You often hear words like “habitat” and “biodiversity” used to describe remote wilderness areas
— the kind of places where people are few and far between.

But make no mistake, Northern Virginia, this densely populated “eco-region” we call our home, includes habitats for many hundreds of species. And biodiversity is very much at stake.

For example, while the bird counts we have been conducting over the past decade may not, in many cases, show declines in the overall number of birds … they show definite declines in particular species of birds, including some of our most beloved native species.

Here are just some of the species that seem to be declining, based on our regional surveys: Marsh Wrens, Wood Thrushes, Grasshopper Sparrows, Eastern Wood Pewees, Yellow Warblers, Eastern Bluebirds, Double-crested Cormorants, Belted Kingfishers, Ospreys, Wood Ducks … and dozens more.

I know news like this can be disturbing to someone like you who cares so much about the wildife of Northern Virginia. But I am not trying to alarm you! Instead, I want you to know about some of the positive steps that Audubon Society of Northern Virginia (ASNV) is taking
right now, with support from friends like you.

We believe the actions we take now are critical to preserving the biodiversity we cherish! And I sincerely hope that, once I update you on our progress, you’ll consider making a generous donation to ASNV to help preserve your own “backyard biodiversity.”

Let me give you an example. One characteristic of any ecosystem is “connectedness.” The decline of
native plants contributes to the decline of native birds! So, as part of our Audubon At Home in Northern
Virginia program, our volunteers have been moving aggressively to rescue, restore and replant native
wild blueberry bushes and other plants that are favorites of our local birds — but which are frequently
torn out or steamrolled when new homes are built and roads are expanded.

• We ran two separate rescue operations to move wild blueberry bushes from a 20-acre site in Reston that is slated for development. Plants have been relocated to the Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna and to area schools that are cultivating schoolyard habitats. Volunteers from around the community have also relocated plants into their own yards throughout the region.
• We even rescued wild blueberries, American Holly, Partridgeberry, Vibernum, Dogwood, wildflowers and native plants that were going to be bulldozed as part of the Beltway expansion and replanted them at the historic Vale Schoolhouse in Oakton, Gesher Jewish Day School in Fairfax, Daniels Run Elementary School, Thomas Jefferson High School, and at other sites. Literally hundreds of native plants have been saved!
• We continue to send expert volunteers out, through our Audubon At Home Ambassadors program, to help property owners make their land friendlier to native species through the flowers, shrubs and trees they plant (and preserve).

Remember, saving native plants means protecting native birds, migrating birds, butterflies and dragonflies. It also means preserving the natural beauty and diversity we treasure so much, and that contributes to our quality of life every single day.

Needless to say, rescuing native plants is just one of the many activities we’ve been up to over the last
few months. But they are a great example of how we are all connected in this diverse ecosystem of ours — and how each of us can play a part in preserving and protecting our native plants and wildlife species.

Your generous support for ASNV is one of the best ways you can help preserve the unique character of our homes, neighborhoods and remaining wild places. From blueberries to birds to butterflies, your support contributes to the beauty and biodiversity of Northern Virginia and offers homes to the wildlife that share our habitat. Thank you for giving what you can.

Yours in partnership,

Bruce Johnson, President

P.S. Since becoming president of ASNV last year I’ve met hundreds of our friends, donors and
volunteers, but I know I still haven’t met everyone. If you’d like to share any of your own ideas,
please don’t hesitate to email me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Thank you for all your past support,
and thank you for sending the most generous gift you can today.

P.P.S. Now you can make your donation to ASNV online through our secure website and give toward our conservation education ission, and help us protect our native wildlife habitats. And while you’re at our site, sign up for E-Updates so that you can stay informed about ASNV news