Conservation Celebration Family Fun Sept 27

The Conservation Celebration nature festival at Rust Nature Sanctuary will be fun for the whole family.

On September 27 from noon to 4 pm you can enjoy live Bluegrass by Acoustic Burgoo and music by Moon Music, art and nature crafters, magicians and street theatre, food and fun. There will be lots of hands-on activities for children, guided nature walks, house tours, nature exhibits, exhibits of solar and other “green” personal and home products.

Admission is free.

WHEN: Sunday September 27: Noon to 4pm

WHERE: 802 Childrens Center Road, Leesburg, VA 20175 [Google Map]

The Audubon Naturalist Society’s Rust Sanctuary is a 68-acre nature center with historic Manor House and grounds located at 802 Childrens Center Road, just minutes from downtown Leesburg.

To learn more about the event visit the Event Web Page or call 703-669-2561.

Sept 30: Learn Dos and Don’ts of living on Limestone

Living on Limestone can present some challenges.

Put simply, limestone can dissolve when even slightly acidic water flows over or through it (remember the really cool caves you visited – Luray Caverns, etc?)  Now, if you live on land that has underlying limestone bedrock, you need to understand it.

Over time limestone areas, called Karst, may collapse causing sinkholes.  The other caution for Karst area residents is the risk of groundwater contamination.  Typically our drinking water wells tap aquifers deep in the ground buried under hundreds of feet of soil.  Slightly polluted rainwater, or even a chemical spill, is not going to have an immediate and direct affect your well water.  However in Karst, sinkholes and fissures in the ground surface created by the slow “melting” of limestone rock may create a direct connection between the water on the ground’s surface and the groundwater aquifer.

A little lesson in living on limestone could help protect your property and health.

The Lucketts Community Center Advisory Board, Piedmont Environmental Council, and Virginia Master Naturalist are sponsoring a workshop to learn the facts about Limestone Geology, also known as Karst.  Land and home owners will hear from a panel of experts who will explain what Karst is, its relationship with water, its impact on development, and what that means to you.

Panelists include: Dr. Malcolm Field, Hydrogeologist, National Center for Environmental Assessment, USEPA; Andy Forrest, P.G. Forrest Environmental Services; Alison Teetor, Clarke County Natural Resource Planner.

WHEN: Wednesday, September 30, 2009  6:30-9pm
WHERE: Lucketts Community Center, 42361 Lucketts Road, Lucketts, VA  Directions

View the Flyer

Workshop Agenda:
6:30 pm – 7 pm – View Informational Booths & Resources
7 pm – 7:15 pm – Introductions
7:15 pm – 8:15 pm – Panel Presentations
8:15 pm – 8:45 pm – Question & Answer Session
8:45 pm – 9 pm – Wrap Up

For more information, please email Gem Bingol, PEC or call 703-431-6941.

Let’s get personal

September 20th is your opportunity to “get up close and personal” with Loudoun’s very own Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve.

This free Open House, which runs from 11am to 3 pm, is being sponsored and organized by the Friends of Banshee Reeks.  The event will feature several “stations” where visitors can see hands-on demonstrations and learn more about the volunteer activities going on at Banshee Reeks.

Have an interest in birds?  You can learn more about volunteer bird banding, migratory birds, and what birds are found on the Preserve.  There will be demonstrations by stream monitors, a station to learn more about our snakes, turtles, and frogs; and information about invasive plants and the volunteer efforts at Banshee Reeks to manage these alien invaders and promote the return of native plants.

“The event will feature family-friendly activities and interactive demonstrations focusing on stream monitoring, bird banding and monitoring, amphibians and reptiles, native and invasive plants, rain gardens, and more that will provide an opportunity for visitors to celebrate the environmental, cultural, and historical stewardship of the nature preserve. Hayrides and guided archaeological and nature walks are also planned for the open house. Admission is free.“

New site Koddler offers search for “local activities for Kids and Toddlers”

Koddler is a new website that parents will find useful and interesting.

Koddler helps you find local activities for Kids and Toddlers.

At their home page you can do a quick search of “what you are looking for” coupled with the ability to limit your search to your own geographic area.  Audubon Naturalist Society’s Rust Nature Sanctuary is currently one of the featured sites on the home page.

Check it out HERE

Art and Nature Join Hands at Rust Nature Sanctuary

Today’s kids need more “doing”, less “watching”.

According to researchers and educators, nature experiences can provide lasting benefits to children.  In fact, researchers say connecting kids with nature is essential to their cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being.  In addition, research has shown that arts education provides children with mental stimulation and life lessons that help them succeed in school and beyond.

Children learn by hands-on experiences.

Since nature provides a challenge to all of our senses and art offers the perfect creative outlet, why not combine them?

