Each quarter, we invite VMN chapters to share stories of their impacts, accomplishments, and awards. Take the time to read them all so that you may be inspired by these tremendous volunteers and their impactful projects!

Public-Private Partnership in Support of Nature: Soil and Water Conservation Districts Join Forces with Old Rag Master Naturalists
--Contributed by Charlene Uhl, Old Rag Chapter
One of the key roles of Virginia’s 47 Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) is to promote leadership in the conservation of natural resources through stewardship and education programs. Old Rag Master Naturalists have a long history of partnering with the SWCDs that serve the six counties covered by our chapter. John Marshall SWCD serves Fauquier County, and Culpeper SWCD, which is the largest conservation district in Virginia, serves the other five ORMN counties: Culpeper, Greene, Madison, Orange and Rappahannock.
ORMN’s partnership with the SWCDs has grown to encompass a variety of programs that share the goals of both organizations.
Stephanie DeNicola, the Education/Information Coordinator of the Culpeper Soil and Water Conservation District, wrote us this email to say thanks for our chapter’s help in 2024:
“We don’t have a single program that isn’t touched by ORMN, including:
We also participate in activities with the John Marshall Soil & Water Conservation District, including Water Quality Field Days, Farm Field Day, Spring Envirothon competition and Fall Envirothon training. ORMN looks forward to working with both organizations to expand our partnership in the future.
--Contributed by Charlene Uhl, Old Rag Chapter
One of the key roles of Virginia’s 47 Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) is to promote leadership in the conservation of natural resources through stewardship and education programs. Old Rag Master Naturalists have a long history of partnering with the SWCDs that serve the six counties covered by our chapter. John Marshall SWCD serves Fauquier County, and Culpeper SWCD, which is the largest conservation district in Virginia, serves the other five ORMN counties: Culpeper, Greene, Madison, Orange and Rappahannock.
ORMN’s partnership with the SWCDs has grown to encompass a variety of programs that share the goals of both organizations.
Stephanie DeNicola, the Education/Information Coordinator of the Culpeper Soil and Water Conservation District, wrote us this email to say thanks for our chapter’s help in 2024:
“We don’t have a single program that isn’t touched by ORMN, including:
- Envirothon competitions: ORMN members develop tests, judge oral presentations, and serve as guest speakers for team meetings
- Annual Envirothon training: the training at Graves started with 24 people in 2007. Last month the training hosted 293 students and coaches!
- Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences: members volunteer at field stations on water testing
- Stream Monitoring: members choose streams to monitor quarterly
- Other events: Heritage Day, various STEM nights, Edna Lewis Day and more”
We also participate in activities with the John Marshall Soil & Water Conservation District, including Water Quality Field Days, Farm Field Day, Spring Envirothon competition and Fall Envirothon training. ORMN looks forward to working with both organizations to expand our partnership in the future.

Fairfax Master Naturalists Celebrate Awards and Recognitions
--Contributed by Jerry Nissley, Fairfax Chapter
The Fairfax County Tree Commission’s “Friends of Trees Awards” are awarded annually to recognize efforts made for exceptional and innovative conservation-based tree activities in Fairfax County.
FMN Maryam Dadkhah, received the 2024 award in the “Individual” category for providing extraordinary unpaid leadership in conceiving and implementing various tree-related projects throughout the year.
The award announcement mentions that Maryam has worked as a community leader to educate the public and local agencies about native trees and plants since 2021.
Highlights from the myriad of her 2024 stewardship activities include:
--Contributed by Jerry Nissley, Fairfax Chapter
The Fairfax County Tree Commission’s “Friends of Trees Awards” are awarded annually to recognize efforts made for exceptional and innovative conservation-based tree activities in Fairfax County.
FMN Maryam Dadkhah, received the 2024 award in the “Individual” category for providing extraordinary unpaid leadership in conceiving and implementing various tree-related projects throughout the year.
The award announcement mentions that Maryam has worked as a community leader to educate the public and local agencies about native trees and plants since 2021.
