Beginning Birding Workshop

This workshop is an “entry level” introduction to birding in the Northern Virginia area. Covers birding basics, including field guides and binoculars, as well as seasonal information on birds to look for and where to look for them. Includes one 2-hour classroom session and one 3-hour field trip at a local park.

Getting there: Loudoun County Public Schools Administration Building 21000 Education Court, Room 105, Ashburn, VA. (link for directions)

Field Trip: Saturday, March 20, 8 – 11a.m. at Algonkian Regional Park, 47001 Fairway Drive, Sterling, VA

Instructor: Bill Brown is an ASNV Master Naturalist and a regular field trip leader at Claude Moore Park and Algonquian Park.

Cost: $35 members; $40 non-members

Limit: 15

Wednesday, March 17 from 7 – 9 p.m

Spring Wildflowers

Learn to identify some common spring wildflowers and plant families as well as the folklore associated with plants in this area. The field trip will be held at Riverbend Park, Fairfax County Park Authority's only riverfront park has over 400 acres of forest, meadows, and ponds. Riverbend's location along the Potomac River makes it a naturally unique and sensitive area with spectacular spring wildflowers.

Field trip: Saturday, April 10 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Riverbend Park

Instructor: Marijke Gate has worked as a naturalist at Riverbend Park for 15 years. She has a Ph.D. in zoology and was previously a biology lecturer in southern Africa. However, spring wildflowers are her favorite topic.

Cost: $35 members; $40 non-members

Limit: 25

Thursday, April 8 from 7 to 9:30 p.m.

Plant Lore and Ethnobotany

Ethnobotany is the study of how people use indigenous plants. Virginia's flora has a rich history of both real and imagined uses. This LEAPP workshop will familiarize participants in local floral legend, lore, and ethnobotany. The focus will be on native plants, but exotic species (and how some were used by people) will also be covered where appropriate. Plant identification, natural history, and animal associations and interactions will also be part of what is studied. The participants will also discuss the ethics and legality of collecting and the promise and danger of medicinal uses. The field trip will be to Thompson Wildlife Management Area in Linden, VA (see below for directions). Carpool arrangements will be discussed in class. The Thompson Wildlife Management Area one of the largest (millions!) Great White Trillium displays in the world! This area is resplendent with many (often rare) wildflowers and trees, including native orchids, which is why it is a wildflower registry site for the Virginia Native Plant Society. On the somewhat rocky 2-mile trail, we'll discuss plant folklore, ethnobotany, identification, and any other natural history we have a good chance to happen upon. Bring a bag lunch and water to eat on the trail.asdlf

Classroom session date: Thursdays, April 22 and 29 from 7 to 9:30 p.m.

Classroom location: Fairfax High School, 3501 Rebel Run, Fairfax, VA

Field trip: Saturday, May 1 from 10 a.m.. to 2:30 p.m. at Thompson Wildlife Management Area in Linden, VA from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Meet at Parking Lot #6 in the Thompson Wildlife Management Area.

Directions: Go West on I-66 to the Linden/Front Royal exit. You turn left over the highway and then left again onto VA-55 (you'll see a large gas station straight ahead after the turn). Travel one and 1/2 miles to the hamlet of Linden and make another left onto Freezeland Rd. (county rd 638). About a mile later you bear right toward the Blue Mountain Estates. Go about 4 miles up the mountain to parking lot #6 which is near the fire tower (that has the best options for plants).

Instructor: Alonso Abugattas is both a Master Gardener and a Naturalist, as well as an instructor for both. He is currently the acting manager of Long Branch Nature Center inArlington County and is a well known local naturalist and storyteller. He is a former officer for the Virginia Native Plant Society, including past president of the local Potowmack Chapter.

Cost: $50 members; $60 non-members

Limit: 25

Thursdays, April 22 and April 29 from 7 to 9:30 p.m.

Spring Warblers

The Eastern United States is the best place in the world to see warblers, and 37 species are expected annually in Virginia alone! Warblers delight birders with their beautiful colors and cheerful songs, but they can also
be frustrating to observe when they “just won’t sit still” or when a flock passes by in the fall with many species looking similar to one another. This workshop will focus on tips for identifying spring males and females,
the grouping of warblers by genus, conservation issues related to warblers, and where to see warblers in the Northern Virginia area. Warblers of the Great Lakes Region and Eastern North America by Chris Earley is a recommended text. Great pictures, well written descriptions, and migration timetables are all included.

Classroom session date: May 4 and 11

Classroom location: Fairfax High School, 3501 Rebel Run, Fairfax, VA

Field trip: Saturday, May 15 at Huntley Meadows Park at the South Kings HWY/Telegraph Road entrance at 7 a.m.

Instructor: Nolan Britt teaches environmental science and biology at Bishop O’Connell High School. He has been an active participant in regional Christmas Bird Counts and hawk watches and serves as co-leader of the Northern Virginia Teen Bird Club.

Cost: $50 members; $60 non-members

Limit: 10

May 4 & 11

Audubon At Home and Beyond

Carol Hadlock's backyard will be your classroom for this workshop, where you will learn to put the principles of Audubon at Home to work in your yard, creating a healthier environment for you, your family, and pets, while at the same time giving birds and pollinators a helping hand. Things should be popping in the garden, the birds will be singing, and outdoor activities will make this a fun, informative day. This workshop will be offered twice this spring on May 8 and May 22. Please specify which day you are enrolling in.

Class date: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Saturday, May 8 OR Saturday, May 22

Location: 515 Alabama Drive, Herndon

Cost: $25, to cover class materials and a light lunch

Instructor: Carol Hadlock is an ASNV Master Naturalist and national Wildlife Federation Habitat Steward.

Limit: 10 students

9a.m. - 3 p.m.

Saturday, May 8

OR

Saturday, May 22