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
​
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."

Many VMN volunteers enjoy working on perfecting their photography skills.  Others just like to share snapshots of nifty nature observation.  Some like to use photos to document their volunteer work and its impacts.  Everyone can participate in our 2020 VMN Statewide Photo Share!  

Each current VMN volunteer or chapter advisor may submit one photo that illustrates your connection with nature in this unique year.  It can be a selfie of you doing a naturalist activity, a photo documenting an exciting wildlife encounter you’ve had, a photo of a special natural place that has brought you joy during the pandemic, or anything else that you feel fits the theme of how you’ve connected with nature this year.

We will share the photos in a slideshow on the VMN website.  Depending on the number of photos we receive, we also will share all or a subset during an end-of-year online event in mid-December.  This is not a competition!  As long as the photos are in the correct format, we will include them. 

• The photo must be taken by you, the currently enrolled VMN volunteer or chapter advisor.
• The photo must be taken in Virginia.
• The photo needs to be in .jpg format.
• The photo file name should be YourLastNameYourFirstName_PhotoName.jpg.  Fill in your name and the photo name in that format. (for example, MouseMinnie_JamesRiverAtSunset.jpg).  
• Only one photo per volunteer is allowed.
• Please do not have any views of children’s faces or other information from which they could be personally identified.
• To make sure that your photo displays well, please make sure that it is at least 2200 pixels on its longest side at 72ppi resolution.  We will still try to include your photo if it is smaller, but it might not look wonderful.  Ideally, work from the original image from your camera or mobile device, not an image that has been sent through email or downloaded from Facebook.
• Submit your photo using the survey link you received in your email.  It will prompt you to upload the photo.
• On the survey, we will also ask you to choose categories for the photo, just to help us put similar photos together.  We also will ask you for your name, email address, VMN chapter name, a name or title for the photo, and a brief statement of how the photo illustrates your connection with nature this year.  
• Submit your photo no later than November 30.

Help us create a fabulous slide show that captures how our volunteers have connected with nature in this very unusual year!  

The Virginia Master Naturalist program’s state office is now accepting nominations for six statewide awards:

• Chapter Project in a Pandemic
  
• Chapter Connection and Communication
  
• Basic Training Adaptation
  
• New VMN Volunteer
  
• Volunteer of the Year
  
• Chapter Advisor of the Year. 

These awards will be judged by the VMN statewide office team and one or more VMN sponsoring agency representatives.  We will announce and distribute the awards at an online event in December (date to be determined.)  To submit a nomination, please send the information requested for that particular award to Michelle Prysby.  Nominations are due by November 30 at 5:00 pm. 

You can find this year's award nomination information below.  You also can read about our 2019 winners on the web!

Chapter Project in a Pandemic
This award is intended to recognize a project that has made significant and noteworthy positive impacts for natural resource education, citizen science, and/or stewardship this year, particularly in light of the pandemic.  Our focus is on projects for which the VMN chapter played a significant, unique role in creation, implementation, and leadership (rather than projects that were created and run by another organization.)  These awards go to the chapter, not to an individual, so the expectation is that multiple members of the chapter be involved in the project.  The project need not have started this year, but it should have had significant impacts this year.  

In your nominations, please include the following:

• Name, email address, and VMN chapter affiliation of the nominator
• Name, email address, and VMN chapter affiliation for the primary VMN volunteer contact for the project
• Description of why the project should receive the award, limited to 400 words.  Please include a description of the project goals, activities completed, and impacts and outcomes for natural resources in your community and/or for your chapter.  Include the roles and contributions of VMN volunteers to the project.  Identify any significant partners for the project. 

Chapter Connection & Communication
This award is intended to recognize a chapter that worked hard to successfully keep chapter members connected this year.  Those efforts could include online meetings, communications like newsletters, physically distanced events, or other ways of keeping the chapter members connected.  In your nominations, please include the following:

• Name, email address, and VMN chapter affiliation of the nominator
• Description of why the chapter should receive the award, limited to 400 words.  Please include a description of how the chapter maintained connection and/or communicated effectively and any evidence of outcomes in terms of volunteer engagement.

Basic Training Adaptation
This award is intended to recognize a chapter that worked hard to successfully adapt their 2020 basic training course to the changing COVID circumstances while still meeting VMN training guidelines.  In your nominations, please include the following:

• Name, email address, and VMN chapter affiliation of the nominator
• Name, email address, and VMN chapter affiliation of the volunteer(s) serving as the primary leaders for the basic training course
• Description of why the chapter should receive the award, limited to 400 words.  Please include a description of how the training course was adapted, how trainees were kept engaged, and any evidence of outcomes and impacts.