Highlights from the myriad of her 2024 stewardship activities include:
- volunteer Project Manager for Fairfax ReLeaf
- partnered with Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District and Fairfax Releaf to plant 337+ native trees and shrubs with cage protection in multiple Vienna public parks
- served her third year as a group leader from Navy Federal, instructing employee volunteers on invasive removal and native plants
- worked with the FCPA Invasive Management Areas Program to cage active tree seedlings in Middleridge and Woodglen Lake Parks and
- Encouraged and educated local friends and family to plant native on their personal property in an organized, tidy, code compliant manner - planting 146 trees and shrubs in county neighborhoods.

St. Peter’s in the Woods Episcopal Church Sanctuary Forest - The forest on their grounds in Fairfax Station, Virginia, was recently inducted into the Old-Growth Forest Network. Brian Kane, Mid-Atlantic Manager of the Old-Growth Forest Network conveyed the distinction to FMN Stacey Remick who leads care and maintenance of the Forest. The forest is the first Community Forest in Fairfax County to be inducted into the Network and only the third Community Forest in the Commonwealth of Virginia.The church is part of the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia, a chapter member of the Center for Spirituality in Nature, and participates in the Faith Action for Climate Solutions (FACS) organization. Virginia Master Naturalists Fairfax chapter (FMN) maintains a stewardship activity code (S266) so volunteers can record hours maintaining the grounds. Their five-acre forest is part of the church’s wildlife sanctuary as certified by the Northern Virginia Bird Alliance (formerly Audubon Society of Northern Virginia). St. Peter’s in the Woods is part of a Resource Protection Area (RPA) that helps protect the Occoquan and Chesapeake Bay watersheds. The wooded area consists largely of oak (Quercus) species, tulip-trees (Liriodendron tulipifera), and American beech (Fagus grandifolia). Most of the hardwood trees are between 70 and 100 years of age and are rooted in ancestral lands of the Manahoac tribe.
Fairfax County Park, Hidden Oaks Nature Center HONC) recently recognized three Fairfax Master Naturalists for their outstanding volunteer contributions.
Kim and Stephanie additionally received the Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) Very Important Volunteer award, which recognizes volunteers who have provided exceptional services to FCPA.
- Kim Munshower received the Champion Oak award. A volunteer for the Center for 8 years, Kim has served in a myriad of roles. Serving as a volunteer naturalist, helping with school, public, and camp programs.
- Stephanie Wright received the Acorn Award, which goes to a new volunteer. She’s been with HONC since April 2023, and has the distinction of being Hidden Oak’s first “Animal Maintenance” volunteer.
- Teena Seigo was awarded the Sapling Award. This award goes to a volunteer who showed significant growth in their volunteer activities.
Kim and Stephanie additionally received the Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) Very Important Volunteer award, which recognizes volunteers who have provided exceptional services to FCPA.
Williamsburg Christmas Parade
--Contributed by Judy Jones, Historic Rivers Chapter
On Sunday, December 8th, 24 enthusiastic members of the Historic Rivers Chapter met at William & Mary and completed decorating our float for the town’s Christmas parade. Once the sun set, we readied to walk the 2.25 miles down the parade route, sharing Virginia Master Naturalists with our community.
The theme was ‘Believe’ and we took it to heart. Our largest sign read ‘Believe We Can ALL Make a Difference’ and the float was covered with ways to do just that. ‘Plant Trees Grow Hope’ and ‘Reduce Reuse Recycle’ were just two of the signs that encouraged the 22,000+ members of the crowd to help us make a difference.
Led by our HRC parade coordinators, Dean and Valerie Shostak, we gathered in ‘woodland’ outfits, some dressed as animals, some as master naturalists, and one as the Green Man. Our goal was two-fold—first, to remind each individual that they have the power to protect and preserve our environment; second, to show the town that being a master naturalist is more than just volunteerism—it’s a lot of fun. We think we accomplished both goals and all agree it was one of our more exciting and unusual outreach events.
