On Saturday, April 21, the first naturalist-guided nature walk was conducted at Government Island, Stafford. The weather was cooperative and 50 participants joined naturalists Maria Cannata and Kristen Murphy, with help from Leslie Raterman. M.C. Moncure, from the Stafford Board of Tourism, took photos and handed out cold water at the end of the walk.

During the introduction to Austin Run, the group was treated to the appearance of a Northern water snake. The creek water was clear as a bell, allowing participants to view the snake, turtles, fish, and frogs. During the walk the naturalists pointed out both native and intrusive species. Many types of vines were encountered from lovely wild roses, to wild blackberries, and the wonders of the ever disagreeable poison ivy plant. Green brier, with its year-long prickers was evident, along with wild grape, honeysuckle, and Virginia Creeper. Spring wildflowers were still in bloom. Natives, such as Jack-in-the-Pulpit, Spring Beauties, and intrusive plants like mustard, pretty, but not welcome. As the participants strolled along the path, various types of trees were discussed. Some trees quite common, some invasive, such as the Tree of Heaven. Of particular interest was the one Devil's Walking Stick tree that has been found at Government Island.
Some of the history of Government Island was given, but that will be the topic of the walk scheduled for the third Saturday in June. The geology of the sandstone at the quarry site was explained with a brief explanation of the quarrying process.

Government Island has two types of forest, two creeks (Austin Run and Aquia Creek), marsh and swamp habitats and one ""gem" of the island, a small vernal pool. Each individual wetlands habitat was described and pointed out. Water plants were starting to emerge in the marsh, but none were yet flowering.
Some birds were observed and others were heard off in the trees. There will be a bird walk on the third Saturday in May when hopefully more of our feathered friends will be enjoyed.

Government Island is a unique, fascinating park located in a very accessible place. The Master Naturalists hope to introduce the public to this ever changing forest and wetlands environment. Through education comes an understanding of the need for conservation. We hope you will join us for our next walk, July 21 at 8AM. Separate, tailored walks can also be made available to groups. with prior arrangement. Contact the chapter to make arrangements.

See you on July 21!

On Saturday, April 21, the first naturalist-guided nature walk was conducted at Government Island, Stafford. The weather was cooperative and 50 participants joined naturalists Maria Cannata and Kristen Murphy, with help from Leslie Raterman. M.C. Moncure, from the Stafford Board of Tourism, took photos and handed out cold water at the end of the walk.

During the introduction to Austin Run, the group was treated to the appearance of a Northern water snake. The creek water was clear as a bell, allowing participants to view the snake, turtles, fish, and frogs. During the walk the naturalists pointed out both native and intrusive species. Many types of vines were encountered from lovely wild roses, to wild blackberries, and the wonders of the ever disagreeable poison ivy plant. Green brier, with its year-long prickers was evident, along with wild grape, honeysuckle, and Virginia Creeper. Spring wildflowers were still in bloom. Natives, such as Jack-in-the-Pulpit, Spring Beauties, and intrusive plants like mustard, pretty, but not welcome. As the participants strolled along the path, various types of trees were discussed. Some trees quite common, some invasive, such as the Tree of Heaven. Of particular interest was the one Devil's Walking Stick tree that has been found at Government Island.
Some of the history of Government Island was given, but that will be the topic of the walk scheduled for the third Saturday in June. The geology of the sandstone at the quarry site was explained with a brief explanation of the quarrying process.

Government Island has two types of forest, two creeks (Austin Run and Aquia Creek), marsh and swamp habitats and one ""gem" of the island, a small vernal pool. Each individual wetlands habitat was described and pointed out. Water plants were starting to emerge in the marsh, but none were yet flowering.
Some birds were observed and others were heard off in the trees. There will be a bird walk on the third Saturday in May when hopefully more of our feathered friends will be enjoyed.

Government Island is a unique, fascinating park located in a very accessible place. The Master Naturalists hope to introduce the public to this ever changing forest and wetlands environment. Through education comes an understanding of the need for conservation. We hope you will join us for our next walk, July 21 at 8AM. Separate, tailored walks can also be made available to groups. with prior arrangement. Contact the chapter to make arrangements.

