October 2018
Watershed Calendar
Dear ,
Thanks for staying up-to-date with NVSWCD's great stream monitoring and community programs! We hope to see you soon at one of the upcoming fall stream monitoring sessions or workshops.
October Stream Monitoring Events
NVSWCD Sugarland Run Stream Monitoring Workshop
When: Saturday, October 6, 10:00am-12:30pm
Where : Sugarland Run Stream Valley Park, Herndon
Volunteers assess ecological conditions in streams, based on the presence and abundance of bottom-dwelling invertebrates. Registration is required and limited. Register by email to Ashley Palmer , NVSWCD Conservation Education Specialist.

Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy Stream Monitoring Session
When: Sunday, October 7, 10:30am-12:30pm
Where : Goose Creek
Ever wonder what’s living in our local streams? Join a stream monitoring team and help gauge local water quality by surveying aquatic organisms living on the stream bottom. Led by certified stream monitors, the teams welcome interested observers and offer an opportunity to explore Loudoun’s lovely creeks. Limit 7. Registration required. The exact location will be sent to registered participants closer to the date. The rain date for this event is October 14. Contact info@loudounwildlife.org for registration and questions.

Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy Stream Monitoring Session
When: Sunday, October 14, 9:00-11:00am
Where : Waterford
Ever wonder what’s living in our local streams? Join a stream monitoring team and help gauge local water quality by surveying aquatic organisms living on the stream bottom. Led by certified stream monitors, the teams welcome interested observers and offer an opportunity to explore Loudoun’s lovely creeks. Limit 7. Registration required. The exact location will be sent to registered participants closer to the date. The rain date for this event is October 21. Contact info@loudounwildlife.org for registration and questions.

Reston Association Stream Monitoring Workshop
When: Saturday, October 20, 1:00-4:00pm
Where: Reston
Fall brings cooler weather and beautiful colors. What better way to do this than to get your feet wet in one of Reston’s streams? RA welcomes new volunteers to assist with stream monitoring at several locations. Get involved with a small team to collect data and identify insects with the goal of assessing the health of Reston’s stream. Not only do you get to learn about streams, it also provides an opportunity to make new friends. Learn more and register .

Holmes Run Stream Monitoring Session
When: Sunday, October 21, 9:00am-12:00pm
Where : Falls Church
Join a volunteer certified stream monitor as she assesses ecological conditions in streams, based on the presence and abundance of bottom-dwelling invertebrates. Registration is required and limited. Register by email to Valerie Bertha .

Hidden Pond Stream Monitoring Session
When: Saturday, November 3, 9:00am-12:00pm
Where : Springfield
Join a volunteer certified stream monitor as she assesses ecological conditions in streams, based on the presence and abundance of bottom-dwelling invertebrates. Registration is required and limited to 5 registrants. Register by email to Susan Demsko .
Upcoming NVSWCD Events
Build You Own Tumbling Composter
When: Saturday, November 10, 1:30-4:30pm
Where : City of Falls Church Community Center
Start with a pile of lumber, a recycled pickle barrel, and assorted screws and bolts, but leave with a fully functioning tumbler composter! Staff from the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District and the City of Falls Church will guide you through the construction steps. All lumber will be pre-cut and all tools and materials will be provided. The cost is $80 and registration is limited to 12 people, although you may bring helpers to assist with construction. Please RSVP to Dan Schwartz: dan.schwartz@fairfaxcounty.gov or (703) 324-1422.
Virginia Waterways Cleanups
Join Clean Virginia Waterways for the 24th Virginia Waterways Cleanup, part of the global International Coastal Cleanup! Local community groups will be cleaning up local parks, streams and rivers throughout the state, including many locations in and around Fairfax County. Consider hosting your own site or volunteer at someone else's! The effort runs from September 1 to October 31. More information and a list of sites already registered and looking for volunteers can be found on the  Clean Virginia Waterways website  and the Clean Fairfax Community Map .
October Community Events
Seirra Club Potomac Region Outings
When: various
Where: various
Learn more about nature hikes and other upcoming community events in our area by visiting the Sierra Club calendar .

Gardening Workshop - Growing Season Extension and Winter Growing
When: Wednesday, October 3, 7:00pm
Where: Arlington Central Library, Arlington
In this week's topic, " Growing Season Extension and Winter Sowing," learn to protect your crops from the chill with hot caps, cold frames, row covers, and other techniques. Learn winter sowing techniques to start your spring seeds early outdoors in milk jugs. Learn more by visiting the Arlington County Library Calendar . Free event.
Help Plant Native Plants!
When: Thursday, October 4, 2:30-5:30pm
Volunteer opportunity! Meet at the native plant site just past the bench on the Haul Road trail, about 1/3 mile from the entrance. Wear gloves, long pants and sun protection and bring water. This event will take place unless we have severe rain and lightning that day. To sign up or for more information, please send an email to info@fodm.org . Hosted by the Friends of Dyke Marsh. 

Fairfax County Parks Watershed Clean Up Day
When: Saturday, October 13, 9:00-11:30am
Where : multiple locations
Do your part to clean up our parks and local waterways by registering to participate in a Watershed Clean Up Day event. Volunteers are needed from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at Cub Run RECenter, Hidden Pond Nature Center, Huntley Meadows Park, Lake Accotink Park, Lincolnia Park, Riverbend Park and Scotts Run. For details and to sign up, call the site or visit the website . This a great activity for community and scout groups! Earn service hours. For information about clean-ups at non-staffed sites, contact Julie Tahan at 703-324-8740.

Fall River Cleanup
When: Saturday, October 13, 9:00am-12:00pm
Where: Multiple locations!
Volunteer Opportunity! Join Friends of the Occoquan on their annual fall river cleanup! Choose a location and volunteer to make a difference! For more information and to register for this free event, please email Friends of the Occoquan .

Walker Nature Center Bird Walk
When: Sunday, October 14, 9:00am-12:00pm
Where: Bright Pond, Reston
Learn about local Reston birds during this early morning bird walk. For more information and to see other upcoming Walker Nature Center events, please visit the event calendar . Free event.

Fairfax Harvest Celebration Potluck
When: Tuesday, October 16, 6:30-8:00pm
Where: Green Springs Gardens, Alexandria
Join the Fairfax Food Council in celebrating great food grown in Fairfax County and network with other gardeners. Free event; bring a dish to share. Learn more and RSVP by October 12.

2018 Waste and Recycling Symposium
When: Tuesday, October 17, 9:00am-3:30pm
Where: NOVA Community College, Annandale Campus
This symposium focuses on waste and recycling efforts and is sponsored by Northern Virginia Community College and the Fairfax County Solid Waste Management Program. You'll see films, collaborate with others in forum discussions, and enjoy environmental exhibitors. Learn more and register . Free event.

Potomac Conservancy Growing Native Tree Planting
When: Saturday, October 20, 10:00am-12:00pm
Where: Frederick, MD
Volunteer opportunity! Do your part to stop pollution and restore our hometown river by spending a fall morning planting trees! Bring your friends and family and join Team Potomac and Stream-Link Education as we plant 200 trees at Stonegate Park in Frederick, MD on Saturday, October 20! We all know that trees and fresh air go hand-in-hand, but trees are also a river's best friend. Our healthy forested lands protect the water we drink and the river we love. Learn about the essential link between trees and healthy rivers while getting tips on how to plant your own trees at home and enjoying the great outdoors. Learn more details about the event and register .