--Contributed by Judy Jones, Historic Rivers Chapter
On Sunday, December 8th, 24 enthusiastic members of the Historic Rivers Chapter met at William & Mary and completed decorating our float for the town’s Christmas parade. Once the sun set, we readied to walk the 2.25 miles down the parade route, sharing Virginia Master Naturalists with our community.
The theme was ‘Believe’ and we took it to heart. Our largest sign read ‘Believe We Can ALL Make a Difference’ and the float was covered with ways to do just that. ‘Plant Trees Grow Hope’ and ‘Reduce Reuse Recycle’ were just two of the signs that encouraged the 22,000+ members of the crowd to help us make a difference.
Led by our HRC parade coordinators, Dean and Valerie Shostak, we gathered in ‘woodland’ outfits, some dressed as animals, some as master naturalists, and one as the Green Man. Our goal was two-fold—first, to remind each individual that they have the power to protect and preserve our environment; second, to show the town that being a master naturalist is more than just volunteerism—it’s a lot of fun. We think we accomplished both goals and all agree it was one of our more exciting and unusual outreach events.

Cleaning Up College Creek Beach A Historic Rivers Chapter Project
--Contributed by Martha B. Moss
In 2024, about 20 volunteers from the Historic Rivers Chapter of Virginia Master Naturalists picked up and disposed of 1,111 pounds of trash at College Creek Beach on the Colonial National Historic Parkway. This adds to another 800+ pounds removed in the second half of the previous year, when the project began. This represents almost a ton of waste that did not end up endangering wildlife, polluting the James River, or diminishing the pleasure of residents, college students, fishermen, and thousands of visitors to College Creek Beach. Technically, the cleanup of the beach falls under the purview of the National Park Service, but the NPS also encourages citizen participation to augment their cleanup effort. As a result of this collaboration, members of our group, for the past two years, have been officially acknowledged by the NPS’s Volunteers-In-Parks program.
Helping to clean up any public space would be a worthy endeavor. College Creek Beach is also a prominent stop on the 23-mile Colonial National Historic Parkway. This scenic roadway is considered to be one of the finest in the country. Its construction was originally started by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression, and was completed in 1957. It joins together the Historic Triangle of Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown.
When HRC members Martha Moss and Marie Robertson began the project, College Creek Beach was known as a convenient stop with a beautiful view of the river and creek, but equally known for the abundance of litter marring the beach and surrounding vegetation. Littered along the sand beach, under trees, and in the grassy edges were bottles, food leavings, used diapers, plastic items, and fishing gear of all kinds. People warned us not to even attempt to change this situation, but we were determined to try.
We are very proud that our collective efforts, involving many HRC members, have literally turned the tide on pollution at College Creek Beach.
--Contributed by Martha B. Moss
In 2024, about 20 volunteers from the Historic Rivers Chapter of Virginia Master Naturalists picked up and disposed of 1,111 pounds of trash at College Creek Beach on the Colonial National Historic Parkway. This adds to another 800+ pounds removed in the second half of the previous year, when the project began. This represents almost a ton of waste that did not end up endangering wildlife, polluting the James River, or diminishing the pleasure of residents, college students, fishermen, and thousands of visitors to College Creek Beach. Technically, the cleanup of the beach falls under the purview of the National Park Service, but the NPS also encourages citizen participation to augment their cleanup effort. As a result of this collaboration, members of our group, for the past two years, have been officially acknowledged by the NPS’s Volunteers-In-Parks program.
Helping to clean up any public space would be a worthy endeavor. College Creek Beach is also a prominent stop on the 23-mile Colonial National Historic Parkway. This scenic roadway is considered to be one of the finest in the country. Its construction was originally started by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression, and was completed in 1957. It joins together the Historic Triangle of Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown.
When HRC members Martha Moss and Marie Robertson began the project, College Creek Beach was known as a convenient stop with a beautiful view of the river and creek, but equally known for the abundance of litter marring the beach and surrounding vegetation. Littered along the sand beach, under trees, and in the grassy edges were bottles, food leavings, used diapers, plastic items, and fishing gear of all kinds. People warned us not to even attempt to change this situation, but we were determined to try.
