tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63752223644876211372024-02-21T11:08:46.864-05:00Virginia Master Naturalist - Central Rappahannock ChapterWelcome to the Central Rappahannock Chapter of the Virginia Master Naturalist program. Our chapter is part of the state-wide program of volunteers, providing education, outreach, and service dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas within our communities. The Central Rappahannock Chapter encompasses Caroline, Southern Fauquier, King George, Spotsylvania and Stafford Counties, and the City of Fredericksburg.Central Rappahannock Chapterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151221358221769617noreply@blogger.comBlogger101125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6375222364487621137.post-27983907208520901572022-08-05T11:04:00.027-04:002022-08-05T11:20:31.932-04:00New web site for the Central Rappahannock ChapterThe Central Rappahannock Chapter of the Virginia Master Naturalists has created
a new web site
<br>
<a href="https://vmncrc.org/" target="_blank">Click here for new site</a>
<br>
The site will take over from this blog and will offer photos, newsletters,an email contact page and more.
Please use the new site, as this blog will not continue to be updated. Thank you!
Central Rappahannock Chapterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151221358221769617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6375222364487621137.post-37276302060210291872022-03-29T09:34:00.000-04:002022-03-29T09:34:05.561-04:00Montpelier Seasonal Woods Walk - April 7, 2022Montpelier is hosting its seasonal woods walk on April, 7. It is a 2-hour walk through the oldest non-logged forest in the eastern US. Cost is $12 per person and the registration available on-line at https://www.montpelier.org/events/seasonal-woods-walk.Central Rappahannock Chapterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151221358221769617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6375222364487621137.post-84528838250843149502022-03-27T14:53:00.000-04:002022-03-27T14:53:07.973-04:002022 Master Naturalist Basic Training CoursePlanning is underway for the 2022 basic training course. The training generally starts in late summer or early fall. Please check back with us later for more information.Central Rappahannock Chapterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151221358221769617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6375222364487621137.post-15552612404897056922021-02-20T09:12:00.000-05:002021-02-20T09:12:11.667-05:00<h1>Great Backyard Bird Count</h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEx7sZg8BaX_1ftwQl0TvC5WlOWKJOcUFPBqhyvLOopuakUW6t-SpyN2TNhvCB0LqXgpn_-TGJ8uk2cGDjyQxgsJ4zFwJ5yoLTdI_oTBUP6YLxJpnAVvD4lvvTU_cAeh9FpeqWRXVr6AU/s2511/NFlicker.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: right; float: right;"><img alt="" border="0" width="200" data-original-height="1673" data-original-width="2511" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEx7sZg8BaX_1ftwQl0TvC5WlOWKJOcUFPBqhyvLOopuakUW6t-SpyN2TNhvCB0LqXgpn_-TGJ8uk2cGDjyQxgsJ4zFwJ5yoLTdI_oTBUP6YLxJpnAVvD4lvvTU_cAeh9FpeqWRXVr6AU/s200/NFlicker.jpg"/></a></div>
It was a cold and snowy weekend for the annual Great Backyard Bird Count. My counts were done with binoculars through the kitchen window so I could stay toasty. My husband (Mark) and I got into birdwatching last year with the pandemic so this is our first time attempting to do a birdcount. My husband removed the screen from the window so he could take pictures while I found new birds. I'd tell him what I found and give him directions to find the birds.
Some of the birds we found were the Northern Flicker, Tufted Titmouse, sparrows (I think house sparrows but we later identified the white throated sparrow), Red Bellied Woodpeckers (both male and female), Downy Woodpecker, White-breasted Nuthatch, American Goldfinches (tons of them), Dark-eyed Junco, Common Grackle, Blue Jays, Northern Cardinals (several pairs of male and female), Carolina Chickadee, Mourning Doves, Carolina Wrens, and Red-Winged Blackbirds.
We had a lot of fun doing the bird count together and plan to continue to hone our birdwatching skills and log bird sightings in the eBird app more frequently.
Central Rappahannock Chapterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151221358221769617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6375222364487621137.post-33855038004003929182021-01-10T17:53:00.001-05:002021-01-10T18:23:04.992-05:00Extension to Achieve Initial Certification for Basic Training Class of 2019In the face of the pandemic and cancellation of many events to earn continuing education and volunteer hours, members of the Basic Training class of 2019 have had difficulty achieving initial certification. The VMN CRC Board has decided to extend the certification timeline for the class through December 31, 2021. Requirements for initial certification are 8 continuing education units and 40 volunteer hours. We are working hard to continue scheduling chapter events to make continuing education hours available through virtual events or small in person events until state restrictions are lifted. There are volunteer opportunities than can be achieved individually either at home or at local parks and trails. If you need ideas for volunteer hours please check the August 2020 newsletter or contact a board member. Central Rappahannock Chapterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151221358221769617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6375222364487621137.post-8139584324831264662020-07-06T15:32:00.000-04:002020-07-06T15:32:53.398-04:002020 Basic Training Class<br />
<br />
The 2020 Basic Training Class is being canceled due to the COVID 19 restrictions. The Board will continue to monitor the situation and following guidance from the state may be able offer Basic Training during the spring semester. Central Rappahannock Chapterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151221358221769617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6375222364487621137.post-13076420956645931942020-06-15T08:35:00.000-04:002020-06-15T08:49:27.864-04:00Searching for Feathers <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="about:invalid#zClosurez" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="about:invalid#zClosurez" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.dgif.virginia.gov/blog/searching-for-sheds/" target="_blank">Searching for Sheds</a>, in a recent Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries
magazine <i><a href="https://www.dgif.virginia.gov/virginia-wildlife/" target="_blank">Virginia Wildlife</a></i>, highlighted the time of year when White-tailed Deer (<i>Odocoileus virginianus</i>) shed
their antlers and how individuals can walk through the forest on a shed hunt, to collect
those shed antlers. Many of us have come upon antlers in the woods and just after
reading this article, I was awarded with a find of a freshly shed antler while on a walk in
the woods. I leave antlers where I found them as I understand they provide minerals
for squirrels and other residents of the woods.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqX45xiL1-c3sy4hP5jThY3hFiYvzIBvYj0ypQ0kOth4wG_oa2iBGrp0Q1Eu6J3bVOZL8N38wQMDlf2sL7rn5A24dOqu62rBgCmoiAw49q30Flu9M1yNpHI8tvbKGgO9dPUz9vGYM1Vmw/s1600/original.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pileated Woodpecker feathers" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqX45xiL1-c3sy4hP5jThY3hFiYvzIBvYj0ypQ0kOth4wG_oa2iBGrp0Q1Eu6J3bVOZL8N38wQMDlf2sL7rn5A24dOqu62rBgCmoiAw49q30Flu9M1yNpHI8tvbKGgO9dPUz9vGYM1Vmw/s320/original.jpg" title="Pileated Woodpecker feathers" width="240" /></a></div>
I began to think about other things found on the forest floor including turtle shells,
bones, egg shells, and feathers. I realized that I have been <i>feather hunting</i> while in the
forest, and I’m not the only one. Like many things on the internet, entire groups of
enthusiasts find each other - some are devoted to found feathers.<br />
<br />
My interest in feathers began when I photographed a feather and included that
observation on iNaturalist. I used the taxonomic class Aves, since I couldn’t determine
a species from a feather. I found informed professionals and amateurs in groups
formed around feathers - <a href="https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/found-feathers">https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/found-feathers</a>. I have
posted images of feathers that I am unsure to identify and have been helped by folks who really
enjoy feather identification. Also, the Fish and Wildlife Service has a nice feather atlas - <a href="https://www.fws.gov/lab/featheratlas/">https://www.fws.gov/lab/featheratlas/</a>.<br />
<br />
Recently, while walking along the
<a href="https://www.friendsdrht.org/" target="_blank">Dahlgren Rail Heritage Trail</a>, I came upon
feathers scattered about. I arranged
them for one photograph. I was unsure
what species produced these black and
white feathers. I figured maybe a
woodpecker from the colors but also,
maybe they were from some sort of small
water bird due to the marshy area nearby.<br />
<br />
After posting on iNaturalist, I confirmed
that these feathers were from a Pileated
Woodpecker (<i>Dryocopus pileatus</i>).<br />
<br />
After a taxonomic suggestion from a
“bird person,” a “feather person,” or just
someone smarter than me, identification
becomes obvious, many times.<br />
<br />
I leave feathers where I found them. On
this occasion, I oriented feathers for a
photograph but most times, they get
photographed as they exist. The U.S.
