|
Site Map |
|
|
Virginia Master Naturalists are volunteer educators, citizen scientists, and stewards helping Virginia conserve and manage natural resources, and public lands. The Old Rag Chapter serves the counties of Culpeper, Fauquier, Greene, Madison, Orange, and Rappahannock.
Rappahannock Audubon Christmas Bird Count 2020 results here.
The next book club selection at Clifton is
The Home Place: Memoirs of a Colored Man's Love Affair with Nature by J. Drew Lanham. This selection is intended to honor and celebrate the black outdoor experience and to expand the discussion to intentionally include those who are often marginalized in such spaces. All are welcome to participate. The event is scheduled for April and will be posted on Clifton website, along with ORMN's. Dr. Lanham serves on the board at Audubon - https://www.audubon.org/content/dr-j-drew-lanham SCBI Conservation Biologist, Brian Gratwicke, will deliver a wonderful and informative presentation on saving our frogs and salamanders.
Monday, January 18, 2:30 - 3:30 If you want to attend please contact Kathryn Treanor at kathryn@rappathome.org. Just let her know you’re with ORMN (if you’re not a member of RappatHome.) Are you a parent or teacher looking for nature-related educational resources?
Check out our webpage for teachers and parents! More being added all the time Check back often! Check Out Our New Interactive Blog on
Meadows and Other Restorations Please contribute your thoughts, experiences, comments or even better contribute an article on a restoration project you have been involved with. New conversations posted!! |
ORMN Volunteers Out and About
Thursday, December 10, on the South River Falls trail in support of VDWR's Birding and Trails project. From left to right are Lynne Leeper, Tom Gill, Kathleen Aucoin, Charlene Uhl and Connie McCabe. (Barry took the picture).
Audubon Christmas Bird Watch at Rappahannock County Park. On picture facing camera are Linda Bueno, Lynne Leaper an Bonnie Beers. Thought you would enjoy seeing the snowy trail we took down to the Rush River! We saw 18 different species and a total of 94 birds in a little less than two hours. (Charlene Uhl took the picture)
ORMN Chapter wins State VMN award
|
IMPORTANT NOTICES !!
YEAR-END VOLUNTEER HOURS - Please Read
Dear wonderful VMN volunteers,
You may have already gotten this reminder from your Boards. As you may already know, the VMN Program will be transitioning to a new Volunteer Management System (the VMS, where you report your volunteer hours) in the first few months of 2021.
To facilitate the VMS changeover, we will need for you to:
1. Please update your profile information if you haven't already.
2. Make sure to ENTER YOUR 2020 HOURS BY DECEMBER 31, 2020 (both Volunteer Service and Continuing Ed)
-- Any edits to those 2020 hours and to volunteer profiles can be made up until January 7. These will be moved to the new VMS system. Any added after January 7 will not be moved.
3. Please do NOT enter any 2021 hours. You will want to keep a log for your own use until the new system is launched. At that time, you can enter your 2021 hours.
4. Everyone can continue to use the old VMS through at least March for OTHER purposes, such as communications, accessing project information and documents, running personal reports, downloading, etc. But remember, any hours entered for 2021 in the old VMS will not be transferred.
Please be assured that we are diligently working on doing as much of the groundwork and logistical preparations as possible to make transition for chapters and volunteers as easy as possible. We will be giving everyone training on the new system (Better Impact-Volunteer Impact if you want to google it) nearer to launch time (expected around March).
We at the state office are still in the early stages of configuring the new system so won't have answers to the many questions you may have, just yet.
** Your Board members will be able to answer questions as we relay any new information to them. Please refrain from emailing VMS questions to the state office if possible. **
Have a peaceful, healthy, and happy holidays!
Terri Keffert
Volunteer Coordinator, Virginia Master Naturalist Program
Dear wonderful VMN volunteers,
You may have already gotten this reminder from your Boards. As you may already know, the VMN Program will be transitioning to a new Volunteer Management System (the VMS, where you report your volunteer hours) in the first few months of 2021.
