Virginia Master Naturalists Headwaters Chapter

Category: Uncategorized

  • Discover the Beauty of Biodiversity in Harrisonburg!

    Discover the Beauty of Biodiversity in Harrisonburg!

    Join the city of Harrisonburg on Saturday, March 29, from 1-4 pm at the Ice House Building downtown and explore how cultivating a pollinator-friendly yard not only enhances your surroundings but also supports crucial ecosystems. Learn from the city’s initiatives and make a positive impact on local pollinators.

    Event: Pollinators in Your Yard
    Date: Saturday, March 29th
    Time: 12:30pm – 4:30pm (Volunteers should arrive at 12:00 for setup)
    Location: The Ice House Building, Downtown Harrisonburg.

    Volunteer Opportunities
    1. Staff the HMN display table at the tabling event.
    2. Arrive around noon to help with setup, “direct traffic” and assist as needed
    during the event, and assist with cleanup. (2 volunteers needed for traffic/setup/cleanup).

    Attendees will be able to listen to informative talks on creating pollinator-friendly spaces and protecting pollinators from invasive species and pesticides. In between the talks, folks can explore education tables/interactive displays to learn the best types of plants to attract pollinators, ways to get involved with local community science projects, potential funding sources for pollinator habitat and more. Admission to the event is free.

    If you are interested in working our table at this please contact Scott at sdjost@gmail.com. This event offers volunteer and CE opportunities for HMNs!

  • Current Dangers of Avian Influenza to Bird Populations

    As of 2023, avian influenza, commonly referred to as bird flu, remains a significant concern for bird populations worldwide. Outbreaks of highly pathogenic strains, particularly H5N1 and H5N8, have been reported across various regions, leading to alarming mortality rates among both wild and domestic birds.

    Recent Outbreaks and Impact

    Recent surveillance efforts have documented several outbreaks linked to migratory birds, which can serve as carriers for the virus while showing minimal symptoms. For instance, outbreaks in North America have raised the alarm among wildlife authorities and conservationists as they monitor potential spread to domestic poultry and other vulnerable species. These outbreaks have not only led to substantial loss of life among affected bird populations but have also disrupted ecosystems and biodiversity.

    Preventive Measures

    Efforts to combat avian influenza include enhanced surveillance of wild and domestic birds, stricter biosecurity measures on poultry farms, and public awareness campaigns about the signs of the disease. Some regions are exploring vaccination programs for poultry to mitigate the risk of transmission.

    Resources for More Information

    To stay updated on avian influenza and its effects on bird populations, here are some useful resources:

    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Avian Influenza

    World Health Organization (WHO) – Avian Influenza

    U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) – Avian Influenza Monitoring

    As avian influenza continues to pose a serious threat to bird populations globally, increased vigilance and collaboration among wildlife agencies, farmers, and researchers are crucial. Staying informed and proactive can help protect our avian friends from this ongoing danger.

    Rob Beaton, Newsletter and Website Committee Chair

  • Mount Solon Nonprofit Educates on the Significance of Bats

    Mount Solon Nonprofit Educates on the Significance of Bats

    Leslie Sturges, a Master Naturalist and the founder and president of the Mount Solon-based nonprofit organization Bat Conservation & Rescue of Virginia, is dedicated to educating the public about the crucial role bats play in the ecosystem. The group aims to dispel myths and misconceptions surrounding bats, emphasizing their importance in pest control and agriculture. Through events and educational programs, the organization raises awareness about bat conservation and the challenges these creatures face, such as habitat loss and disease. This initiative highlights the need to protect bats to maintain ecological balance and promote biodiversity.

    Read more about Leslie’s organization HERE!

    Lesley Newman

  • Leadership Changes Announcement

    Leadership Changes Announcement

    We are excited to share important updates regarding our leadership team for the upcoming term. Please find the new appointments and transitions below:

    President:  

    Outgoing: Peggy Plass

    Incoming: Eunice Sill

    Vice President: 

    Outgoing: Eunice Sill

    Incoming: Scott Jost

    Training Coordinator: 

    Lincoln Gray

    Treasurer: 

    Carl Droms

    Volunteer Service Projects Committee Chair: 

    Judy Bartlett

    Continuing Education Committee Chair: 

    Elaine Smith

    Secretary: 

    Andrea Dono

    Outreach Committee Chair

    Kelly Kipps

    Membership Committee Chair: 

    Anthony Adamovich

    Newsletter/Website Committee Chair:

    Rob Beaton

    Historian: 

    Currently Unfilled

    Former President: 

    Incoming: Peggy Plass

    Outgoing: Brian Lux

    We appreciate the dedication and service of our outgoing leaders and look forward to the fresh perspectives and energy our new team members will bring.

    Eunice Sills, HMN Chapter President

  • 2025 Recertification Pin Announcement!

    2025 Recertification Pin Announcement!

    We decided the 2024 VMN recertification pin would be a moth, and we invited VMN volunteers to submit their artwork of any moth species native to Virginia. Why a moth? We chose this group of organisms because moths are underappreciated, yet they are beautiful and very important parts of the food web. This winning artwork by Rosalind Ilett (VMN Roanoke Valley Chapter) was selected based on input from several insect experts from our sponsoring agencies and volunteer corps. Thank you to Eric Day (Virginia Tech Department of Entomology), Anne Chazal (Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation Natural Heritage Program), and Joella Killian (VMN volunteer, Central Rappahannock Chapter and retired professor, University of Mary Washington.) We received so many wonderful submissions, and you can view them all in our recent newsletter article.

    Taken from VMN – Bi-weekly Email for November 13, Tiffany Brown.