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…
Slimy salamander, the only one we saw that evening. Photo by Jess Daddio. The salamander night hike was led by Billy Flint at JMU and provided a really great opportunity to get in the field with the leading expert on Cow Knob salamanders, which only live here on the high-elevation slopes of the Shenandoah and…
Autumn has arrived! Here’s a very brief list of wild edible mushrooms that you may be able to find this time of year. This list mostly applies to fungi that grow in the temperate regions of eastern North America. Keep in mind that many other edible mushrooms grow during the autumn season (e.g., shaggy mane,…
The Virginia Bluebird Society’s 2024 Biennial Conference will focus on various aspects of bluebird conservation and habitat preservation. Attendees can expect presentations from experts in ornithology, workshops on bluebird monitoring techniques, and discussions about best practices for providing suitable nesting environments. The conference aims to foster collaboration among bird enthusiasts, conservationists, and the general public…
From left, Colleen Earp, Lindsey Kilbourn, Darlene Coleman, Judy Bartlett and Emily Huertas. Photo by Lora Steiner. On September 4th eleven members of HMN Cohorts 8 & 9, plus two recent transfers from the Rihanna Chapter, led by Judy Bartlett and Eunice Sill, spent a beautiful evening at Cowbane Prairie Natural Area Preserve. Judy and…
Virginia Master Naturalists Headwaters Chapter 