussels in Charles City

Buffers Certificate Course
The Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professionals is offering a Buffers Certificate Course in September 2022, with online and in-person components. Although their programs are typically aimed at landscaping professionals, some VMN volunteers doing in-depth stewardship and habitat restoration work may find them useful. See https://certified.cblpro.org/product/cblp-buffers-certificate-course/ for full details.

Reminder of Previously Announced Opportunity - 
Peninsula Chapter Summer Short Course: Climate Change, Soil Subsidence and Sea Level Rise 
When: Wednesdays, Starting June 8th, 2022 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Where: Via Zoom, https://virginiatech.zoom.us/j/81638421229
Link to recordings: https://sites.google.com/view/vmnpeninsulasummertraining2022/home
Date/Lecture Title/Presenter:
* June 8 “Weather & Climate: What is the Difference and What You Need to Know” Jeff Orrock, MIC National Weather Service Wakefield
* June 22 “Plants and Climate Change: The Winners, the Losers, and the Workers” Dr. Janet Steven Christopher Newport University
* July 6 “Where Will All the Flowers Go? The Impact of Climate Change on Flora” Dr. Ann Evans Thomas Nelson Community College
* July 20 “Relative Sea Level Rise and Virginia’s Coastal Resilience” Karen Duhring Virginia Institute for Marine Science
* August 3 “Microbes in our Lives: What a difference One Degree Makes!” Jackie Spencer Thomas Nelson Community College

Volunteer Opportunities
It is time for the annual DWR turkey and ruffed grouse summer survey! Volunteers are asked to record and submit all observations of turkey and grouse made between July 1 and August 31. As always, please inquire with your chapter leaders to make sure the activity is approved and to find out how to report your hours spent on it. The complete survey instructions, including where to send the data, are available here. 
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Bi-weekly Email for June 14

6/14/2022

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close-up of a mosquitoMosquito by Tom, CC BY 2.0
Hello, VMNs. It’s finally getting hot out there! Make sure you have plenty of water and sun protection with you when out volunteering. Big conference update for you in this Bi-weekly email!

This email includes:
  1. Conference update - Full Program available!
  2. Upcoming Dates and Deadlines
  3. Continuing Education Opportunities - Field Days and Webinars
  4. Educators Bureau - Reminder to update info

Conference Update
The Full Program has been added to the conference webpage! Click on “Full Program” at the top of the page to check out field trips, classroom sessions and instructors.

Be sure to peruse the Full Program before registration opens on July 14 at 6pm so you know your first and second choices during each time slot. You will be required to choose your sessions as part of your registration. Registration types and costs will be sent in the next Bi-weekly Email.

Upcoming Dates and Deadlines
  • CE Webinar on June 22 - pre-registration required
  • Educators Bureau updates and additions - deadline is June 22 
  • Mussels Field Day, Blacksburg on July 30 - registration required
  • Mussels Field Day, Charles City on August 13 - registration required
  • Trees to Products course - program begins July 11

Continuing Education Opportunities

VMN Brown Bag Field Days - Second announcement
Our new VMN Brown Bag Field Days are a great way to earn 4-6 hours of CE in one day!
*Freshwater Mussels - Blacksburg on July 30; 18 slots left!
*Freshwater Mussels - Charles City on August 13; 11 slots left!

REMEMBER! Registration is first come, first serve so reserve your spot today!

Please see the attached documents for details and registration information for each Field Day.
NOTE: Each document has a registration link unique to that event.
*VMN Field Day Info_Mussels in Blacksburg
*VMN Field Day Info_Mussels in Charles City

