This column shares awards and recognition given to our chapter and members. If you are aware of recognition that ORMN or one of our members has received, please send the information to Charlene Uhl.
Awards 2023
VMN Most Impactful Project of the Year: The Cleopatra Project
The Cleopatra Project is a multi-chapter Virginia Master Naturalist educational/outreach project conducted in partnership with the University of Virginia School of Medicine and the Blue Ridge Poison Center. The project's goal is to educate the public - through a non-technical reference guide and tailored presentations - on how to live safely and respectfully with poisonous and venomous animals found in Virginia, with an aim to protect both animals in the wild and humans.
The project began in 2021 in response to the hundreds of exposures to poisonous and venomous animals reported annually in Virginia and was published online by the Blue Ridge Poison Center in December 2022. The booklet, The Cleopatra Project-Poisonous and Venomous Animals in Virginia, was produced by 10 Virginia Master Naturalists from six chapters, and it includes photos from 39 additional contributors. Member of Old Rag and Rivanna chapters served as the leadership of the team .
The final peer-reviewed reference guide features 32 poisonous and venomous animals that inhabit Virginia. Printed copies have been distributed to many organizations for use in Virginia’s communities, and the free download has been accessed thousands of times. The Cleopatra Team also provides presentations to libraries, volunteer groups and professional organizations in Virginia; a highlight in 2023 was the presentation to attendees of the Virginia Association of School Nurses conference.
Congratulations to project leaders Alfred Goossens, Bonnie Beers, Kathleen Aucoin, Don Hearl and Peg Clifton, and the dozens of other VMN volunteers who contributed to the effort.
The Cleopatra Project is a multi-chapter Virginia Master Naturalist educational/outreach project conducted in partnership with the University of Virginia School of Medicine and the Blue Ridge Poison Center. The project's goal is to educate the public - through a non-technical reference guide and tailored presentations - on how to live safely and respectfully with poisonous and venomous animals found in Virginia, with an aim to protect both animals in the wild and humans.
The project began in 2021 in response to the hundreds of exposures to poisonous and venomous animals reported annually in Virginia and was published online by the Blue Ridge Poison Center in December 2022. The booklet, The Cleopatra Project-Poisonous and Venomous Animals in Virginia, was produced by 10 Virginia Master Naturalists from six chapters, and it includes photos from 39 additional contributors. Member of Old Rag and Rivanna chapters served as the leadership of the team .
The final peer-reviewed reference guide features 32 poisonous and venomous animals that inhabit Virginia. Printed copies have been distributed to many organizations for use in Virginia’s communities, and the free download has been accessed thousands of times. The Cleopatra Team also provides presentations to libraries, volunteer groups and professional organizations in Virginia; a highlight in 2023 was the presentation to attendees of the Virginia Association of School Nurses conference.
Congratulations to project leaders Alfred Goossens, Bonnie Beers, Kathleen Aucoin, Don Hearl and Peg Clifton, and the dozens of other VMN volunteers who contributed to the effort.
Awards 2022
|
Carolyn Smith wins CSWCD Forest Landowner Award, 2022
Read more here. |
|
Awards 2021
Charlene Uhl: VMN New Volunteer Award 2021
|
By the time Charlene completed her Basic Training course in June 2021, she had earned over 780 volunteer hours.
Active in birding, monarch larva monitoring, DWR trail monitoring, she also has provided leadership for the Old Rag Chapter. As Chair of Continuing Education Committee, she has organized fieldtrips for members following each chapter meeting speaker. She initiated an Ad Hoc Committee to evaluate accessibility of chapter events and project sites. In addition, she is a member of the Recruitment and Member Services Committee, the Communications Committee, a co-editor of the chapter newsletter, and writes a monthly column for the MadRapp Reporter. The Old Rag chapter is proud and grateful! View Michelle Prysby's video announcement of Charlene’s VMN award here. |
|
CAROLYN SMITH: Wildlife Habitat Award from Culpeper Soil and Water Conservation District
Culpeper Soil and Water Conservation District (CSWCD), which includes Culpeper, Greene, Madison, Orange and Rappahannock Counties, annually recognizes landowners and volunteers for outstanding contributions to natural resources. In addition to recognizing producers in each county with the Commonwealth’s Clean Water Farm Award, the District offers several local awards. These include Conservation Educator, Forestry Landowner and Wildlife Habitat. The Wildlife Habitat Award was added in 2012 to recognize landowners that didn’t always fit into the Clean Water Farm Award category.
