A 5,000 Hour Milestone
In 2016, Susan Powell, VMN-Historic Rivers Chapter, reached the noteworthy milestone of 5,000 volunteer hours completed and reported. Susan has been a VMN volunteer since 2006. She's been a significant leader in the chapter, serving on the board for many years, teaching classes for the basic training course, and overseeing risk management for chapter projects. She also teaches workshops to train new volunteers in the Wildlife Mapping project; the Historic Rivers Chapter has an extremely organized Wildlife Mapping project that they carry out as a group in several local parks. Susan also manages to get outdoors to do bird and butterfly counts. One of Susan's most significant accomplishments was leading the kiosk project at Freedom Park. In this project, chapter volunteers collected photos, audio files, and descriptions of local wildlife for an electronic kiosk at the park so that visitors can learn about the plants and animals they might see while exploring the area.
Only one other VMN volunteer has completed and reported 5,000 hours: Tom Adkins, VMN-Shenandoah, who achieved the milestone at the end of 2014.
In 2016, Susan Powell, VMN-Historic Rivers Chapter, reached the noteworthy milestone of 5,000 volunteer hours completed and reported. Susan has been a VMN volunteer since 2006. She's been a significant leader in the chapter, serving on the board for many years, teaching classes for the basic training course, and overseeing risk management for chapter projects. She also teaches workshops to train new volunteers in the Wildlife Mapping project; the Historic Rivers Chapter has an extremely organized Wildlife Mapping project that they carry out as a group in several local parks. Susan also manages to get outdoors to do bird and butterfly counts. One of Susan's most significant accomplishments was leading the kiosk project at Freedom Park. In this project, chapter volunteers collected photos, audio files, and descriptions of local wildlife for an electronic kiosk at the park so that visitors can learn about the plants and animals they might see while exploring the area.
Only one other VMN volunteer has completed and reported 5,000 hours: Tom Adkins, VMN-Shenandoah, who achieved the milestone at the end of 2014.
Naturally Nelson 2017
--Submitted by Leah Jung, VMN-Rivanna Chapter
On April 20 & 21st several volunteers from VMN's Central Blue Ridge Chapter helped high school students teach environmental science at the annual “Naturally Nelson” event in Nellysford.
Bill Plyler, Kim Bryant and Debbie Harkrader oversaw educational stations which included plant structure, function and planting, macroinvertebrates as a measure of stream health, and the interdependent web of food chains. Local fauna, flora and geology were also described while touring the kids through the onsite Natural History center.
“This is a win-win event for everyone,” said Leah Jung, Rivanna Chapter Master Naturalist who coordinates the event each year. “Using Environmental Studies Academy students from Western Albemarle High to teach the 4th & 5th graders makes a greater impression on the elementary students, and provides the high schoolers with opportunities to distill their knowledge and mentor younger kids. We doubled the event from last year – hosting 2 elementary schools instead of one – and exposed Nelson County children to the wonder and interconnectedness of nature.”
Participant response to the program included: “This is my very first plant and I’m going to try very hard to keep it alive, because I’m excited to have it” (5th grader), “This is the best field trip we’ve ever been on” (Tye River Elementary teacher), and when asked what they learned, “We have to take care of nature!”
--Submitted by Leah Jung, VMN-Rivanna Chapter
On April 20 & 21st several volunteers from VMN's Central Blue Ridge Chapter helped high school students teach environmental science at the annual “Naturally Nelson” event in Nellysford.
Bill Plyler, Kim Bryant and Debbie Harkrader oversaw educational stations which included plant structure, function and planting, macroinvertebrates as a measure of stream health, and the interdependent web of food chains. Local fauna, flora and geology were also described while touring the kids through the onsite Natural History center.
“This is a win-win event for everyone,” said Leah Jung, Rivanna Chapter Master Naturalist who coordinates the event each year. “Using Environmental Studies Academy students from Western Albemarle High to teach the 4th & 5th graders makes a greater impression on the elementary students, and provides the high schoolers with opportunities to distill their knowledge and mentor younger kids. We doubled the event from last year – hosting 2 elementary schools instead of one – and exposed Nelson County children to the wonder and interconnectedness of nature.”