New VMN Volunteer
This award is intended to recognize a new volunteer who completed basic training in 2020 and has been highly engaged, despite the difficult circumstances this year.  The volunteer may have completed many volunteer hours, started a new project, helped on a chapter committee, or been engaged in other ways.  In your nominations, please include the following:

• Name, email address, and VMN chapter affiliation of the nominator
• Name, email address, VMN chapter affiliation, and basic training graduation date of the new volunteer
• Description of why the volunteer should receive the award, limited to 400 words.  Please include a description the volunteer’s activities and contributions this year and why they stood out to you. 

Volunteer of the Year
This award is intended to recognize a volunteer who has made outstanding contributions to natural resource education, citizen science, stewardship, and/or chapter administration.  Criteria we consider include the impacts the volunteer has made on natural resource conservation and education, demonstrated leadership by the volunteer, and impacts the volunteer has made on the local chapter and its volunteers.  There is no minimum requirement for amount of hours or length of service for a volunteer to receive this award.  Our focus is on the last one to two years of service.

In your nominations, please include the following:

• Name, email address, and VMN chapter affiliation of nominator
• Name, email address, and VMN chapter affiliation of the nominee
• Description of why the nominee should receive the award, limited to 400 words.  You may choose to include a description of the individual’s service, specific examples of positive impacts made, aspects that make the individual stand out from other volunteers, and quotes from other volunteers or local partners.  Please place your primary focus on the last 1-2 years of the volunteer’s service.  Consider including creative ways the nominee has been volunteering during the pandemic, if applicable.

Chapter Advisor of the Year
This award is intended to recognize a chapter advisor who has made significant and noteworthy contributions to a VMN chapter within the last 1-2 years.  In your nominations, please include the following:

• Name, email address, and VMN chapter affiliation of the nominator
• Name, email address, and VMN chapter affiliation of the chapter advisor
• Description of why the chapter advisor should receive the award, limited to 400 words.  Please include specific examples of how the chapter advisor has helped the chapter run effectively, make positive impacts in the community, or otherwise achieve its goals.  If applicable, highlight unique ways the advisor has supported the chapter this year during the pandemic.

Please help us recognize the outstanding people and work of your chapters!

We invited Virginia Master Naturalists who also identify as people of color to share perspectives on their experiences as volunteers.  What we received went beyond that original scope in a terrific way, as VMNs also wanted to share stories about other people of color in their communities whom they saw as conservation role models (e.g, Bonita's story below, or a separate post about Adolph White.)  Thank you to all who responded for your time and willingness to share!

Ivan Hiett, Certified Virginia Master Naturalist Volunteer in the Southwestern Piedmont Chapter:  
​
Upon entering basic training orientation on the first day, I first thought maybe I was in the wrong classroom. I hadn’t expected that I’d be the only person of color in the group, but there I was deciding whether I should enter or not. After confirming this was indeed the Master Naturalist orientation class I decided to stay. After all I’d been in similar situations during my career and was successful. No one seem to mind or care about my race, well at least no one showed it. We had one thing in common in that we cared about protecting and conserving our natural resources. We all were supportive of each other and began to bond. I was impressed by the diverse backgrounds of participants of the class members. Each member shared valuable experiences and knowledge in a variety of topics. 

Being the only person of color in training, I’d hoped to meet other minorities at chapter meetings but that didn’t happen. I accepted the fact that I’d be the one to break the ice. Being the only minority at meetings, group outings, and volunteer events was somewhat challenging, but I wouldn’t let that deter me. Everyone was very friendly and made me feel welcome although occasionally I felt some cohorts were not used to being around persons of color and may have been somewhat uncomfortable. But everyone was professional. I often wondered why other minorities hadn’t joined the group since we too are concerned about protecting our environment and natural resources. I concluded that most are probably intimidated at the prospect of being a minority in an organization of mostly Whites. As for me, college, and military travels prepared me to be an adventurer.

Volunteer service projects have been most challenging for me. While many of my volunteer hours were spent at the Virginia Museum of Natural History, I’ve also participated in group outings and other volunteer service projects. Not being a native of the Piedmont area, I wasn’t totally familiar with the culture or the resources of the area. Moving here I spent most of my time working and during vacations usually I traveled.  I regret that I hadn’t taken time to get to experience the local area but becoming a VMN member gave me the opportunity to explore. Volunteer projects would have to be chosen carefully. Some potentially interesting projects was passed if I wasn’t comfortable with some aspects of the area. Understand some projects that are in remote rural areas may not be good for a person of color to visit. Visiting an area adorned with rebel flags and Trump signs probably wouldn’t be a good idea. This may sound petty or trivial to some but can be unsettling to minorities. Expect the unexpected. Fortunately, I have not experienced any issues or problems on any field trips or service projects that I’ve attended.