Culpeper Soil and Water Conservation District (CSWCD), which includes Culpeper, Greene, Madison, Orange and Rappahannock Counties, annually recognizes landowners and volunteers for outstanding contributions to natural resources. In addition to recognizing producers in each county with the Commonwealth’s Clean Water Farm Award, the District offers several local awards. These include Conservation Educator, Forestry Landowner and Wildlife Habitat. The Wildlife Habitat Award was added in 2012 to recognize landowners that didn’t always fit into the Clean Water Farm Award category.
|
For 2021, the CSWCD Board of Directors chose ORMN member Carolyn Smith of Madison to receive this special recognition. According to NRCS Soil Conservationist Courtney Pooton Kidwell, who nominated Smith: “Carolyn wants to improve sustainability through wildlife habitat improvement. She works to increase viable habitat with diverse native plant communities. She wants to maintain and improve the native forest quality through removal of invasive species, forest soil quality improvements to reduce erosion and compaction, and increase forest continuity through field borders and other tree and shrub plantings.” |
Carolyn Smith, with newly installed habitat in Madison County, 2021
|
Carolyn Smith and Bryan Hofmann, Deputy Director of
Friends of the Rappahannock
CAROLYN SMITH: River Steward Award from Friends of the Rappahannock
CAROLYN SMITH was among the first group of recipients to receive the new River Steward Award from Friends of the Rappahannock (FOR) this spring. This award was created by FOR to recognize landowners and businesses in the 18-county region served by FOR who take large-scale direct action on their properties to improve the health and scenic nature of the Rappahannock River Watershed.
“Carolyn worked with our organization to enroll in multiple conservation programs with NRCS, Culpeper SWCD, and the Virginia Department of Forestry to improve water quality and habitat for fish and wildlife” explained Bryan Hofmann, Deputy Director of. “This included 3,100 trees planted in riparian areas on Mulatto Run, a stream that feeds the Robinson River and ultimately the Chesapeake Bay.”
Bryan, who nominated Carolyn for the award, stated that she is also working with FOR to plant more native trees and shrubs on another section of her property this fall. “In addition, she included wildlife monitoring with the Virginia Working Landscapes program through the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute” Bryan noted, “and is considering placing her property under a conservation easement to permanently protect the land and natural
resources. “ Bryan stated that “as we continue to work with amazing landowners and partners [like Carolyn], we will continue to offer this award to recognize outstanding achievements for water quality and conservation” in the future.
CAROLYN SMITH was among the first group of recipients to receive the new River Steward Award from Friends of the Rappahannock (FOR) this spring. This award was created by FOR to recognize landowners and businesses in the 18-county region served by FOR who take large-scale direct action on their properties to improve the health and scenic nature of the Rappahannock River Watershed.
“Carolyn worked with our organization to enroll in multiple conservation programs with NRCS, Culpeper SWCD, and the Virginia Department of Forestry to improve water quality and habitat for fish and wildlife” explained Bryan Hofmann, Deputy Director of. “This included 3,100 trees planted in riparian areas on Mulatto Run, a stream that feeds the Robinson River and ultimately the Chesapeake Bay.”
Bryan, who nominated Carolyn for the award, stated that she is also working with FOR to plant more native trees and shrubs on another section of her property this fall. “In addition, she included wildlife monitoring with the Virginia Working Landscapes program through the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute” Bryan noted, “and is considering placing her property under a conservation easement to permanently protect the land and natural
resources. “ Bryan stated that “as we continue to work with amazing landowners and partners [like Carolyn], we will continue to offer this award to recognize outstanding achievements for water quality and conservation” in the future.
OLD RAG CHAPTER: Upper Rappahannock Conservation Partner of the Year from Friends of the Rappahannock
PRESIDENT BARRY BUSCHOW: Volunteer of the Year from Friends of the Rappahannock
Old Rag Master Naturalists (ORMN) and our president, Barry Buschow, were recognized at the 2021 annual awards program of the Friends of the Rappahannock (FOR) for ORMN’s extraordinary contributions in supporting the health of the Rappahannock River watershed. This river runs 195 miles from the Blue Ridge Mountains across the Piedmont into the Chesapeake Bay south of the Potomac. It is a critically important part of the Virginia watershed, draining an area of 2,848 square miles and approximately 6% of Virginia.
Since 1985 Friends of the Rappahannock has been actively working to improve the water quality of this vital watershed through tree planting, restoration of banks, restoration of oyster reefs and living shorelines downstream, removing trash and actively promoting rain gardens and other landscape practices that reduce runoff and pollutants.