Bruce McGranahan of Rust Nature Sanctuary and Wendy Green of KidzArt decided to do just that with a partnership between Audubon Naturalist Society and KidzArt.  “Art in Nature” will debut this September 16th at Rust Nature Sanctuary in Leesburg.  The program, designed for elementary school children, will combine  an interactive nature lesson led by a staff naturalist  with  an art lesson led by a certified  KidzArt instructor.  Topics will include: trees and plants, bugs, sea creatures, birds, amphibians and animals. Each session will begin with a nature presentation by a naturalist followed by art instruction and hands-on drawing.

“Nature is directly connected to our health,” says Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods:  Saving our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder .  “It helps us feel better physically and psychologically. It helps us pay attention.”

Research shows that getting kids out in nature increases their physical activity, reduces loneliness, depression and attention problems.  KidzArt stresses problem-solving skills and children show increased self-confidence when they study art.   The “Art in Nature” program will encourage the young naturalist/artist to explore the details and intricacies in nature whether it is the subtlety of plants or the vibrant colors of birds and bugs.

WHEN: Wednesdays from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm beginning September 16 and ending October 21.

WHERE: Rust Nature Sanctuary, 802 Childrens Center Road, Leesburg, VA.  [MAP]

FEE: The registration fee for six lessons is $126.

This class is designed for 1st through 5th graders.  To register for this program go to www.kidzartva.com.  For more information contact Wendy Green at 703-669-3772 or Bruce McGranahan at 703-669-2561.

County Continues to Push for Road through Nature Preserve

Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve remains under serious threat by a County plan to to realign The Woods Road through the County’s own prized nature preserve.

“If you believe Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve is an important county resource, now is the time to demonstrate it.”

- President of the Friends of Banshee Reeks

Citizens have been asking for an “open and transparent” public process for years.  The County however, has been slow to react.   The last public meeting on the road was in April 2008.  Now, fifteen months later at the insistence of Catoctin District Supervisor Sally Kurtz, the County staff has agreed to another public meeting on July 29th.

Environmental Stewardship Adventure Days

I wanted to pass this along from my firends at Adventure Links.

Get Outside & Give Back This Summer

Environmental Stewardship Adventure Days 2009

With such a enthusiastic response in 2008, Adventure Links is once again organizing three Environmental Stewardship Adventure Days. These volunteer opportunities are designed to support our local parks and wildlife areas while getting families active and outdoors.  The giving goes both ways too – spend the morning doing trail and river clean up and the afternoon participating in complementary adventure activities! The day trips are free and open to all volunteers over the age of 8. We encourage families to come together, and participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Shenandoah River Clean Up DATE: June 27 TIME: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM MAX:  20 Volunteers Spend the day on the river cleaning up the banks and pulling out debris from the river. Rafting is a refreshing retreat from the hot summer rays. Elizabeth Furnace Clean Up DATE: July 18 TIME: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM MAX: 20 Volunteers Help clean up Elizabeth’s Furnace! We will be removing debris from the bottom of the rock and surrounding trails, then rewarding ourselves with an afternoon of rock climbing. Bear’s Den Clean Up DATE: September 12 TIME: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM MAX: 20 Volunteers Come hike the trails around Bear’s Den Hostel, a favorite Blue Ridge stop for Appalachian Trail hikers. We’ll help maintain the several loop trails around the hostel, while learning the rich history of the AT. Please call Adventure Links at (800) 877-0954 or visit our web site at www.AdventureLinks.net for more information.

Adventure Links
21498 Blue Ridge Mountain Road
Paris, Virginia 20130
800.877.0954

Fun Barn Dance fundraiser June 13 in Lovettsville

EcoStewards Alliance is hosting a good ol’ fashioned Barn Dance Saturday, June 13, 2009: 5:00 – 9:30 PM.  Here’s a way to have some fun and support a good cause.

This benefit for the non-profit EcoStewards Alliance, will be include appetizers, cookout and dessert, wine from adjacent Hiddencroft Vineyards and dancing – Contra, Circle and Square Dancing in the Barn – featuring caller Ann Fallon, fiddler Alexander Mitchell and guitarist Matt Levine

“Hillbilly Barn Dance,” by Kelly Fitzpatrick, 1945

WHERE: Nature’s Homestead, the farm of Peter Kelsey, ESA’s founder.

WHEN: June 13.  Explore the farm* (5 – 5:45PM), enjoy cookout (6:00PM) and have fun dancing to great music! (Not to worry, contra, circle and square dances will be taught!) Cash bar – wine, beer, soda and water.

COST: $25/person: includes appetizers, cookout, one beer or soda and dessert.  $50/Friend ($25 tax-deductible): includes the above plus a glass of wine. $100/Patron ($75 tax-deductible): includes the above plus an ESA tote bag or hat.