To facilitate the VMS changeover, we will need for you to:
1. Please update your profile information if you haven't already.
2. Make sure to ENTER YOUR 2020 HOURS BY DECEMBER 31, 2020 (both Volunteer Service and Continuing Ed)
-- Any edits to those 2020 hours and to volunteer profiles can be made up until January 7. These will be moved to the new VMS system. Any added after January 7 will not be moved.
3. Please do NOT enter any 2021 hours. You will want to keep a log for your own use until the new system is launched. At that time, you can enter your 2021 hours.
4. Everyone can continue to use the old VMS through at least March for OTHER purposes, such as communications, accessing project information and documents, running personal reports, downloading, etc. But remember, any hours entered for 2021 in the old VMS will not be transferred.
Please be assured that we are diligently working on doing as much of the groundwork and logistical preparations as possible to make transition for chapters and volunteers as easy as possible. We will be giving everyone training on the new system (Better Impact-Volunteer Impact if you want to google it) nearer to launch time (expected around March).
We at the state office are still in the early stages of configuring the new system so won't have answers to the many questions you may have, just yet.
** Your Board members will be able to answer questions as we relay any new information to them. Please refrain from emailing VMS questions to the state office if possible. **
Have a peaceful, healthy, and happy holidays!
Terri Keffert
Volunteer Coordinator, Virginia Master Naturalist Program
Important Coronavirus Messages
Old Rag members, although we are now in Phase III and have the possibility of having face-to-face-meetings again, the composition of our membership is still in the age category where we need to take extreme caution. Feel free to work on approved projects and especially all the projects you can do at home and listed on this website, but caution is the operative word. The training committee is continuing to work with Class X, and we hope perhaps this fall the program can resume. Until a vaccine is made available, we will continue to volunteer in difficult times. Please stay safe. We will keep you informed.
Barry Buschow, President ORMN
Updated VMN Coronavirus Guidance (Dec. 11, 2020)
from Michelle Prysby regarding Meetings, Volunteer Projects, and Certification requirements relevant to Coronavirus Restrictions
Old Rag members, although we are now in Phase III and have the possibility of having face-to-face-meetings again, the composition of our membership is still in the age category where we need to take extreme caution. Feel free to work on approved projects and especially all the projects you can do at home and listed on this website, but caution is the operative word. The training committee is continuing to work with Class X, and we hope perhaps this fall the program can resume. Until a vaccine is made available, we will continue to volunteer in difficult times. Please stay safe. We will keep you informed.
Barry Buschow, President ORMN
Updated VMN Coronavirus Guidance (Dec. 11, 2020)
from Michelle Prysby regarding Meetings, Volunteer Projects, and Certification requirements relevant to Coronavirus Restrictions
ALERT!!! GIANT HOGWEED SPOTTED IN VIRGINIA. MORE HERE.
and check Socrates Project for more information (click on the button at top of this page)
and check Socrates Project for more information (click on the button at top of this page)
Chapter News
Board Meetings
The first Monday in January, March, May of 2021
10 AM to Noon via Zoom
Next Meeting: January 4, 2021
The first Monday in January, March, May of 2021
10 AM to Noon via Zoom
Next Meeting: January 4, 2021
Member Meetings/News
2nd Monday. 6:30pm
2nd Monday. 6:30pm
February Members Meeting
Speakers: Alfred Goossens, Don Hearl, Bill Birkhofer, and Dr. Chris Holstege MD will be discussing the 2nd edition of the Socrates poisonous plants in Virginia
April Members Meeting
Speaker (tentative): Piedmont Environmental Council
June Members Meeting
Speaker (tentative): SNP Superintendent
Video of the Guest Speaker at the October Members Meeting. Click Here
Committee Meetings and News
Communications Committee
The newly constituted ORMN Communications Committee needs volunteers (this means you) for a number of outreach, public relations, and internal communications activities. Check out some of these FUN activities here.
Interested? Contact Jeff Stehm
ORMN has been offered the opportunity to write a monthly nature column for the online newsletter MadRapp. This free online newspaper focuses on Madison and Rappahannock counties but also includes news from around the area. The editor wants our column to provide information on where people can go outside (parks, hiking, biking, etc.) and what they may see and do in nature.