VMN Continuing Education Webinar Series for June
Title: Mosquito Control: Pesticide Reduction for Pollinator Protection
Date and Time: Wednesday, June 22, 2022, 12:00 – 1:00 pm
Description:
The talk addresses the following topics:
  • the most common mosquitoes in Virginia, the mosquito lifecycle, and when and where they're most active
  • the best ways to reduce mosquito populations in your yard and community without harmful pesticides
  • the best ways to protect yourself against mosquito bites wherever you are
  • the reasons why mosquito adulticides (yard sprays) are the least effective way to deal with mosquitoes
  • key questions to ask any mosquito spray company
  • how to protect pollinators and other beneficial critters from harm while effectively managing mosquito populations.
Presenter: Kasha Helget is a Virginia Master Naturalist volunteer and Board member of the Arlington Regional Master Naturalists (ARMN). She collaborated with Kirsten Conrad, the Arlington Virginia Cooperative Extension Agent, and entomologists from Virginia Tech to develop the mosquito presentation, and teams with Conrad and members of ARMN and the Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia to reach out to communities about pesticide reduction to protect pollinators.
Registration: Please pre-register for the webinar at this link.  After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with the link to join the webinar.
Other information: This webinar will be recorded.  A link to a captioned recording will be posted on the VMN CE Webinar Series page approximately two weeks after the webinar.
If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact Michelle Prysby, VMN Program Director at 434-872-4587/TDD*) during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.
*"TDD number is (800) 828-1120.
Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Its programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, military status, or any other basis protected by law.
Volunteer showing students salamander eggs next to a wetland.VMN volunteer Harry Puffenberger share his enthusiasm for vernal pools with students. Photo credit: Maria Cannata (VMN Central Rappahannock Chapter)
Educators Bureau Reminder
Calling all VMN volunteers who want to lead nature walks, give talks, provide environmental education programming, or do other forms of education and outreach! Please consider signing up for our Educators Bureau by June 22! Information is posted on our website, and you may also wish to review the full announcement from the May 31 bi-weekly email. 
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VMN Bi-weekly Email for May 31

5/31/2022

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Hello, VMNs. We have lots of good stuff for you this week including some attachments so be sure to look it all over carefully. As always, you can find the info on our Bi-weekly Email page on the VMN website, which you've just found!

Included in this email:
  1. Continuing Education Opportunities - Mussels, Monarchs and Trees, oh my!
  2. Volunteer Opportunities - VMN Educators Bureau, updates and additions

Continuing Education Opportunities

VMN Brown Bag Field Days
As promised, we have the information for the first of our new VMN Brown Bag Field Days!
*Freshwater Mussels - Blacksburg on July 30
*Freshwater Mussels - Charles City on August 13

REMEMBER! There are very limited slots available for each date and registration is first come, first serve.

Please see the attached documents for details and registration information for each Field Day.
NOTE: Each document has a registration link unique to that event.
*VMN Field Day Info_Mussels in Blacksburg
*VMN Field Day Info_Mussels in Charles City

Complete Monarch Essentials Course and Webinars from Monarch Joint Venture
Dates & Time: Wednesdays, June 29 - August 3, 6:30-8:00pm Central Time
Description: The Complete Monarch Essentials is a multi-week online course put on by Monarch Joint Venture that provides foundational knowledge of monarch butterfly ecology, threats, and the effective conservation actions that everyone can take to help protect this valuable species and support thriving pollinator ecosystems more broadly. The next Complete Monarch Essentials is a six-week-long virtual course meeting weekly between June 29th and August 3rd. The course will be live (online) but sessions are recorded for later viewing. All participants receive digital copies of class resources. 
Cost: $200 (if cost is a barrier, they offer some financial assistance)
For more information and registration: https://monarchjointventure.org/mjvprograms/education/monarch-classes-and-training

For free webinars related to monarchs, also from Monarch Joint Venture, see https://monarchjointventure.org/events.  The next webinar is June 28 and focuses on the latest monarch and pollinator research.

Trees to Products Program
Dates: July 11-14, 2022
Location: In-person, based out of Wise, Virginia
Description: The Trees to Products teacher’s program is designed to provide teachers with factual and credible information about Virginia’s hardwood forests. We link these concepts to the Virginia Standards of Learning and provide training in Project Learning Tree activities. A variety of hardwood forest management techniques and forest product industries will be examined in detail. Teachers will see and learn about the sustainable and renewable resource of trees and how trees are converted into a variety of everyday products. This program offers 30 hours of professional development credit, including Project Learning Tree certification, upon completion. Note: Although teachers are the primary audience, VMN volunteers, especially those involved in youth education, are invited as well. VMN volunteers have attended in past years and given very positive feedback about their learning experience. 
Cost: Participants pay a $25 registration fee for the four-day conference. The costs of all meals, transportation, and lodging are provided by the sponsors, with the exception of transportation to the conference headquarters at the Best Western in Wise, Va.
Registration: https://tinyurl.com/yc6psnwx 
For more information: Contact Bill Worrell at (276) 889-8056 or bworrell@vt.edu. 


Volunteer Opportunities

VMN Educators Bureau
The VMN Educators Bureau is an up-to-date listing of VMN volunteers willing to teach other VMNs, give presentations for community groups, lead nature walks, lead environmental education activities for youth, or do any other form of education related to natural resources.  Our goal is to increase VMN engagement in Education & Outreach, help our program reach new audiences, and help us respond better to requests for presenters. We’ve already been able to fill many requests for VMN presenters from outside organizations!  