Purchase tickets by credit card at http://www.ecostewardsalliance.org/ or mail a check made out to EcoStewards Alliance plus your name, address and name(s) of those accompanying you to PO Box 2609, Reston, VA 20195.

ESA is a 501(C)(3)non-profit organization whose mission is to awaken our inner connection with Nature and to personal choices that enrich our lives and the environment.

For more information contact Maureen Becker,  Managing Director, MaureenESA@gmail.com or 571-323-2386.

May Programs at Rust Sanctuary

MAY 16: 8 to 10 AM—Beginning Birding

Learn Birding basics on the 3rd Saturday of each month at Rust Nature Sanctuary.  Binoculars, field guides and the basics of how to watch and learn to identify birds will be covered.

MAY 16: 10 to 11:30 AM—Cold Blooded Critters: Frogs and Toads

Saturday 10-11:30 This is the last in a 3 part series uncovering the mysteries of reptiles and amphibians. We will challenge myths about these fascinating creatures and explore the exciting reality about the way these creatures hunt, hide and survive.  Recommended for ages 3-6 with an adult. Call 703-669-0000 or email sortmann@audubonnaturalist.org to register

MAY 19: 4:00 PM—Musical Mark and the Batsong Tour

The Batsong Tour with Musical Mark makes a stop at Rust Sanctuary!  Kids of all ages will enjoy Musical Mark and this fun interactive concert about bats May 19th from 4:00-5:00 PM.  The Batsong Tour ‘09 is a dynamic theatrical event with lots of surprises. The show includes cave-like features, maybe some low lying fog to set the mood along with a batty backdrop and special lighting features. An audio soundtrack accompaniment will enrich the music.  Musical Mark will perform in his bat costume and get the audience singing along with “Matt the Bat” and “Batsong Rap-a-long” for starters.   $5.00/person admission.

MAY 21: 3:30 to 4:30 PM—Predators and Prey

Join us in this thrilling new series as we explore the true cat-and-mouse chases of nature. Foxes and rabbits, hawks and chipmunks, even ladybugs and aphids cannot escape young detectives as we discover how these animals hunt, fly, hide and swim to survive in the wilds of our sanctuary. Recommended for children age 3-6 with an adult. $8 for drop in. Please register by calling 703-669-0000 or email susanneo@audubonnaturalist.org.

MAY 21: 7:00 PM—Whitetail Deer, Friend or Foe

Suburban development and agriculture provide ideal “edge” habitat for this species, which has added to its proliferation throughout Loudoun County.  Human vs. deer conflicts have become a daily occurrence on highways, farms and backyards.

The Audubon Naturalist Society is sponsoring this free program about the Eastern Whitetail Deer.

• Why are there so many deer?
• Is the growing deer herd in Virginia healthy for the species?
• Is the growing deer herd in Virginia healthy for the environment?
• What natural population controls, if any, are currently at play?
• What can we expect in terms of herd management in coming years?
• What about those products that claim to keep deer away.  Do they work?
• Are there any sure-fire methods to make your garden “deer proof”?

John Rohm of Virginia’s Department of Game and Inland Fisheries will offer insight into these questions and more while he talks about the natural history of the deer, the history of deer herd management and what we can do to coexist with this wildlife species.

Light refreshments will be served.  For more information call 703-669-0000.

Purcellville protects 1271-acres through a conservation easement

The Town of Purcellville filed its agreement with the Virginia Outdoor Foundation (VOF) to place 1,271 acres of land into a conservation and open-space easement on Earth Day, April 22nd.

“I am proud of the Council taking action to protect our reservoir and its watershed,” said Purcellville Mayor Robert W. Lazaro, Jr. “The Town has a proactive environmental record including holding an easement on a ten-acre stream valley property and placing an historic easement on our Fireman’s Field property. This latest easement is the largest easement in Loudoun and the first by a municipality in Loudoun.”

The easement will help protect a significant portion of the watershed above the J.T. Hirst Reservoir, three springs and the reservoir itself. The reservoir provides nearly one-half of the drinking water for the Town.

“I congratulate the Town of Purcellville for their foresight to protect the watershed for its drinking-water reservoir,” said Governor Timothy M. Kaine. “This conservation easement is remarkable, and it demonstrates the significant leadership role local governments can play in preserving open space. The town’s decision will help protect local drinking water and maintain the area’s natural beauty for generations to come.”

Loudoun Board honors volunteers

The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors honored the recipients of the Volunteer Loudoun 2009 Outstanding Volunteer Awards during its April 21 regular board meeting.  Two winners in environmental volunteer work are worthy of additional praise and recognition.

Outstanding Volunteer Project: Banshee Reeks Weed Battalion – Affectionately known as the “Wee Bees,” the Banshee Reeks Weed Battalion is a dedicated team of nine volunteers who spent over 1,500 hours addressing the threat posed by non-native invasive plants to the biodiversity of Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve.

