Chapter Begins Stewardship Project at Montpelier 

Marilyn Poris 2008-05-23 On Saturday, May 17, 2008, the beginning of a long-term stewardship commitment to James Madison’s Montpelier took place. Fifteen volunteers “pulled” garlic mustard within Montpelier’s Old Growth forest. Four of the volunteers included two 4-H mothers and their sons from Orange County. Nine volunteers were Master Naturalists from the Old Rag Chapter, one was a very committed husband of one of the Master Naturalists, and the fifteenth was a long-term resident of Orange County and Old Rag Chapter supporter. We worked from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with Sandy Mudrinich, the resident horticulturalist of Montpelier. The day was glorious and the amount pulled, which filled the entire back of Sandy’s pick-up truck, was satisfying to every participant. Long-term monitoring is planned with our Montpelier partner. The project seemed to be not work but a privilege to help sustain the health of a special forest that happens to be part of such a wonderful historic landmark. Chapter members pull garlic mustard, a highly invasive plant. Marilyn Poris and a truckfull of invasive plants.

Environmental Experiences for Early Childhood: Outdoor Learning Environments. 2010-10-11— Registration deadline. If you are interested in educational programming for some of our youngest Virginians (age 3-6), then this is for you!
Master Naturalist Training. July 23, 2010, Application Deadline.— (Click title for details.) The next training course is Aug. 12 through Nov. 18, 2010. Classes will be held on Thursday evenings, 6–9:30 p.m. at the Brightwood Ruritan Club clubhouse in Madison.

Class IV of ORMN is launched!. 2010-08-19—The fourth class began on August 12, 2010, with twelve members.   

Appalachian Trail Exotic Invasive Plant Management Project. 2010-08-02—This project introduces volunteers including school children, summer camp groups, scouts and ofter recognized volunteer groups to invasive plant identification and removal along the Appalachian Trail. 

The Bluebird Trail. 2010-08-01—One of our favorite projects for ORMN has been our Bluebird Trail at The Greene Hills Club.  Learn about how we set it up and monitor it.   

Denali National Park. 2010-07-29—Denali National Park, created in 1917, has maintained its natural beauty with minimal human impact.    

Bald-Faced Hornets Feeding on Hummingbird Nectar. 2010-07-27—A chapter member shares a close-up view. 

Chapter Begins Stewardship Project at Montpelier. 2008-05-23—Old Rag Chapter began a long-term stewardship commitment to James Madison's Montpelier with an inaugural garlic mustard pull in the Old Growth forest. 

Project Montpelier — 2008-02-11

All Photos
Photo Essays:
Botany Field Trip to the Jones' Farm
Old Rag Chapter Classroom Training
Learning About Stream Assessment
Forestry Field Trip to Conway River Tract
Buck Hollow Garlic Mustard Pull