Want to join the Educators Bureau for the first time? If you are a VMN interested and willing to teach others and lead educational programs of any kind on natural resource topics AND if you did not sign up for the bureau last fall, we invite you to complete our Educators Bureau form between now and June 22.  By completing the form, you aren't committing to any specific opportunity at this point but simply indicating your willingness to be contacted if an opportunity arises that fits your particular profile.  On the form, we provide more details on how your information will be used and how you can update your information later. 
URL for form for NEW signups: https://forms.gle/TaoMGL8FC9CwMDx76

Already signed up for the Educators Bureau? VMN volunteers who signed up for the Educators Bureau in the past should not use the link for new people, as that will result in your being listed twice. If you are already in the database, you instead should have received an email last week with a personalized link to view and edit your own existing listing. If you did not receive the email, first check your Spam/Junk folder.  If it isn’t there, you can contact masternaturalist@vt.edu to get the information and individualized link that you need.

For additional information on the VMN Educators Bureau and how to sign up or edit your listing, please see the this document.
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VMN Bi-weekly email for May 17

5/17/2022

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humans and marine animals working together to collect litter from the waterJoin thousands of Virginians in cleaning up our waterways!
Hello, VMNs. We have some exciting announcements in this edition of the Bi-weekly Email. See below for details.

Included in this email:
  1. New VMN CE Event Series - Brown Bag Field Days
  2. Volunteer Service Opportunity - Clean the Bay Day
  3. Upcoming CE Opportunity - from VA Working Landscapes
  4. Conference updates - Program teaser​

Introducing a new VMN CE Event Series - Brown Bag Field Days
The VMN State Office is creating a new series of Continuing Education events called Brown Bag Field Days. These Field Days will be one-day events, focusing on a specific topic and will be in whatever location makes sense for that topic. To keep costs down, we will be asking participants to “brown bag” any meals. We hope to offer at least two of these each year. 

Our first topic will be Freshwater Mollusks and we will have two dates for this topic - one in Blacksburg in July and one in Charles City in August. Details are still being worked out but keep checking the Bi-weekly emails for updates. Spaces will be limited so when registration information is released, it will be first come, first serve.

Volunteer Service Opportunity
Clean the Bay Day, organized by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, is coming up on June 4! This is a huge event to engage Virginians in removing harmful litter and debris from our beaches and waterways within the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
Visit https://www.cbf.org/events/clean-the-bay-day/index.html for information on locations for cleanups and to register. Some areas still need Zone Captains to organize other volunteers. Be sure to check with your chapter leaders to see if Clean the Bay Day is an approved activity for your chapter and to find out how to report your hours for Clean the Bay Day activities.

Upcoming CE Opportunity
The Human Dimensions of Conservation: How Private Lands Conservation Research Impacts Behavior
Organizer: Virginia Working Landscapes
Date and Time: May 25, 2022, 3:00-4:00 pm
Description: From Virginia Working Landscapes: “Please join Rachael Green, VWL Research Fellow and Graduate Research Assistant at the Dayer Human Dimensions Lab at Virginia Tech, to learn about our groundbreaking research on the human dimensions of private lands conservation.
 
This exciting presentation will dive into the social science research that VWL landowners, land managers, citizen scientists, and newsletter subscribers took part in during 2020 and 2021. Using data collected through interviews and surveys, Rachael will reveal some of the factors that are driving conservation behavior change right here in our region.  It will also examine how programs like VWL can collaborate with community members to maximize biodiversity conservation on private lands.”
More information and registration: https://www.vaworkinglandscapes.org/event/webinar-the-human-dimensions-of-conservation-how-private-lands-conservation-research-impacts-conservation-behaviors/ 
Free, on Zoom

Conference Updates
The Program Committee for the 2022 VMN Statewide Conference has done an outstanding job of filling the docket. We have an abundance of field sessions planned at more than a dozen parks and natural areas! Tiffany has just gotten the list and is working on logistics. Details will be posted June 15 - plenty of time to peruse choices before registration opens on July 14. Our session lineup will have a special focus on coastal natural resources and issues, with topics including seabird conservation, marine mammals, and diamondback terrapins. There are also more general topics such as interpretation, broadening participation in natural resources, ticks, invasive plants, hardwood forest management, and more!
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Virginia Master Naturalist Program | 460 Stagecoach Road, Suite E201 | Charlottesville, VA  22902 | Phone: 434-872-4587 | Fax: 434-872-4578

Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Its programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, military status, or any other basis protected by law.