We are very proud that our collective efforts, involving many HRC members, have literally turned the tide on pollution at College Creek Beach.

Arlington Regional Master Naturalist Wins Bill Thomas Park Award
Caroline Haynes was honored this past fall as the recipient of the prestigious Bill Thomas Park Award in recognition of her outstanding contributions to local parks and natural resources in Arlington County and the surrounding communities.
Caroline was a primary driving force behind the establishment of the Arlington Regional Chapter of the Virginia Master Naturalists (ARMN), chairing the coordinating committee in 2007 and being part of the first ARMN class. Caroline served as the first ARMN president, a role she maintained until December 2013, while also leading the basic training classes. Caroline has continued to serve in chapter leadership as immediate past chair, as well as by serving on the applications committee, helping train new members, redesigning the basic training class, and enthusiastically leading and volunteering in chapter projects. One of her most recent initiatives has been to revitalize ARMN’s support of the local nature centers, treasured places that suffered during years of closings and reduced hours. Caroline has worked to bring about a return to regular nature center openings and then to support the centers with ARMN volunteers. Beyond her contributions to ARMN, Caroline has been instrumental in shaping Arlington County’s natural resource programs and policies. She has actively participated in numerous citizen advisory groups and County planning efforts. One of Caroline’s many achievements related to her role in developing the “Native Plants for Northern Virginia” guide as part of the Plant NOVA Natives campaign, which promotes the use of native plants in the region’s urban and suburban landscapes. Caroline was also an important contributor to the efforts to educate Arlington policymakers and county staff on the outsized role deer play in destroying our local forest ecosystems.
Caroline Haynes was honored this past fall as the recipient of the prestigious Bill Thomas Park Award in recognition of her outstanding contributions to local parks and natural resources in Arlington County and the surrounding communities.
Caroline was a primary driving force behind the establishment of the Arlington Regional Chapter of the Virginia Master Naturalists (ARMN), chairing the coordinating committee in 2007 and being part of the first ARMN class. Caroline served as the first ARMN president, a role she maintained until December 2013, while also leading the basic training classes. Caroline has continued to serve in chapter leadership as immediate past chair, as well as by serving on the applications committee, helping train new members, redesigning the basic training class, and enthusiastically leading and volunteering in chapter projects. One of her most recent initiatives has been to revitalize ARMN’s support of the local nature centers, treasured places that suffered during years of closings and reduced hours. Caroline has worked to bring about a return to regular nature center openings and then to support the centers with ARMN volunteers. Beyond her contributions to ARMN, Caroline has been instrumental in shaping Arlington County’s natural resource programs and policies. She has actively participated in numerous citizen advisory groups and County planning efforts. One of Caroline’s many achievements related to her role in developing the “Native Plants for Northern Virginia” guide as part of the Plant NOVA Natives campaign, which promotes the use of native plants in the region’s urban and suburban landscapes. Caroline was also an important contributor to the efforts to educate Arlington policymakers and county staff on the outsized role deer play in destroying our local forest ecosystems.

Caroline shared some thoughts about the work that has been most meaningful to her, stating that she especially appreciates those times “where our efforts to change jurisdictional policies and practices intersect with our hands-on volunteer service.” Caroline explained: As part of my time on the Park and Recreation Commission, I helped in the development of Arlington's first Natural Resources Management Plan (adopted in 2010), which focused on policies to support the preservation and conservation of our publicly owned natural resources. As a member of the Forestry and Natural Resources Commission, and more particularly in my role as chair of the Natural Resources Joint Advisory Group, I cochaired (along with current ARMN President, Phil Klingelhofer) the citizen advisory group that helped develop the Forestry and Natural Resources Management Plan, which became the newest element of Arlington County's Comprehensive Plan (adopted in 2023). These intensive policy planning efforts and the resulting adopted plans have been instrumental in fundamentally shifting the focus on management of our natural resources on both private and public land. An early example includes a multiyear effort at educating the public and staff on the economic and environmental harm of invasive species, which contributed to the creation of a robust invasive management program in Arlington County that works closely with ARMN volunteers. Likewise, educating citizens and staff about the benefits of native plant gardens resulted in a sustained effort at revising the weed ordinance in Arlington County, which now allows for native plant gardens that previously ran afoul of outdated landscape standards. Recognizing the critical importance of underlying public policies and practices to the success, or failure, of our volunteer efforts continues to motivate me.
