July 2020
Watershed Calendar
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Hello
,
Many traditional events hosted by NVSWCD and other environmental organizations have been cancelled or postponed due to rising concerns regarding COVID-19 and in efforts to best protect our volunteers. We hope that you'll use this time to take advantage of virtual learning opportunities and citizen science volunteer events. Read on and see all the cool things happening in your community this month, because we're happy to share them with you!
We hope to resume stream monitoring workshops in August, and they'll be announced here first, in the
Watershed Calendar
.
As you've heard many times before, wash your hands, stay home, and take care of yourself. Keep in touch with NVSWCD on our
Facebook
and
Instagram
. Your friendly neighborhood stream monitors will be very happy to welcome you back when we can!
Ashley Palmer
Conservation Education Specialist
ashley.palmer@fairfaxcounty.gov
703-324-1423
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NVSWCD/VASWCD Opportunities
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NVSWCD "Soil" Your Undies Challenge
Participate July-September 2020
Have you ever wondered how healthy your soil is? Take the
Soil Your Undies Challenge
and find out! NVSWCD is challenging farmers and ranchers across Fairfax County to bury a pair of cotton underwear as part of a campaign to promote soil health awareness. Find out more on our
website
!
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VASWCD Photo Contest
Due: July 31
The VASWCD is committed to conservation of natural resources through stewardship and education programs and we want to see it through your eyes. In celebration of Earth’s Day 50th Anniversary, our 2020 Photo Contest theme is “Earth Day Everyday.” Capture those vibrant moments and express what earth day everyday looks like to you! Check out how you can enter on their
website
!
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Conservation Poster Contest
Where would we BEE without pollinators?
Submit by
: August 14, 2020
Calling all K12 students! The Conservation Poster Contest for 2020 is now open with the theme "Where would we BEE without pollinators?" The contest is open to all students! All scouts who enter receive a Conservation Poster Contest Patch. Visit our
website
to see the contest rules and learn how to submit your poster.
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Stream Monitoring
Citizen Science & Training Opportunities
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Stream Selfie
You can collect and share important data on the amount of trash at your neighborhood stream, if your stream is monitored for water quality, and more, just by taking a quick photo. Your observations will help us tell the story of our country’s waterways.
Snap a stream selfie
and check out other submissions! While you're at it, check out all the other cool citizen science projects on
SciStarter
!
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Creek Critters
Ready to start monitoring, but not quite ready to take on official training and certification? Creek Critters has got you covered! This app guides you step by step through the process of finding and identifying bugs in your stream. Perfect for families, public programs, and even as a solo activity, Creek Critters is easy and fun. Collect bugs by following simple step-by-step instructions, and identify your bugs with an interactive identification key. Once you’ve identified your bugs, Creek Critters does the rest! The app automatically calculates your Stream Health Score based on your findings. This score can tell you how healthy your stream is!
Learn more and get started!
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Izaak Walton League Stream Monitoring Training
Want to become a certified Save Our Streams monitor? Now you can start the certification process from the comfort of your home with online interactive webinars! Simply watch the video versions of in-person training lectures:
Introduction to Water Quality
and
Introduction to Macroinvertebrates
. Miss the live sessions? You can still watch the recordings! After viewing the trainings, you have the opportunity to take part of the stream monitor certification exam, with the in-person portion to follow. See all the information you need
here
!
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Virtual Community Opportunities, Events & Webinars
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Observe Locally - Help Globally: Socially Distant BioBlitz
When: July 5
It’s tough on those of us who thrive on getting with a group of friends to hike, bike, kayak or otherwise just get outside and observe nature, to feel locked out of doing that. However, it is still possible to find ways to stay safe and enjoy the outdoors. Take part in advancing a group goal in support of the environment while doing socially distanced nature observations! Find out how your species observations can help the local environment
here
!
Couch Advocacy 101: How to be an Environmental Advocate During a Pandemic
When: July 9, 7-8:30pm
Join the Audubon Naturalist Society Advocacy team for a VIRTUAL evening to learn how to advocate effectively for the environment while we battle this global pandemic. Following the model of our popular Advocacy 101 workshops, Couch Advocacy 101 will help you learn how to take action on environmental issues while being physically distant from others. The environmental movement has historically relied on in-person gatherings such as protests, marches, acts of civil disobedience, and lobbying elected officials. However, there are equally powerful actions you can take to make an impact while sitting on your couch. This event will be interactive, and there will be an opportunity to discuss specific environmental concerns and advocacy opportunities with other participants and with ANS staff. Suggested donation: $5-15.
Learn more and register
.
Snakes Alive!
When: July 11, 2pm
Snakes play an important role in maintaining the balance and diversity of native species. They keep rodent and insect populations in check and in turn are preyed upon by larger species. While they spend the cold months in hibernation, much of their summer is spent under cover or basking in the sun. Join naturalist Jenny Swiggart for this Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy program to learn and explore the fascinating aspects about the various species native to our area. Registration required; registrants will be emailed a link to participate prior to the event. The presentation will be recorded and available on the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy YouTube channel. Free.
Learn more and register
.
Let's Count Butterflies!
