--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).
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).
