On Saturday, April 21, the first naturalist-guided nature walk was conducted at
Government Island, Stafford. The weather was cooperative and 50 participants
joined naturalists Maria Cannata and Kristen Murphy, with help from Leslie
Raterman. M.C. Moncure, from the Stafford Board of Tourism, took photos and
handed out cold water at the end of the walk.
During the introduction to
Austin Run, the group was treated to the appearance of a Northern water snake.
The creek water was clear as a bell, allowing participants to view the snake,
turtles, fish, and frogs. During the walk the naturalists pointed out both
native and intrusive species. Many types of vines were encountered from lovely
wild roses, to wild blackberries, and the wonders of the ever disagreeable
poison ivy plant. Green brier, with its year-long prickers was evident, along
with wild grape, honeysuckle, and Virginia Creeper. Spring wildflowers were
still in bloom. Natives, such as Jack-in-the-Pulpit, Spring Beauties, and
intrusive plants like mustard, pretty, but not welcome. As the participants
strolled along the path, various types of trees were discussed. Some trees
quite common, some invasive, such as the Tree of Heaven. Of particular
interest was the one Devil's Walking Stick tree that has been found at
Government Island.
Some of the history of Government Island was given, but
that will be the topic of the walk scheduled for the third Saturday in June.
The geology of the sandstone at the quarry site was explained with a brief
explanation of the quarrying process.
Government Island has two types of
forest, two creeks (Austin Run and Aquia Creek), marsh and swamp habitats and
one ""gem" of the island, a small vernal pool. Each individual wetlands habitat
was described and pointed out. Water plants were starting to emerge in the
marsh, but none were yet flowering.
Some birds were observed and others
were heard off in the trees. There will be a bird walk on the third Saturday in
May when hopefully more of our feathered friends will be enjoyed.
Government
Island is a unique, fascinating park located in a very accessible place. The
Master Naturalists hope to introduce the public to this ever changing forest and
wetlands environment. Through education comes an understanding of the need for
conservation. We hope you will join us for our next walk, July 21 at 8AM.
Separate, tailored walks can also be made available to groups. with prior
arrangement. Contact the chapter to make arrangements.
See you on July
21!
May 10, 2012
May 7, 2012
2012 Master Naturalist Training
We will be offering Master Naturalist training beginning in August. To become a Certified Master Naturalist, you must complete a 40 hour basic training class, 8 advanced training hours, and 40 volunteer hours. In return, you will learn much about nature, conservation, and the environment. In addition, you will meet many wonderful and dedicated people with similar interests.
More information about the planned training will be posted at a later date. If you are interested, please contact our chapter.
More information about the planned training will be posted at a later date. If you are interested, please contact our chapter.
April 17, 2012
Government Island Guided Nature Hikes Begin this Month
The Master Naturalists are pleased to announce the first guided nature walk at Stafford County's Government Island, off Coal Landing Road, just east of Route 1 in North Stafford. The first walk will take place on Saturday, April 21 at 2:00 pm. Members Maria Cannata and Kristen Murphy will meet participants in the parking lot for an informative, lively nature walk along well-marked trails. Bring walking shoes and water.
Maria and Kristen have been working for months locating and learning the flora, fauna, and geology of the park. Government Island is a fascinating area in its diversity. Within the confines of the park there are 2 creeks, swampland, tidal marsh, and even a vernal pool. As Spring slowly evolves, so does the landscape at Government Island. Almost daily new plants are growing and new animals are becoming active. Each day brings a new surprise.
Government Island contains the site of the old sandstone quarry that was in operation during colonial times. Blocks of Aquia freestone were used to build many of the symbols of freedom that we see in Washington, D.C., including the White House and Capitol Building. The stone was taken by barge down Aquia Creek and up the Potomac. The quarry site is now accessible to the public.
Walks will continue throughout the summer and fall, on the 3rd Saturday of the month,at varying times, starting on a regular basis in June or July, as park access permits. Groups may request the nature walk, or a modified/customized version by contacting our chapter.
March 22, 2012
Salamander Loop Hike
See the listing of events on this page for dates and location.
March 12, 2012
VMN CRC is on Facebook
Our VMN chapter is now on Facebook. If you have a Facebook account, you can join the VMN Central Rappahannock group. Our members share information about upcoming events, pictures from their volunteer activities, and other items of interest.
To access it, click the following link and request to be added to the group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/177327920476/
To access it, click the following link and request to be added to the group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/177327920476/
July 29, 2011
August 2011 Chapter Meeting and Guest Speaker
The next chapter meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 16 from 7-9 pm at the Fredericksburg Church of Christ (336 Riverside Drive, Fredericksburg, VA 22401). The guest speaker will be Jerry Peters.
Jerry Peters is a Certified Master Naturalist and has been a member of the Fairfax chapter since it was chartered in 2007. He serves on the Training Committee and teaches the chapter's Basic Training course on Biogeography, Land Use, and Urban Ecosystems.