Federal Eagle Protection Act of 1940 and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 seem to
prohibit possession of many if not all feathers. I suspect the legal aspects are more
nuanced but I follow, <i>don’t collect feathers, just enjoy them where you find them</i>.<br />
<br />
Observing, identifying, and documenting feathers can be interesting, fun, and an easy
activity. Feather awareness is just another layer of appreciation while on a walk
outside.Central Rappahannock Chapterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151221358221769617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6375222364487621137.post-8588887162323913652019-05-15T14:40:00.000-04:002019-05-15T14:40:30.685-04:00Baby Barn Owl Banding<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgen6PF2Ap-c4rc4r6Kx-GjCqdIdA10_GcVh7ltLuIDrP_HeKjMccLlq2YJtCvMluTh0ovrUoV2fJwOtEhmzrOId_-CPd4HlgKhMqjnbaV0_-bo2hmoZ1DBOROVJjz7l8Xs8RzPHvqvW_E/s1600/IMG_4002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgen6PF2Ap-c4rc4r6Kx-GjCqdIdA10_GcVh7ltLuIDrP_HeKjMccLlq2YJtCvMluTh0ovrUoV2fJwOtEhmzrOId_-CPd4HlgKhMqjnbaV0_-bo2hmoZ1DBOROVJjz7l8Xs8RzPHvqvW_E/s400/IMG_4002.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo credit: Corie Smith</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">Not
even the threat of downpours could dampen the excitement of a baby barn owl
viewing. Ready with boots, raincoats and umbrellas, chapter members Corie Smith
and Jenna Veazey ventured across the Potomac river to Maryland to support the
Southern Maryland Audubon Society’s (SMAS) banding of baby Barn Owls on May 5</span><sup style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; text-indent: 0.5in;">th</sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Corie
and Jenna joined a group of other volunteers and supporters that met on private
property along the Wicomico River, which the group was instructed not to share
the exact location of…for the safety of the owls. Barn owls are rare breeders
in Maryland and are listed as In Need of Conservation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Mike
Callahan, who also works as an interpreter at Caledon State Park in King
George, is a member of the SMAS. The group had been closely monitoring an owl
box on private property. Mike said there were only three known nests in Charles
County, Maryland. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Their
best guess was that this nest’s eggs had hatched the end of April. Barn owls
incubate their eggs as soon as they the first one is laid, opposed to ducks,
geese and songbirds which incubate after the last egg has been laid. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And when the owlets have grown enough feathers
to maintain their body weight the parents don’t hang around the nest all day
anymore. There appeared to be five owlets, but as siblicide is not uncommon the
volunteers were cautiously optimistic we’d be able to tag all five on the banding
day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8foin06GzO6mRORSCCeE3yezd3D59bwIGo_cGUC39NfvI1EZRmD2YroFDwV3NrTTP-xnmf0ughg-Bm5FnG7IskOjHReMasDDc3EbYHMGfHjrOnFip13Yr2o3UnHIfetbnNfeUaFk-x5s/s1600/IMG_4006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8foin06GzO6mRORSCCeE3yezd3D59bwIGo_cGUC39NfvI1EZRmD2YroFDwV3NrTTP-xnmf0ughg-Bm5FnG7IskOjHReMasDDc3EbYHMGfHjrOnFip13Yr2o3UnHIfetbnNfeUaFk-x5s/s400/IMG_4006.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo credit: Corie Smith</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Just
as the rain abated, Mike climbed the ladder up to the owl box. He urged everyone
to listen for the owlet’s hissing…which he said had been described as an
espresso machine. Very accurate, indeed! It didn’t take long after the
extraction of the first owlet for the hissing to turn into all-out shrieks. Five
owlets were carefully removed one-by-one and placed into individual cardboard
boxes for safe transport to the pavilion where they’d receive their ID bands. Mike
then called out for an extra box…there was a bonus sixth owlet that had been
hidden in previous observations!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Under
cover of a pavilion, USGS licensed bird bander, Ken Smith was in charge of banding
the owlets. He used size 7A aluminum bands specially gauged for barn owls, each
with their own unique identifying number. He explained the owlets’ legs were
already about as large as they'd get at this age and there was no worry that
the bands would grow too tight over time. As he worked, he also said that while
handling the owlets they had to be especially careful not to break any of their
flight feathers. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisdqrCpbqfneOyVNrxCMmUFrYr_02Rb8FzILOpabRmgzbU7dsRt_1HPfrpGiM18N-Wa3vg9fEMp0KBhGe-69hfi-esfV393iJeZ5dTfKFkrhWQrJniLIj14obiHbsbz9Rit04O_mXjCsQ/s1600/IMG_4142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisdqrCpbqfneOyVNrxCMmUFrYr_02Rb8FzILOpabRmgzbU7dsRt_1HPfrpGiM18N-Wa3vg9fEMp0KBhGe-69hfi-esfV393iJeZ5dTfKFkrhWQrJniLIj14obiHbsbz9Rit04O_mXjCsQ/s320/IMG_4142.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo credit: Corie Smith</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Mike
pointed out that barn owls have one toe with a pectinate comb, which they use
to groom the feathers on their facial discs. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Kerry
Wixted, Maryland DNR Wildlife Educator and Outreach specialist was also helping
out. She said that, “Barn owls are have been hit hard by habitat loss,
especially in Maryland. Grasslands with abundant voles and other rodents are
important for barn owls as well as open marshes.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">If
you would like to support local barn owl conservation in Maryland, consider
'adopting' an owl or other species through the SMAS program: https://www.somdaudubon.org/adopt-a-raptor/<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Central Rappahannock Chapterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151221358221769617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6375222364487621137.post-9948933970324058892019-03-07T06:34:00.000-05:002019-03-07T06:34:14.590-05:00February Chapter Meeting - Upcoming Continuing Education and Volunteer Opportunities<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>To be certified and maintain certification every year as a Virginia Master Naturalist, volunteers are required to complete 8 hours of continuing education and 40 hours of volunteer work. Here are some great opportunities</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Announcements:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Next Board meeting Thursday 3/7 @ Wegman’s 7 pm (open to all members)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Next Chapter meeting Tuesday 3/19 @ church 7 pm<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Master Naturalist Volunteer Opportunities:</b></span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3/9/19: Mott's Nature Center Volunteer Orientation - 9-11 am. Register with Alexa at Fredericksburg Parks and Rec. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3/22/19: Friends of the Rappahannock - Rappahannock County Tree Planting Project 9:30 - 1 pm, volunteers needed to plan trees, sign up at Friends of the Rappahannock Events page</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4/1/19: Homeschool Day at Montpelier (Orange County) - volunteers needed for "Noticing Nature Table and Walks" contact Madelyn from CRVMN</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4/2/19: Tri-County Aspen Grove Meaningful Watershed Educational Field Day (Rain Date April 4th - contact Mariya at TriCounty Water</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4/6/19: Spring Forest Stroll at Montpelier (Orange County) - volunteers needed to answer questions during the walk</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4/13/19: Osprey Festival @ Caledon State Park. Opportunities to volunteer to give talking points/lead bird walk, native plant information, backyard habitat. Chapter can have a booth there. Caledon is coordinating event with Joyce from Colonial Beach.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4/22/19: Earth Day at AP Hill volunteers needed<sup> </sup>Dahlgren has asked that an Earth Day education outreach take place on April 22 at the elementary school on base. It will be from 1-3 pm. Volunteers needed. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4/27/19: Earth Day at Old Mill Park on, rain or shine - volunteers needed</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4/27/19: Earth Day in Orange, VA - volunteers needed - contact Dena from CRVMN</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5/18/19: Eco Rodeo at Montpelier (Orange County) - volunteers needed for "Noticing Nature Table and Forest Walks" contact Madelyn from CRVMN</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Ongoing Opportunities:</b></span><ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Widewater State Park looking for volunteers for monthly cleanups</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">March Saturdays noon-2 pm - Salamander Survey at Jennings Farm - contact Dena with CRVMN</span></li>
</ul>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Continuing Education:</span></b></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3/9/19: VA Native Plant Society Winter Workshop - <a href="https://vnps.org/vnps-winter-workshop-2019/" target="_blank">Our Changing Forests: Forest Health, Management and Restoration </a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3/23/19: <a href="https://www.riverfriends.org/event/wild-and-scenic-film-festival/" target="_blank">Friends of the Rappahannock Wild and Scenic Film Festival </a>@ UMW. <span class="MsoHyperlink"></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4/11-12/19: <a href="https://vnps.org/events/spring-wildflower-identification-workshop/" target="_blank">Spring Wildflower Identification Workshop </a>- Blandy Experimental Farm</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4/13/19: <a href="https://www.mgacra.org/2019-mgacra-symposium.html" target="_blank">Garden Symposium: Wild about Natives</a> 8:30 - 3:30 pm at Belmont in Falmouth</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4/27/18: Montpelier - Orange County, VA - Native Plants and Animals in Harmony Exploration Walk - includes walk through the Landmark Forest</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ongoing - <a href="http://www.virginiamasternaturalist.org/continuing-education-webinar-series.html" target="_blank">VA Master Naturalists Webinars</a> - Next March 28th on Maple Syrup Productions</span></li>
