PVMN picnic
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
- By Unknown
Just a little over a week to go! The election?…NO! The PVMN picnic and Graduation Day for those of us in the class who finally finished the Master Naturalist requirements. And that includes yours truly. Congratulations to us all. We knew we’d finally catch up to our classmates who graduated last year. Finishing everything in one year took a lot of effort so belated congratulations to them too. So don’t forget the November 10 PVMN picnic. Bring a pot luck, your own utensils, some money to bid on the silent auction items and, if you can, a donation for the auction. I’d like to do a survey of the class. What did you do for your volunteer hours and where? And do you have any ideas for future volunteering? E-mail me at linlmercer@aol.com and I'll put them in the next blog. See you at the picnic.
A Cautionary Tale on identifying plants
Friday, October 12, 2012
- By Unknown
Plant identification is certainly hard enough especially for those of us who are not botanists but it really gets difficult when the plant characteristics are similar. I recently went on line to ID a suspicious patch of weedy grassiness on the east side of my house, one of the areas I’ve been letting grow in preparation for a wild yard application. My relief that it wasn’t Japanese stilt grass was short-lived when I discovered a real patch of the stuff on the south side of the house. I live on the side of a mountain ridge. Back to the computer. The predominant wavy leaf pattern and occasionally ambiguous pictures led me to believe that the east side patch was wavy leaf basket grass, an invasive from Asia that is like J. stilt grass in many ways. Big mistake. My first clue should have been the reported distribution of wavy leaf on the Early Detection & Distribution Mapping System (EDDMapS) (none in WV) but I thought the wavy leaf was a dead sure ID. Yesterday, thanks to further research on the internet and a great e-mail description plus a really good picture from Kerrie Kyde, the invasive plant ecologist with Maryland DNR (where the first actual discovery was made in Patapsco State Park), I realized it was Arthraxon hispidus also know as joint-head grass or small carpet grass which is now wide-spread over our area. Moral of the story - do your research and then do it again, unless you have seen it Ided in the flesh, so to speak. Fortunately, EDDMapS has a verification procedure so I would have been busted sooner or later. More on EDDMapS and the Mid-Atlantic Early Detection Network (MAEDN) later. Kerrie also tells me that there is a Cooperative Weed Management Area training taking place at NCTC on November 7 from 9 to 3. It covers how to establish and manage a Weed Management program. It is free except for the obligatory NCTC lunch. If anyone is interested, e-mail me and I will send you a copy of the flyer.
On a happier note, classmate Karen Eddleman, sends us sources for those who are interested in native bees.
“While working on a citizen science project, I came across this beautiful publication (online and PDF) prepared by the USDA. The artwork is amazing! The booklet gives information about the more common native bee species and also some information about pollinator gardens and building nesting structures for mason and other bee species. I think it would be a terrific resource for anyone instructing older students or adults on the topic.” Here's a link: http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5306468.pdf
I took a peak and it really looks like a great educational tool.If you have comments (constructive only please) or an idea for a future blog, e-mail me at
linlmercer@aol.com. or linlmercer@gmail.com I usually check the aol account more often.
On a happier note, classmate Karen Eddleman, sends us sources for those who are interested in native bees.
“While working on a citizen science project, I came across this beautiful publication (online and PDF) prepared by the USDA. The artwork is amazing! The booklet gives information about the more common native bee species and also some information about pollinator gardens and building nesting structures for mason and other bee species. I think it would be a terrific resource for anyone instructing older students or adults on the topic.” Here's a link: http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5306468.pdf
I took a peak and it really looks like a great educational tool.If you have comments (constructive only please) or an idea for a future blog, e-mail me at
linlmercer@aol.com. or linlmercer@gmail.com I usually check the aol account more often.
Join a PVAS Committee!
Monday, September 17, 2012
- By Ellen
Earn Volunteer Hours! Help PVAS Plan New Nature Programs,
Work on Conservation Issues, or Assist in the Management of PVAS's Nature
Preserves
PVAS has formed four new committees - Adult Services, Youth Services, Conservation and Land Management. We would like to seek your help and tap into the talent and expertise of the Potomac Valley Master Naturalists in areas of your interest or expertise. If you're not an expert then you can learn as you earn volunteer hours for your help.
The Adult Services and Youth Services committees need PVMN alums who are willing to lead trips and/or serve as subject matter nature experts. Here is a chance to use your knowledge of butterflies, dragonflies, wildflowers, trees and shrubs, reptiles, amphibians, birds or other natural resources for the benefit of PVAS. Or, join one of these committees to help plan new activities. For more information on Adult Activities, contact Sandy Sagalkin at monsansagalkin@myactv.net or 240-291-6465. For Youth Activities, contact Jim Jenkins at jenkinsjim@verizon.blackberry.net or 571-209-7350. These two committees often work together in planning family activities.