- ORMN was awarded the Upper Rappahannock Conservation Partner of the Year and our members were recognized for “going above and beyond” with tree plantings, river cleanups, water quality monitoring and educational programs. ORMN has four approved volunteer projects with FOR encompassing Citizen Science, Education and Stewardship. Since the beginning of 2021, almost 20% of ORMN active volunteers had recorded dedicated hours for FOR projects. FOR expressed specific gratitude for the strong presence of ORMN volunteers at a Park Cleanup at Culpeper County’s Lenn Park in 2020, a planting at Old House Vineyards in Culpeper, and a planting at Pen Druid Brewery in Sperryville.
- Barry Buschow was presented the Volunteer of the Year Award for his many efforts across multiple counties where the Rappahannock flows. He is now trained as one of FOR water quality monitors. October Greenfield, FOR’s Upper River Steward, noted that “Barry’s curiosity and love for the natural world is an inspiration to all of us and we are appreciative of all of his hard work.”
From the VMN Summer Laurels 2021 Page
http://www.virginiamasternaturalist.org/home/laurels-summer-2021
Awards 2020
BONNIE BEERS: Forestry Practice of the Year from Culpeper Soil and Water Conservation District
Bonnie Beers received the 2020 Forestry Practice of the Year award. This annual award, made by Culpeper Soil and Water Conservation District, recognizes an individual or organization that demonstrates best management practices on woodland acres. In the spring of 2020, Bonnie converted all of her hay fields (18-1/2 acres) into forest by planting them with diminished native tree, shortleaf pine, a beautiful tree that is often passed over for the faster growing, but less local loblolly pine. She worked with Friends of the Rappahannock to establish a small buffer in a grassy area beside her stream. “Taking the effort to plant these trees will aid the restoration local watersheds”, explained Sarah Pamelee from the Virginia Department of Forestry. “She has also taken steps to address the invasive plant species along waterways on her property to reduce the spread of these plants downstream.”
Bonnie was credited with working hard to control invasive plant species in her forestlands including autumn olive, oriental bittersweet, and tree of heaven. “Bonnie has jumped into land conservation with both feet,” Parmelee continued “She has worked with multiple government agencies as well as local nonprofits to put conservation practices on the ground and improve forest health and water quality. Recently converting old, unproductive hay fields into native pines was a big step, but one that will pay dividends for the local wildlife, water quality, beautification, and carbon sequestration.”
Bonnie Beers received the 2020 Forestry Practice of the Year award. This annual award, made by Culpeper Soil and Water Conservation District, recognizes an individual or organization that demonstrates best management practices on woodland acres. In the spring of 2020, Bonnie converted all of her hay fields (18-1/2 acres) into forest by planting them with diminished native tree, shortleaf pine, a beautiful tree that is often passed over for the faster growing, but less local loblolly pine. She worked with Friends of the Rappahannock to establish a small buffer in a grassy area beside her stream. “Taking the effort to plant these trees will aid the restoration local watersheds”, explained Sarah Pamelee from the Virginia Department of Forestry. “She has also taken steps to address the invasive plant species along waterways on her property to reduce the spread of these plants downstream.”
Bonnie was credited with working hard to control invasive plant species in her forestlands including autumn olive, oriental bittersweet, and tree of heaven. “Bonnie has jumped into land conservation with both feet,” Parmelee continued “She has worked with multiple government agencies as well as local nonprofits to put conservation practices on the ground and improve forest health and water quality. Recently converting old, unproductive hay fields into native pines was a big step, but one that will pay dividends for the local wildlife, water quality, beautification, and carbon sequestration.”
|
OLD RAG CHAPTER: VMN Connection and Communications Award 2020 |
Awards 2019
Ken Cranston accepts the award on behalf of the chapter from Stephanie DeNicola.
OLD RAG CHAPTER: 2019 Educator of the Year Award from Culpeper Soil and Water Conservation District
Awards 2018
THE SOCRATES PROJECT: VMN Outstanding Volunteer Project 2018
Cover artwork by Trish Crowe
|
 Alfred Goossens, center holding frame, receives
recognition for Socrates Project at ORMN 2019 Annual Meeting |
After years of dedicated work, the ORMN Socrates Team published a well-received compendium on poisonous plants in Virginia. It is available in hard copy and on the web below. In 2018, the publication won the Outstanding Volunteer Project 2018 Award in the annual competition of the Alliance of Natural Resource Outreach and Service Programs (ANROSP).
When Alfred Goossens and his ORMN team developed the landmark publication The Socrates Project -Poisonous Plants in Virginia in 2018, it was the first printed document that provided information on poisonous plants that the general public might encounter while out in nature. The booklet’s introduction noted the high incidence of exposure to poisonous plants reported to Poison Control each year and the lack of knowledge about poisonous plants in the wild by most people. Accidental poisoning of children was of specific concern and the information provided in the booklet sought to provide basic information on how to identify these plants to parents, grandparents, and teachers among others.