See you on July 21!

2012 Master Naturalist Training

We will be offering Master Naturalist training beginning in August.  To become a Certified Master Naturalist, you must complete a 40 hour basic training class, 8 advanced training hours, and 40 volunteer hours.  In return, you will learn much about nature, conservation, and the environment.  In addition, you will meet many wonderful and dedicated people with similar interests.

More information about the planned training will be posted at a later date.  If you are interested, please contact our chapter.

2012 Master Naturalist Training

We will be offering Master Naturalist training beginning in August.  To become a Certified Master Naturalist, you must complete a 40 hour basic training class, 8 advanced training hours, and 40 volunteer hours.  In return, you will learn much about nature, conservation, and the environment.  In addition, you will meet many wonderful and dedicated people with similar interests.

More information about the planned training will be posted at a later date.  If you are interested, please contact our chapter.

Government Island Guided Nature Hikes Begin this Month

The Master Naturalists are pleased to announce the first guided nature walk at Stafford County's Government Island, off Coal Landing Road, just east of Route 1 in North Stafford. The first walk will take place on Saturday, April 21 at 2:00 pm. Members Maria Cannata and Kristen Murphy will meet participants in the parking lot for an informative, lively nature walk along well-marked trails. Bring walking shoes and water.

Maria and Kristen have been working for months locating and learning the flora, fauna, and geology of the park. Government Island is a fascinating area in its diversity. Within the confines of the park there are 2 creeks, swampland, tidal marsh, and even a vernal pool. As Spring slowly evolves, so does the landscape at Government Island. Almost daily new plants are growing and new animals are becoming active. Each day brings a new surprise.

Government Island contains the site of the old sandstone quarry that was in operation during colonial times. Blocks of Aquia freestone were used to build many of the symbols of freedom that we see in Washington, D.C., including the White House and Capitol Building. The stone was taken by barge down Aquia Creek and up the Potomac. The quarry site is now accessible to the public.

Walks will continue throughout the summer and fall, on the 3rd Saturday of the month,at varying times, starting on a regular basis in June or July, as park access permits. Groups may request the nature walk, or a modified/customized version by contacting our chapter.

Government Island Guided Nature Hikes Begin this Month

The Master Naturalists are pleased to announce the first guided nature walk at Stafford County's Government Island, off Coal Landing Road, just east of Route 1 in North Stafford. The first walk will take place on Saturday, April 21 at 2:00 pm. Members Maria Cannata and Kristen Murphy will meet participants in the parking lot for an informative, lively nature walk along well-marked trails. Bring walking shoes and water.

Maria and Kristen have been working for months locating and learning the flora, fauna, and geology of the park. Government Island is a fascinating area in its diversity. Within the confines of the park there are 2 creeks, swampland, tidal marsh, and even a vernal pool. As Spring slowly evolves, so does the landscape at Government Island. Almost daily new plants are growing and new animals are becoming active. Each day brings a new surprise.

Government Island contains the site of the old sandstone quarry that was in operation during colonial times. Blocks of Aquia freestone were used to build many of the symbols of freedom that we see in Washington, D.C., including the White House and Capitol Building. The stone was taken by barge down Aquia Creek and up the Potomac. The quarry site is now accessible to the public.

Walks will continue throughout the summer and fall, on the 3rd Saturday of the month,at varying times, starting on a regular basis in June or July, as park access permits. Groups may request the nature walk, or a modified/customized version by contacting our chapter.

Salamander Loop Hike

 Join the Virginia Master Naturalists on the Spotsylvania Greenway Initiative's Salamander Loop.  Our Central Rappahannock Chapter leads nature walks on the 2nd Sunday of the month. It's a great opportunity to learn about the trees, wildflowers, birds, and other wildlife.  We make new discoveries each month as we explore the upland forest and vernal pool.

See the listing of events on this page for dates and location.