The Conservation committee is looking for new members who are interested in protecting grassland birds, species whose populations are in serious decline; in promoting the availability of certified shade-grown coffee in our service area; and in developing policies for PVAS's adoption of public advocacy positions. For further information, contact Heather McSharry at heather_mcsharry@yahoo.com or 304-707-5758.
The Land Management committee is looking for members that want to assist in the management and development of Yankauer Nature Preserve, Eidolon, and the Stauffer's Marsh Nature Preserve. For further information, contact Lou Scavnicky at captainlou@comcast.net or 304-262-7496.
PVAS has formed four new committees - Adult Services, Youth Services, Conservation and Land Management. We would like to seek your help and tap into the talent and expertise of the Potomac Valley Master Naturalists in areas of your interest or expertise. If you're not an expert then you can learn as you earn volunteer hours for your help.
The Adult Services and Youth Services committees need PVMN alums who are willing to lead trips and/or serve as subject matter nature experts. Here is a chance to use your knowledge of butterflies, dragonflies, wildflowers, trees and shrubs, reptiles, amphibians, birds or other natural resources for the benefit of PVAS. Or, join one of these committees to help plan new activities. For more information on Adult Activities, contact Sandy Sagalkin at monsansagalkin@myactv.net or 240-291-6465. For Youth Activities, contact Jim Jenkins at jenkinsjim@verizon.blackberry.net or 571-209-7350. These two committees often work together in planning family activities.
The Conservation committee is looking for new members who are interested in protecting grassland birds, species whose populations are in serious decline; in promoting the availability of certified shade-grown coffee in our service area; and in developing policies for PVAS's adoption of public advocacy positions. For further information, contact Heather McSharry at heather_mcsharry@yahoo.com or 304-707-5758.
The Land Management committee is looking for members that want to assist in the management and development of Yankauer Nature Preserve, Eidolon, and the Stauffer's Marsh Nature Preserve. For further information, contact Lou Scavnicky at captainlou@comcast.net or 304-262-7496.
"GROWING NATIVE" SEED-COLLECTION
Sunday, October 2, 2011
- By Stephanie
Labels:
Volunteer Opportunities
,
Yankauer
Another good VH activity. You do not have to collect the nuts at Yankauer,
but it's a fun event.
"GROWING NATIVE" SEED-COLLECTION EVENT SET FOR OCT. 8
The Potomac Valley Audubon Society is once again partnering with the Potomac Conservancy to hold a "Growing Native" seed-collection event at the Society's Yankauker Nature Preserve in Berkeley County on Saturday, October 8.
The event will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon, rain or shine.
Everyone is welcome to participate. A state forester will be on hand to aid with seed identification, and seed-collection bags will be provided.
These events are very popular with children and make good family outings.
The Conservancy's Growing Native program is aimed at improving water quality in the Potomac River.
It recruits volunteers to collect seeds of native hardwoods and shrubs and delivers the seeds to state nurseries where they are nurtured into small seedlings.
The seedlings are then planted along streams and rivers in the Potomac watershed to help restore forests that filter pollution and run-off.
Since the program's inception in 2001, more than 50,000 volunteers have collected over 150,000 pounds of seeds.
The Yankauer preserve is located on Whiting's Neck, in the northeastern corner of Berkeley County. Directions can be found on the Potomac Valley Audubon Society website at http://www.potomacaudubon.org/yankauer.html#dir.
Pre-registration for the October 8 event is suggested but not required; people can register on site that morning if they wish. To pre-register or get more information, contact Deanna Tricarico, the Conservancy's Outreach Coordinator, at tricarico@potomac.org or 301-608-1188, extension 204.
For those who cannot attend the October 8 event but would like to help, the Conservancy will be installing seed-collection kiosks at the Yankauer Preserve, the Farmers Market in Inwood, and the Nature Niche store in Berkeley Springs. Families and individuals can gather seeds on their own at their own pace and drop them off at any of these locations anytime through October 23. Full instructions on procedures for gathering and dropping off seeds can be found on the Growing Native website at http://www.growingnative.org.
but it's a fun event.
"GROWING NATIVE" SEED-COLLECTION EVENT SET FOR OCT. 8
The Potomac Valley Audubon Society is once again partnering with the Potomac Conservancy to hold a "Growing Native" seed-collection event at the Society's Yankauker Nature Preserve in Berkeley County on Saturday, October 8.
The event will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon, rain or shine.
Everyone is welcome to participate. A state forester will be on hand to aid with seed identification, and seed-collection bags will be provided.
These events are very popular with children and make good family outings.
The Conservancy's Growing Native program is aimed at improving water quality in the Potomac River.
It recruits volunteers to collect seeds of native hardwoods and shrubs and delivers the seeds to state nurseries where they are nurtured into small seedlings.