Outstanding Environmental Volunteer:  Nicole Hamilton – Over the past ten years, Nicole Hamilton has served in many leadership roles in The Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy, providing countless hours of service to the group. With her initiative, many of the conservancy’s programs have grown as has membership in the organization. She has started or enhanced many programs, including the 2008 Butterfly Count which counted nearly 3,000 total butterflies and over 50 species.

Earth Day happenings in Loudoun

April 22, 2009

April 22 Morning and Afternoon: enGuage It! kicks off in Purcellville

On Earth Day, April 22, the Newton Marasco Foundation is launching enGAUGE It, an innovative new program that will benefit the environment and the wallet by keeping tires properly inflated.

The local foundation is partnering with the students at Loudoun Valley High School (LVHS) and the Town of Purcellville to pilot an enGAUGE It in Purcellville.   The program is designed to give students the tools to hold an Earth Day event to give away tire gauges and educate drivers in their communities about the benefits of keeping their tires properly inflated.

Every year, drivers waste billions of dollars – and 1.2 billion gallons of gas – because of under-inflated tires. With properly inflated tires, drivers can improve their fuel economy, reduce harmful emissions, spend less on gas and prevent auto accidents. enGAUGE It puts  students in the driver’s seat to have a meaningful impact on individuals and the environment.

enGAUGE It events will start with a morning assembly in the high school auditorium.  Following the assembly, dozens of students will check the tire pressures on cars parked at the Loudoun Valley Shopping Center.

Then, students will fan out across the community to educate drivers about checking their tires and to distribute free tire pressure gauges.  LEARN MORE >>>

April 22 beginning at 4:30 P.M.: Earth Day Dinner at American Flatbread

American Flatbread is hosting an Earth Day Family Dinner.  This event will have live jazz music, wine tasting by Corcoran Winery, and an art exhibit by local artists.  A portion of the proceeds go to support Earth Day @ Loudoun 2009.  Reservations open from 4:30pm.  You can reserve your table by calling: 703-723-7003  MENU

April 22 from 7:00 to 9:30 p.m.: Energy and Environmental Sustainability Awards

 

Sustainable Loudoun and REHAU will hold the Energy and Environmental Sustainability Awards ceremony to celebrate Earth Day in Loudoun County at REHAU’s North American headquarters in Leesburg.  The program includes a panel of speakers, an awards ceremony and a reception to honor the 2009 winners of the Energy and Environmental Sustainability Awards at Loudoun County Public School’s (LCPS) Regional Science and Engineering Fair.

The event is open to the general public.  Speakers include Patricia Lovelady, an energy industry professional, who will discuss “Washington, D.C. Energy Conservation Strategies;” Nahjib Salehi, head of the Energy Conservation Cabinet Team, presenting “Energy Initiatives in Loudoun County;” and G. Mark Gibb, executive director of the Northern Virginia Regional Commission, who will talk about the “Mission of the Northern Virginia Regional Commission.”

Following the presentations, Jeffrey Platenburg, assistant superintendent for support services with Loudoun County Public Schools, will introduce the recipients and winning projects of the 2009 Energy and Environmental Sustainability Awards which will be presented by Tony Noerpel from Sustainable Loudoun and Mike Maher from REHAU.

The evening will conclude with a reception and a 15-minute video presentation of the documentary “Raising the Green Roof.”

April 26, 2009

April 26 11:00 to 3:00 PM: EarthDay@Loudoun

Willow Creek Farm, near Clydes in Broadlands will be the site of Loudoun’s big Earth Day Celebration!

Enjoy entertainment, exhibits, workshops and activities that will engage and inspire the entire community.  Participating organizations will have kid/family friendly activities.

This is the First Annual Earth Day event, endorsed by Loudoun County Board of Supervisors and Loudoun County Public Schools.

April 26 4:00 to 6:00 PM: Melanie Talks Trees at Rust Nature Sanctuary

Local author Melanie Choukas-Bradley will discuss and sign copies of the new edition of City of Trees: The Complete Field Guide to the Trees of Washington, DC. from 4-6 p.m. at Rust Nature Sanctuary in Leesburg.

Admission is free and light refreshments will be served.

Melanie Choukas-Bradley is the author of Sugarloaf: The Mountain’s History, Geology, and Natural Lore (Virginia) and An Illustrated Guide to Eastern Woodland Wildflowers and Trees (Virginia). She is a longtime contributor to The Washington Post as well as a field botany instructor for the USDA Graduate School and a field trip leader for ANS.

DIRECTIONS

April 26 Beginning at 7:00 PM: Winged Migration

You can wrap up Earth Day evening with the Franklin Park Arts Center as they present the awe-inspiring documentary, Winged Migration.

