ANS NATURE ACTIVITIES & NEWS We need nature. Nature needs us. p. 4 & 5 AUDUBON NATURALIST SOCIETY ANSHOME. ORG Naturalist Quarterly Winter 2019
A N S N A T U R E A C T I V I T I E S & N E W S
We need nature. Nature needs us.p. 4 & 5
audubon naturalist society
anshome.org
Naturalist Quarterly Winter 2019
The Audubon Naturalist Society inspires residents of the greater Washington, DC region to appreciate, understand, and protect their natural environment through outdoor experiences, education, and advocacy.
HEADQUARTERSWoodend, a 40-acre wildlife sanctuary in Chevy Chase, MD
OFFICE HOURSMonday-Friday 9 AM-5 PM
STORE HOURSMonday-Friday 10 AM-5 PMSaturday 9 AM-5 PMSunday 12-5 PM
GROUNDS HOURSDawn to dusk
ANS MEMBERSHIPStudent $15Individual $50Family $65Nature Steward $100Audubon Advocate $200Sanctuary Guardian $500Naturalists Council $1,000Preservationist $1,000+
NATURALIST QUARTERLY is published four times a year by the Audubon Naturalist Society, 8940 Jones Mill Road, Chevy Chase, MD 20815. Photos, art work, and articles may not be reprinted without permission from the editor. Opinions offered do not necessarily reflect official ANS policy. Advertised products or services do not carry the endorsement of ANS.
ISSN 0888-6555
MANAGING EDITORCaroline Brewer
SENIOR EDITORPam Oves
© 2018 Audubon Naturalist Society
CONTACT INFORMATIONANS Headquarters/Woodend Sanctuary 301-652-9188FAX [email protected] Naturalist Shop 301-652-3606
Conservation, MD x22Conservation, VA 571-278-5535Environmental Education x16Membership x35Publications, advertising x23Rentals x38Volunteers x20Contributions x31 Special Events x12Rust Sanctuary 703-669-0000
E-mail unusual bird sightings to [email protected]
OFFICERSPRESIDENT Scott Fosler (’20)VICE PRESIDENT Megan Carroll (‘19)TREASURER Alice Ewen (‘21) SECRETARY Becky Turner (‘21)
BOARD OF DIRECTORSSusan Blaha (‘21), Cecilia Clavet (‘19), Patricia Hernandez (‘21), Diane Hoffman (‘19), Ryan Matney (‘20), Carolyn Peirce (‘19), Gregg Petersen (‘21), Nancy Pielemeier (‘19), Rob Timmons (‘20), Nancy Voit (‘21), Larry Wiseman (‘19), Beth Ziebarth (‘20)
EXECUTIVE DIRECTORLisa Alexander
CONSERVATIONEliza Cava, Director of Conservation; Gregg Trilling, Creek Critters Program Manager; Cathy Wiss, Water Quality Monitoring Program Coordinator
DEVELOPMENT Jacky Wershbale, Director of Development; Debra Prybyla & Lin Orrin, Grant Writers; Loree Trilling, Database Coordinator; Kristin Cook, Database & Email Assistant; Larry Petrovich, Assistant
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION Diane Lill, Director; Stephanie Mason, Senior Naturalist; Stephanie Bozzo, Preschool Director, Amelia McLaughlin, Chelsea Hawk, Shannon Earle, Julie Walkup, Ruth Polk, Preschool Teachers; Nora Kelly, Camp Director; Serenella Linares, School Programs Manager; Lauren Simpson, Debbie Boger, Lee Anne Graeub, Jenny Brown, Debbie Borkowski, GreenKids Specialists; Deb Crew, Gina Ghertner, Environmental Educators; Steven Pearce, Environmental Education Specialist; Chidimma Achebe, Fellow
FINANCELois Taylor, Comptroller; Sherrice Ajebon, Senior Accountant/Benefits Manager; Alesha Mack, Staff Accountant
MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS Caroline Brewer, Director of Marketing and Communications; Vince Robinson, Webmaster and Social Media Manager; Ben Israel, Videographer/Photographer
NATURALIST SHOPMatt Mathias, Manager
OFFICE MANAGEMENT Pam Oves, Office Manager; Carol Hayes, Office Coordinator
OPERATIONS Amy Ritsko-Warren, Director of Operations
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT Bjorn Busk, Property Manager; Ami Smerling, Assistant Property Manager
RENTALS Beatriz Engel, Manager
RUST SANCTUARY Susanne Ortmann, NOVA Programs Manager; Ellen McDougall, Environmental Educator
VOLUNTEERSMitch Greene; Volunteer Coordinator
WOODEND RESTORATION Alison Pearce, Director of Restoration
ANShome.org Winter 2019
Naturalist Quarterly
COVER Photo of Northern Cardinals from North American Birds in Photographs
From the Director 3
We need nature. Nature needs us. 4
Children and Nature Photos 6
Conservation 8
Adults and Nature Photos 10
Children and Family Programs 12
Adult Programs 16
CALENDAR 20
Feature Photos 26
StreamScienceClasses 28
Free Birding Trips 29
Natural History Field Studies 30
Nature Travel 32
ANS News 34
RegistrationInfo 39
STAFF UPDATES
We are delighted to welcome Chidimma (Chidi) Achebe as our 2018-2020ANSEnvironmentalEducationFellow.Chidiwasbornand raised in Chicago and recently graduated from Howard University with her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Chemistry.ChidibringstoANSapassionatededicationtostewardingfuturegenerationsthrougheducation,science,andbusiness.Alesha Mack started in our Finance Department as afull-timeStaffAccountantinSeptember.Aleshahasseveralyearsofexperienceinaccountingintheconstructionindustry,andlooksforwardtolearningnon-profitaccounting.Itiswithgreatsadness,fondness,andrespectthatwebidMonica Billger farewell.HerpositionasNorthernVirginiaAdvocacyManagerhasbeenpart-time,andshewasofferedafull-timeandfantasticpositiondoingcommunityoutreachwithAlexandriaRenew,thewastewaterutilitythatservesAlexandriaCityandpartofFairfaxCounty.WealsosaygoodbyetoKatrina Kugel,long-timeEnvironmentalEducator,andwelcomenewEnvironmentalEducator Debbie Borkowski as well as Environmental Educator Cortney Dillon at Rust.
