National Invasive Species Awareness Week (February 26 – March 2, 2018)

What exactly is an invasive species? 

Every species has a native habitat where they are found naturally.  However, due to human intervention, may be relocated to an area where the species is not found.  Some of these species may not be an issue as they are unable to thrive or are easily contained in the new ecosystem.  Unfortunately, other species may be aggressive and have a negative impact on the new ecosystem. 

How do Virginia Master Naturalists Help?

The Master Naturalists are involved in a number of local invasive species removal projects.  Invasive species removal has concentrated on plant removal in historic, conservation, parkland and other area.  Typically, it involves physical labor to hand remove the invasive species from surrounding native plants.  We just worked with Friends of the Rappahannock on the removal of Japanese Honeysuckle from a section of their wildflower trail.  

How can people help?

Get involved in local projects where invasive species removal is needed.  The Virginia Master Naturalist program will post opportunities we are involved in.

Also, according to the NISAW (National Invasive Species Awareness Week), there are nine ways you can help reduce the spread of invasive species.

1. Learn about invasive species, especially those found in your region. Your county extension office and the National Invasive Species Information Center are both trusted resources.  For invasive species in Virginia use the Virginia Invasive Species site.
2. Clean hiking boots, waders, boats and trailers, off-road vehicles and other gear to stop invasive species from hitching a ride to a new location. Learn more at PlayCleanGo.org
3. Avoid dumping aquariums or live bait into waterways. Learn more at Habitattitude.org
4. Don't move firewood - instead, buy it where you'll burn it, or gather on site when permitted. Learn more at DontMoveFirewood.org
5. Use forage, hay, mulch and soil that are certified as "weed free."
6. Plant only non-invasive plants in your garden, and remove any known invaders.
7. Report new or expanded invasive species outbreaks to authorities. Here is a state-by-state list of contacts
8. Volunteer to help remove invasive species from public lands and natural areas.
9. Ask your political representatives at the state, local and national level to support invasive species control efforts.

What are some of the top invasive species in Virginia?

Plants

Ailanthus altissima	Tree-of-heaven
Alliaria petiolata	Garlic Mustard
Lonicera japonica	Japanese Honeysuckle
Lythrum salicaria	Purple Loosestrife
Microstegium vimineum	Japanese Stiltgrass
Pueraria montana var. lobata	Kudzu

Animals

     Emerald Ash Borer

     Northern Snakehead Fish

     Feral Swine

     Rapa Whelk

This is interesting and I would like to learn more:

VA Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) has a full list of invasive plants 
http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/natural-heritage/invsppdflist)

DCR has an extensive website with publications and resources http://www.vainvasivespecies.org/resources

Report Sightings of Invasive Species
http://www.vainvasivespecies.org/report-sightings

Welcome to the Central Rappahannock Master Naturalist Blog

I want to thank you for taking a few moments to read my very first blog for the Central Rappahannock Master Naturalist Chapter.  The goal is to post at least once a week on Monday.  More often as time allows.  Occasionally we will have guest bloggers in various areas of expertise. 

Being new to the Chapter I am often asked questions by friends, family, acquaintances and those I meet regarding the program.

1. What exactly is a naturalist?  Many seem to think it involves food or clothing, but being naturalist involves neither.  Webster's Dictionary defines a naturalist as, “an expert in or student of natural history.”  I definitely fall into the “student” on my journey to learn more about Virginia natural history.
2. Why did you become a Master Naturalist?  It is personal for each of us.  Some desire to share their knowledge with others on the nature, others to study and have a positive impact on our natural world, many to get involved in conservation programs, and the list goes on.  So why did I join?  Certainly nothing so glamorous.  I do not have a science background, being one of those boring full time employed financial management types who struggles spelling the word biology.  Some Master Naturalists at the Blandy Experimental Farm chatted with me during their Spring Garden Fair last year.  They provided a brochure and it sounded interesting.  The rest is history.  The bottom line (yes one of those accounting terms) is that anyone can be a Master Naturalist, no matter your background, education, location, full time employed, student, retired, etc., for we all can make a difference. 
3. What does it take to join a Chapter?  Find a chapter near you, take a 40-hour basic training course, complete 40 hours of volunteer service and complete 8 hours of continuing education.  Most of all take in what you learn and enjoy all that nature has to offer.  I have learned more than could be imagined and am seeing the positive impact just one person can have.

Join us on this journey, embrace nature with us and hopefully learn something along the way. 

Madelyn

“Just living is not enough…one must have sunshine, freedom and a little flower.”  Hans Christian Andersen