Laurels – Fall 2025
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! This quarter’s stories include:
- Southwestern Piedmont Master Naturalists Help Get Danville Outdoors
- Virginia State Parks Recognize VMN Volunteers
- Living with Black Bears Project Wins National Award
- Fairfax Master Naturalists Continue Long-Term Partnership with the Fairfax County Park Authority
- Banshee Reeks Master Naturalists Engage the Public Through the Izaak Walton League
- Fantastic Outreach Displays and Activities from James River and Merrimac Farm Chapters
- Middle Peninsula Chapter Basic Training Class Creates Pollinator Habitat as a Class Project
- Greensprings Interpretive Sign Unveiled
- The Cure for Nature Deficit Disorder? A Good Old-Fashioned Party!
Southwestern Piedmont Master Naturalists Help Get Danville Outdoors
Southwestern Piedmont Master Naturalists are part of Danville Outdoors, a coalition of partners helping the city of Danville and its Parks and Recreation department to promote outdoor experiences. As part of their involvement, VMN volunteers have led nature-based outreach activities at city festivals, offered programming at the public library, and assisted an elementary school with plans for outdoor learning spaces. In 2025, the activities of Danville Outdoors earned the city “Nature Everywhere” status from the Nature Everywhere Community Action Challenge, a collaboration involving the Children & Nature Network, the National League of Cities, and KABOOM! Danville is the first city in Virginia to be recognized with this status. Additionally, Danville won the Community Health Award from the Virginia Municipal League for the Danville Outdoors program. The Southwestern Piedmont Master Naturalists are a key partner in these efforts and continue to meet with other partners to coordinate future collaborations.
Virginia State Parks Recognize VMN Volunteers
–Contributed by volunteers from the VMN Middle Peninsula, Historic Southside, and New River Valley chapters
Several VMN volunteers have received shout-outs and recognition from Virginia State Parks for the great work they do.
Kammie Lee and Sharon Walker were each chosen for the Machicomoco State Park monthly volunteer spotlight (Sharon in June and Kammie in September.) Both are in the VMN Middle Peninsula Chapter and have served at the park in many capacities, such as greeting visitors at the contact station, participating in shoreline cleanups, and maintaining trails.
The VMN Historic Southside Chapter was recognized by Chippokes State Park for their new water quality monitoring project at the park. This year, volunteers in the chapter conducted monthly (in winter, spring, and fall) and weekly (in summer) testing at College Run Creek in the park for air and water temperature, salinity, turbidity, pH and E. coli. Their results are submitted into the Chesapeake Monitoring Cooperative via the William and Mary Virginia Institute of Marine Science website.
Because of their demonstrated commitment to providing educational programs at Claytor Lake State Park, New River Valley Master Naturalists Judy McCord and Chris Sokol were invited to attend the Virginia State Parks Spring Interpretive Workshop in May. This intensive 4-day course was designed for Virginia State Park staff from districts across Virginia and covered many aspects of developing and effectively presenting topics to the public. Thanks to this course their skill in creating and presenting topics to the public are stronger. As volunteers they were thankful for the opportunity to participate in the workshop and look forward to using their enhanced skills in their volunteer work with the public at Claytor Lake State Park, as well as their VMN Chapter activities.
Living with Black Bears Project Wins National Award
The “Living with Black Bears” project, a partnership between VMN and the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, received the 2025 Outstanding Volunteer Project Award from the Alliance of Natural Resource Outreach and Service Programs (ANROSP). ANROSP is a professional organization for Master Naturalist-type programs, and the Virginia Master Naturalist program was one of the founding program members in 2006. The Outstanding Volunteer Project Award recognizes a volunteer service project that promotes natural resource management and provides natural resource education. The award was given in October at the 2025 ANROSP annual conference in Destin, Florida.
The Living with Black Bears project addresses the serious concern of human-bear conflicts in Virginia, aiming to alleviate negative interactions through spreading awareness and education. It also aims to strengthen the partnership between the VMN program and DWR by modeling how VMN volunteers can effective assist DWR in its mission. In the project, trained VMN volunteers give presentations and conduct outreach to share a common message about behaviors Virginians can adopt to reduce conflict with bears.
From when the project was piloted in 2022 through July 2025, VMN volunteers have given 70 presentations to community groups, tabled at 83 different community events, and made more than 53,000 direct contacts. Evaluation results from the sit-down presentations indicate that attendees are learning more about bears and plan to adopt some new behaviors, such as leashing their dogs and taking down their bird feeders when bears are active.
Congratulations to all the VMN volunteers who have been part of this project and to Courtney Hallacher of DWR, who coordinates the effort! If your chapter is not currently participating in the project and would like to, contact the VMN State Office.