Participant response to the program included: “This is my very first plant and I’m going to try very hard to keep it alive, because I’m excited to have it” (5th grader), “This is the best field trip we’ve ever been on” (Tye River Elementary teacher), and when asked what they learned, “We have to take care of nature!”
Laurels from the Historic Rivers Chapter
--Submitted by Judy Jones, VMN-Historic Rivers Chapter
--Submitted by Judy Jones, VMN-Historic Rivers Chapter
York County Volunteer of the Year
On Tuesday, April 18th, Jan Lockwood was awarded the Volunteer of the Year award for York County at York Hall in Yorktown, for her continued efforts coordinating the Bluebird Trails at New Quarter Park. Jan also coordinates bluebird trails in James City County and Poquoson with HRC Master Naturalist, Lois Ullman, but this award focused just on her efforts in York County.
Virginia State Parks Recognizes the Historic Rivers Chapter
The 2016 Virginia Blues Award for Exemplary Volunteer Service was presented to the Historic Rivers Chapter of the Virginia Master Naturalists by Jon Tustin, Manager of York River State Park. He presented this award to the chapter at the general membership meeting on March 12th. It was awarded for the myriad of support services the chapter's volunteers offer to York River State Park, including but not limited to monitoring two bluebird trails consisting of 56 boxes, inventorying park wildlife through the Wildlife Camera Trap project as well as Wildlife Mapping, assisting with leading school groups, helping with native plant gardens and, of course, stewardship through the removal of invasives,
The 2016 Virginia Blues Award for Exemplary Volunteer Service was presented to the Historic Rivers Chapter of the Virginia Master Naturalists by Jon Tustin, Manager of York River State Park. He presented this award to the chapter at the general membership meeting on March 12th. It was awarded for the myriad of support services the chapter's volunteers offer to York River State Park, including but not limited to monitoring two bluebird trails consisting of 56 boxes, inventorying park wildlife through the Wildlife Camera Trap project as well as Wildlife Mapping, assisting with leading school groups, helping with native plant gardens and, of course, stewardship through the removal of invasives,
A Double-Duty Master Naturalist is Recognized
There are some Virginia Master Naturalists who enjoy volunteering so much that they have also committed to the VCE Master Gardener program. Since volunteer service cannot be double-counted for these two programs, Master Gardeners who are also Master Naturalists must complete and report enough service to maintain their status with each program separately. VMN-Historic Rivers Chapter member Gwen Harris recently received the York County Master Gardener of the Year award. Congratulations, Gwen!
There are some Virginia Master Naturalists who enjoy volunteering so much that they have also committed to the VCE Master Gardener program. Since volunteer service cannot be double-counted for these two programs, Master Gardeners who are also Master Naturalists must complete and report enough service to maintain their status with each program separately. VMN-Historic Rivers Chapter member Gwen Harris recently received the York County Master Gardener of the Year award. Congratulations, Gwen!
Yu-hsin Hsu Recognized for Stewardship in Arlington
The Arlington County Board recognized Yu-hsin Hsu, VMN-Arlington Regional Chapter, as a 2016 recipient of the Bill Thomas Outstanding Park Service Volunteer Award, which honors residents who demonstrate a passionate dedication and support for the county's dynamic programs, natural resources and public open spaces.
From the County's press release: "An ardent supporter of Arlington’s natural resources, Yu-hsin Hsu has volunteered with Long Branch Nature Center, the Arlington Central Library pollinator garden, the Natural Resources Management Unit and Arlington Regional Master Naturalists.
At Long Branch Nature Center, Yu-hsin has been invaluable as a Saturday animal care volunteer since fall 2013, logging about 160 hours and freeing up weekend staff to attend to visitor contact and other activities as well as directing other animal care volunteers in their tasks. In addition to animal care, Yu-hsin helps with invasive exotic plant removals and preparing for twice-yearly native plant sales at the center.
Yu-hsin has been a volunteer with the Arlington Central Library garden project since early spring 2016. At that time, she happened to pass by the Library’s native pollinator garden, where she saw a staff member weeding. Yu-hsin offered to help – she has not stopped helping since.
