The Audubon Society of Northern Virginia (ASNV) was first chartered as the "The Audubon Society of Northern Fairfax" in 1980, shortened its name in 1983 to, "Fairfax Audubon Society" and again in 2004 to ASNV, more accurately reflecting the true membership and range of activities of our Audubon chapter.

The Audubon Society of Northern Virginia, is committed to the Audubon mission, which is to conserve and restore natural ecosystems. Our chapter is celebrating more than a quarter century of protecting birds, other wildlife and their habitats.  

ASNV carries out conservation, education and advocacy programs throughout the region from Alexandria to Manassas in Fairfax, Prince William, Loudoun and Arlington Counties, and beyond.  

ASNV uses education as a primary means for members and the community to develop an understanding, appreciation, and enjoyment of birds and other wildlife, their habitats, and their link to people. The Audubon Society of Northern Virginia addresses issues which impact habitats and ecosystems important for birds and other wildlife by influencing public policies and private practices. The Audubon Society of Northern Virginia engages in scientifically-based conservation programs which contribute to the knowledge of the distribution of birds and other wildlife in northern Virginia, and the natural ecosystems upon which these species depend, and works in partnership with other conservation organizations and land managers to provide effective stewardship of these habitats. 

ASNV conservation programs are scientifically-based activities to learn more about the distribution of birds and other wildlife in Northern Virginia. Wherever possible, we work in partnership with other conservation organizations and public agencies to help protect and enhance important habitat areas.  

Audubon at Home in Northern Virginia

The Audubon Society of Northern Virginia is a lead chapter nationwide in the Audubon at Home program, a partnership under federal grant, of the National Audubon Society and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service.

According to the program's director, Jim Waggener, the objectives for Audubon at Home in Northern Virginia are to draw attention to the nature of this region, encourage preservation and enhancement of quality natural areas, and promote healthier habitats for homes and communities. Working with a number of organizations and agencies, ASNV is commited to restoring quality wildlife habitat. The project has resulted in a resource book and website, tours of sites where the public may see at first hand the principles of Audubon at Home in action, and many programs and classes to foster more natural alternatives to "business as usual."

Audubon at Home in Northern Virginia is seen as an exceptional opportunity to highlight this region's natural areas, their value, their threats, and some concrete remedies for their betterment.

To learn more about Audubon at Home in Northern Virginia, call 703-256-6895 or e-mail info@audubonva.org.org

For more on Audubon at Home, nationally, visit www.audubonathome.org

Northern Virginia Bird Survey (NVBS)

The NVBS, The Audubon Society of Northern Virginia's on-going breeding bird survey, has been following populations and distributions of area breeding birds since 1994. Currently, over 600 points in 20 parks and other locations are being monitored. To date, thanks to the efforts of over 100 volunteers, more than 115,000 birds have been counted, and the project's database contains over 60,000 records.  

Christmas Bird Count 

For over a century, Audubon's traditional annual bird survey has advanced the nation's understanding of wintering bird populations. Our volunteers scour woods, fields and waterways in several Christmas season counts.

Refuge Keepers Program  

The Audubon Society of Northern Virginia has officially adopted the Potomac River National Wildlife Refuges, a partnership of Audubon and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. With this partnership, ASNV provides survey volunteers, educational equipment and trail mantenance assistance to refuge staff.

International Binocular Program  

Since 1990, The Audubon Society of Northern Virginia has delivered hundreds of refurbished binoculars, scopes, and tripods to colleagues around the world. The program has reached into nine countries since it began 15 years ago. Local bird stores help with collection of the equipment.

North American Butterfly Association 4th of July Butterfly Count  

The Audubon Society of Northern Virginia coordinates this annual count of several sites in Fairfax and Prince William Counties. Amateur lepidopterists scour fields and forests in search of butterflies.

Naturescapes

The Audubon Society of Northern Virginia in conjunction with the Audubon at Home in Nothern Virginia program works with area schools and churches to create "naturescapes" including bird and butterfly meadows, food and shelter restoration areas and nesting boxes. The Audubon Society of Northern Virginia provided the plants, trees and expertise to assist students in the projects.   

Special Wildlife Surveys

Chapter volunteers conduct long-term surveys to inventory and monitor birds, butterflies and dragonflies in several public properties in Nothern Virginia, e.g. Dyke Marsh, Eakin Park, Meadowood Farm and Occoquon Bay National Wildlife Reserve.