This film is a critically acclaimed documentary of migrating birds through 40 countries and every continent; captured using planes, gliders, helicopters and balloons, allowing the filmmakers a spectacularly intimate look at their subjects. From Academy Award-nominated Director Jacques Perrin 2002 Academy Award® Nominee for Best Documentary.

Admission is Free.  More information is at www.franklinparkartscenter.org.

Kudos to Loudoun Board on PATH vote

The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors voted to not grant easements for the proposed Potomac-Appalachian Transmission Highline.

Critics of PATH say the real motivation is to provide cheap coal-fired power to customers outside the region.  Not only does this project perpetuate the use of an outdated and dirty technology, the transmission lines would be an irreparable eyesore on Loudoun’s beautiful landscape.

According to an article at LoudounTimes.com by Shannon Sollinger,

“By a unanimous vote at its April 7 meeting, the supervisors approved a letter to the power company declining to give up any conservation easements that stand in the way of PATH – the Potomac-Appalachian Transmission Highline.

Sally Kurtz (D-Catoctin) added that any application to the State Corporation Commission should include putting the line underground.”

LINK TO FULL ARTICLE >>>

Hike the Blue Ridge Center with Hillsboro Elementary School

Supporting and developing tomorrow’s environmental leaders is important.  Here is an opportunity to join students from Hillsboro Elementary School and Loudoun Valley High School on a nature hike at the Blue Ridge Center.

John DeMary and his students from the Loudoun Valley High School Environmental Explorations class will be along to point out various plants and wildlife we see along the trail. Bring your own lunch to enjoy after the hike.

WHEN: Saturday, April 25 from 10am to 12pm.

WHERE: Blue Ridge Center for Environmental Stewardship,11661 Harpers Ferry Road, Purcellville VA 20132

For more information, please email Amie Ware.

Directions to the site >>>

Is County’s budget fair to the environment?

Loudoun County is struggling with the annual budget.  I thought I would take a quick, unscientific look at how the environment fares in the proposed FY 2010 budget.

Total General Government and School System tops $1.4 billion.

The fiscal plan for Loudoun County’s Fiscal Year 2010 totals about $1.44 billion in appropriations for the general county government and school system.  According to the county’s website, the proposed fiscal plan includes $909 million for the school system, $484 million for general county expenditures, and $10.6 million for the Comprehensive Services Act for At-Risk Youth (CSA).  The fiscal plan follows the Board of Supervisors’ direction to Bowers to present a budget that would not require any increase in local tax funding for the general county government operating budget.

So, out of the 1.4 billion dollar budget about how much does the county spend on protecting the environment?

The environmental programs in the county are spread over multiple departments because there is no central authority within the organization.  So if, for example, a citizen wanted to report an environmental violation you may well be passed around by phone to a half dozen departments and never really get to the “right person”.  In fact you will find that the word “environment” doesn’t even deserve a mention on the County’s 2010 Organizational Chart.

Or, if someone wanted to analyze the county budget proposal and review the appropriations going to protect the environment, they would have a very difficult time because it is not specifically listed in the County Budget.  So the best we can do is make an estimate based on the way the county government operates.  Here’s my stab at it.

1. Department:  County Administration.  Proposed FY 2010 Budget: $2.5 million.  Percent for environment: 0%, $0 million
2. Department:  Planning Services.  Proposed FY 2010 Budget: $3.1 million.  Percent for environment: 5%, $0.2 million
3. Department:  Building and Development-Engineering.  Proposed FY 2010 Budget: $6.3 million.  Percent for environment: 50%, $3.1 million
4. Department:  General Services-Public Works.  Proposed FY 2010 Budget: $2.7 million.  Percent for environment: 100%, $2.7 million
5. Department:  Health-Environmental Health.  Proposed FY 2010 Budget: $2.4 million.  Percent for environment: 20%, $0.5 million

My estimate of the total “Environmental Budget” is about $6.5 million.

You could argue how the money is actually spent either up or down but the bottom line is less than 1/2 of 1 percent is budgeted to protect the County’s natural and cultural resources.  Even if my educated guess is off by a factor of two, the environmental budget is still less than 1 percent of the total (If my analysis is flawed I would appreciate someone explaining it to me).

Loudoun County FY 2010 Budget includes less than 1/2 of 1 percent for protecting the County's environment and history

Do you think this level of commitment is sufficient?

I don’t think this is an adequate commitment to protecting the unique history and natural resources of such a wonderful county as Loudoun.  Planning for, monitoring, and maintaining a clean healthy environment is critical to clean water, human health, productive agriculture, and safe communities.  I think we can do better.

“Helping build and sustain quality community
is the Loudoun County government’s mission
and it is our ongoing commitment to the public
we serve.”

