Virginia Master Naturalists Headwaters Chapter

Chapter happenings

  • Online Course: Community Science for Monarch Conservation

    Community Science for Monarch Conservation is a free, self-paced online course from the Monarch Joint Venture designed to inspire and equip people to contribute to monarch butterfly conservation through community science. Hosted on the Monarch NECTAR Hub, this engaging 2 hour course features videos and downloadable resources from several community science organizations from across North America to guide participants in observing and reporting monarchs across all life stages. Offered by Monarch Joint Venture’s Monarch NECTAR Hub. Enroll online. 
    Taken from VMN – Bi-weekly Email, Tiffany Brown

  • Finding My Niche

    I’ve been a Master Naturalist since 2019. While I’m usually drawn to citizen and community science projects, the opportunity to collaborate with Augusta County Parks and Recreation was one I couldn’t pass up. When I heard they were interested in partnering with our chapter, I knew I wanted to be involved. Natural Chimneys Park is close to where I live, and I’ve always enjoyed spending time there.

    My interests—pollinator gardening and invasive species removal—fit perfectly with the park’s goals. Through this work, I truly feel like I’ve found my niche.

    Finding Your Niche
    If you’re still trying to find your niche, start by tuning into what excites you. Do you love birds, native plants, data collection, education, or trail work? Let that interest lead the way.

    Here are a few ways to get started:
    Explore opportunities in the Better Impact Opportunities Calendar and List.
    Read the chapter’s monthly newsletter to stay informed about events and service needs.
    Talk with the project committee if you have ideas or want to get involved in current efforts.

    Every skill and passion has a place in conservation. Sometimes, it only takes one project to spark a lifelong commitment to protecting the natural world.

    If you’d like to learn more or get involved, feel free to reach out to me at cherylshull@yahoo.com!

    Cheryl Shull

  • Linville Caverns Reopens After Hurricane Helene Closure

    Image taken from https://www.visitnc.com/listing/NkR4/linville-caverns

    Linville Caverns, a popular natural attraction nestled in the North Carolina mountains, has officially reopened to visitors following a temporary closure caused by Hurricane Helene. The storm, which brought heavy rains and strong winds to the region, prompted safety concerns and led to the cavern’s closure for inspection and necessary maintenance.

    Rescue and maintenance crews have thoroughly assessed the site, ensuring that the underground caverns remain safe for exploration. Local officials and cavern management emphasized their commitment to visitor safety and maintenance of the natural wonder.

    Visitors can now once again enjoy guided tours through the stunning limestone formations, underground pools, and unique geological features that make Linville Caverns a must-see destination in the area. The reopening offers a welcome boost to tourism and local businesses, eager to recover from the storm’s impact.

    For those interested in exploring this breathtaking underground landscape, updated safety guidelines and tour schedules are available on the Linville Caverns website HERE. Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of nature beneath the mountains once more!

    Watch this video above to experience the breathtaking scenery that Linville Caverns provides for visitors.

    Rob Beaton

  • Nocturnal Neighbors at Shenandoah River State Park

    Thursday, June 5, from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m., experience an exciting and educational evening dedicated to our fascinating winged neighbors—bats! Held at Shenandoah River State Park in Bentonville, this event offers a unique opportunity to learn about and listen to live bats in their natural habitat.

    Erin Shibley from the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute will guide us through the habits, histories, lifestyles, and challenges faced by bats in our region. Using a special device compatible with smartphones, we’ll also get to hear the often-unheard sounds of these incredible creatures.

    Bring your curiosity, family, and friends to explore your local state park in a fun and engaging way. Space is limited, so registration is required.

    Event Details:

    • Date: Thursday, June 5
    • Time: 7:30 – 9:00 p.m.
    • Location: Shenandoah River State Park, Bentonville
    • Cost: Free (standard parking fees apply)

    Learn more and register at Virginia State Parks Event Page or visit Shenandoah River State Park’s Facebook page.

    Don’t miss this chance to discover the hidden world of bats—an evening of discovery and sound awaits!

  • Join the 2025 Campus Tree Inventory at JMU – Volunteer Opportunities!

    Dave Forrer and Cindy Westley work on the JMU tree ID project, June 8, 2023. Photo by Ann Murray.

    Are you passionate about trees and the environment? Help us document and preserve JMU’s natural beauty by volunteering for the 2025 Campus Tree Inventory at the E.J.C. Arboretum!

    Since 2023, over 1,500 trees have been inventoried by dedicated master naturalists and staff. Let’s see how many more we can add this year!

    Volunteer Dates (Wednesdays):
    June 4, 11, 18, 25
    July 9, 16, 23, 30
    August 6, 13, 20, 27
    September 3, 10, 24

    Timing:
    8:30 AM – approximately 11:30 AM (or until phone batteries run out)
    Location: Frances Plecker Education Center, 780 University Blvd, Harrisonburg, VA

    Details:

    • No prior tree ID experience needed – training provided!
    • Smartphones encouraged but not required.
    • All necessary equipment provided.
    • New volunteers should contact Ali at least a week before to receive login information for our mapping app.

    Interested?
    Please email Ali Sloop at witmanad@jmu.edu or text (540) 421-1105 to confirm your participation or ask questions. We look forward to working with you to grow our arboretum’s tree inventory!

    Ali Sloop, JMU Stormwater Compliance Specialist