Your expertise and input is needed! Can you identify anything notable that is happening in your particular area, suggestions about observing nature in this season, nature-based kid activities, fun nature facts, where people could experience a particular facet of nature (local parks, SNP, other locations open to the public) would be great. We'll weave your information into a “general interest” column that Madrapp will run each month. Contact Charlene Uhl with any ideas or thoughts.
Communications Committee
The newly constituted ORMN Communications Committee needs volunteers (this means you) for a number of outreach, public relations, and internal communications activities. Check out some of these FUN activities here.
Interested? Contact Jeff Stehm
ORMN has been offered the opportunity to write a monthly nature column for the online newsletter MadRapp. This free online newspaper focuses on Madison and Rappahannock counties but also includes news from around the area. The editor wants our column to provide information on where people can go outside (parks, hiking, biking, etc.) and what they may see and do in nature.
Your expertise and input is needed! Can you identify anything notable that is happening in your particular area, suggestions about observing nature in this season, nature-based kid activities, fun nature facts, where people could experience a particular facet of nature (local parks, SNP, other locations open to the public) would be great. We'll weave your information into a “general interest” column that Madrapp will run each month. Contact Charlene Uhl with any ideas or thoughts.
Chapter Newsletter
Thanks to Charlene Uhl and Bonnie Beers we have launched a Monthly Chapter Newsletter
See the January edition here.
Thanks to Charlene Uhl and Bonnie Beers we have launched a Monthly Chapter Newsletter
See the January edition here.
Member Profiles
New Feature: Meet Our Members--interviews with ORMN members
Check here to read newest interview: Robin Williams
New Feature: Meet Our Members--interviews with ORMN members
Check here to read newest interview: Robin Williams
Sponsor and Partner News - click here
Featured Articles by Class X on Our Chapter Sponsor and Partner Organizations - learn more about our ORMN community
Featured Articles by Class X on Our Chapter Sponsor and Partner Organizations - learn more about our ORMN community
|
Other News
Rappahannock Audubon Christmas Bird Count 2020 results here.
CSWCD Annual Tree Sale
CSWCD's 2021 Tree Sale is offering American elderberry, hazelnut, river birch, flowering dogwood, Norway Spruce and black cherry! New this year: we're offering live stakes of red osier dogwood and streamco willow.
For information on each species and to order please visit our website here: http://www.culpeperswcd.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/2021-tree-sale-10.21.20.pdf.
If possible, please mail your order to our office (included on the order form). Tree orders will be taken while supplies last so get your order in early!
CSWCD's 2021 Tree Sale is offering American elderberry, hazelnut, river birch, flowering dogwood, Norway Spruce and black cherry! New this year: we're offering live stakes of red osier dogwood and streamco willow.
For information on each species and to order please visit our website here: http://www.culpeperswcd.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/2021-tree-sale-10.21.20.pdf.
If possible, please mail your order to our office (included on the order form). Tree orders will be taken while supplies last so get your order in early!
Message from Michelle Prysby
Greetings VMN volunteers--
Thank you all for all you are doing in your VMN roles this year! You have put in an impressive 69,000 hours of volunteer service this year. Wow! In light of the pandemic, we are making some changes to volunteer enrollment and certification procedures for this year.
You can find the new procedures here. Please continue to stay safe and healthy!
Michelle Prysby, VMN Program Director and Extension Associate
Virginia Tech Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation
Greetings VMN volunteers--
Thank you all for all you are doing in your VMN roles this year! You have put in an impressive 69,000 hours of volunteer service this year. Wow! In light of the pandemic, we are making some changes to volunteer enrollment and certification procedures for this year.
You can find the new procedures here. Please continue to stay safe and healthy!
Michelle Prysby, VMN Program Director and Extension Associate
Virginia Tech Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation
Nature In The News
Human-made stuff now outweighs living stuff - Click Here
Jupiter and Saturn will form rare "Christmas Star" on winter solstice
Click Here
Click Here
Man's Best Friend To Sniff Out Spotted Lanternfly Infestation - Click Here
The Natural History of a Silent Forest - Click Here
Natural history is a “practice of intentional, focused attentiveness and receptivity to the more-than-human world, guided by honesty and accuracy” (Fleischner 2002). Some interpret this as an ability to identify to species every wildflower in a field or to keep a lifetime phenological field journal or to recall life history facts about mammals.
