Words from Willowsford Conservancy...
| |
|
Become a Citizen Scientist - Volunteer with the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute
Willowsford Conservancy is partnering with Virginia Working Landscapes, located at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) in front Royal, VA, to survey native birds, mammals, pollinators and plants on Conservancy land. The annual surveys support our conservation and land management efforts.
The Institute provides special training for each type of survey, and the Conservancy is working with the Smithsonian staff to identify survey locations within Willowsford forests and meadows.
If you’d like to participate in one or more of the training sessions and get out in the field to explore our local wildlife and plants, please e-mail us at info@willowsfordconsevancy.org. Volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
- Grassland birds – Training on April 29, SCBI Auditorium, Front Royal. Survey Period: May-June. Training includes a brief overview of project goals, survey protocols, data collection, and site assignments. Ability to identify local bird species by sight and sound is essential. Volunteers work in pairs to survey fields using a point count survey method. Surveys are carried out within 3 hours of sunrise and take approximately 45-60 minutes per site (three 10-minute counts). Time commitment is a minimum of 6 survey sessions plus training (estimated 15 hours, not including travel). Participants will need personal binoculars and a field guide, all other survey supplies provided.
- Mammals – Training on April 15, SCBI Auditorium, Front Royal. Survey Period: May-November. This survey uses camera-traps and our custom eMammal software to determine the occurrence of a wide range of mammals. Volunteers will use a GPS device to navigate to predetermined locations and setup cameras. Cameras will be left to survey for 3 weeks at a time without scent or food lure. Every 3 weeks they will retrieve the camera, replace memory card and batteries, and place camera in new location (estimated 1 hour per camera). Volunteers will then upload photographs and metadata using eMammal software (approximately 1 hour per survey period), where it will be reviewed by project staff. Participants will need a personal GPS device, all other survey supplies provided.
- Pollinators – Training on May 13, Blandy Experimental Farm, University of Virginia, Boyce, VA. Survey Period: June-August. Training includes information on pollinator life history, survey collection protocols in the field, identification of the most common bumble bees, and specimen preparation for taxonomic identification. Surveys involve pollinator traps (one trap per site, emptied every 2 weeks). Citizen scientists are expected to store specimens properly, fill in survey sheets, and deliver -or coordinate delivery- of samples to survey coordinator. Participants will have the opportunity to participate in identification of specimens under the guidance of trained para-taxonomists.
- Grassland Plants – Training on May 20, SCBI Auditorium, Front Royal. Survey Period: May-June. Training includes protocols, identification skills, and specimen preparation. Volunteers work in pairs to identify and count plant species within seven 1-meter quadrants for a total of 21 plots in each field. Each site takes approximately 6-8 hours to survey. Must be able to commit at least 5 days (30-40 hours plus travel). All supplies and equipment is provided. There is no need to be an expert, but we do ask that you are familiar with Virginia flora and can key out unknown specimens with a dichotomous key and our reference collection. It is possible to pair with a more experienced person.
| |
|
What is Emerald Ash Borer and how does it affect trees at Willowsford? Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is an Asian beetle that is a relatively new pest in Virginia. It has spread rapidly since 2008 and is now found throughout the state.
From what we know at this time, once a tree is infested, there is no “cure” for EAB. Pesticides can be applied to extend the life of a tree, and can be an option for homeowners where there are a few individual trees.
In forests, with trees dispersed over large areas, treatments include drenching the soil or injecting each tree every 1-2 years, which may extend tree life by a few years (it takes about 2-5 years for EAB to kill the tree). This would not be economically feasible for the Conservancy, and not be environmentally responsible. Research is being conducted on biological controls.
Because the entire state of Virginia is now quarantined, and the infection so widespread, trees can be left in place after they die. If there is no danger to persons, structures or trails, the Conservancy leaves dead trees standing in the forest, to provide habitat and food for a wide variety of wildlife and microorganisms.
Tree pests and diseases like Chestnut Blight, Hemlock Woolly Adelgid and Dutch Elm Disease, among others, have been a long-standing problem. Ways to prevent their spread include limiting transport of firewood and other materials that carry pests and diseases; deer population control to support natural regrowth of healthy native trees; and managing forest habitat for overall health and better resilience.
Examples of the Conservancy’s efforts include providing firewood at the campsite and launching a firewood sales program this spring using wood from Willowsford; implementing a deer management program; habitat restoration; education; and programs to encourage wildlife to support natural pest control.
| |
|
| Upcoming Events
(click the event to register)
| |
| Voices in the Night Amphibian Program (4/27)
Have you ever listened to the nighttime sounds and wondered who was making that noise? Join us for Voices in the Night and learn how to identify local frog and toad species based solely on the sounds they make. There is something very rewarding about closing your eyes and knowing what critters are around you.
Native Plant Sale (4/1)
9 AM to 3 PM at the main parking lot of Morven Park. Native plants are beautiful and grow better because they are adapted for our weather conditions and soils; they also provide greater benefit to our native wildlife because plants and animals evolved together. NO RSVP required.
Birding for Conservation in Virginia’s Second Breeding Bird Atlas (VABBA2) (4/2)
2 PM at the Stone Barn, Morven Park, Leesburg. Dr. Ashley Peele, the State Atlas Coordinator, will speak about the pressing need for better information on Virginia’s breeding birds and how citizen scientists are helping collect this valuable data. Any person with an interest in birds can contribute to this project, so please join us for the talk and a Q&A session afterwards. NO RSVP required.
Hometown Habitat: Stories of Bringing Nature Home (4/19)
Movie & discussion from 7 to 8:30 PM at Crossroads United Methodist Church (43454 Crossroads Dr. Ashburn, VA 20147). Do you live in an HOA? Did you know that you can use native plants in your garden even if you live in an HOA? Join us and learn why gardening with native plants can be beneficial to the health & well-being of people and wildlife. This event is for anyone who wants an introduction to the world of native plants. No gardening experience required!
Grant Family Campsite Opens May, 1!
| |
| Earth Day Bluebird Nestbox Tour (4/22)
Join us on the Farm Loop in The Grange for a nesting box tour led by Conservancy Ranger Andrew Richardson. We will peek into the nesting boxes and talk about the Eastern bluebird’s life cycle, habitat needs, and challenges the birds face.
| |
|
- VEGALLYEAR (for large vegetable shares)
- HOORAYVEG (for small vegetable shares)
Willowsford Farm Tour (4/2)
Come see where and how your favorite vegetables begin at The Grange Farm. During the spring months, the farmers are very active in the greenhouse, high tunnels, fields and gardens. We will walk and talk you through our practices and processes for starting seeds, nurturing soil fertility, and managing for pests and disease. Registration required.
April is a great time for prepping the beds with fresh compost, installing or repairing irrigation, mulching, and potting on the seedlings that aren’t quite ready to leave the greenhouse yet, but are outgrowing their cells. This is a great volunteer day for families with young children who just want to get their hands in the dirt, for budding gardeners and for gardeners who are considering adding drip irrigation to their plots. Registration required.
| |
|
