Connect with us!
Virginia Master Naturalists
  • Home
  • Who We Are
    • Staff
    • Chapters: A Map and Contacts
    • What We Do
    • Sponsoring Agencies
    • Golden Circle Volunteers
    • Highlights: Volunteer Projects
    • Volunteer Photo Gallery
  • Become a Master Naturalist
    • What You'll Learn
    • What You'll Do
    • How Do I Start?
  • Training
    • Basic Training >
      • Being a VMN Volunteer
      • Aquatic Systems
      • Citizen Science
      • Virginia Biogeography
      • Coastal and Estuarine Systems
      • Forests
      • Plants
      • Urban and Developed Systems
    • Continuing Education >
      • Continuing Education Webinar Series
      • Diversity & Inclusion Series
      • High Five from Nature
      • VMN Statewide Conference
      • Leadership Month 2022
      • Leadership Month 2023
  • Documents & Resources
    • Receive Communications
    • Bi-Weekly Communication for VMN Volunteers
    • Program Documents >
      • Program Policies
      • Volunteer Enrollment & Screening
      • Volunteer Management
      • Risk Management & Civil Rights Responsibilities
      • Outreach Materials
      • Program Reports
    • Volunteer Opportunities >
      • At-Home Projects
      • Bat Acoustic Monitoring
      • Diversity & Inclusion Team
      • Educators Bureau
      • Vernal Pools Cooperative
      • Virginia Bird and Wildlife Trail
    • Useful Links
  • Give

A Community-Based Natural Resources Volunteer Program

Virginia Master Naturalists are volunteer educators, citizen scientists, and stewards helping Virginia conserve and manage natural resources and public lands.

Learn More

Vernal Pool Video Receives Five Out Of Five Frogs Rating

5/1/2023

 
--Contributed by Jerry Nissley, VMN-Fairfax Chapter

Recently, several members of the Fairfax Chapter (FMN) collaborated with colleagues of Friends of Accotink Creek in Fairfax County to create educational outreach films that emphasize the importance of vernal pools. FMN volunteer Kathryn Pasternak volunteered to film and produce the video. The team brought in vernal pool expert Mike Hayslett as the subject matter expert. Mike is the Principal of Virginia Vernal Pools, LLC, as well as a Virginia Master Naturalist volunteer. The finished product beautifully illustrates the coordinated efforts of concerned citizens and passionate master naturalists to educate others about vernal pools in Fairfax County. The newest version of the video was released at the end of March 2023.

Kathryn Pasternak became an FMN in 2021. She is also a veteran of wildlife, conservation, and cultural films and recipient of two National Emmy Awards for ‘Best Science and Nature Program’. She spent 15+ years at National Geographic Television working on high-end television programs for international distribution. Since 2007, she’s been producing media independently both as a freelancer and small business owner.

This version of the video is targeted for school aged learners, cleverly using a teen as a primary host. But do not let his young years fool you - he already knows his stuff because he has been to "frog school". FMN volunteers that helped Kathryn with the project are: Beverley Rivera, Sarah Glassco, Kim Schauer, Ana Ka’ahanui, Tammy Schwab, and Ashley Zywusko (now in Central Rappahannock chapter).

The Amazing Vernal Pool_Grade 2 from Kathryn Pasternak on Vimeo.


Comments are closed.
    Virginia Master Naturalists logo with yellow butterfly
    Stay Connected!


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.