Margaret Brown, Central Services Division Chief at the Library says of Yu-hsin: “She brings to the garden a spunky energy and perseverance, as well as a similar passion for educating others about the critical importance of pollinators and native plants. She is tireless in her efforts and selfless in her generosity.”
The final piece of Yu-hsin volunteering trifecta is her work with the Department of Parks and Recreation’s Natural Resources Management Unit, educating and involving children in the Remove Invasive Plants (RiP) program, volunteering at the native plant nursery, and with habitat restoration projects. She has also helped inventory County plants and animals through the annual National Geographic Bioblitz, and engages in other conservation and outreach activities through the Master Naturalist Program."
The Arlington County Board recognized Yu-hsin Hsu, VMN-Arlington Regional Chapter, as a 2016 recipient of the Bill Thomas Outstanding Park Service Volunteer Award, which honors residents who demonstrate a passionate dedication and support for the county's dynamic programs, natural resources and public open spaces.
From the County's press release: "An ardent supporter of Arlington’s natural resources, Yu-hsin Hsu has volunteered with Long Branch Nature Center, the Arlington Central Library pollinator garden, the Natural Resources Management Unit and Arlington Regional Master Naturalists.
At Long Branch Nature Center, Yu-hsin has been invaluable as a Saturday animal care volunteer since fall 2013, logging about 160 hours and freeing up weekend staff to attend to visitor contact and other activities as well as directing other animal care volunteers in their tasks. In addition to animal care, Yu-hsin helps with invasive exotic plant removals and preparing for twice-yearly native plant sales at the center.
Yu-hsin has been a volunteer with the Arlington Central Library garden project since early spring 2016. At that time, she happened to pass by the Library’s native pollinator garden, where she saw a staff member weeding. Yu-hsin offered to help – she has not stopped helping since.
Margaret Brown, Central Services Division Chief at the Library says of Yu-hsin: “She brings to the garden a spunky energy and perseverance, as well as a similar passion for educating others about the critical importance of pollinators and native plants. She is tireless in her efforts and selfless in her generosity.”
The final piece of Yu-hsin volunteering trifecta is her work with the Department of Parks and Recreation’s Natural Resources Management Unit, educating and involving children in the Remove Invasive Plants (RiP) program, volunteering at the native plant nursery, and with habitat restoration projects. She has also helped inventory County plants and animals through the annual National Geographic Bioblitz, and engages in other conservation and outreach activities through the Master Naturalist Program."
Laurels from the Holston Rivers Chapter
--Submitted by Monica Hoel, VMN-Holston Rivers Chapter
VMN-Holston Rivers Chapter Puts Bioblitz Data to Work
In April 2017, the Holston Rivers Virginia Master Naturalist chapter (HRVMN) will do a service project at Hungry Mother State Park (HMSP) that is a direct result of last year's Bioblitz event. In April 2016, HRVMN members assisted Virginia State Park staff with the execution of a 24-hour Bioblitz within the footprint of HMSP. One of the discoveries at that event was an invasive Mountain Red Belly Dace that is an invasive threat to the endangered Tennessee Dace. The unwelcome Dace has infiltrated the lake through poor fishing habits (people have been using the tiny fish as bait and then dumping the leftover bait into the lake). On April 29, 2017, HRVMN members will again team up with State Park staff to spend a day working to eradicate the dace from the HMSP lake. The 2016 Bioblitz led to other meaningful outcomes, including the discovery of green salamanders in the Park: the first ever Smyth County sighting of the elusive salamander.
--Submitted by Monica Hoel, VMN-Holston Rivers Chapter
VMN-Holston Rivers Chapter Puts Bioblitz Data to Work
In April 2017, the Holston Rivers Virginia Master Naturalist chapter (HRVMN) will do a service project at Hungry Mother State Park (HMSP) that is a direct result of last year's Bioblitz event. In April 2016, HRVMN members assisted Virginia State Park staff with the execution of a 24-hour Bioblitz within the footprint of HMSP. One of the discoveries at that event was an invasive Mountain Red Belly Dace that is an invasive threat to the endangered Tennessee Dace. The unwelcome Dace has infiltrated the lake through poor fishing habits (people have been using the tiny fish as bait and then dumping the leftover bait into the lake). On April 29, 2017, HRVMN members will again team up with State Park staff to spend a day working to eradicate the dace from the HMSP lake. The 2016 Bioblitz led to other meaningful outcomes, including the discovery of green salamanders in the Park: the first ever Smyth County sighting of the elusive salamander.