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Central Rappahannock Chapterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151221358221769617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6375222364487621137.post-27261058751029830092019-02-28T06:46:00.000-05:002019-02-28T06:46:15.542-05:00Paleo Walk at Stratford Hall<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Harry P. was able to arrange an opportunity for the Central Rappahannock Master Naturalists to visit the private beach area of Stratford Hall (located in Westmoreland County) to learn about and hunt for fossils. I have to admit this has been on my bucket list for years.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhtRzj1DYUtXDor9D5rUSYyLBR8Cx4XPsd2UIZS2b_dltBtLcRtAOO-YWWTgQK-WBwPCz4wjfTq74O7rigDzKKcTd2QUi_TeI5fRg1ttx8E2K2Qb56-54044KtL5FWvP3mvbcjgbhwHSc/s1600/IMG_7656.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhtRzj1DYUtXDor9D5rUSYyLBR8Cx4XPsd2UIZS2b_dltBtLcRtAOO-YWWTgQK-WBwPCz4wjfTq74O7rigDzKKcTd2QUi_TeI5fRg1ttx8E2K2Qb56-54044KtL5FWvP3mvbcjgbhwHSc/s200/IMG_7656.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We met fairly early at the Stratford Hall Visitor Center, where we were introduced to our guides. There was a discussion on the types of fossils that have been found, including the favored Megladon teeth and some of the rare finds that have been made. While a ticket to Stratford Hall will allow access to the beach, that access is restricted to a small area. We had received special permission to walk past the ropes and head far up the beach. To provide a more hands on experience the two guides split us into two groups and we heading in opposite directions.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpLrwqoD0MIuIsUMJpoK7OPDTyOBdDZasd0NZIWp3Wa0ekzlpkEPSn8ATt3yNGrnH7hcKYB7g3RVhFZVXFz7qGiv-1sMKJcmfG9uciYgZCqYQ36MU_W5UFC2N6cOe80PsGAhWGjrTR5Zw/s1600/IMG_7648+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpLrwqoD0MIuIsUMJpoK7OPDTyOBdDZasd0NZIWp3Wa0ekzlpkEPSn8ATt3yNGrnH7hcKYB7g3RVhFZVXFz7qGiv-1sMKJcmfG9uciYgZCqYQ36MU_W5UFC2N6cOe80PsGAhWGjrTR5Zw/s200/IMG_7648+%25281%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Layers of clay with visible fossils</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCcn-KqY5HjDchU_E5U3fk8L1eAgYlVQ7qWV7Tl4TQNhOTNfyP9VD14-iKUzGdoUTMfTM4jZiTev6T2ZMVD1ONHcjV1E_RFqExCAkjorxUavOyT4xmj-tC8PFySwBYFOzDQd6fgBZ4Wg4/s1600/IMG_7640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCcn-KqY5HjDchU_E5U3fk8L1eAgYlVQ7qWV7Tl4TQNhOTNfyP9VD14-iKUzGdoUTMfTM4jZiTev6T2ZMVD1ONHcjV1E_RFqExCAkjorxUavOyT4xmj-tC8PFySwBYFOzDQd6fgBZ4Wg4/s200/IMG_7640.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clay layer</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6AisdCIqwX6fnB4lni6Xm4yUMhCvuBRWDedXGksvqSgBXere_jT7h9fJV78gyhjtNhd-IWU3NfDM7rjV1DoSY1csAImPM1-36GdrJYXvnZwNTyU0vNz9RoNHtPug_54hTf82PPUlXi7U/s1600/IMG_7635.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6AisdCIqwX6fnB4lni6Xm4yUMhCvuBRWDedXGksvqSgBXere_jT7h9fJV78gyhjtNhd-IWU3NfDM7rjV1DoSY1csAImPM1-36GdrJYXvnZwNTyU0vNz9RoNHtPug_54hTf82PPUlXi7U/s200/IMG_7635.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Armed with waterproof boots, bucket, small shovel </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and an inexpensive plastic colander</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I followed our guide Theresa. The weather was perfect, a bit cool but not uncomfortable. We walked along the beach at low tide, Theresa pointing out how to look for sharks teeth, bone, fossilized</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> shells and the like. She pointed out the cliffs (you do not want to walk too closely, a large piece fell while we where there) where you could easily see the stratification. Each layer of clay was from a different time period, sometimes fossils or mammal bones were evident in each layer. She spoke of the different animals the fossils came from. At this point I really wished I had thought to write down everything as my memory is not what it use to be. What looked like large gray rocks and boulders on the beach, were in fact compressed clay. Theresa said the fossils would often be found in the clay.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOHC3H6SMVaYUc1cBB0rFtzETXx6jgOoXmO3XlNsjUmt4rueayBRKCkX10iXXZJFg3_DLUROTCpYL0rnT2BZbt9DzhUhK2VfTZXxXbv8-8lszQSh3_oQ6zRQ7ReiuWjW59Vj_ZZ-jaads/s1600/IMG_7641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOHC3H6SMVaYUc1cBB0rFtzETXx6jgOoXmO3XlNsjUmt4rueayBRKCkX10iXXZJFg3_DLUROTCpYL0rnT2BZbt9DzhUhK2VfTZXxXbv8-8lszQSh3_oQ6zRQ7ReiuWjW59Vj_ZZ-jaads/s200/IMG_7641.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fallen clay</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSSSM2gtrEdpx6T59OFiohBMCpd_HieUrozEoWSiJ9_indVOxAP0JAaE1CHHh8Fzxqh-9nReVptp2u9Z5aSKEaokNoFWgu82eNtC6vZpxlpgIuuXndQqCQt8QBL9528CCwaSb3Vo38_yI/s1600/IMG_7637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSSSM2gtrEdpx6T59OFiohBMCpd_HieUrozEoWSiJ9_indVOxAP0JAaE1CHHh8Fzxqh-9nReVptp2u9Z5aSKEaokNoFWgu82eNtC6vZpxlpgIuuXndQqCQt8QBL9528CCwaSb3Vo38_yI/s200/IMG_7637.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Denise is searching</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Continuing to walk along the beach and crossing a stream, my fellow naturalists continued to look sharks teeth. I stopped at the stream where it emptied into the Potomac River and decided to use my colander to shift through the silt. One must readily admit, I could have stayed there all day for in a manner of minutes there were some interesting finds. Fossilized top plates from a ray, young whale vertebrae (no protrusions on either end indicated youth), a chunk of clay with fossilized imprints, pieces of tree scallops, and a number of pieces of bone. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEAOsqaDprY90s6QjypSvDktG9fIPRtiwY06NSPU5ND3xOxN3UuN6T3-2Ff7mbJp7iRbTm4DXBhok_G66DVKj2rJpY0CDJi_5stwlVCAxyuspXQ53A0KMI9LHHaDyHdXpmzkvaOyuN_nk/s1600/IMG_7662.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEAOsqaDprY90s6QjypSvDktG9fIPRtiwY06NSPU5ND3xOxN3UuN6T3-2Ff7mbJp7iRbTm4DXBhok_G66DVKj2rJpY0CDJi_5stwlVCAxyuspXQ53A0KMI9LHHaDyHdXpmzkvaOyuN_nk/s200/IMG_7662.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sharks Teeth</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmjdLXi0DB4PaqQ8e-xvi9UueuJfs3EOirFkFQM1C1U_H3H-WSWWlvnsj6FGsHrwCZy1Fowp2lGFl2KJKMfSs5a5A2sH6oP21qq_TJDVC4t6MUyFhlsN2G1vhQfnXNItTP5Padj4AbS4Y/s1600/IMG_7650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmjdLXi0DB4PaqQ8e-xvi9UueuJfs3EOirFkFQM1C1U_H3H-WSWWlvnsj6FGsHrwCZy1Fowp2lGFl2KJKMfSs5a5A2sH6oP21qq_TJDVC4t6MUyFhlsN2G1vhQfnXNItTP5Padj4AbS4Y/s200/IMG_7650.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fossilized impressions in clay</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-FarrtPKwn4sOynfNkoFAq_NcACZx9pxIBMZweUNzSm4O5CaN-__bLdkI-dsViLdQQLZNriD97C4Gtb2rhqmd1kinZh38nI6leZdi0I0WZ9KNjwe-2gVAu71iR6lYs5cbesY8sGTEIGk/s1600/IMG_7657.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-FarrtPKwn4sOynfNkoFAq_NcACZx9pxIBMZweUNzSm4O5CaN-__bLdkI-dsViLdQQLZNriD97C4Gtb2rhqmd1kinZh38nI6leZdi0I0WZ9KNjwe-2gVAu71iR6lYs5cbesY8sGTEIGk/s200/IMG_7657.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rib bone, bone fragment, whale vertebrae</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Like a small child, I went off to show our guide my finds. She explained what each one was and that all were approximately 5 million years old. As I looked out across the Potomac I could just imagine how different the landscape must of been. A smile spread across my face and I walked back up the beach to my vehicle and left. What a wonderful day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Central Rappahannock Chapterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151221358221769617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6375222364487621137.post-63052404438111661392019-02-12T07:14:00.001-05:002019-02-12T07:14:52.020-05:00Owl Prowl at Caledon was a Hoot<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Central Rappahannock Master Naturalists were able to participate in a special program for owls at Caledon State Park. One of the park rangers, Mike Callahan, led a very fascinating program on local owls. He taught us owl calls, their biology, food sources, habitat and other facts. After the informative classroom session, we headed outside onto a wagon.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The night was clear, with thousands of twinkling stars. Various constellations were easily identified and pointed out. This definitely was not summer time, well bundled up with hand warmers, hot cocoa and blankets we left the warmth of the park visitor center into very chilly woods.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our first stop was for the Barred Owl, Mike making his first call "Who cooks for you? Who cools for you - all?" with the "all" dropping almost to a squawk. After a few minutes, there was a response, a fly by, observation by the owl through flying from one tree to the next. Then after a flight right over our heads he settled down on a tree not far from the wagon and responded to Mike's call. The owl was quite vocal and with a quick light from a flashlight we were able to view him in all his glory. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our second stop, Mike called for Eastern Screech Owls. Their call is more of a whinny, not a screech. Mike needed some moisture and tipped his head back to make a whistle/whinny sound. A small owl, with color variants of gray or red do not usually reveal themselves due to predatory nature of larger owls. While we did not see them, we definitely heard them. Before long we were surrounded by three owls calling back and forth to Mike. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our final stop was out by the Potomac River. Mike called for the Great Horned Owl, "Hoo- h'hooooo-hoo-hoo". He called for well over five minutes. About to give up, we heard a faint answer in the distance. Mike continued to call, the Great Horned Owl continued to answer. Although I am pretty sure if we could interpret owl he responded with, "hey great to hear from you, but it is cold, late and I am not flying all the way over there." With that we headed back.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We were all pretty chilled by the time we arrived back to the visitors center. Another cup of hot cocoa, new found knowledge and some owl calling skills we ended for the evening. One of the most interesting things I have participated in, seeing these magnificent birds. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiGRZ-ATwRIb_PzKA1iPeeu2PpUED-Dcxc8Bz6coEXzH5ENgj2TN9lAyFsFYrO3e8gUFUEIRSknUYCWc5ogugW5nWooQA0HrcEUpPoRzMAdCgoUZLtafZFsIphfI7JeAixKqBNbE8x09E/s1600/Great+Horned+Owl+-+Caledon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiGRZ-ATwRIb_PzKA1iPeeu2PpUED-Dcxc8Bz6coEXzH5ENgj2TN9lAyFsFYrO3e8gUFUEIRSknUYCWc5ogugW5nWooQA0HrcEUpPoRzMAdCgoUZLtafZFsIphfI7JeAixKqBNbE8x09E/s200/Great+Horned+Owl+-+Caledon.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMCjohJpvPk1u2gqHKvZ8JPyyzO8zUO1OGrIFQeE1_4Fhx3DA1HPzA2Hq735OKG7PeoMazRJj3N6m5NI5vog9vLulekbp8opcu_ZZaGJedbYS6zQXQjhPx5SXnMmhnAP9DjpQuJz1RcHk/s1600/Barn+and+Screech+owls+Caledon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMCjohJpvPk1u2gqHKvZ8JPyyzO8zUO1OGrIFQeE1_4Fhx3DA1HPzA2Hq735OKG7PeoMazRJj3N6m5NI5vog9vLulekbp8opcu_ZZaGJedbYS6zQXQjhPx5SXnMmhnAP9DjpQuJz1RcHk/s200/Barn+and+Screech+owls+Caledon.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On a final note, I have been practicing the owl calls at home.......much to the chagrin of my dog and husband. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Central Rappahannock Chapterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151221358221769617noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6375222364487621137.post-89939355269919691652019-01-23T08:15:00.001-05:002019-01-23T08:15:20.794-05:00January Chapter Meeting: Continuing Education and Volunteer Opportunities<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Next Board meeting 2/7 @ Wegman’s 7pm (open to all members)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Next Chapter
meeting 2/19 @ church 7pm<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Master Naturalist Volunteer Opportunities:</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dahlgren has asked that an Earth Day education
outreach take place on April 22 at the elementary school on base. It will be
from 1-3pm. Volunteers needed. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Spotsylvania Courthouse Trash Pick Up February 9th - Meet at Gazebo 9AM.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Earth Day at Old Mill Park on April 27, rain or shine - volunteers needed</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Earth Day at AP Hill on April 18 volunteers needed<sup> </sup></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><sup> </sup>Widewater St Park looking for volunteers for monthly cleanups- 1<sup>st</sup> Sat in February next opportunity</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mott's Nature Center Volunteer Orientation - March 9th - 9-11am. Register with Alexa at Fredericksburg Parks and Rec. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">April 13 Osprey Festival @ Caledon. Opportunities to volunteer to give talking points/lead bird walk, native plant information, backyard habitat. Chapter can have a booth there. Caledon is coordinating event with Joyce from Colonial Beach.</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Continuing Education:</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Owl
Prowl @ Caledon 1/26 @ 7:00 pm. There is space for 21 people on the wagon.** Bring a blanket and some hot cocoa to share.