- 2008 Loudoun County Annual Report

How will the Board of Supervisors balance the budget?

By tough decisions and many, if not all of them will be unpopular.  But, in a $1.4 billion dollar budget the money is there.  It’s just a matter of priorities and the political courage to do the right thing.

Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy lists March 2009 Events

VANISHING VERNAL POOLS ― Saturday, March 7, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at Rust Nature Sanctuary. Registration Required. This Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy (LWC) program begins with an indoor session on vernal pool ecology. This will be followed by an outdoor exploration of vernal pool habitats at Rust Nature Sanctuary and other nearby locations. Co-sponsored with the Audubon Naturalist Society (ANS). ANS & LWC members: $29; nonmembers: $41. To register contact ANS at 301-652-9188, ext.16. For those who plan to become monitors in LWC’s Amphibian Monitoring Program for the 2009 season, please register with Nicole Hamilton (nhamilton@loudounwildlife.org) and the fee will be covered by LWC.

MID-WEEK NATURE WALK WITH MIKE HAYSLETT ― March 11, 3-5 p.m. Registration Required. Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and Mike Hayslett-vernal pool expert and head of the Vernal Pool Institute at Sweet Briar College-for an exploration of one of eastern Loudoun’s natural areas where vernal pools thrive with wood frogs, spring peepers and salamanders. During the walk, Mike will discuss this very special wetland area, the lifecycles of the animals that use vernal pools for breeding locations, and the importance of the forests that surround them. Space is limited for this walk in order to minimize the impact of human foot traffic in these sensitive habitats. Please Sign up online or contact Nicole Hamilton at nhamilton@loudounwildlife.org.

AMPHIBIANS AFOOT! March 11, 7-8:30 p.m. Event to be held at
Broadlands Nature Center located at 21907 Claiborne Parkway, Broadlands, Va. Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy (LWC) for a family program with Mike Hayslett-vernal pool expert and head of the Vernal Pool Institute at Sweet Briar College-for a discussion about vernal pools and their unique attributes. You’ll learn about the diversity of frogs, toads and salamanders and their interesting habitats. As you learn about them, you may discover that you have these special vernal pools right in your own neighborhood. Learn how your family can engage in monitoring and preserving these special habitats and the forests that are required for amphibian life to thrive. Nicole Hamilton, amphibian monitoring coordinator for LWC, will discuss the Loudoun Amphibian Monitoring Program and handout materials will be available. For questions, contact Nicole Hamilton at nhamilton@loudounwildlife.org.

SPRING POOLS INSTITUTE ― March 13, 14, 15.  Registration Required.  Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy welcomes back Mike Hayslett for his popular “crash-course” workshop on vernal pools. Hands-on training begins at 1 p.m. on Friday with background instruction indoors and examination outdoors of the unique wetland at the ANS Rust Nature Sanctuary in Leesburg. Saturday and Sunday will be all-day field explorations, including visits to numerous vernal pools and other isolated wetlands around Leesburg, at the Blue Ridge Center for Environmental Stewardship, and other vernal pools around Loudoun County. Optional night forays are also possible, depending on rainfall. Participants will receive take-home materials and spend ample time outdoors experiencing a variety of wetland habitats. The group will likely encounter four or five species of obligate wildlife fauna, including Spotted and Jefferson Salamanders, Wood Frogs and Fairy Shrimp. Cost for this three-day foray is $49 for LWC members, $69 for non-members (meals not included). Registration must be completed by March 10 and is limited to 20 participants. Full details (schedule/itinerary, what-to-bring, background info, etc.) will be provided upon registration with LWC. To register contact Nicole Hamilton at nhamilton@loudounwildlife.org.

BIRDING BANSHEE ― Saturday, March 14, 8:00 a.m. Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and the Friends of Banshee Reeks at the Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve for the monthly bird walk. Because of its rich and varied habitat, this part of the county is a birding hot spot. Please bring binoculars. For more information, contact Joe Coleman at 540-554-2542 or jcoleman@loudounwildlife.org.

BEGINNING BIRDING WORKSHOP ― Saturday, March 21 & March 28, 9-11 a.m. This two-part workshop sponsored by Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy is for bird-watching beginners ages 7 and older and is led by experienced birder and naturalist, Phil Daley. Children must be accompanied by an adult. A classroom session will include learning about what to look and listen for and getting tips on identification and the best tools for doing so. This will be followed with a walk outside to see how many birds we can identify. Bring binoculars if you have them. For more information, contact Phil Daley at 540-338-6528.