ARMN President, Phil Klingelhofer has stated: Caroline sees the big picture and . . . has a knack for effectively explaining complex matters in ways that make the issues and opportunities clear for everyone. Caroline understands how to include others in identification of opportunities and in getting buy-in for new ideas. She understands the value of working together with others to find options for moving forward on difficult issues . . . and always looks for the win-win solutions to problems. Caroline Haynes has worked tirelessly on behalf of our region, and we have a greatly improved place to call home because of her.
ARMN President, Phil Klingelhofer has stated: Caroline sees the big picture and . . . has a knack for effectively explaining complex matters in ways that make the issues and opportunities clear for everyone. Caroline understands how to include others in identification of opportunities and in getting buy-in for new ideas. She understands the value of working together with others to find options for moving forward on difficult issues . . . and always looks for the win-win solutions to problems. Caroline Haynes has worked tirelessly on behalf of our region, and we have a greatly improved place to call home because of her.

Recognizing Jim Scibek, a Founding VMN Volunteer
Founding member of the chapter. First chapter President, President from 2007 to 2020.
Education Chair from 2007 to 2024.
The Central Rappahannock chapter of the Virginia Master Naturalists (VMNCRC) would like to recognize Jim Scibek for 18 years of volunteer service.
Jim served as the chapter President and the class coordinator for seventeen sequential annual chapter basic training courses. He established the first-ever VMNCRC 40-hour training program, including identifying subject matter experts for instructors and developing the annual course syllabus to accommodate an exceptionally diverse schedule. Every year, in addition to his responsibilities as President, he fielded questions from students, managed attendance records to verify requirements for chapter onboarding, and both developed and graded the final exam.
Jim has been the linchpin of VMNCRC for almost two decades. He is an invaluable mentor to all board members both recurring and new, and as the creator of the chapter bylaws, he absolutely keeps us in line and on point! His years of experience and unwavering dedication to the chapter have been the cornerstone on which our chapter’s success has been built.
Having (finally) handed the mantle of class coordinator and President to the new guard/chapter board, Jim continues to lend his expertise and coach the board towards a bigger future. With chapter recruitment at an all-time high, we’re constantly grateful for Jim’s leadership and the unbreakable foundation he built for us.
Founding member of the chapter. First chapter President, President from 2007 to 2020.
Education Chair from 2007 to 2024.
The Central Rappahannock chapter of the Virginia Master Naturalists (VMNCRC) would like to recognize Jim Scibek for 18 years of volunteer service.
Jim served as the chapter President and the class coordinator for seventeen sequential annual chapter basic training courses. He established the first-ever VMNCRC 40-hour training program, including identifying subject matter experts for instructors and developing the annual course syllabus to accommodate an exceptionally diverse schedule. Every year, in addition to his responsibilities as President, he fielded questions from students, managed attendance records to verify requirements for chapter onboarding, and both developed and graded the final exam.
Jim has been the linchpin of VMNCRC for almost two decades. He is an invaluable mentor to all board members both recurring and new, and as the creator of the chapter bylaws, he absolutely keeps us in line and on point! His years of experience and unwavering dedication to the chapter have been the cornerstone on which our chapter’s success has been built.
Having (finally) handed the mantle of class coordinator and President to the new guard/chapter board, Jim continues to lend his expertise and coach the board towards a bigger future. With chapter recruitment at an all-time high, we’re constantly grateful for Jim’s leadership and the unbreakable foundation he built for us.