The original Socrates Project team operated under the auspices of the Virginia Master Naturalist Program (VMN). The 1st edition of this booklet focused on eleven plants. Each plant was described and included multiple full-color photos to aid in identification. Readers were also advised as to where they might see each plant, what part of the plant was poisonous, and symptoms of poisoning. Additional information on select plants was also provided, such as which plants are an important source of food and shelter for wildlife.
In this year of COVID 19 there has been a significant increase in Americans going out in nature, viewing it as a safe place to take their children and avoid possible exposure to the coronavirus. There has also been an increased interest in foraging for wild foods. Unfortunately the incidence of poisoning from plants and trips to the emergency room has dramatically increased as well. The need for additional information on poisonous plants was clear.
In response, ORMN assembled a new Socrates team, including Master Naturalists from other parts of the State, to produce the 2nd edition of this important booklet and. Team members included Alfred Goossens (Project Leader), William Birkhofer, Margaret Clifton (who edited the booklet), Kathy Fell, Charles Fortuna, Victoria Fortuna, Don Hearl, Roberta Jalbert and Lizz Stanley. Bonnie Beers served as the team’s IT manager. The 2nd edition was published in January 2021. It is being underwritten and printed by the University of Virginia.
The 2nd edition adds an additional 14 plants to the publication, bringing the total to 25 plants. Where the 1st edition focused on plants found in the Piedmont area, the 2nd edition made a conscious effort to include plants from all areas of the State. The booklet format has been enhanced in several ways:
For more information or if you would like to schedule a presentation for your organization, send an email to [email protected].
Second Edition
The Socrates Project, 2nd edition is available online! Click here for digital copy.
Click here for plant list of the 25 plants for the 2nd Edition of the Socrates Project.
For a copy of the Socrates Webinar slides - Click here
Crozet Gazette Article on Socrates Project
When Alfred Goossens and his ORMN team developed the landmark publication The Socrates Project -Poisonous Plants in Virginia in 2018, it was the first printed document that provided information on poisonous plants that the general public might encounter while out in nature. The booklet’s introduction noted the high incidence of exposure to poisonous plants reported to Poison Control each year and the lack of knowledge about poisonous plants in the wild by most people. Accidental poisoning of children was of specific concern and the information provided in the booklet sought to provide basic information on how to identify these plants to parents, grandparents, and teachers among others.
The original Socrates Project team operated under the auspices of the Virginia Master Naturalist Program (VMN). The 1st edition of this booklet focused on eleven plants. Each plant was described and included multiple full-color photos to aid in identification. Readers were also advised as to where they might see each plant, what part of the plant was poisonous, and symptoms of poisoning. Additional information on select plants was also provided, such as which plants are an important source of food and shelter for wildlife.
In this year of COVID 19 there has been a significant increase in Americans going out in nature, viewing it as a safe place to take their children and avoid possible exposure to the coronavirus. There has also been an increased interest in foraging for wild foods. Unfortunately the incidence of poisoning from plants and trips to the emergency room has dramatically increased as well. The need for additional information on poisonous plants was clear.
In response, ORMN assembled a new Socrates team, including Master Naturalists from other parts of the State, to produce the 2nd edition of this important booklet and. Team members included Alfred Goossens (Project Leader), William Birkhofer, Margaret Clifton (who edited the booklet), Kathy Fell, Charles Fortuna, Victoria Fortuna, Don Hearl, Roberta Jalbert and Lizz Stanley. Bonnie Beers served as the team’s IT manager. The 2nd edition was published in January 2021. It is being underwritten and printed by the University of Virginia.
The 2nd edition adds an additional 14 plants to the publication, bringing the total to 25 plants. Where the 1st edition focused on plants found in the Piedmont area, the 2nd edition made a conscious effort to include plants from all areas of the State. The booklet format has been enhanced in several ways:
- A more comprehensive section on each plant which includes clear descriptions of “look-alike” plants that may be mistaken for the poisonous plant
- Additional photographs to aid the reader in plant identification
- An expanded glossary of terms used to describe each plant, many of which may be unfamiliar to the general public
- An expanded bibliographic reference section, including links to relevant websites containing additional information
For more information or if you would like to schedule a presentation for your organization, send an email to [email protected].
Second Edition
The Socrates Project, 2nd edition is available online! Click here for digital copy.
Click here for plant list of the 25 plants for the 2nd Edition of the Socrates Project.
For a copy of the Socrates Webinar slides - Click here
Crozet Gazette Article on Socrates Project