Fairfax Master Naturalists Continue Long-Term Partnership with the Fairfax County Park Authority
–Contributed by Jerry Nissley, VMN Fairfax Chapter
The Fairfax Chapter (FMN) has one official Cooperative Agreement (CA). A mutual agreement between FMN and Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) agreeing to provide mutually beneficial resources. The CA was originally signed in 2007. A revised version of the CA was signed in 2022 by VCE Exec Dir. Michael Gutter (for FMN) and FCPA Jai Cole, Executive Director FCPA.
As Chair of the Fairfax Chapter’s Coordinating Committee, VMN volunteer Marilyn Schroeder drafted the original CA when the FMN charter was established in 2007. She then represented FMN as the liaison until June 2025 when she passed the reins to another FMN volunteer. At the chapter membership meeting in June, FMN recognized Marilyn’s 18 years coordinating the meat and marginalia of FCPA activities – applying for field permits, identifying volunteer opportunities, providing FCPA trainers for FMN classes, and a myriad of other detailed responsibilities in coordination with other FMN Committees. Even though Marilyn will continue to volunteer in other FMN activities, it is with much gratitude that we sincerely give thanks for her many years of specific service as the liaison. She was previously honored as an FMN Trailblazer for her significant contributions in establishing the FMN chapter in 2007 – drafting initial By-laws and Operating Manual, and serving in several board positions over the years.
Annually, FMN contributes more service hours towards FCPA activities than to any other single FMN chapter associate. In just one example of the results of this long-term partnership, two Fairfax Chapter Master Naturalist volunteers were among 20 volunteers specifically recognized in May 2025 by the Fairfax County Park Authority Board for their dedication to their community and their invaluable service to the Fairfax County park system. Jean Lockhart serves at Hidden Oaks Nature Center as a volunteer on duty, nature program leader, and bird monitor. Elizabeth Train serves as Roving Naturalist, General Support, and just about every other volunteer role possible at Huntley Meadows Park. The Board stated that more than 10,000 volunteers contributed to the operation, preservation and conservation of Fairfax County parks in Fiscal Year 2025. They contributed 116,005 hours of volunteer service and their work is valued at over $3.88 million. The Park Authority could not function without the support and commitment of our volunteer force. “Our parks meet the highest standard of beauty, safety, and accessibility in large part due to our volunteers. Their skill and passion, whether repairing trails, planting trees, or educating visitors, elevate every acre, every day,” said Park Authority Executive Director Jai Cole.
Banshee Reeks Master Naturalists Engage the Public Through the Izaak Walton League
–Contributed by Paul Kreingold, VMN Banshee Reeks Chapter
A long-time member and former president of the VMN Banshee Reeks Chapter, volunteer Paul Kreingold also serves as the Conservation Director of the Loudoun County Chapter of the Izaak Walton League. The League is one of the oldest conservation organizations in the United States, founded in 1922. The organization, with over 40,000 members, concentrates on clean water issues both in the congressional and state legislative levels.
Under Paul’s leadership, the Loudoun County Chapter maintains an 88-acre preserve, eliminating invasive plants and encouraging native ones. They have also created a large monarch waystation, a native flower garden, bee hotel, two chimney swift chimneys, a very successful bluebird trail, a native tree trail, an educational pond and, most recently, a kestrel nesting box. All of these projects are accomplished by members and\or as Eagle Scout projects. VMN volunteers also contribute to many of the projects.
The organization also educates the general public on conservation issues. Paul developed a year-round educational program which covers a wide variety of topics. Often having VMN volunteers as presenters, these educational events are always free and open to the public and are also advertised widely in Loudoun County. Attendance varies from 20 to 100 or more people at each session. In warmer weather, the events are followed by field work opportunities for the attendees. In 2025, VMN volunteers set up bat detectors for Bat Night to identify bats flying overhead. On Toads and Frogs night, VMN volunteer Jenny Erickson (who is also the Amphibian Monitoring Coordinator for the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy) gave a lecture and led activities to identify creatures in the nearby pond. The Save Our Streams workshop was led by VMN volunteer Amy Uland (who is also the Stream Monitoring Coordinator for the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy). VMN volunteers Allison Gallo and Bryan Henson led fall and spring bird walks, identifying more than 110 bird species on the property.
All in all, this year’s conservation education program at Izaak Walton in Loudoun County was quite successful, with more than 400 people attending. This educational program provides a great opportunity for partnership with VMN volunteers, providing them an outlet and an audience to share their knowledge and skills.