He is on the trail of what he believes are the oldest fossils in northern Virginia, slolithos, trace fossils of Cambrian tube worms. In the Potomac and James River watersheds these fossils can be found in what were originally riverine or near-shore deposits that are now stranded on ridge tops along the Fall Line. In his presentation, he will explain how these beach-dwelling worms came to rest on Piedmont ridges and he will show some examples.
To his knowledge, no one has determined whether these fossils occur in the York or Rappahannock watersheds. Jerry wants to encourage other Master Naturalist chapters in these watersheds to determine whether slolithos occurs there or not. Geogists at the U.S. Geological Survey are interested in the results because their presence or absence could be useful in interpreting the geologic history of the Mid-Atlantic region. The citizens' science project he will propose could advance the state of the art in regional geology.
Jerry Peters is a Certified Master Naturalist and has been a member of the Fairfax chapter since it was chartered in 2007. He serves on the Training Committee and teaches the chapter's Basic Training course on Biogeography, Land Use, and Urban Ecosystems.
He is on the trail of what he believes are the oldest fossils in northern Virginia, slolithos, trace fossils of Cambrian tube worms. In the Potomac and James River watersheds these fossils can be found in what were originally riverine or near-shore deposits that are now stranded on ridge tops along the Fall Line. In his presentation, he will explain how these beach-dwelling worms came to rest on Piedmont ridges and he will show some examples.
To his knowledge, no one has determined whether these fossils occur in the York or Rappahannock watersheds. Jerry wants to encourage other Master Naturalist chapters in these watersheds to determine whether slolithos occurs there or not. Geogists at the U.S. Geological Survey are interested in the results because their presence or absence could be useful in interpreting the geologic history of the Mid-Atlantic region. The citizens' science project he will propose could advance the state of the art in regional geology.
June 14, 2011
2011 Training Class
Upcoming Master Naturalist Training
Thank you for your interest in becoming a Virginia Master Naturalist. The Central Rappahannock Chapter will be holding a training course from August-December 2011. The purpose of the training is to prepare participants for volunteering as Master Naturalists in our community. Though it is an excellent training opportunity, our purpose is for establishing a base of natural resource volunteers.
An Orientation/Introductory class will be held on August 15th at 6:30 PM at Mott’s Run Nature Center in Fredericksburg. The Center is located at 6600 River Road.
Applications for the training can be downloaded by clicking here or obtained by calling 540-663-0181 or e-mailing karen.snape@dof.virginia.gov or j-m-scibek@msn.com.
The cost for the training is $150.
To enroll, submit your application. Fees are due by August 15th and may be paid at the Orientation Session. Make checks payable to VMN-CRC.
Enrollment is limited to 20 on a first come basis. Applications should be submitted to:
Master Naturalist Program
Virginia Dept. of Forestry
11617 Caledon Road
King George, VA 22485
If you have questions, please contact Jim Scibek at masternaturalistcrc@gmail.com or Karen Snape, 540-663-0181 or e-mail karen.snape@dof.virginia.gov
Please note the following:
1. To become a Certified Master Naturalist, a trainee must: 1) Complete the 40 hours basic training course with a minimum of 25% time in the field; 2) Pass the post-training assessment with a score of 70% or higher; 3) Complete a minimum of 8 hours of advanced training, approved by the Central Rappahannock Chapter; and 4) Complete a minimum of 40 hours of service, approved by the Central Rappahannock Chapter. Each volunteer has a maximum of 12 months from the last day of basic training to complete the remaining requirements for certification. Certification is valid through the calendar year following the year in which the requirements were completed. To maintain certification, volunteers complete an additional 8 hours of advanced training and 40 hours of service annually.
2. Due to statewide regulations, applicants must be 18 years old by the start of the training session (August 15, 2011) or aged 14-17 and accompanied by an adult who is responsible for them, as long as they are both registered participants in the program.
3. Training Class Schedule and Location– Classes will be held Monday evenings from 6:30-8:45PM at Motts Run Nature Center in Fredericksburg starting with the Orientation and Introductory session on August 15th. Master Naturalist guidelines require 25% of the training to take place outdoors. Four required Saturday sessions are scheduled. Saturday classes usually last four hours and will be held at Motts Run, the Friends of the Rappahannock facility on Fall Hill Avenue or other location within the CRC chapter’s region. See schedule below.
4. Trainees may not miss more than 2 classes, and all missed sessions must be made up by attending the appropriate class(es) within 12 months of the completion of the training or other approved make-up activities.