HRVMN Establishes Service Award
The Holston Rivers Chapter has established a new service award for members. The Carrie Sparks Outstanding Service Award was established in conjunction with the chapter's 10th anniversary celebration with the intention of rewarding and encouraging those members who show outstanding leadership through service to Virginia Master Naturalist. The award will be presented annually, and the first award was given in January 2017 to the award's namesake, longtime HRVMN member, Carrie Sparks. Carrie specializes in wild plant identification and usage is always ready to lead a plant walk, offer a presentation, or instruct others on the tricks of identification. Going forward this award will be granted to other members who show Carrie's same enthusiasm, willingness to serve and natural leadership. The winner of the award receives a certificate and is granted the pleasure of naming an organization that will receive a small cash stipend from the chapter.
The Holston Rivers Chapter has established a new service award for members. The Carrie Sparks Outstanding Service Award was established in conjunction with the chapter's 10th anniversary celebration with the intention of rewarding and encouraging those members who show outstanding leadership through service to Virginia Master Naturalist. The award will be presented annually, and the first award was given in January 2017 to the award's namesake, longtime HRVMN member, Carrie Sparks. Carrie specializes in wild plant identification and usage is always ready to lead a plant walk, offer a presentation, or instruct others on the tricks of identification. Going forward this award will be granted to other members who show Carrie's same enthusiasm, willingness to serve and natural leadership. The winner of the award receives a certificate and is granted the pleasure of naming an organization that will receive a small cash stipend from the chapter.
RareQuest Video Receives Film Festival Award
2016 was the pilot field season for Project RareQuest, a collaboration between the VMN program and the Virginia Natural Heritage Program through which VMN volunteers document occurrences of rare plant and animal species. The Virginia Native Plant Society provided a grant to get the project started, and we used some of the funds to create a video about the project at the end of the year. Priya Jaishanker, Audiovisual Media Assistant in the Virginia Tech Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation, produced the film.
In February, Priya's film, "Mission RareQuest" received one of two runners-up award at the Richmond Environmental Film Festival, and the video was shown on the big screen at the Byrd Theater in Richmond. If you missed it, you can watch the film on our RareQuest project webpage.
2016 was the pilot field season for Project RareQuest, a collaboration between the VMN program and the Virginia Natural Heritage Program through which VMN volunteers document occurrences of rare plant and animal species. The Virginia Native Plant Society provided a grant to get the project started, and we used some of the funds to create a video about the project at the end of the year. Priya Jaishanker, Audiovisual Media Assistant in the Virginia Tech Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation, produced the film.
In February, Priya's film, "Mission RareQuest" received one of two runners-up award at the Richmond Environmental Film Festival, and the video was shown on the big screen at the Byrd Theater in Richmond. If you missed it, you can watch the film on our RareQuest project webpage.
Multiple Fairfax Chapter Volunteers Recognized by Their Communities
VMN-Fairfax Chapter volunteer Shawn Dilles received a Town of Vienna Award for his work to clean up Wolftrap Creek in Vienna, VA. Over six months, Shawn worked to removed more than 20 bags of trash from a mile-long section of the creek.
Don Coram and Doug Britt, also VMN volunteers in the Fairfax Chapter, were selected as the 2016 Reston Association Group Volunteer of the Year.
Shawn, Doug, and Don all graduated from the Fairfax Chapter's basic training course in Fall 2016.
VMN-Fairfax Chapter volunteer Shawn Dilles received a Town of Vienna Award for his work to clean up Wolftrap Creek in Vienna, VA. Over six months, Shawn worked to removed more than 20 bags of trash from a mile-long section of the creek.
Don Coram and Doug Britt, also VMN volunteers in the Fairfax Chapter, were selected as the 2016 Reston Association Group Volunteer of the Year.
Shawn, Doug, and Don all graduated from the Fairfax Chapter's basic training course in Fall 2016.