After being a member of my chapter for about a year, I was asked to assume the role of secretary. I was hesitant at first, but after some persuasion I accepted the position and was approved unanimously by members. A year later I was voted President of our chapter. I didn’t want to be observed as the token minority representative. However, being a board member gave me the opportunity to have a voice in chapter activities. Besides maybe I could pave the way for other minorities. I think to attract more minorities to the organization, we may need to focus more on projects that affect minority interests, their neighborhoods and recreation areas.

In conclusion I’d say my experience with VMN has been positive and rewarding. Once people of different cultures and backgrounds unite for a common cause, great things can happen. We must set aside our differences and focus on those things that matter to us. I’ll always remember the first day of basic training and thinking “I’m in the wrong place, this group is not for me”. We must put aside our negative preconceived notions and ideas toward the realization that we must work together to make our home (earth) a better place to live and preserve it for future generations.           

Joshquinn Andrews, Certified Virginia Master Naturalist Volunteer in the Pocahontas Chapter:

My name is Joshquinn Andrews and I am a Virginia Master Naturalist of the Pocahontas Chapter. I have been a member for six years.

Currently I primarily help with projects known as the Monarch Larva Monitoring Project and Monarch Watch. The former involves collecting data on the larva of the monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) and their host plants known as the milkweeds (Asclepias spp.) while the latter deals with tracking and researching the autumn migration of the monarch butterflies through tagging. Before joining this project, I had only seen butterflies and the stages of the monarchs through pictures. With my participation, I had the chance to see both the larva and pupa stages of the monarchs for the first time. In fact, participating in the Monarch Larva Monitoring Project has also led me to see milkweed for the first time and the organisms that rely on the plant as a source of food. Some examples include the larva of the milkweed tussock moths (Euchaetes egle) and large milkweed bugs (Oncopeltus fasciatus).

Another experience I enjoy is participating in what is known as a Bio Blitz, in which we search Pocahontas State Park for different species of butterflies and keep tally of the number of species we spot. Through this experience I have explored new locations in the park and learned of different species of butterflies and where they can be found.

Being a part of the Virginia Master Naturalist has opened me to new experiences while being around people who share in a similar vision of conservation and a love for the ecosystem. 

Bonita Russell, VCE Master Gardener and Virginia Native Plant Society volunteer:​

​When we put the word out inviting people of color within the VMN program to share their experiences in our newsletter, Ted Munns, President of the Northern Neck Chapter of the Virginia Native Plant Society and a Virginia Master Naturalist volunteer in the Northern Neck Chapter connected us with Bonita Russell.  Bonita is an active Master Gardener volunteer and member of the Virginia Native Plant Society who has been making a difference for natural resource conservation and education in the community.  

Bonita Russell retired about five years ago, and joined the Northern Neck Chapter of the Virginia Native Plant Society soon after to pursue her love of all plants.  More recently, Bonita became a Virginia Cooperative Extension Master Gardener volunteer.  A long-time Master Gardener, Diane Kean, contacted her and asked her to consider joining the program.  Bonita was reluctant at first, worried that she didn’t have enough experience or knowledge of things like Latin names for plants.  But, Diane really encouraged her, and even met her to carpool to the registration session in Kilmarnock.  “If it wasn’t for Diane Kean, I would not have become a Master Gardener.”  Bonita wants others to know that you don’t have to have a lot of experience.  “You don’t have to know a lot.  They’ll teach you what you need to know.”

Bonita has put what she has learned through the VNPS and Master Gardener program to work in both her own garden.  In 2005, she had moved from Richmond to a 2-acre property on the Northern Neck.  Creating gardens was appealing to her, because she didn’t want to have to mow so much!  She started with a small section and now has converted a big area of the property into gardens. She especially likes gardening with native plants, “because they take less water and support native insects.”

What she really enjoys about being a Master Gardener, though, is the volunteer time.  In her volunteer role, she assisted other Master Gardeners with programs at assisted living and rehabilitation centers in the area and to answer plant questions from the public at the farmers markets in Tappahannock and Montross and at the Master Gardener Help Desk.  As part of the VNPS, she led the maintenance of the native plant garden at the Heathsville Courthouse, coordinating and participating in monthly work sessions there.  Bonita also helps with upkeep of the historic gardens at Stratford Hall and the George Washington Birthplace.  As you can see, she is a very active member of the community, helping to create habitat and educate others!

Bonita says her favorite native plants are golden alexander, butterfly weed, and passionvine.  But, she loves them all, and she loves the joy and satisfaction she gets from observing plants.  A t-shirt gifted by her daughter says it all: “You’re never too old to play in the dirt.”