Arrive a little bit early. <b>THIS EVENT IS FULL</b></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bluebird
program @ Stratford 1/26 10-noon. Doors will be open at 9am. There will be a bag
lunch about 12:30. Some walking is anticipated, so bring your walking stick.
This is a FREE program.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dinosaur
Beach walk @ Stratford in February. Date & time and to be determined. More
details will be given at a later date.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Vernal
Pool field training to happen in February. Harry would like to lengthen time of
monitoring. Breeding time for Spotted Salamander is Feb/March. Usually, the
time to go investigate is at night, when peepers are peeping. Harry will send
out a “Hey, it’s tonight! Let’s go look!” email, so have your gear at the
ready. A lead monitor is desired for the Lee Drive vernal pools</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Montpelier
has revamped programs. There will be programs twice/month. The first walk will
focus on the Working Woods. The second walk will have a specialized focus. Walks
will take place in April, June, August, and October. Native plants will be the
specialized focus on April 24. A mushroom walk will be in June. The Chief
Horticulturist at Montpelier will have training for those interested in
leading the Working Woods walks.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">FOR
Wild & Scenic Film Festival March 23 @ UMW. More information on FOR website
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://www.riverfriends.org/events/">https://www.riverfriends.org/events/</a></span></span></li>
</ul>
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<br /></div>
Central Rappahannock Chapterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151221358221769617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6375222364487621137.post-73598270002564162782019-01-14T09:26:00.000-05:002019-01-14T09:26:24.088-05:00Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) – Nothing Sweet About It<div class="MsoNormal">
This past Saturday a few of the Master Naturalists assisted Friends of the Rappahannock (FOR) to remove Japanese Honeysuckle along Mabe’s Trail. We assisted last year, and everywhere we had grubbed out the honeysuckle, spring ephemerals flourished. Things like Dutchman’s Breeches, Virginia Blue Bells, May Apple, Trout Lily and the odd Spring Beauty. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioT7uwcq0DhxuKoaiSbrj4hLA7Ftfb40UJGc1XemFqcw60Fddv0gOuLffXr8hkveUk0MI00PGZh0hjREQXWlaJ-bX-9in3TerrHijb6APXevEcodyRK5PxRKY4-FEaoHsAhy9f2QZvn9M/s200/IMG-6703.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">VMN Volunteers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The picture below is just a small pile of the bags pulled. FOR received volunteers not just from VMN, but elsewhere as well. It may have been a chilly day, but knowing the beauty hidden under the honeysuckle made it all worth it. The honeysuckle can be found all along the trail and with so many other plants to protects, manually grubbing is the best. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ5Ko_plaP_yC3gtXZL-Ipglj9GZ1uO8CL0l6Hsj2JnEJpv9jicKDma5Awgfv0QOU_q7eZa4w8xtMFHAd2GmNriUfUCdwczZafJM2acK5Fzlpj9niRgVS3AGdsBCq9fA7ZHwGYoOyEnkM/s1600/IMG-6717.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ5Ko_plaP_yC3gtXZL-Ipglj9GZ1uO8CL0l6Hsj2JnEJpv9jicKDma5Awgfv0QOU_q7eZa4w8xtMFHAd2GmNriUfUCdwczZafJM2acK5Fzlpj9niRgVS3AGdsBCq9fA7ZHwGYoOyEnkM/s200/IMG-6717.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bagged Honeysuckle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMGEHJ92KL9JMeAIzCTW4wlM51rK2sG7ZDCKQpIE8JxrF6ZSKgOhgfzWWlUdLgUxpp7HBSTkNkeY0ciKNJxOq3x8-MuugcbPNhyphenhyphenb-V_u02j8qXgLb9NXOcYYyp3Wj34tNRcH6npCVQW4g/s1600/IMG-6706.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMGEHJ92KL9JMeAIzCTW4wlM51rK2sG7ZDCKQpIE8JxrF6ZSKgOhgfzWWlUdLgUxpp7HBSTkNkeY0ciKNJxOq3x8-MuugcbPNhyphenhyphenb-V_u02j8qXgLb9NXOcYYyp3Wj34tNRcH6npCVQW4g/s200/IMG-6706.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happily Hand Grubbing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
This time of year, it is just about the only thing green and a good time to grub it out. Make sure you put it in trash bags for disposal. You cannot recycle this plant as it will spread due to seeds being viable for an extended period of time.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Some Japanese Honeysuckle facts:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCnzDu_ZN4cUO4hh-_43p3nOz-NPY-lzmsSj8-L69UD0vwH1K41sVVlNx36mWpli-au9KawsT2kVkBOGlz5Umo86vI0-xqKwbunpKU_rJhcj30GylsYoY1-fAkODqHe56oHfQUBfI5O0o/s1600/IMG-6718.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCnzDu_ZN4cUO4hh-_43p3nOz-NPY-lzmsSj8-L69UD0vwH1K41sVVlNx36mWpli-au9KawsT2kVkBOGlz5Umo86vI0-xqKwbunpKU_rJhcj30GylsYoY1-fAkODqHe56oHfQUBfI5O0o/s200/IMG-6718.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Japanese Honeysuckle along Mabe's Tr.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<ol>
<li>Native to eastern Asia</li>
<li>Introduced to North America in 1862, used for erosion control</li>
<li>You can still purchase it in many plant centers as an ornamental. Any hybrids are equally as invasive. DO NOT PLANT.</li>
<li>Considered a noxious weed in Virginia, and one of the highest ranked invasive</li>
<li>Grows rapidly and smothers everything else</li>
</ol>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Great resources at V<a href="https://www.plantvirginianatives.org/new-page-4/" target="_blank">irginia Native Plant Society Website</a>. </div>
Central Rappahannock Chapterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151221358221769617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6375222364487621137.post-17465566191592522562018-07-29T10:35:00.000-04:002018-08-11T15:57:39.016-04:00Virginia Master Naturalist 2018 TrainingThe Central Rappahannock Chapter will be holding a training course from August-December 2018.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
The purpose of the training is to
prepare participants for volunteering as Master Naturalists in our
community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Though it is an excellent
training opportunity, our purpose is for establishing a base of natural
resource volunteers.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Classes
will begin on August 6th at 6:00 PM at Jepson Science Center, Room 109 on the
University of Mary Washington campus.</div>
<br />
The application is available at this <a href="http://www.virginiamasternaturalist.org/uploads/2/1/8/6/21860850/vmn_vol_enrollment_agreement_aug_2018.pdf" target="_blank">link</a>. Additional information is available <a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=1E6NjjL-QgDe7aqYlBmSYmnqB1NtDqrMZ" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
The cost for the training is $150. To
enroll, submit your application. Fees
are due with the application.</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
Make checks payable to <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">VMN-<st1:stockticker w:st="on">CRC</st1:stockticker></b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Enrollment
is limited to 20 on a first come basis.</i></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
Applications
should be submitted to:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
Virginia
Master Naturalist CRC<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
P.
O. Box 5996<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
Fredericksburg,
VA 22403</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
If you have questions, please contact
Jim Scibek<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>at<span style="color: green;"> <a href="mailto:masternaturalistcrc@gmail.com"><span style="text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">masternaturalistcrc@gmail.com</span></a> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>or Karen Snape, 540-621-9689 or email <span style="text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><a href="mailto:karen.snape@dof.virginia.gov">karen.snape@dof.virginia.gov</a>.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Central Rappahannock Chapterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151221358221769617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6375222364487621137.post-41472899003187539372018-05-29T08:20:00.001-04:002018-05-29T08:20:05.899-04:00The Virginia Master Naturalist Conference - Volunteering<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Virginia Master Naturalist Annual Conference is being hosted by our very own Central Rappahannock Chapter this year at the Fredericksburg Expo Center, September 7-9, 2018. The state sent our chapter a preview of the program as we need to volunteer for various sessions. Unfortunately we have been sworn to secrecy and cannot yet disclose the really cool opportunities such as: <span style="background-color: black;">all of the local areas</span>, <span style="background-color: black;">that are so fascinating</span>, <span style="background-color: black;">from a naturalist's point of view</span>, and <span style="background-color: black;">the education opportunities</span>.......and <span style="background-color: black;">so much more</span>. Sigh, I really do hate having to redact things......but this will be a great conference. But the conference will not happen without lots of volunteers. </span><div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The enjoyment I have received from becoming a Master Naturalist is immense. Not only from an educational perspective but meeting fascinating people who continue to amaze me through the volunteer work they accomplish. We all have to meet our 40 volunteer hours as part of the Master Naturalist Program, what easier way then to dedicate some time for the conference. I figured it is the least I can do to repay the enjoyment I have received through the organization. Sign ups have started and mine was submitted this morning.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Join me and many of the other Central Rappahannock Master Naturalists to make this a Annual Conference to remember!!!</span></div>
Central Rappahannock Chapterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151221358221769617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6375222364487621137.post-10173530790557160442018-05-21T07:36:00.002-04:002018-05-21T07:36:55.073-04:00Mott's Nature Center<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Volunteering is one of the single most important aspects of the Virginia Master Naturalist organization. Our chapter does quite a bit of volunteering at Mott's Reservoir and the Nature Center located there.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I try to volunteer at the Nature Center once a month. In May I had over 53 visitors and was just amazed at the number of children that came in and then begged to stay longer. We had quite a few participate in the scavenger hunt, where they had to find facts within the center. Pocket, the center's resident corn snake, put on quite a show by eating a mouse. The most interesting thing was about three families whose children came back after hiking and wanted to learn more about what they observed on their hike. Definitely future naturalists in the making!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This past weekend was quiet at the nature center. After a week of rain the sun finally came out on Sunday but people were still drying out. Three young women came into the center inquiring about the orienteering course. While I provided a compass, map and instructions I could not answer any of their questions using the compass with the map. I hate not being of assistance, needless to say I will be watching some videos on orienteering. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While human activity was low, nature was quite busy. A pair of mallard ducks decided to sun themselves on a log that jutted out into the reservoir near the center. I watched them jump into the water, wade, swim, splash, bottoms up - you name it. They were quite an entertaining pair. But then I also had three various visitors come directly into the center to sun themselves on the nice wood floor in the sun. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First was an American Toad, who was a bit of an escape artist and difficult to catch. Luckily there was no one around as I am fairly certain my actions would have been fabulous video fodder. Eventually he was caught and taken downstairs to freedom.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My next two visitors where lightning fast. The first was a broadhead skink. A very good size one, that allowed some photos. Obviously not his first visit as he knew where the front door was. The second was a five lined skink. He zipped into the center in a flash, then zoomed around the edge and hid behind a chair. He was a bit of a challenge to "herd" back out but once he found the door made a fast exit.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My final visitor was a large black snake who had just eaten dinner. He was down in the parking area and some human visitors spotted him and asked me to come out and identify what type of snake he was. With a full belly, he was not moving fast so the visitors had a great time identifying him. I showed them how his pupil was round and the head was rounded and not diamond shaped, an easy way to tell if a snake was not poisonous. After posing for pictures and a video he slowly slithered off.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So I closed up the center and smiled on my way out as the visitors were discussing the snake, what he might have eaten and simply excited they had seen one. Another wonderful day at Mott's Nature Center.</span>Central Rappahannock Chapterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151221358221769617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6375222364487621137.post-3992950551864159492018-05-14T07:46:00.001-04:002018-05-14T07:46:14.818-04:00The Morning Cacophony <br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love walking in my
neighborhood early in the morning, right before dawn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As spring is upon us, so is the cacophony of
bird songs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our neighborhood is heavily
wooded and the two mile jaunt is serenaded by hundreds of birds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, most of these birds are high in the
tree canopy and can be heard but not seen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This morning was was exceptionally noisy, but in a very pleasant
way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So this brings the challenge,
I cannot see them but hear them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How on
earth does one tell them apart?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well to
be honest, having gone on a few birding adventures with my fellow naturalists
and having them point out different songs, the realization dawned on how
importing songs and bird calls were.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cornell
Lab of Ornithology has a fantastic website with <a href="https://www.allaboutbirds.org/how-to-learn-bird-songs-and-calls/" target="_blank">bird calls</a> and personally it is
the site I have used to learn songs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The site offers up some valuable tips for beginners, my goal is one new
song every week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once the song is
learned, then a field test is in order, can I hear the bird along my walk?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now as I walk, I am starting to recognize the
songs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Such as the tufted titmouse,
cardinal, Carolina wren, crow, etc. so when now I can hear a bird and think –
hmmm………I haven’t heard that song before, then try to visually see the bird to
go home and learn the song.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Through this process other
sounds have been learned as well, such as the scolding grey squirrel and the chattering chipmunks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is amazing what
you hear, when you take off the headphones and simply listen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nature has a lot to say.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />Central Rappahannock Chapterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151221358221769617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6375222364487621137.post-52070262187503851622018-04-23T09:43:00.002-04:002018-04-23T09:43:37.589-04:00Wildflower Identification Class<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This past week I had the pleasure to attend a Wildflower Identification class at the Virginia State Arboretum at Blandy Experimental Farm in White Post, VA. Marion Lobstein led the class, with some assistance from Alex and Sally. Sometimes I am a terrible person and neglect to note last names.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The class focused on learning to use <u>Newcomb's Wildflower Guide</u>, <u>The Flora of Virginia</u> and the <u>Flora of Virginia App</u> to identify wildflowers. Not having a botany background, Marion suggested using the <u>Plant Identification Terminology: An Illustrated Glossa</u>ry by James & Melinda Harris to look up the definitions when keying in the Flora of Virginia. On the first day there was a nice overview of understanding the difference between a Monocot vs. a Dicot. Always helpful to those of us that do not have a biology background. We then proceeded to use all three to identify the Common Violet. We also used Newcomb's to look up a daffodil. Intimidated at first, I found Newcomb's and the Flora of Virginia App on my smart phone quite easy to use. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We were given homework to find at least three flowers and ID them. With t</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">he large Flora of Virginia, I really had to use the Plant Identification Terminology book to understand the scientific terms and really just need to practice. However, I was able to find a flower in there I could not ID using Newcomb's and the app. Practice is definitely needed. What did I find? Whitlow grass (invasive), Ground Ivy and Partridge Berry.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The second day of class included a walk through the Native Plant Trail at the arboretum. The entire class wanted to stay out on the trail all day as we learned many new plants. I saw my very first trillium, I know, I know - been living under a rock. There were a number of flowers in bloom and just seeing everything brought a real smile to everyone's face. Returning to the classroom, we dissected some flowers - sunflower, hyacinth and then many students brought plants in to share. We also learned more about many plant families and it was suggested we should learn those. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I almost always have my cell with me, the Flora App has been incredible helpful. An additional dozen or so plants have now been identified in my neighborhood using the app. My neighbors have been asked me over to see if I can assist in identification and if the plant if considered invasive or not. Veronica Speedwell seems to be rather widespread and invasive in all our yards.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you have not yet been to the Virginia State Arboretum I would highly recommend a trip. They have a number of interesting classed and their spring Garden Fair is coming up Mother's Day weekend. Not to mention their Arbor Day festival. Always remember to take the time to stop and enjoy the beauty nature provides, and if you can ID some of these flowers even better!!!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9yercMG7ysMm0FBZzthnr6t6sXc4e7poQ_RlVJ4i2gfsmJKwRhjeL5usS7xhD-jNNXpJLtQGJVj3JQCLnsww99-RCE29VipveH9SA1VsLI2KnXYhDa8ikPqptU1U97JjiqAV0at5NWPc/s1600/IMG_4736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9yercMG7ysMm0FBZzthnr6t6sXc4e7poQ_RlVJ4i2gfsmJKwRhjeL5usS7xhD-jNNXpJLtQGJVj3JQCLnsww99-RCE29VipveH9SA1VsLI2KnXYhDa8ikPqptU1U97JjiqAV0at5NWPc/s320/IMG_4736.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sesal Trillum</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuHZ36UKAe0NXcArnjzPGzmTZDBRbKTrITIok1xkd1OA0oZkhqM0r4Xcgul5ihqdTffy9U2Q0rjVCq_uYyW3RVs5cCbfg0Kb4d_R0Jus_0hJ2OI6mus8_aTO3felt4h8NIZHFdZief-bQ/s1600/IMG_4726.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuHZ36UKAe0NXcArnjzPGzmTZDBRbKTrITIok1xkd1OA0oZkhqM0r4Xcgul5ihqdTffy9U2Q0rjVCq_uYyW3RVs5cCbfg0Kb4d_R0Jus_0hJ2OI6mus8_aTO3felt4h8NIZHFdZief-bQ/s320/IMG_4726.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yellow Violet</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhjXHoDodY7HGIqDhxu7giBEc00OYbK1sFO_Bbdbs62j9tqtd6W3phJKUEwdsmDOCUgftMipaICd4mEPqc_EiIdI_ZApYn1xfLR4M50D4pOF5_o-_F_ASTrT9CRUfzz9ocN6A2Aqbi4gE/s1600/IMG_4707.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhjXHoDodY7HGIqDhxu7giBEc00OYbK1sFO_Bbdbs62j9tqtd6W3phJKUEwdsmDOCUgftMipaICd4mEPqc_EiIdI_ZApYn1xfLR4M50D4pOF5_o-_F_ASTrT9CRUfzz9ocN6A2Aqbi4gE/s320/IMG_4707.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arboretum Building</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX3wK6OQ7eNK8IThF3J570w7kCbMpaoNdL8o8kNA_nJ2Xcp_REF9SGZjhPmajtP4COiAOt0Jh1spTErlYroEAFa_Lyni9PJn1As6exMi970k9PIsRAJZn6GOdj_bMDMvPSF0vdelj8krI/s1600/IMG_4706.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX3wK6OQ7eNK8IThF3J570w7kCbMpaoNdL8o8kNA_nJ2Xcp_REF9SGZjhPmajtP4COiAOt0Jh1spTErlYroEAFa_Lyni9PJn1As6exMi970k9PIsRAJZn6GOdj_bMDMvPSF0vdelj8krI/s320/IMG_4706.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Experimental Greenhouse - Closed to Public</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsfCtp4V5JIHKdT1Q_L2eOjl-TCRkl8PcpDS21H-Rqaf2oOTYYalXL7yOQ5Tl96cCeP2l8KKcwYG_ZzSN4RLFqAcf9zzsqOXalyoYVlwoMQyKdIRCckeAWewOjP64TguV8EJA2MUZfvsg/s1600/IMG_4728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsfCtp4V5JIHKdT1Q_L2eOjl-TCRkl8PcpDS21H-Rqaf2oOTYYalXL7yOQ5Tl96cCeP2l8KKcwYG_ZzSN4RLFqAcf9zzsqOXalyoYVlwoMQyKdIRCckeAWewOjP64TguV8EJA2MUZfvsg/s320/IMG_4728.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pennsylvania Sedge</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTxP5gEIZk8Y87FqJ-xzI_inxpZqiO4eHCOQOfUa85Rw4D4Z-7POhvBTwaZUcj6SwZiF5c_EiPgGZg0xK-SiuAgCh34fDjW_shtTP50Uq2rYJNWIefgpshgBFjlkRasWAt4S45LSUANts/s1600/IMG_4731.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTxP5gEIZk8Y87FqJ-xzI_inxpZqiO4eHCOQOfUa85Rw4D4Z-7POhvBTwaZUcj6SwZiF5c_EiPgGZg0xK-SiuAgCh34fDjW_shtTP50Uq2rYJNWIefgpshgBFjlkRasWAt4S45LSUANts/s320/IMG_4731.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Herb Robert Geranium</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Central Rappahannock Chapterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151221358221769617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6375222364487621137.post-54300905440295159772018-04-09T07:14:00.001-04:002018-04-09T07:14:28.595-04:00Montpelier Working Woods - Home of James Madison<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB61_RJVPHhpmw_VflCMZFK4Ky5qQkyqNMk3zaplASXPLaMWsCUd6Vq77z6ujlFlWbau8V7vZtNL3vxFDo10pLVEI5VoT27LV0Wm9G5DlF6gmGG3_TF-phQRbZ3gTvrc2qKylOBgzezj4/s1600/IMG_4571.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB61_RJVPHhpmw_VflCMZFK4Ky5qQkyqNMk3zaplASXPLaMWsCUd6Vq77z6ujlFlWbau8V7vZtNL3vxFDo10pLVEI5VoT27LV0Wm9G5DlF6gmGG3_TF-phQRbZ3gTvrc2qKylOBgzezj4/s320/IMG_4571.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have been going to James Madison's home, Montpelier, every year since it opened to the public. The first tour we had was on a bus, riding from the old Esso station on Rt. 20, by many Sears & Roebuck barns, back when the mansion was still pink, stucco, and 100+ rooms from the DuPont era of ownership. Seeing the mansion revert back to James Madison's home over the years has been fascinating. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Having joined the Master Naturalist program, I noticed the request for volunteers for the Montpelier Working Woods tours. The forest at Montpelier is special, recalling the first time I traversed the trail behind the mansion. This same forest is a designated Natural Landmark, one of ten in Virginia. Working Woods is a great collaboration with Master Naturalist Organizations (Old Rag, Rivanna and Central Rappahannock Chapters), The Montpelier Foundation, and the Virginia Extension Office. The working woods walk takes visitors through the Landmark Forest to the Working Woods. An area where different forest management techniques are being used, providing great examples of how to maintain healthy wooded areas.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj4SB7Ea7h7jBKyI8agkm_pJ5Kv6CNko0Nga4I27IZ77sNmT07rZjKkUETBIi4i-mWcUlULDys4dWzzmeeWRTMYm7JKzdDEcxHWDGXlDYBUB-Oc6_WBtQ6Td4otWl20RTq_2yp4nqKDWc/s1600/IMG_4598.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj4SB7Ea7h7jBKyI8agkm_pJ5Kv6CNko0Nga4I27IZ77sNmT07rZjKkUETBIi4i-mWcUlULDys4dWzzmeeWRTMYm7JKzdDEcxHWDGXlDYBUB-Oc6_WBtQ6Td4otWl20RTq_2yp4nqKDWc/s200/IMG_4598.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Freedom Tree<br />White Oak 225+ Years</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are many things to see on these walks. View champion Sweet Cherry Trees, very large Tulip Poplars, Spice Bushes, stands of Paw Paw trees, numerous wildflowers and a forest teaming with life. As trees fall, such as the Freedom Tree, a 225+ year old White Oak, new life grows as sun shines down through the gap now in the canopy. A meadow surrounded by forest, where Red Bud, Milk Weed, Mullein and other flora grow attract various pollinators. The woods change significantly with each season. The walk this past Sunday we found emerging Jack in the Pulpit, mullein and wild comfrey. Cutleaf toothwort, blood root, and rue anemone were all in bloom. Buds on Spice Bushes and Red Buds. Evidence of a pileated woodpecker and his tell tale oval holes on a fallen tree.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvVgeLiyFsreRxcSqpkZm1nhd2Qk5pxZ3_jWaHltQWf6Q5pVioWKdAtYSQDzz8h7nXoT1f8Y3IWmhlhW_Uc50WnFR4L9Mwu7ivt9OVCH6QdIj6_6xCNCUQpj-ztvTiPQ0tqM2wJsYpxRI/s1600/IMG_4544.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvVgeLiyFsreRxcSqpkZm1nhd2Qk5pxZ3_jWaHltQWf6Q5pVioWKdAtYSQDzz8h7nXoT1f8Y3IWmhlhW_Uc50WnFR4L9Mwu7ivt9OVCH6QdIj6_6xCNCUQpj-ztvTiPQ0tqM2wJsYpxRI/s200/IMG_4544.jpeg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cutleaf Toothwort</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbTORaCALN2zosx_H8eiaEZzO3WLZJPIxJmT6mTZrrH5qSBzTW_2ZSRyjN0XDtWSugqqVbmYTqpULJP3X-1vqXer7gY1mrn5qAvGmXwrYxy9zqEktFSawcm-avqNtlvIElLYAIMbv6pnY/s1600/IMG_4554.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbTORaCALN2zosx_H8eiaEZzO3WLZJPIxJmT6mTZrrH5qSBzTW_2ZSRyjN0XDtWSugqqVbmYTqpULJP3X-1vqXer7gY1mrn5qAvGmXwrYxy9zqEktFSawcm-avqNtlvIElLYAIMbv6pnY/s200/IMG_4554.jpeg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rue Anemone</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not only do the Master Naturalists guide these working woods tours, but we also help with the significant challenge on invasive species. This is an ongoing effort that has really helped make a difference in the forest. Unfortunately it is an effort that will never end, as one invasive species is worked, more gain a foot hold. Some are fairly easy to remove, others require significant time, effort and occasionally herbicides (those are left to the professionals).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Come join us for a walk in the woods. July 15 and October 21 both at 2pm.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWvfWKpl2YrYBIy4dYcrjfBmyF83K_aXVAWo_3ePrsKrjM23t-qJRDJt_7HnK3kv-yyNvVSI37B9pFseVc4L4aJ6c00Cyyw9Dehaj-tM-BESEfFZEOWdE8_nCbRyfqGND2gBgyBz8Fibk/s1600/IMG_4582.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWvfWKpl2YrYBIy4dYcrjfBmyF83K_aXVAWo_3ePrsKrjM23t-qJRDJt_7HnK3kv-yyNvVSI37B9pFseVc4L4aJ6c00Cyyw9Dehaj-tM-BESEfFZEOWdE8_nCbRyfqGND2gBgyBz8Fibk/s200/IMG_4582.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jet Bead (Invasive)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5pAPo5sU31EvAeXnjdSRWOd1GpWbh56gEJPIjDUJk37QlFRaYg9eCVOWIVht6ZLoxsVVgyd9BgicCrFGCAMXiITaUGbkw8SeL2JC-KxUVJLf64tVUe4fXoc2nfZMAMaTCEscdBgaQV-U/s1600/IMG_4540.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5pAPo5sU31EvAeXnjdSRWOd1GpWbh56gEJPIjDUJk37QlFRaYg9eCVOWIVht6ZLoxsVVgyd9BgicCrFGCAMXiITaUGbkw8SeL2JC-KxUVJLf64tVUe4fXoc2nfZMAMaTCEscdBgaQV-U/s200/IMG_4540.jpeg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Removing Chinese Privet<br /> (Invasive)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQEh_ROysbc4Fs_BNlxugthONJKhqvOG2fzmlGj8K7ConXuKr_nKsUFBCO-KdJI8ZePVP0NzUp16cjSosMQjK8zfPy4dlEN30mN1Go-5OAiRTvDCOcXgPQw3d7Qs-16VubKtdHG6o5iRs/s1600/IMG_4592.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQEh_ROysbc4Fs_BNlxugthONJKhqvOG2fzmlGj8K7ConXuKr_nKsUFBCO-KdJI8ZePVP0NzUp16cjSosMQjK8zfPy4dlEN30mN1Go-5OAiRTvDCOcXgPQw3d7Qs-16VubKtdHG6o5iRs/s200/IMG_4592.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spice Bush</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN3xjslvAsa5wTUW_16WksIKgTkCFhX8ric-OVWbMmEVvV5XXppDivuJnrbcn913hjtWw81yvQOIPSRYmqClFKsclS2pnN1SK36vstxWd3EodTJeb6hMAybWvJjyJDdnAlmnHJKrLkArw/s1600/IMG_4595.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN3xjslvAsa5wTUW_16WksIKgTkCFhX8ric-OVWbMmEVvV5XXppDivuJnrbcn913hjtWw81yvQOIPSRYmqClFKsclS2pnN1SK36vstxWd3EodTJeb6hMAybWvJjyJDdnAlmnHJKrLkArw/s200/IMG_4595.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Princess Tree Seed Pod <br />(Invasive)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnCOzh0WKAsPYejytSh4WrESR9bp1zBfP_9fswoCNDPBm6CNkd2bZkGUXqGWM1ikfGxjGoC8tv4FqG3VTpa2gz9kQWsmoxoKd8zfK4Ef_RVdLBVmJxTYz-nYJnCOz-9ysfMH4iw1JUGcc/s1600/IMG_4593.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnCOzh0WKAsPYejytSh4WrESR9bp1zBfP_9fswoCNDPBm6CNkd2bZkGUXqGWM1ikfGxjGoC8tv4FqG3VTpa2gz9kQWsmoxoKd8zfK4Ef_RVdLBVmJxTYz-nYJnCOz-9ysfMH4iw1JUGcc/s200/IMG_4593.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wild Comfrey</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmNCOFNgqdpVTGpXmDyE2UoW81s-tdaSxIH_Cs5otojaT4tcspolaL_3s1UnBRSSwC3PrUPw2ZTi5yXDRwLMXdkcRtCWM93aWxMs9PIq0JwI5hN7LdPqCLkqGiIt7T8pcpeC20n-RBJZU/s1600/IMG_4579.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmNCOFNgqdpVTGpXmDyE2UoW81s-tdaSxIH_Cs5otojaT4tcspolaL_3s1UnBRSSwC3PrUPw2ZTi5yXDRwLMXdkcRtCWM93aWxMs9PIq0JwI5hN7LdPqCLkqGiIt7T8pcpeC20n-RBJZU/s200/IMG_4579.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Barberry (Invasive)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheeeLftXmxNS3hVVrUVv3n02AQjh2MWs1T_-SVygDlfPA76H7jdRXQlEDtkdmQ_NOZG7CB1isJEh4_zSNoqkqQZkRo4gv44ojAK4TLV9HuL-Hut6o6RSaJhdNB0SX4s-TEO_x4woS9eWA/s1600/IMG_4537.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheeeLftXmxNS3hVVrUVv3n02AQjh2MWs1T_-SVygDlfPA76H7jdRXQlEDtkdmQ_NOZG7CB1isJEh4_zSNoqkqQZkRo4gv44ojAK4TLV9HuL-Hut6o6RSaJhdNB0SX4s-TEO_x4woS9eWA/s200/IMG_4537.jpeg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Five leaf akebia (Invasive)</td></tr>
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Central Rappahannock Chapterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151221358221769617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6375222364487621137.post-61039200998947825782018-04-02T07:35:00.000-04:002018-04-02T07:35:12.376-04:00The Cacophony Outside <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of the things I have noticed in the past few weeks is just how many birds are singing outside. The songs have been slowly increasing in crescendo, along with those tell tale signs of spring. Being a part of the Master Naturalist organization one must admit to paying a bit more attention to these songs now.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My dog walks me at least a mile in the morning and night. He definitely likes to stop and sniff the proverbial rose so to speak. Just for the record, I do pick up after him, but that is another topic for another time. One of the most interesting things I have found is the number of bird songs heard while walking. It is coming to the point, songs that are new immediately stand out. Stopping we watch until the bird is located and identified. Surprisingly enough I am seeing bird species I have never seen in the wild before. Perhaps it is because my view has changed, but honestly it is due to paying closer attention. Not to mention slowly learning some of the songs.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This past week I saw my very first Cedar Waxwing, but wait there's more. I didn't see just one but seven. All flitting around in my neighbor's yard. Their high pitched call was new, not hearing that before. Initially I thought they were female cardinals, but then the yellow tail tip and belly and the black mask gave them away. I was so excited but alas the only camera with me was my phone and the birds were too far to get a decent picture. Not to mention my dog pulled me along saying it was time to go.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The next day, we stepped outside and I saw a rather large bird tossing mulch in the air in my flower bed. At first he looked a bit like a yellow bellied sapsucker, but that was not right. I ran in and grabbed my <u>Sibley's Guide to North American Birds</u>. A Northern Flicker with his pretty scallops black feathers. We sat down and watched him for quite awhile, after all he was hard at work in my garden turning it over for insects. His harassment of the squirrels was amusing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My final treat for the week was observing a very small hawk fly overhead. Luckily my binoculars were with me. The size caught my attention, stopping to watch until he flew out of sight. Remembering important identification markings, I was able to look the bird up when I got home. An American Kestrel. Reading more about their habitat and conservation needs I realized this really was the treat of the week.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I understand why some of my fellow Naturalists are avid birders, while they probably have seen these species hundreds of times, it was new for me. When I have to sit inside and work, instead of digital radio I will simply listen to nature's concert going on outside my window and smile as now I know many of the lead vocals and it doesn't cost me a dime.</span>Central Rappahannock Chapterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151221358221769617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6375222364487621137.post-36165133789279094752018-03-27T04:32:00.001-04:002018-03-27T04:32:35.758-04:00Motts Run Nature Center<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A number of the Master Naturalists signed up to attend
the Motts Run Nature Center training in order to assist in staffing the Nature
Center.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I must confess, it was my very
first visit to the center.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being relatively
new to the area, I discovered Motts Run Reservoir last year for kayaking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not realizing the Nature Center was there, I
would definitely have stopped in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What a hidden gem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This is a place I would definitely have brought my children when they
were younger had we lived in the area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The training session included learning about the resident female snake “Pocket”
as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unable to resist the
opportunity to hold her, I held my very first snake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was cool to the touch, ever so smooth and
really quite curious and friendly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
