We hope you enjoy this issue of Saving Nearby Nature from the Northern Virginia Conservation Trust. Let us know if you have any questions or suggestions.
Saving Nearby Nature November 2015
Photography Competition Grand Prize Winner: Bradley Rippey for
Fencepost Frost
Nearby Nature Photography Competition Winners!!
Thank you to all the photographers who submitted photos to the competition. We received more than 100 entries and we love the stunning images of nearby nature.
And the first place winners are...
Bradley Rippey, whose
Fencepost Frost (shown above) was rated highest overall and was the Grand Prize winner; and first place winners
Cheryl Sutton in the "Juxtaposition" category, and
Edward S. Episcopo in the "Your Vision of Home" category.
Click to see all the winners and information about our judges and prizes or see website,
www.nvct.org.
Cheryl Sutton,
Juxtaposition
Edward S. Episcopo, Heron in the Morning Light
Join us Jan. 7 to Celebrate Conservation
The Northern Virginia Conservation Trust invites you to our first Celebrate Conservation event Jan. 7 at the Crystal City Marriott, noon-1:15 p.m.for lunch, networking and a perspective on current topics. Keynote speaker is Juliet Eilperin, Washington Post White House Bureau chief and environmental writer. Tickets $75. See our website for more.
Nature captured on camera
If you've wondered what kind of animals share our urban spaces, there might be answers in a recent nationwide Smithsonian Institution study of predators. Ten of NVCT's conservation easement landowners had motion-sensitive nature cams installed on their property to photograph wildlife. During a three-week period, these wild "guests" were caught in the action and will be part of the final tally for the DC-area.
Check out the E-Mammal websitefor more details.
Calendar
Nov. 27 #OptOutside.
Get out and enjoy nearby nature on Black Friday. Happy Thanksgiving!
Jan. 7
Celebrate Conservation at lunch with speaker Juliet Eilperin from The Washington Post.
Jan. 10
A Sand County Almanac Read-a-Thon. Hear public figures, local
conservationists, and community members read excerpts from the book by Aldo Leopold. At the Villages of Piedmont at Leopold's Preserve Clubhouse 2:30 p.m. Light refreshments will be provided. RSVPs needed: soneil@nvct.org or call 703-354-5093.
Jan. 23Green Fire film showing about Aldo Leopold's extraordinary career that shaped conservation in the 20th century and still inspires people today. Wine and snacks at 7 p.m., film at 7:30 p.m. Free and open to the public. Sponsored by NVCT and Mt. Vernon Unitarian Church,1909 Windmill Lane, Alexandria, VA.
Taking care of the land
Giving Tuesday Dec. 1, a community day of giving
NVCT is thankful for our supporters who make it possible for us to conserve natural spaces in our community. NVCT is participating in #GivingTuesday on Dec. 1, and we invite you to support our mission of saving nearby nature by going to our donation page.
Be part of the bird count from Dec. 14 through Jan. 5
Join the National Audubon Society's 116th Christmas Bird Count. Help collect data on the bird species that spend their winter in Northern Virginia and be part the nation's longest running citizen science bird project.
Check the Audubon website for more information and to sign up!
Saving land with a conservation easements
Thinking about conserving your family's land? It's never too early to learn more about the process, and if you'd like to protect your land in 2016, we'd love to get started with you! Get in touch with the Trust's Land Conservation team by calling 703-354-5093. You can read up about different options for land conservation on the
Trust's website.
Eating Nearby Nature
A great way to savor nearby nature is to experiment with new or favorite foods--with local, seasonal, and wild plants. Here are two recipes for fall.
Want to try Acorn Muffins?
Click for the recipe from Russ Cohen's recipe book on edible wild plants. Acorns are NOT just for squirrels!
Carmelized Cherry Tomato Sauceis a great taste treat for fall dishes. Click for the recipe from Even' Star Organic Farm Summer Cookbook.
Do you have seasonal favorite recipes, family gems, or taste bud ticklers? Please send them to Shannon O'Neil for an upcoming newsletter.
Please contact us with any questions about the Trust and our work
Be part of the bird count from Dec. 14 through Jan. 5 