Fantastic Outreach Displays and Activities from James River and Merrimac Farm Chapters
–Contributed by Stephen Shepherd, VMN James River Chapter and Joy Green, VMN Merrimac Farm Chapter
Ros Reilly is our Outreach chair in the James River Master Naturalists this year, and her daughter-in-law Sarah is one of our star outreach members. Ros is an educator by training and consistently — to a fault, she suspects — makes amazingly artistic and creative displays to assist her outreach efforts. She sets a high bar that’s tough for us mere humans to keep up with! She’s made amazing displays for our social gatherings and outreach efforts alike, and we’ve benefitted hugely from her efforts reaching our community. Sarah has training as an academic entomologist and has for several years lead Amazing Insects! and Moth Night outings at Powhatan State Park, both of which have been huge draws for our members and the public. She has a natural way of engaging folks of all ages in insect life histories, and is especially good with children. She has collaborated with her husband James (another academic) to host events where folks get to directly interact with these wild insects at parks like PWSP. Moth night has been successful in two ways: It is a big draw with park-goers and — maybe to her detriment! — has engaged our members so intensely that they’ve sometimes kept events going nearly until sunrise. Sarah (and James, and Ros) are so skilled with people, so creative as communicators, and so knowledgeable about insects and their interactions with the larger ecosystem, that we’ve kept them up all hours exploring our world.
In keeping with VMN’s TREEmendous 20th initiative, the Merrimac Farm Chapter decided to have trees be the main focus for their outreach and tabling efforts this year. VMN Joy Green created a life-size (small) tree that has been very effective at drawing in the public and teaching them about the value of trees in our environment. Joy describes the project, “Most of it is from material I had from other projects (recycled). The whole tree is modular – it comes apart in three main pieces and the little branches with leaves all come out as well. The trunk is made from steel wire fencing that I formed into a trunk and the main branches. I did a layer of paper mache over all of that. Then I mixed up a “clay” with plaster of paris, paper, and glue – and plastered on the bark. I created a cavity for owls and openings for smaller branches. Then I used a heavy gauge wire and floral tape to wire up smaller branches. I cut out 120 White Oak leaves for the ‘canopy’ and wired those to the branches. I covered everything in a sealant to protect it. I’m still working on this project – for the fall festivals, I’m making a leaf tree “skirt” at the bottom to show the brown fallen leaves – and I’ll have some “caterpillars” wrapped up in some of the leaves to show people that they should ‘leave the leaves’. I’m also making some wire frame insects to talk more about those interactions… but for now, everyone loves the stuffed animals! Oh, and it’s easy to transport since it all comes apart and it’s on wheels!”
Middle Peninsula Chapter Basic Training Class Creates Pollinator Habitat as a Class Project
–Contributed by Susan Walton, VMN Middle Peninsula Chapter
As a class project, the recently graduated Basic Training Class, Cohort 5, of Middle Peninsula Chapter initiated a class project and created a new pollinator garden using regional native plants at a local park. Located near the entrance of Beaverdam Reservoir, Main Park, the new habitat was designed and developed by class volunteers. Organized by class member Mary Runnells and guided by MPMN volunteer CJ Sweet, the class spent many hours preparing the new site, planting, mulching, weeding and watering.
The trainees used VMN grant funds to purchase compost, mulch, gardening and storage tools, and some native plants. Members of MPMN very generously donated 85% of the native plants as well as their time to complete Phase I. The site will be used in conjunction with community activities to increase visitors’ knowledge of native plants. Members of BTC5 will share their knowledge of how the habitat was designed and will be maintained. Phase II will begin in the fall of 2025.
The new garden attracted pollinators immediately, with swallowtail caterpillars being found while the habitat was still under construction. The garden continues to lure in numerous species of bees and butterflies.
Greensprings Interpretive Sign Unveiled
–Contributed by Janet Harper, VMN Historic Rivers Chapter
On June 18, an educational sign was officially unveiled during a ceremony at the trailhead of the Greensprings Interpretive Trail. A project two years in the making, the eye-catching panel measures 9 feet by 3 feet and features colorful pictures and original artwork created by Historic Rivers Master Naturalists.
The sign was designed to provide accessible information about the trail’s wetland flora and fauna and forested upland area as well as the spring’s geological history. The project was a cooperative effort between James City County Parks & Recreation and HRC master naturalists. Funding was provided by the Williamsburg Community Foundation.
HRC’s Suzanne Stern initiated the project in 2022. Stern secured funding and recruited committee members who met periodically to determine the content of the sign, fine-tune the details, and provide editing support.
Local content experts were consulted to ensure accuracy of the information. Additionally, Greensprings wildlife mappers Jeanette and Keith Navia provided a list of hundreds of plant and animal species observed in the area and provided feedback and editing expertise. A QR code on the sign allows visitors to access the list on James City County’s website.
With her graphic design background, HRC member Deborah Humphries was the perfect choice to physically design the sign. She created background illustrations interspersed with photos submitted by HRC members to highlight species commonly found in the area.
