Approximately 40 Headwaters Master Naturalists convened for our 2015 Annual Meeting on Saturday, January 30, 2016. The event was postponed from the previous weekend due to a snowstorm. We met at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Harrisonburg, Virginia.

Thank you to outgoing Vice President and Program Committee Chair Ann Murray for organizing a productive, enjoyable and delicious meeting!

Jerry Hopkins, outgoing Chapter President, conducted our business meetings. A short board meeting was held in which chapter officers presented on recent and annual activities and work. Standing Committee Chairs and our Chapter Advisor, Paul Bugas, also presented. The final order of business was electing this year’s HMN chapter officers and committee chairs. Thank you to our outgoing, continuing and incoming chapter board members for your service and leadership!

One highlight of the annual meeting was Volunteer Service Projects Committee Chair Sandy Greene’s summation of the many chapter projects throughout 2015. Sandy also introduced opportunities for new and ongoing project involvement through a fun display. Thank you to Chip Brown who made boarding passes as we cruise through these chapter projects and to Sandy and the many other “cruise directors” who coordinate chapter activities.

Another highlight of the meeting was Training Committee and Continuing Education Committee Chair RoxAnna Theiss’ recognition of the newest class of HMN.

Chip Brown spoke briefly on this spring’s Shenandoah Mountain Wildflower Walks. In other new business, Dr. Eric Jones gave updates on the Wildflowers of Augusta County website and asked for chapter wide help as he revises and improves the website.

We were fortunate to have Lynn Cameron of Friends of Shenandoah Mountain as our keynote speaker. Many chapter members are familiar with Shenandoah Mountain and efforts to conserve it. Lynn updated us on her group’s recent activities including the possible designation of Shenandoah Mountain as a national scenic area and the latest on the status of the Atlantic Coast Pipeline in the area.

Chapter members were able to trade and acquire new nature related books and a few other field items through our “make an offer” book sale. Thank you to Andy and Frances Sale for minding the store.

Of course, no HMN gathering is complete without delicious food. We had an amazing potluck meal!

Here’s to a great 2016!  Thank you again to all who volunteer with HMN!

– Stephanie Gardner, HMN