LOUDOUN AMPHIBIAN MONITORING PROGRAM (LAMP) 2009 KICKOFF ― Saturday, March 21, 10 a.m-4 p.m. Registration Required. Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy at the Blue Ridge Center for Environmental Stewardship to kick off the 2009 Amphibian Monitoring Program. Learn about site surveys, frog call surveys and migration mapping. All the materials you need to get started will be issued and after the presentation, you’ll head out into the field to practice your identification skills by looking and listening for different frogs, toads and salamanders. No experience is needed to become a monitor, just an interest in learning about local amphibians and their habitats. Advance sign-up is required. To register
for this orientation, sign up online or contact Nicole Hamilton at nhamilton@loudounwildlife.org.  Please bring a bag lunch.

SUNDAY IN THE PRESERVE
― Sunday, March 22 1 p.m. Join the Friends of Banshee Reeks and Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy for a free informal, family walk around the preserve. Search for the many natural wonders that make this such a special place. For information, call the Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve at 703-669-0316.

BIRDING THE BLUE RIDGE CENTER ― Saturday, March 28, 8 a.m. On the fourth Saturday of each month (except December), Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy leads a free bird walk at the Blue Ridge Center for Environmental Stewardship (BRCES). This beautiful 900-acre preserve is located on Harpers Ferry Road, Route 671, in northwestern Loudoun County. Only a few miles south of Harpers Ferry and the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, the property includes meadows in the valley and heavily forested slopes on the Blue Ridge. Meet at the Neersville Volunteer Fire Station on Route 671 at 8 a.m. For more information,
contact Joe Coleman at 540-554-2542 or jcoleman@loudounwildlife.org.

BLUEBIRD PREDATOR GUARD/MAKE IT-TAKE IT WORKSHOP
― Saturday, March 28. Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy will teach you how to make your own Stovepipe Bluebird Predator Guards to help protect birds from snakes and other predators. All materials provided.  Cost: $15 fee for materials required.  Location and time TBD. Registration required. Sign up at http://www.loudounwildlife.org/SignUp.htm.

Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy is an all-volunteer non-profit organization whose mission is to promote the preservation and proliferation of healthy wildlife habitats throughout Loudoun County. Visit www.loudounwildlife.org or call 540-554-2542.

It’s All about the AT coming Mar 6

The Old Stone School in Hillsboro, Virginia is the site of a free event on March 6 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm for exciting and entertaining presentations about the natural history of the Appalachian Trail.

Guest speakers include:

• Mike Hayslett: Called “Virginia’s leading vernal pool expert” by the Audubon Naturalist Society, Mike has studied mysterious, dark “swamp waters” since childhood and championed the conservation of these wetlands for 20 years. Featured in the April/May 2000 issue of National Wildlife magazine, Mike’s graduate work at Longwood University was on the Natural History of the Mole Salamander in Virginia. He is Naturalist-in-Residence in the Department of Biology at Sweet Briar College and Director of the Virginia Vernal Pools Program, traveling the state and raising awareness for the ecological importance of “underdog wetlands” and their unique living resources. He and his son hiked the 550-mile Virginia portion of the Appalachian Trail. Mike is affectionately called the “SWAAAAmp Man” by Loudoun Valley High School students.

• Rita Hennessy, Outdoor Recreation Specialist, Appalachian National Scenic Trail, National Park Service: Rita has 20 years with the NPS, and more than a 25 year history with the Appalachian Trail. She recently completed a Master of Arts in Community Change and Civic Leadership. Through her graduate studies, Rita created A Trail to Every Classroom, modeled after A Forest for Every Classroom in Vermont. This is a professional development opportunity for teachers to promote getting kids in the woods and discovering the significance of their communities and local resources, as well as connections to other locales through the conduit of the Appalachian Trail.

REI will be there to provide information about trail gear and helpful advice.

And, entertainment by Loudoun’s own Acoustic Burgoo to entertain with their unique blend of folk, blues and traditional tunes. The Acoustic Burgoo features Rudy Bzdyk, Ben Walters, Erik Burnham and Melissa Wright, four young adults bringing a fresh sound to favorite old tunes – with a professional dedication that belies their ages. Formed in January 2006, this band of former LVHS students has been playing local gigs for quite a while, including opening for Ralph Stanley at Franklin Park, opening for Larry Sparks at the Lucketts Bluegrass Series, performing at the Watermelon Park Fest, The Bluemont Fair, The Purple Fiddle, and at The Round Hill Arts Center Bluegrass and Folk Music Jam. And, on April 3, they will be opening for The Seldom Scene at Franklin Park. The Acoustic Burgoo organizes the Loudoun Wildlife Fest, an annual Loudoun County music festival.

Camping refreshments will be provided by the Newton Marasco Foundation (NMF).

“It’s All about the AT” is part of the NMF’s Engaging the Environment in Loudoun community outreach series. This event is free, but space is limited, so please reserve your seat today!

LEARN MORE AND REGISTER HERE >>>

County joins world of recycling

This is interesting.  According to a press release by Loudoun County, “recycling has arrived at major Loudoun parks“.