The seedlings are then planted along streams and rivers in the Potomac watershed to help restore forests that filter pollution and run-off.
Since the program's inception in 2001, more than 50,000 volunteers have collected over 150,000 pounds of seeds.
The Yankauer preserve is located on Whiting's Neck, in the northeastern corner of Berkeley County. Directions can be found on the Potomac Valley Audubon Society website at http://www.potomacaudubon.org/yankauer.html#dir.
Pre-registration for the October 8 event is suggested but not required; people can register on site that morning if they wish. To pre-register or get more information, contact Deanna Tricarico, the Conservancy's Outreach Coordinator, at tricarico@potomac.org or 301-608-1188, extension 204.
For those who cannot attend the October 8 event but would like to help, the Conservancy will be installing seed-collection kiosks at the Yankauer Preserve, the Farmers Market in Inwood, and the Nature Niche store in Berkeley Springs. Families and individuals can gather seeds on their own at their own pace and drop them off at any of these locations anytime through October 23. Full instructions on procedures for gathering and dropping off seeds can be found on the Growing Native website at http://www.growingnative.org.
The Big Year
- By Stephanie
Labels:
Interesting Links
Fox will release The Big Year on Oct. 14. The film stars are Owen Wilson, Jack Black, and Steve Martin. The movie was inspired by Mark Obamscik’s best-selling chronicle of three colorful and obsessive birders as they compete for the biggest “Big Year.” Audubon served as a resource for the filmmakers, contributing both expertise and Audubon branded materials for set-dressing. Audubon’s take is that it's a positive, engaging look at birding and birders. It even presents a fairly accurate version of Audubon’s founding and its history.
Clearly, it’s not every day that a major film with high profile talent injects birds and birding into the pop culture mainstream. This is a rare opportunity to engage both current members and new audiences. You can watch the trailer online on YouTube (The Big Year (2011) Movie Trailer HD). The movie is featured in the latest issue of Audubon Magazine
Clearly, it’s not every day that a major film with high profile talent injects birds and birding into the pop culture mainstream. This is a rare opportunity to engage both current members and new audiences. You can watch the trailer online on YouTube (The Big Year (2011) Movie Trailer HD). The movie is featured in the latest issue of Audubon Magazine
Tree Planting Volunteer Opportunity
Thursday, September 8, 2011
- By Stephanie
Labels:
Volunteer Opportunities
TREE PLANTING VOLUNTEERS NEEDED SEPTEMBER 24TH
SCWA members and friends are needed to help with a tree planting event in the Morgan County Industrial Park on September 24, 2011 at 9 A.M. We will be planting 200 trees in the area surrounding the Washington Homeopathy Building to help slow storm water runoff into tributaries of Sleepy Creek and to stabilize the soil. The trees have been ordered and will consist of white pines and deciduous trees such as oaks and maples. Once the trees are established, they can absorb up to 68 percent of rain fall and are a good filter of phosphorus and nitrogen as they uptake moisture through their roots. This will help keep these chemicals, as well as sediment from erosion, out of our creeks and waterways.
Holes will be pre-augured, and top soil and wire cages (to prevent deer damage) will be on the site. Volunteers should bring buckets, shovels and hammers or small sledges to pound metal stakes to support wire cages. SCWA will provide gloves and drinking water. A bag lunch will also be provided for those who sign up in advance.
To reach the planting site, from Route 9 East and US 522 (at Sheetz) go south 10.7 miles to the entrance of the Morgan County Industrial Park. Turn left onto J.R. Hawvermale Way and follow the paved road two-tenths of a mile to the end. Turn right onto paved road to the Washington Homeopathy Building.
Everyone is invited to participate, and trees will be planted RAIN OR SHINE. Please sign up in advance in order to provide enough bag lunches. Contact Gale Foulds at 304 258-6155 or dgfoulds@aol.com.
SCWA members and friends are needed to help with a tree planting event in the Morgan County Industrial Park on September 24, 2011 at 9 A.M. We will be planting 200 trees in the area surrounding the Washington Homeopathy Building to help slow storm water runoff into tributaries of Sleepy Creek and to stabilize the soil. The trees have been ordered and will consist of white pines and deciduous trees such as oaks and maples. Once the trees are established, they can absorb up to 68 percent of rain fall and are a good filter of phosphorus and nitrogen as they uptake moisture through their roots. This will help keep these chemicals, as well as sediment from erosion, out of our creeks and waterways.
Holes will be pre-augured, and top soil and wire cages (to prevent deer damage) will be on the site. Volunteers should bring buckets, shovels and hammers or small sledges to pound metal stakes to support wire cages. SCWA will provide gloves and drinking water. A bag lunch will also be provided for those who sign up in advance.