Pocket wasn’t the only interesting thing in the Nature Center.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Center is a one room log cabin with numerous on-hands
displays.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was quite a nice library
of books on nature, nature games and scavenger hunts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Equipment that could be checked out such as
binoculars, books, field guides, dipnets and so forth. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I must admit, I look forward to volunteering at the
Nature Center in hopes that others will be equally inspired and become curious
in this beautiful world we live in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not
to mention I plan on discovering each display personally….as I am always a kid
at heart.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hopefully everyone will take the opportunity to stop by
Motts Run Nature Center, open April through October on Saturdays and Sundays
from noon – 5pm. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Best of all there is no
charge and you can bring a picnic lunch, kayak, fish and hike.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />Central Rappahannock Chapterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151221358221769617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6375222364487621137.post-26078051043469643192018-03-19T13:31:00.000-04:002018-03-19T13:31:32.027-04:00A Hike in the Woods, but What on Earth is that?<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Taking the Master Naturalist class was an absolute joy, I learned so many things or I should say relearned some things grade school. Now prepared with my new-found knowledge, I happily spend hours in the woods. I can easily tell you, according to Ben, “Rushes are round, sedges have edges and grasses are found where willow abound.” Perhaps you laugh, however remembering some of these rhymes definitely helps those with a less scientific mind. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But inquiring minds want to know what tree, bush, flower, plant, bird, lizard, rock, etc. as it is seen in the wild. How will I ever learn all this identification? The bottom line is, you won’t. Everyone, even the professionals, needs reference guides from time to time. With this new desire to learn, I find myself stopping and looking at everything and asking “What is this?”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the class we received some very helpful guides, many from the Virginia Department of Forestry. These have extensively been used already, as the guides are specific to Virginia. But sometimes the desire for additional data or for covering species not in these Virginia Guides is too great. Now filling up a backpack with a number of guides may not be great on your back, so I suggest the first few times you go out with a guide you try to concentrate in a specific area. I have some phone apps I use as well in a pinch, but much prefer the physical guides.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Always have some basic equipment with you. Personally, I always carry a jeweler’s loupe, binoculars, a camera of sorts and a notebook. If I am find something of interest taking a number of photos and making notes with my mobile device is helpful for review later. Then after studying let’s say a plant, I use the guide to find the plant, determine its scientific name and read about additional information. Most guides have some type of key to help you identify the species, many using a dichotomous key. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Occasionally some local naturalist may have written a book on a specific area, those I have found most useful. Such as Hal Wiggins “<u>A Field Guide to Crow’s Nest</u>” or “<u>Virginia Native Plants</u>”. Many of photos in his books are taken from areas local to Fredericksburg so I should find those species. As for personal favorite commercially available guides, I use "<u>Sibley’s Guide to Field Birds – Eastern North America"</u> and a very old Audubon Guide (with color plates) that belonged to by grandmother for birds. For trees, I use the “<u>Sibley’s Guide to Trees</u>”, for wildflowers “<u>Newcomb’s Wildflower Guide</u>”, for insects “<u>Kaufman’s Field Guide to Insects of North American & Field Guide to Butterflies of North America</u>”. I do have other Audubon Guides as well and did pick up a guide on mosses from the Princeton Field Guides “<u>Common Mosses of the Northeast & Appalachian</u>s” by as I really find mosses interesting.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Needless to say, as a naturalist you will find your library grow with your knowledge and desire to learn more about the species we see in the wild.</span><br />
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Central Rappahannock Chapterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151221358221769617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6375222364487621137.post-165107590264100142018-03-12T07:57:00.001-04:002018-03-12T07:57:06.990-04:00Spring is in the Air, Thoughts Towards the Garden<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As we spring forward with the time change, days are getting longer and the temperature rises, our minds start wondering towards warmer outside activities. It is a great time to prep those kayaks, canoes, tents and outdoor gear but also to start planning any garden activities for our yard.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A few years ago, I would simply go to the nursery and plant whatever I thought was attractive. But I noticed I was not getting many butterflies or pollinators. Then I read Doug Tallamy’s book, Bringing Nature Home. If you have not read it, I would highly encourage you do so.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Doug mentions the importance native plants play in our ecosystem to further encourage native butterflies and pollinators to your garden. Little did I realize my garden and lawn had become a waste land to local species, although pretty to the eye I was nothing more than conforming to all the other homes in suburbia. I decided to start switching plants over to more heavily rely on native species. My reward? Within 3 years I had an abundance of butterflies, birds that had never visited my yard before, and a large variety of bees…..but that was not all. My home had become a haven to three different species of skinks, a few chipmunks, squirrels and rabbits not which had previously made their home in my yard.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now that I have moved from my very mature garden to a new place, I have a clean palette to attract all sorts of butterflies, birds, pollinators, you name it. The soil is much different here and significant amounts of shade, but that will not limit me. Learn what natives grown in your soil type. I already see my native bee balm is coming up and has spread significantly.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are some great resources out there in deciding what to plant:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A personal favorite: <a href="https://www.fws.gov/Chesapeakebay/pdf/NativePlantsforWildlifeHabitatandConservationLandscaping.pdf" target="_blank">US Fish & Wildlife Service Native Plants for Wildlife Habitat and Conservation Landscaping Chesapeake Bay Watershed</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another favorite: <a href="https://www.plantvirginianatives.org/plant-central-rappahannock-natives/" target="_blank">Central Rappahannock Native Plants </a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/natural-heritage/native-plants-finder" target="_blank">Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation</a> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The <a href="http://vnps.org/" target="_blank">Virginia Native Plant Society</a> (VNPS) has a wealth of information and I highly recommend reading their site resources. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Where to buy plants:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://vnps.org/conservation/plant-nurseries/" target="_blank">VNPS Native Plant Nurseries</a> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Attend Native Plant Sales:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.fona.org/lahr-symposium/" target="_blank">National Arboretum Sale</a> - March 24, 2018 </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://loudounwildlife.org/event/spring-native-plant-sale/" target="_blank">Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy</a> - April 7, 2018 </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.gardengategardener.com/" target="_blank">Spring Garden Fest</a> – Reynolds Community College – April 22, 2018 </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.home.earthlink.net/sknudsen/" target="_blank">Northern Alexandria Native Plant Sale</a> – April 28, 2018</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://maymont.org/experiences/annual-events/herbs-galore/" target="_blank">Maymont Herb Galore & More</a> – April 28, 2018</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://vnps.org/jefferson/events/jefferson-chapter-native-plant-sale/" target="_blank">Jefferson Chapter Native Plant Sale</a> – April 30, 2018</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.lewisginter.org/event/spring-plant-fest/" target="_blank">Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden Plantfest</a> – May 4-5, 2018</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.forb.wildapricot.org/" target="_blank">Friends of Riverbend Park Native Plant Sale</a> – May 5, 2018 </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.earthsangha.org/wpn/wpn.html" target="_blank">Earth Sangha Wild Plant Nursery Sale</a> – May 6, 2018 </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.vnps.org/wp/pwws/" target="_blank">Prince William Wildflower Society</a> – May 12, 2018 </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.blandy.virginia.edu/our-foundation/gardenfair" target="_blank">Blandy Farm Garden Fair</a> – May 11-13, 2018</span><br />
<br />Central Rappahannock Chapterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151221358221769617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6375222364487621137.post-22418020469741399682018-03-06T04:41:00.000-05:002018-03-06T04:41:02.575-05:00Volunteer Opportunities for March<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-left: 47.25pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">March 10 – Trash Pickup</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> along Chapter-adopted highway (Route
208) Spotsylvania Courthouse, 8:30am – 10:30am. Meet at the Gazebo.
Bring gloves. Chapter has grabbers. Evelyn Way is the Point of Contact<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">March 17 – Caledon State Park
- 1pm: St. Patrick’s Day Snake & Shamrock Shakedown</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> – discussion on snakes’ native to the
area, habitat, etc. and search for 4 leaf clovers. Anyone with a native
snake or willingness to discuss and assist with participants. Contact
Callie Morgan, <a href="mailto:callie.morgan@dcr.virginia.gov" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #1155cc;">callie.morgan@dcr.virginia.gov</span></b></a> at
Caledon if you can assist<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">March 17 -– Join Tree Fredericksburg for
our Spring Tree Planting at Snowden Park</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, <a href="https://maps.google.com/?q=3340+Fall+Hill+Ave&entry=gmail&source=g" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">3340 Fall Hill Ave</span></a> at
Wicklow Drive, 9am-12noon. Participation is limited to 50 people. Please
register to volunteer at <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tree-planting-near-snowden-park-tickets-42434396422" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tree-planting-near-snowden-park-tickets-42434396422</span></a>.