5. Additional information on the Virginia Master Naturalist Program can be found at http://www.virginiamasternaturalist.org/
Master Naturalist Training Schedule – 2011*
Aug. 15th Orientation/Intro to Virginia Master Naturalist Program/Admin. Info/Risk Management/American Naturalist
Aug. 22nd Ecological Concepts
Aug. 29th Botany
Sept. 12th Forest Ecology and Management
Sept. 17th Plant Walk
Sept. 19th Ornithology
Sept. 26th Interpretation and Teaching Skills
Oct. 1st Bird Walk
Oct. 3rd Land Use/ Urban Systems
Oct. 10th Geology/ Biogeography
Oct. 15/22 Wetlands and Coastal Ecology
Oct. 17th Weather and Climate
Oct. 24th Soil Science
Oct. 31st Citizen Science
Nov. 5th Biological and Chemical Water Monitoring and Icthyology
Nov. 7th Mammalogy
Nov. 14th Herpetology
Nov. 21st Entomology – Tests Distributed
Dec. 5th TESTS DUE BACK to DOF- King George (Karen’s Office) by 5 PM
Dec. 6th Graduation and Chapter Meeting
*Planned Schedule – Order subject to change pending speaker availability.
Virginia Master Naturalist programs and employment are open to all, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status. An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.
If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact VDOF at 540-663-0181 (TDD number 1-800-828-1120 during business hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.
Thank you for your interest in becoming a Virginia Master Naturalist. The Central Rappahannock Chapter will be holding a training course from August-December 2011. The purpose of the training is to prepare participants for volunteering as Master Naturalists in our community. Though it is an excellent training opportunity, our purpose is for establishing a base of natural resource volunteers.
An Orientation/Introductory class will be held on August 15th at 6:30 PM at Mott’s Run Nature Center in Fredericksburg. The Center is located at 6600 River Road.
Applications for the training can be downloaded by clicking here or obtained by calling 540-663-0181 or e-mailing karen.snape@dof.virginia.gov or j-m-scibek@msn.com.
The cost for the training is $150.
To enroll, submit your application. Fees are due by August 15th and may be paid at the Orientation Session. Make checks payable to VMN-CRC.
Enrollment is limited to 20 on a first come basis. Applications should be submitted to:
Master Naturalist Program
Virginia Dept. of Forestry
11617 Caledon Road
King George, VA 22485
If you have questions, please contact Jim Scibek at masternaturalistcrc@gmail.com or Karen Snape, 540-663-0181 or e-mail karen.snape@dof.virginia.gov
Please note the following:
1. To become a Certified Master Naturalist, a trainee must: 1) Complete the 40 hours basic training course with a minimum of 25% time in the field; 2) Pass the post-training assessment with a score of 70% or higher; 3) Complete a minimum of 8 hours of advanced training, approved by the Central Rappahannock Chapter; and 4) Complete a minimum of 40 hours of service, approved by the Central Rappahannock Chapter. Each volunteer has a maximum of 12 months from the last day of basic training to complete the remaining requirements for certification. Certification is valid through the calendar year following the year in which the requirements were completed. To maintain certification, volunteers complete an additional 8 hours of advanced training and 40 hours of service annually.
2. Due to statewide regulations, applicants must be 18 years old by the start of the training session (August 15, 2011) or aged 14-17 and accompanied by an adult who is responsible for them, as long as they are both registered participants in the program.
3. Training Class Schedule and Location– Classes will be held Monday evenings from 6:30-8:45PM at Motts Run Nature Center in Fredericksburg starting with the Orientation and Introductory session on August 15th. Master Naturalist guidelines require 25% of the training to take place outdoors. Four required Saturday sessions are scheduled. Saturday classes usually last four hours and will be held at Motts Run, the Friends of the Rappahannock facility on Fall Hill Avenue or other location within the CRC chapter’s region. See schedule below.
4. Trainees may not miss more than 2 classes, and all missed sessions must be made up by attending the appropriate class(es) within 12 months of the completion of the training or other approved make-up activities.
5. Additional information on the Virginia Master Naturalist Program can be found at http://www.virginiamasternaturalist.org/
Master Naturalist Training Schedule – 2011*
Aug. 15th Orientation/Intro to Virginia Master Naturalist Program/Admin. Info/Risk Management/American Naturalist
Aug. 22nd Ecological Concepts
Aug. 29th Botany
Sept. 12th Forest Ecology and Management
Sept. 17th Plant Walk
Sept. 19th Ornithology
Sept. 26th Interpretation and Teaching Skills
Oct. 1st Bird Walk
Oct. 3rd Land Use/ Urban Systems
Oct. 10th Geology/ Biogeography
Oct. 15/22 Wetlands and Coastal Ecology
Oct. 17th Weather and Climate
Oct. 24th Soil Science
Oct. 31st Citizen Science
Nov. 5th Biological and Chemical Water Monitoring and Icthyology
Nov. 7th Mammalogy
Nov. 14th Herpetology
Nov. 21st Entomology – Tests Distributed
Dec. 5th TESTS DUE BACK to DOF- King George (Karen’s Office) by 5 PM
Dec. 6th Graduation and Chapter Meeting
*Planned Schedule – Order subject to change pending speaker availability.
Virginia Master Naturalist programs and employment are open to all, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status. An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.
If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact VDOF at 540-663-0181 (TDD number 1-800-828-1120 during business hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