I understand it best as a commitment to observing a single place across seasons and years.
Natural history is a “practice of intentional, focused attentiveness and receptivity to the more-than-human world, guided by honesty and accuracy” (Fleischner 2002). Some interpret this as an ability to identify to species every wildflower in a field or to keep a lifetime phenological field journal or to recall life history facts about mammals.
I understand it best as a commitment to observing a single place across seasons and years.
CSWCD's November News - Click Here
Virginia Conservation Network publishes Our Common Agenda, " representing the policy agenda of more than 130 organizations across the Commonwealth. This book provides an in-depth analysis of the conservation issues facing Virginia and provides practical, state-level policy solutions to keep us moving in the right direction. "
|
A feature-length documentary about America’s system of public lands and the fight to protect them.
|
|
|
American Forests releases its 2019 Register of Tree Champions
showcasing the most spectacular trees in the United States. This year, half of the champs are located in Virginia, Florida, Texas and Arizona. Virginia came out on top again this year with 102 champs. See the Tree Register Here. The Spotted Lanternfly is moving into Virginia!!!
Get Knowledgeable About This Important Invasive Now Tracking the Invasion: New Technique Traces Spotted Lanternflies for Life Article and Research Another Recent Article Chapter points of contact for further information:
Bill Birkhofer, Kathleen Aucion, and Don Hearl. These folks have training and monitoring materials. More Information Here and Video Below
|
Shade for Butterflies. Read all about it.
Tick Surveillance and Control Lagging in U.S., Study Shows
Article and
Role of Citizen Science: Article and Research
Article and
Role of Citizen Science: Article and Research
Plants added to Virginia's Noxious Weed List: Ailanthus, Porcelainberry, Oriental bittersweet, Mile-a-minute, Hydrilla, and Incised fumewort
Blue Ridge Prism article
Blue Ridge Prism article
Climate Clock - Time is Ticking
Nature Activities from Home
To see activities you can do from home - Click Here
Access Additional Content By Going to the Menu Bar at the Top of the Page
Volunteer Activities by Interest
SEARCH VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES BY INTEREST
Click on icon below or here for more information about volunteer projects
Click on icon below or here for more information about volunteer projects
|
Pollinators
|
Aquatic Ecology
|
Trees
|
Activities
From Home |
Education-Public
|
Education-Students
|
Our Sponsoring Agencies
|
Department of Wildlife Resources |
|
|
|
|
|
Virginia Master Naturalist Chapters
Alleghany Highlands Chapter
Based in Alleghany, Bath, and Highland counties
Chapter Advisor: Christine Hodges, VCE
Arlington Regional Chapter
Based in Arlington
Chapter Advisor: Kirsten Ann Conrad, VCE
Banshee Reeks Chapter
Based in Loudoun County
Chapter Advisor: Jordan Green, DWR
Blue Ridge Foothills and Lakes Chapter
Based in Franklin and Bedford counties
Chapter Advisor: Ryan Klopf, DCR
Central Blue Ridge Chapter
Based in Nelson County
Chapter Advisor: Corissa Vanden Hoek, VCE
Central Piedmont Chapter
Based in Buckingham, Cumberland, Prince Edwards, and surrounding counties
Chapter Advisors: Linda Eanes (VCE) and Katie Martin (DWR)
Central Rappahannock Chapter
Based in Fredericksburg and Stafford, King George, Spotsylvania, and Caroline counties
Chapter Advisor: Andrew Peal, DCR
Central Virginia Chapter
Based in Lynchburg and Amherst, Bedford, Campbell, and Appomattox counties
Chapter Advisors: Bill Perry, DOF and Brian Watson, DWR
Eastern Shore Chapter
Based on Virginia's Eastern Shore
Chapter Advisor: Dot Field, DCR
Next basic training course to begin in April 2021. See https://masternaturalistesva.com/training/.
Fairfax Chapter
Based in Fairfax County
Chapter Advisor: Jim McGlone, DOF
Visit website fairfaxmasternaturalists.org to sign up for monthly email newsletter to receive information about next training class.