Planting rain or shine, unless there’s thunder and lightning. Be sure to wear
sturdy, closed-toe shoes – no sandals or flip flops are allowed. We’ll provide
all the tools and safety equipment necessary. All planting teams will be led by
experienced volunteers and Tree Fredericksburg Tree Stewards. Children
ages 5 years or older are welcome. If you bring children, be prepared
to work one on one with them for their safety. We are planting along the
streets and safety is our main concern. Please plan to arrive 10 to 15 minutes
prior to 9 AMto sign in and get your equipment. The safety talk will begin
promptly at 9 AM and all participants must be present for the safety
talk or will not be allowed to plant trees with us that day. All tools
and equipment provided. Holes are pre-drilled so digging is easy. This event is
a green event and plastic water bottles are not provided. Please bring your own
reusable water bottle. Water and paper cups are provided.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">March 24 – Motts Run Nature Center
Volunteer Training</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, <a href="https://maps.google.com/?q=6300+River+Road&entry=gmail&source=g"><span style="color: #1155cc;">6300 River Road</span></a>, 9am-11am (rescheduled
from March 3); calling nature enthusiasts of all ages! Volunteers needed to
staff the Motts Run Nature Center on weekends from April 1 through
October. A ten-hour commitment requested for the season. We’ll teach you
everything you need to know! Must be 16 years or older (children may volunteer
with parents). It’s easy, great fun, and all you need is a love for nature and
people! Contact Linda Bailey <a href="tel:(540)%20372-1086" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">540-372-1086 x213</span></a> or <a href="mailto:lbailey@fredericksburgva.gov" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">lbailey@fredericksburgva.gov</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">March 26-27 – Aspen Grove Farm Field
Days, Aspen Grove Farm in King George</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, 8:30am-1:30pm (rain date March 28-29). Looking
for at least 4 volunteers for each day to assist station instructors, no
experience necessary. Training will be provided. Tri-County City Soil and
Water District, contact Izabela Sikora at <a href="https://webmail.vita.virginia.gov/owa/redir.aspx?C=-6STdfE771Y-XS7tVd7IlhQlmo5ORMUaL107fXXIdh9iAUxXA1nVCA..&URL=mailto%3aIzabela.sikora%40tccswcd.org" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">Izabela.sikora@tccswcd.org</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Station 1- Macroinvertebrates identification-
we will look at live organisms and using filed guides identify species and
evaluate water quality<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-left: 94.5pt; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 1.0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Station 2 – water testing – helping students
collect water samples and test them for dissolved oxygen, pH and water quality.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Station 3 – wetland forest scavenger hunt –
assisting students with finding wetlands’ specific characteristics.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Station 4 – water quality game. Students will
need assistance to interpret water quality data and understand consequences of
pollution on aquatic organisms.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">March 31</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <b>-– Join Tree Fredericksburg for our Spring Tree
Planting near Train Station at Frederick and Caroline Streets</b>, 9am-12noon.
Participation is limited to 50 people. Please register to volunteer at <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tree-plantingmulching-near-train-station-tickets-42435566923" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tree-plantingmulching-near-train-station-tickets-42435566923</span></a>.
Planting rain or shine, unless there’s thunder and lightning. Be sure to wear
sturdy, closed-toe shoes – no sandals or flip flops are allowed. We’ll provide
all the tools and safety equipment necessary. All planting teams will be led by
experienced volunteers and Tree Fredericksburg Tree Stewards. Children
ages 5 years or older are welcome. If you bring children, be prepared
to work one on one with them for their safety. We are planting along the
streets and safety is our main concern. Please plan to arrive 10 to 15 minutes
prior to 9 AM to sign in and get your equipment. The safety talk will
begin promptly at 9 AM and all participants must be present for the
safety talk or will not be allowed to plant trees with us that day. All
tools and equipment provided. Holes are pre-drilled so digging is easy. This
event is a green event and plastic water bottles are not provided. Please bring
your own reusable water bottle. Water and paper cups are provided.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Central Rappahannock Chapterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151221358221769617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6375222364487621137.post-4536749213486358772018-03-06T04:38:00.001-05:002018-03-06T04:38:37.538-05:00Upcoming Continuing Education Opportunities - Through the End of March 2018<br />
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">March 13-16</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <b>–National Association for Interpretation Spring
Workshop</b>, Northern VA 4-H Center in Front Royal; focused on natural and
cultural history interpreter’s across the region; Registration <a href="https://www.interpnet.com/nai/nai/_events/Event_Display.aspx?EventKey=r2_2018" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">https://www.interpnet.com/nai/nai/_events/Event_Display.aspx?EventKey=r2_2018</span></a> and
information available at <a href="http://nairegion2.weebly.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">http://nairegion2.weebly.com/</span></a>.
Has bird walks, hikes, and field trips to local places.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">March 14 -</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <b>Nature & Health in Communities: A
review of Best Available Science</b>, 1pm online webinar taught by
Dr. Kathleen Wolf - Research Social Scientist, University of Washington,
information and how to
access: https://sref.info/news/articles/2018-urban-community-forestry-webinar-series-for-extension-agents<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-left: 47.25pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">March 14 – Capture and Curation Methods
for Studying Terrestrial Vertebrates and Invertebrates: Discovering how
Important Scientific Specimens can be!</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Gloucester Point VA, 8:30am - 3:30pm; This day-long
workshop will provide details about how terrestrial vertebrates and
invertebrates are captured for scientific study and how they are prepared and
curated as museum specimens for long-term preservation. The instructors
will also provide examples from their own research programs of how museum
specimens are used to further our understanding of Virginia's fauna. The cost
of this one day course is $30.00. <i>You must pre-register, and Sandra
must receive both your payment and information before your registration is
'complete.' </i><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001jzj_4Se37SGYg2gSWYlxTpPVxz2C1YBvwuhcwW0HqRbiDL7QUNWksqScRnbFthFmUqBdCM8AJdPNM4v1rKiXaKc3uRh5D1jp9M9_ijyMkW9D8PAlRkKH0tqLJb0SFilg_5tSDKJi01d4GRfXaoAMlzEjCPbwM5KRpXmvIC7fUI95qgB-Qib5b62bSQtDWjk2CZ7TsK6JNUmwGpAzRw_5Cc0ry6aYdGAF7xZ-2K-DRs1mtWVGCarfI2PIaJUDgI_a&c=e41qeBWAK-0jF_u7zp_fE5B4vUGFcAEzfmJlnyk5eEuH1rcWXf0xxQ==&ch=888NO9_jQRQBEBRPnyeXMkLn0NzN-5zp8fSQBqXXZ2efwNKNScyKQQ==" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #1155cc;">Click here</span></b></a> <b>for
the attached document with registration information. </b>Should you have
any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Sandra Erdle at <a href="mailto:syerdle@vims.edu" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">syerdle@vims.edu</span></a>,
or <a href="tel:(804)%20684-7144" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">804-684-7144</span></a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">March 14 -</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> <b>Nature & Health in Communities: A
review of Best Available Science</b>, 1pm online webinar taught by
Dr. Kathleen Wolf - Research Social Scientist, University of Washington,
information and how to
access: https://sref.info/news/articles/2018-urban-community-forestry-webinar-series-for-extension-agents</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-left: 47.25pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">March 14 – Capture and Curation Methods
for Studying Terrestrial Vertebrates and Invertebrates: Discovering how
Important Scientific Specimens can be!</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Gloucester Point VA, 8:30am - 3:30pm; This day-long
workshop will provide details about how terrestrial vertebrates and
invertebrates are captured for scientific study and how they are prepared and
curated as museum specimens for long-term preservation. The instructors
will also provide examples from their own research programs of how museum
specimens are used to further our understanding of Virginia's fauna. The cost
of this one day course is $30.00. <i>You must pre-register, and Sandra
must receive both your payment and information before your registration is
'complete.' </i><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001jzj_4Se37SGYg2gSWYlxTpPVxz2C1YBvwuhcwW0HqRbiDL7QUNWksqScRnbFthFmUqBdCM8AJdPNM4v1rKiXaKc3uRh5D1jp9M9_ijyMkW9D8PAlRkKH0tqLJb0SFilg_5tSDKJi01d4GRfXaoAMlzEjCPbwM5KRpXmvIC7fUI95qgB-Qib5b62bSQtDWjk2CZ7TsK6JNUmwGpAzRw_5Cc0ry6aYdGAF7xZ-2K-DRs1mtWVGCarfI2PIaJUDgI_a&c=e41qeBWAK-0jF_u7zp_fE5B4vUGFcAEzfmJlnyk5eEuH1rcWXf0xxQ==&ch=888NO9_jQRQBEBRPnyeXMkLn0NzN-5zp8fSQBqXXZ2efwNKNScyKQQ==" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #1155cc;">Click here</span></b></a> <b>for
the attached document with registration information. </b>Should you have
any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Sandra Erdle at <a href="mailto:syerdle@vims.edu" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">syerdle@vims.edu</span></a>,
or <a href="tel:(804)%20684-7144" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">804-684-7144</span></a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">March 24 – Woods in your Backyard
Workshop, </span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Hanover VA, 8:30am-4:30pm;
Small lots are a big deal. The vast majority of landowners in Virginia own less
than 10 acres. By enhancing wooded areas or creating natural areas on your lot,
you can make a positive difference in your environment through planning and
implementing simple stewardship practices learned at this workshop. TOPICS
include:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Forest Ecology<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Enhancing Wildlife Habitat<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Tree & Shrub ID<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Converting Lawn to Natural Areas<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Invasive Plant Identification and Control<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Native Plants, Pollinators, and Birds<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Forest Farming (e.g., Growing Shiitake
Mushrooms)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Cost for the day is $20 per person, which
includes lunch and manual. Registration is required for this workshop. <a href="https://www.allianceforthebay.org/events/woods-in-your-backyard-workshop-hanover-county/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">Click here to register</span></a>,
or go to <a href="https://www.allianceforthebay.org/events/woods-in-your-backyard-workshop-hanover-county/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">https://www.allianceforthebay.org/events/woods-in-your-backyard-workshop-hanover-county/</span></a>.
If you have any questions, please contact Jenny McGarvey at <a href="tel:(804)%20977-1657" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">(804)
977-1657</span></a> or <a href="mailto:jmcgarvey@allianceforthebay.org" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">jmcgarvey@allianceforthebay.org</span></a>.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">March 28 -</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <b>From Science to Action:
Evidence-based Programs for Nature & Health Communities,</b> 1pm online
webinar taught by Dr. Kathleen Wolf - Research Social Scientist, University of
Washington, information and how to access: <a href="https://sref.info/news/articles/2018-urban-community-forestry-webinar-series-for-extension-agents" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">https://sref.info/news/articles/2018-urban-community-forestry-webinar-series-for-extension-agents</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Central Rappahannock Chapterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151221358221769617noreply@blogger.com0