The sign also features two interactive elements. A spiral-bound book highlights several animals: the beaver (a Greensprings keystone species), prothonotary warblers (the subject of reproductive monitoring in the wetland), and several duck species easily observed from the wetland platform. Additionally, a spinning wheel with wedge-shaped cut-outs allows visitors to compare two similar species at a time, such as the snapping turtle and painted turtle or the mallard duck and wood duck. The wheel features 12 species in all, all of which were drawn by HRC member Adrienne Frank.
This beautiful sign is durable, aesthetically pleasing, and chock-full of information. We hope that visitors will be inspired by it for years to come.
The Cure for Nature Deficit Disorder? A Good Old-Fashioned Party!
–Contributed by Board Members of the Nature Matters 501(c)(3) organization and Tidewater Master Naturalist Volunteers
A Growing Problem
Remember when kids built forts, climbed trees, and came home with pockets full of acorns? These days, most are fluent in Wi-Fi but strangers to local flora and fauna. Author Richard Louv sounded the alarm in Last Child in the Woods, coining the term Nature Deficit Disorder, a condition not yet in medical textbooks but definitely recognized by anyone trying to lure a child away from an iPad.
The stakes are high. Researcher Louise Chawla found that children who bond with nature early are more likely to protect it later. In short, if we want the next generation to save the planet, we’ve got to get them muddy first.
A Local Solution: Joy Over Guilt
That’s where Nature Matters LLC, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, comes in. The mission is simple yet profound: “To create experiences that inspire children to build a personal bond with nature and to educate families with practical ways to nurture that connection every day at home.” During a recent strategic planning session, the board dreamed up a fun, grass-roots way to take action: host free community “Nature Parties” twice a year. Imagine an outdoor festival where curiosity replaces screen time and laughter replaces notifications.
The Planning: Passion, Zoom, and a Few Sticky Notes
Months before the event, the planning team (which included several Tidewater Master Naturalists along with Nature Matters board members) gathered on Zoom to coordinate details, spreadsheets, and good humor.
They invited “Nature Activity Hosts” — local experts and Master Naturalist volunteers eager to share their passion and hands-on experiences. The team designed flyers, built social media and website pages, and looked for donations to fund the party.
The Tidewater Master Naturalist chapter stepped up with a generous scholarship for the party. Nature Matters board members even reached into their own pockets to keep the vision alive.
The Big Day: October 5, 2025
The weather? Perfection! It was 72°, sunny skies, and a soft autumn breeze that whispered, “You nailed it.”
At First Landing State Park, families streamed in as volunteers from the Nature Matters board, Volunteer Hampton Roads and Tidewater Master Naturalists greeted them. The picnic shelter quickly transformed into a bustling hub of nature exploration:
- The Butterfly Society of Virginia tagged and released monarchs, mesmerizing the crowd.
- Local volunteers led crafts, watercolor painting sessions, and games inspired by the natural world.
- Bug collectors showcased dazzling specimens.
- Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources brought real animal furs and skulls for kids to examine and a First Landing State Park ranger displayed a live corn snake and turtles.
- Families constructed bluebird houses, played homemade nature board games, and explored tactile “touch and feel” exhibits.
One volunteer summed it up perfectly: “I looked around and realized that no one, not even the parents, was on their phone. Everyone was too busy connecting with nature!”
By the Numbers
- 130 children (plus families)
- 10+ partnering organizations
- Dozens of volunteers
- Zero screens in sight
After the Party: Reflections and Revelations
When the team reconvened on Zoom a few days later, one thing was clear – the event was a triumph. What started as a hopeful idea had blossomed into something transformative.The smiles, laughter, and wonder reminded everyone that connecting children with nature doesn’t require grand gestures – just heart, creativity, and teamwork.
“It was more than the sum of its parts,” said one organizer. “The joy on the children’s faces made every bit of effort worth it.”
Save the Date: May 3, 2026
The next Free Nature Party is already on the calendar, and everyone’s invited: families, naturalists, and curious newcomers alike. Come help us grow the next generation of environmental stewards . . . one butterfly, one bluebird, and one big smile at a time.
Part Two of the Mission: The Nature Resource Website
The Nature Parties are only the beginning! The second part of the Nature Matters mission is to build a free online resource for parents – a comprehensive Nature Resource Website that helps families connect with nature every day, right at home.
The website will serve as a one-stop clearinghouse for practical ideas: seasonal activities, simple backyard science, nature crafts, book lists, and local opportunities for outdoor fun. Parents can use it between Nature Parties to keep their children engaged with the natural world, even on rainy days or busy school weeks.
The goal is simple: help families make nature connection a joyful “daily habit,” not just a twice-a-year celebration.
Volunteers interested in sharing their naturalist passions and assisting with future educational activities with Nature Matters can connect with them online, through email, on Facebook, or Instagram.