When: August 1, 9am
Where: Loudoun County
Announcing Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy’s 24th annual Butterfly Count! Come and have fun while contributing to butterfly conservation. Each year the North American Butterfly Association (NABA) asks volunteers around the nation to count all the butterflies they see within specified count circles. Our circle stretches from Leesburg to the Blue Ridge and from Lovettsville to Lincoln, along roadsides and driveways, public pollinator plantings, and private gardens. All ages and experience levels are welcome — you’ll be teamed up with experienced leaders. There is a $3 fee per adult; Loudoun Wildlife members and children under 18 participate for free. Fees and count data are submitted to NABA, whose database is made available to researchers. Registration required,
learn more and register
.
Lessons from the Living Landscape
When: August 3, 7:30-8:30pm
Rick Darke and his co-horticulturist wife, Melinda Zoehrer, have been creating and tending their home garden for more than a quarter century. The garden is a living laboratory, devoted to proving how residential landscapes can be beautiful, manageable and joyfully livable while sustaining a vibrant diversity of plant and animal communities. In this presentation Rick will share insights and strategies from what continues to be an inspiring journey. Co-sponsored by the Audubon Society of Northern Virginia and Plant NOVA Natives. Fee: $5-15.
Learn more and register
.
Wetland Ecology
When: September 8, 7:30pm
Dr. Christian Jones of George Mason University’s Potomac Science Center will give a presentation titled “Wetland Ecosystems in the Mid-Atlantic: Types, Functions and Threats.”
Hosted on Zoom by the Friends of Dyke Marsh, registration required in advance.
To sign up, please email
info@fodm.org
and put “September 8 program” in the subject line and your name in the body of the email. Free.
Virtual Walk & Talk: Healthier Streams for a Healthier Community
When: September 10, 7-8:30pm
Join Fairfax County staff Charles Smith & JoAnne Fiebe for a virtual walk and talk about ideas for making this stream part of the community again. We’ll show videos of a recent site visit, talk with Charles and JoAnne about the vision for the Route 1 redevelopment, and talk about how, as we face bigger rain storms, redevelopment can be tied to creating healthier streams, and therefore a healthier world for us. Free.
Register and learn more
.
Plants Shaped by Water
When: November 10
Charles Smith will give a presentation on plants shaped by water. We will hold this meeting via Zoom. Hosted on Zoom by the Friends of Dyke Marsh, registration required in advance. To sign up, please email
info@fodm.org
and put “November 10 program” in the subject line and your name in the body of the email. Free.
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All Around the Garden
Gardening Webinars and Resources
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Virtual Master Gardener Helpdesk
Join Virgnia Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners Summer 2020 for Virtual Plant Clinics! The once in person clinics are now on a virtual online platform with current social distancing restrictions due to COVID-19. Master Gardener volunteers at these clinics offer free, unbiased, and research- based advice on selecting and caring for your ornamental plants, vegetables, and lawn. This is a FREE service. Clinics will be offered three times a week at varying times. Check out this
link
for more details!
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Small Native Trees and Shrubs for Suburban Landscapes
When: July 1, 11am-12pm
Are you dreaming of converting some lawn area into a sustainable, beautiful meadow? A good time to plan is now for fall installation. Join us for a virtual class on meadow establishment in suburban areas.
Learn more.
Small Fruits
When: July 8, 11am-12pm
Would like to grow fruit but aren’t sure where to start? Small fruits such as berries could be the answer, they’re an easy way to get started growing fruit in your garden.
Learn more.
Overused Foundation Plants and Native Alternatives
When: July 10, 10-11am
Learn how to broaden your plant choices from a palette of alternative native shrubs that can add beauty and diversity to your home garden while providing nectar, pollen, and fruit for local insects and birds.
Learn more and register
.
Herbs - History and Horticulture
When: July 15, 11am-12pm
An exploration of common culinary herbs including their origins, historical and current uses and how to grow them.
Learn more.
The Hospitable Gardener
When: July 17, 10-11:30am
Are you interested in inviting butterflies to visit your garden? This talk will help you learn how to be a good host to Lepidoptera, providing cultural tips and plant suggestions to help your winged guests feel at home.
Learn more and register
.
Groundcovers
When: July 22, 11am-12pm
Do you have spots in your landscape that turf won’t grow, have high erosion potential or you would like to add a little seasonal interest, color and texture? Plan to attend this seminar to help you choose the right groundcover for each place in your landscape.
Learn more.
Fruit Trees and Berries for the Urban Landscape: Part II - Natives
When: July 24, 10-11:30am
From shade to supporting wildlife, erosion control, and screening, you can choose a fruit crop to suit your home garden. Learn about growth habits, pros and cons, and how to acquire and care for these native plants.
Learn more and register
.
Waterwise Gardening
When: July 31, 10-11:30am
We will discuss which plants can best survive our long, hot summers, how to group plants to take advantage of existing water sources, and use of water gardens, rain barrels, and best landscaping practices.
Learn more and register
.
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Garden centers are open and brimming with native plants!
Most of the garden centers have posted their steps to ensure social distancing. Let's make this the best year ever for planting native plants!
Native-only sellers
- Nature by Design has curbside pickup, and plenty of same-day browsing appointments are always available. Just give them a ring.
- Earth Sangha is offering free delivery.
- Watermark Woods offers curbside pickup as well as browsing.
Conventional nurseries
- Each garden center has its own arrangement - check their websites. Plant NoVa Native volunteers have been able to put their Northern Virginia Native stickers on the native plants at many of them.
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