To reach the planting site, from Route 9 East and US 522 (at Sheetz) go south 10.7 miles to the entrance of the Morgan County Industrial Park. Turn left onto J.R. Hawvermale Way and follow the paved road two-tenths of a mile to the end. Turn right onto paved road to the Washington Homeopathy Building.
Everyone is invited to participate, and trees will be planted RAIN OR SHINE. Please sign up in advance in order to provide enough bag lunches. Contact Gale Foulds at 304 258-6155 or dgfoulds@aol.com.
PVAS Volunteer Opportunities
- By Stephanie
Labels:
Local Events
,
Volunteer Opportunities
PVAS really, really needs help for these events! Working a booth is not hard—you just have to answer questions from folks. It’s usually rather fun and if there are 2 people, the time goes really fast!
PVAS is going to be represented in three locations on September 17th. We'll be spread pretty thin, so we'd LOVE some help staffing booths for all or partial days. We're seeking friendly faces, folks familiar with PVAS and the Master Naturalist Program, and good people skills. We'll provide the tents, information, and activities. Interested? Here's where we'll be:
Berkeley Springs Birding Festival:
Judy Webb is coordinating the festival and is looking for volunteers throughout the weekend to help staff the festival information desk, hand out brochures, sell tickets, etc...
Friday, Sept. 16 3:30-10pm: At the Country Inn
Saturday, Sept. 17, 9am-10pm: At the Country Inn
Sunday, Sept. 18, 9-11am: Country Inn. Help clean up room, silent auction pickup, etc..
Please contact Judy Webb directly if you'd like to help with this any portion of this event at natureniche@earthlink.net or 304-258-0992.
Sharpsburg Heritage Festival, Sept. 17th:
Vendors set up on Saturday morning between 7:30 AM and 9:30 AM. The event begins at 10:00 AM. Vendors are asked to remain set up from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM during the festival. Breakdown may begin at 5:30 PM.
Charles Town Heritage Festival, Sept. 17th:
http://historiccharlestownwv.com/heritagefestival.htm
Vendors set up on Saturday morning between 7:30 AM and 9:30 AM. The event begins at 10:00 AM. Vendors are asked to remain set up from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM during the festival. Breakdown may begin at 5:00 PM. (You could meet Richard Dreyfuss!)If you are interested in helping with either of these for at least part of the day, please contact Kristin Alexander at 304-676-3397 or PVASmail@aol.com. Thank you!
Future booth event:
Looking ahead, we could also use help at the Berkeley Springs Apple Butter Festival in October.
Saturday, Oct. 8th, 10am-5pm (parade is at 9 if you like parades)
Sunday, Oct. 9th, 12-5pm
Contact Peter Smith if you'd like to volunteer for this event at pvsmith@frontiernet.net or 304-876-1139.
Thanks, all!
PVAS is going to be represented in three locations on September 17th. We'll be spread pretty thin, so we'd LOVE some help staffing booths for all or partial days. We're seeking friendly faces, folks familiar with PVAS and the Master Naturalist Program, and good people skills. We'll provide the tents, information, and activities. Interested? Here's where we'll be:
Berkeley Springs Birding Festival:
Judy Webb is coordinating the festival and is looking for volunteers throughout the weekend to help staff the festival information desk, hand out brochures, sell tickets, etc...
Friday, Sept. 16 3:30-10pm: At the Country Inn
Saturday, Sept. 17, 9am-10pm: At the Country Inn
Sunday, Sept. 18, 9-11am: Country Inn. Help clean up room, silent auction pickup, etc..
Please contact Judy Webb directly if you'd like to help with this any portion of this event at natureniche@earthlink.net or 304-258-0992.
Sharpsburg Heritage Festival, Sept. 17th:
Vendors set up on Saturday morning between 7:30 AM and 9:30 AM. The event begins at 10:00 AM. Vendors are asked to remain set up from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM during the festival. Breakdown may begin at 5:30 PM.
Charles Town Heritage Festival, Sept. 17th:
http://historiccharlestownwv.com/heritagefestival.htm
Vendors set up on Saturday morning between 7:30 AM and 9:30 AM. The event begins at 10:00 AM. Vendors are asked to remain set up from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM during the festival. Breakdown may begin at 5:00 PM. (You could meet Richard Dreyfuss!)If you are interested in helping with either of these for at least part of the day, please contact Kristin Alexander at 304-676-3397 or PVASmail@aol.com. Thank you!
Future booth event:
Looking ahead, we could also use help at the Berkeley Springs Apple Butter Festival in October.
Saturday, Oct. 8th, 10am-5pm (parade is at 9 if you like parades)
Sunday, Oct. 9th, 12-5pm
Contact Peter Smith if you'd like to volunteer for this event at pvsmith@frontiernet.net or 304-876-1139.
Thanks, all!
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