Headwaters Chapter
Based in Rockingham and Augusta counties
Chapter Advisors: Jason Hallacher, DWR
High Knob Chapter
Based in Lee, Wise, Scott, and Dickenson counties
Chapter Advisor: Phil Meeks, VCE
Historic Rivers Chapter
Based in Williamsburg and James City and York counties
Chapter Advisors: John Gresham, DCR and Meagan Thomas, DWR
Historic Southside Chapter
Based in Surry, Isle of Wight, Southampton, and Sussex counties
Chapter Advisor: Livvy Preisser, VCE
Holston Rivers Chapter
Based in Abingdon, Bristol, and Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, and western Grayson counties
Chapter Advisor: Tanya Hall, DCR
James River Chapter
Based in Goochland and Powhatan counties
Chapter Advisor: Dan Gugliocciello, DCR
Merrimac Farm Chapter
Based in Prince William County
Chapter Advisor: Joe Ferdinandsen, DWR
Middle Peninsula Chapter
Based in Gloucester, Mathews, Middlesex, King & Queen, and King William Counties
Chapter Advisor Karen Duhring, VIMS-CCRM
Applications due November 6 for the next basic training course, to begin in February 2021. See https://middlepeninsulamasternaturalists.com.
New River Valley Chapter
Based in Blacksburg and Giles, Montgomery, Pulaski, and Floyd counties
Chapter Advisor: John Copeland, DWR
Northern Neck Chapter
Based in Northumberland, Westmoreland, Lancaster, Richmond, King George, Essex, and Middlesex Counties
Chapter Advisor: Tara Brent and Wendy Herdman, VCE
Next basic training course will begin in August 2021. See https://northernneckmasternaturalists.squarespace.com/basic-training.
Old Rag Chapter
Based in Greene, Madison, Rappahannock, Culpeper, Orange, and Fauquier counties
Chapter Advisor: Jack Kauffman, DOF
Peninsula Chapter
Based in Newport News, Hampton, Poquoson, Gloucester, and lower York county
Chapter Advisors: Megan Tierney, VCE and Meghan Mulroy-Goldman, DOF
Pocahontas Chapter
Based in Chesterfield County and the Richmond Metro Area
Chapter Advisor: Rebecca Whalen, DCR
Rivanna Chapter
Based in Charlottesville and Albemarle and Fluvanna counties
Chapter Advisor: Page Hutchinson, DOF
Applications due January 5 for the next basic training course, to begin February 2021. See http://www.vmn-rivanna.org.
Riverine Chapter
Based in Hanover County and the Richmond Metro Area
Chapter Advisor: Kathleen Ogilvy, DOF
Roanoke Valley Chapter
Based in Roanoke County
Chapter Advisor: George Devlin, DEQ
Shenandoah Chapter
Based in Clarke, Warren, Page, Shenandoah, and Frederick counties
Chapter Advisor: Kevin Bowman, DCR
Southwestern Piedmont Chapter
Serving the cities of Martinsville and Danville, and the counties of Henry, Patrick and Pittsylvania.
Chapter Advisor: Christy Deatherage, VMNH
Tidewater Chapter
Based in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Suffolk, and Portsmouth
Chapter Advisors: Jennifer Huggins, DCR and Jessica Ruthenberg, DWR
Other State Master Naturalist Programs
Master Naturalist Programs In Neighboring States
West Virginia Master Naturalist Program
Central Carolinas Master Naturalist Program
Maryland Master Naturalist Program
Tennessee Naturalist Program
For more information about Master Naturalist-type programs in other states, visit the
Alliance of Natural Resource Outreach and Service Programs or
Master Naturalist Programs in Other States
West Virginia Master Naturalist Program
Central Carolinas Master Naturalist Program
Maryland Master Naturalist Program
Tennessee Naturalist Program
For more information about Master Naturalist-type programs in other states, visit the
Alliance of Natural Resource Outreach and Service Programs or
Master Naturalist Programs in Other States
Virginia Master Naturalist programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age color. disability. gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.
An equal opportunity, affirmative action employer.
The Old Rag Master Naturalists chapter is organized as a non-profit §501(c)(3) organization under the Internal Revenue Service Code.
An equal opportunity, affirmative action employer.
The Old Rag Master Naturalists chapter is organized as a non-profit §501(c)(3) organization under the Internal Revenue Service Code.