Apparently, Loudoun County’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services has begun placing recycling bins for bottles and cans next to existing litter receptacles at its three most frequented facilities, Claude Moore Park and Recreation Center in Sterling, the Potomack Lakes Sportsplex in Cascades, and Franklin Park in Purcellville.

I’m not exactly sure what this new-fangled idea is but evidently you can “recycle” bottles and cans.  Perhaps there was an exhaustive study that found recycling is actually a good idea.  Or, maybe the county is beginning to pay attention to its own mandate found elsewhere on its own website?  The following is found at the Recycling webpage:

Is recycling mandatory in Loudoun County?

Yes. Loudoun County has had a mandatory recycling requirement in place since 1991 for both residents and businesses. New recycling requirements became effective January 1, 2003. These requirements make it mandatory for solid waste collectors to provide curbside recycling service to your home. Multi-family dwellings and apartment complexes will also receive recycling collection services.

I’d say if it’s good enough for everyone else, it should be good enough for one of the nation’s most affluent counties to start doin’ it! (And, I guess if we require it, we ought to follow our own rules …)

There’s more good news!  Even though Loudoun County’s household income was reported to be the highest nationwide, we were able to get funding from the Virginia Litter Prevention and Recycling Grant Program.  Yes, according to abc 7 news:

Loudoun County residents had the highest median household income in the nation last year. According to U.S. Census Bureau data released Tuesday, the median income in Loudoun in 2007 topped at $107,207 – the highest in the country.

Should there be bailout money for purchasing “shovel-ready” plastic recycle bins?  Hmm …

Seriously though, I applaud the work of the County’s Recycling Specialist.  I’m sure he has some challenges and I count this as a win for him.  There is a lot of great information on the county website about recycling and it’s worth checking out.

Recycling Brochure (pdf)

Learn more about Recycling in Loudoun County, VA

Mar 12 State of Goose Creek forum

On Thursday, March 12 the Goose Creek Association will present its annual Community Forum at the Middleburg Community Center.

This year’s topic is water quality in the Goose Creek and its tributaries – “The State of the Creek.”

A panel of professionals and volunteer, certified, stream monitors will analyze the results of several years of data collected in the Goose Creek watershed, and discuss which parts of the streams are pristine and which may be impaired and in need of conservation or mitigation measures.

Stream monitors from a diverse set of local organizations, including Goose Creek Association, Loudoun Watershed Watch, and the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy have observed and examined water quality in many of the major tributaries to Goose Creek in Loudoun and Fauquier, among them Little River, Cromwell’s Run, Gap Run, Jeffries Branch, Beaverdam Creek, North Fork Goose Creek, and Simpson’s Creek. This will be the first public presentation of all the stream monitoring scores in both counties. The information presented will paint a complete picture of the health of the Creek and its tributaries, from the Goose Creek’s headwaters near Linden to its confluence with the Potomac near Leesburg.

For landowners and residents wishing to maintain pristine streambeds or restore water quality to the streams in the region, a series of presentations on riparian buffers and conservation and restoration practices will make up the second half of the program. A wide range of efforts to preserve, repair, and mitigate damage to the Creek and its tributaries are underway, and several examples of programs being undertaken by local landowners will be featured, as will exhibits of water quality projects by the participating groups.

The program begins at 7 p.m. and will conclude by 9 p.m. Light refreshments will be served. To register, call the Goose Creek Association office at 687-3073, or email the Goose Creek Association.

Directions

VIA Piedmont Environmental Council

Crimes Against Nature showing Feb 20 in Middleburg

If you are interested in the environment, this film, presented by Go Green of Middleburg, in co-operation with the new Middleburg Area Citizens in Action, promises to be extremely interesting and provocative.

Go Green Middleburg Presents:

Crimes Against Nature

By Angus Yates

Click on image to view movie trailer

The hard-hitting and refreshingly candid nonfiction feature film Crimes Against Nature, inspired by Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s best-seller of the same title, details the systematic dismantling of America’s environmental laws and policies by the Bush administration and its corporate cronies.

Unfolding with the suspense of a classic crime story, this irreverent film exposes the shadowy interplay of people, places, memos, and meetings behind a corporate profit-grab that has gone largely unnoticed by the mainstream media and the American people.

Blending investigative journalism with political satire and dark humor, the film tells the stories of average Americans victimized by corporate greed and political corruption.

WHEN: February 20, 2009. 6:30 p.m. (Film begins at 7:00 p.m.)

WHERE: Middleburg Community Center, 300 W. Washington Street, Middleburg, VA 20118

A discussion with the film’s producer, Angus Yates, will follow the film. [READ MORE about the Film]

RSVP to jarrettposton@msn.com if you are interested in the details of the discussion of the film afterwards.