From the Director
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The Power of UsIdon’tcryoften,soitwasacomplete
surprisewhenIfoundtearsstreamingdownmyfaceduringarecentrideintowork.Ihadbeenlisteningtotheradioduringmymorningcommute,andmypsychemusthavefinallyreacheditstippingpoint.Thenewsofshootingsandwildfiresandconstantpoliticalvitrioljustbrokemyheartthatmorning,andIcriedmyselfrightintotheoffice.
ButwhenIreachedWoodendSanctuaryandtookamomenttopullmyselftogether,IfeltanoverwhelmingsenseofGRATITUDE.ThereonthegroundsIsawagroupofdifferently-abledyoungpeopletouringwithournaturalists,fascinatedbythesightsandsoundsofnature.Atthesametime,ournaturepreschoolerswerehikingtheirclassroomcompostupthehilltothecompoststation,exchangingcheerygreetingswithMasterNaturalisttraineeswhostreamedintothebuildingtogivetheircapstonepresentationsontreesurveys,organiclawncare,afruitorchardforthechildren’sgarden,andevenanaturescavengerhunt.Duringthesetroubledtimes,weallcantakeprideinoursharedmissionthatbringstheJOYofnaturetopeopleofallages.
HowfortunateamItosetdownmymorningnewspaperfullofchaosandfearandcometoworkatAudubonNaturalistSociety,whereourentirecommunityofmembers,staff,BoardandvolunteerspulltogethertodoGOODworkforpeopleandnatureeveryday.Thispastyear,I’vemarveledattheenergyofourvolunteerswhodonated12,225hoursoftheirvaluabletimetoplanttrees,removeinvasiveplants,tendgardens,teachchildren,hostevents,teststreamsandherddeer(andherddeer,and herd deer!).
ThankyouforraisingyourvoicethroughourActionNetwork.You’vespokenoutthisyearon40environmentaladvocacyissuesatthelocal,stateandfederallevel.Lastmonth,ourspiritedmembersandadvocatesstooduptoaterribleplaninFairfaxCountyforacondodevelopmentinanearly100%floodplain.Becausewejoinedtogetherandsent178lettersofopposition,thatbadplanwaswithdrawn(fornow!).(Seepage8)
Ourworkonrestoration,educationandadvocacyisbasedonfacts,andourbestthinkingoccurswhenwepayattentiontothescience,convene thought leaders from across the region and remain curious to learn more. Bringing Nature Home Author Doug Tallamy recently presentedtoapackedhouseofANSmembers.Dougtaughtusaboutthepowerofnativetreestosupportthegrowthofcaterpillarsandotherinsectsasthebasisofcomplexfoodwebsthatfeedourbelovedbirds,mammalsandamphibians.Plantmoretreeswashisbattlecry!
MelanieChoukas-Bradley’srecenttalkontheJoy of Forest Bathing drewanotherstandingroomonlycrowd.Melanieinspiredeveryonetobuildacloserbondwithforestsaroundus.IamgratefultoMelanie,DougandallthechampionsofnaturewhoareANSmembersandinstructorsandleadersinthefield.
Please know how much your involvement and support makes all of thisgoodworkpossible.Enjoythehighlightsofallwe’veaccomplishedtogetherbyreadingour2018AnnualReport(anshome.org/annual-reports).Andasweenterthisseasonofthanksgiving,pleasegivegenerously to keep our mission work going strong. Even during these troublingtimes,IhaveconfidenceinthePOWERofUS(ofANS!).Togetherwearechangingtheworldforthebetter.
Withgratitude,
Staff Recommendations for the Holidays from the Naturalist Shop
Ournotecardsaremygo-toitemintheshop.Wehaveholidaycards,thankyounotes,andones with cute animals on the front! Who doesn’tlovegettingmailespeciallywhenthecardisnature-themed!”
Nora “June Bug” Kelly, Camp Director
The Audubon Naturalist Shop‘s proceeds support our mission work. It is open Mondays-Fridays
10 am-5 pm, Saturdays 9 am-5 pm, and Sundays 10 am-5 pm.
Call 301-652-3606 for more info on any of these gift ideas.
Ilovetoshopforstockingstuffersformychildren,niecesandnephews.TheShophasawideselectionofsmallbooksIcanfitinsidemy5-year-old’sstocking,aswellaspuzzles,whichsheloves.Icanpickupdinosaursformynephew,moodringsformyniecesand12-year-olddaughter,aswellasnature-themedearringsthatIknowtheywilllove.My8-and-9-year-oldswillgetabigkickoutoftheFossilset,SnakeEgg,andSafariscopes.Withsomuchtochoosefrom,Ican’twaittogoshopping at the Shop!
Sherrice Ajebon, Senior Accountant and Benefits Manager
InmyroleasstaffphotographerforANS,Itakephotographsinnaturesettingsafewtimesaweek.OnarecentfieldtriptoDykeMarshtotakephotosofNaturalHistoryFieldStudies'fantasticBirdLifeclass,InstructorMarkEnglandhadascopewithhim.Ibecamefascinatedwithhowtransformativeascopecanbeonabirdingouting.IamseriouslylookingattheKowaProminarTSN-883inourShop.Iamparticularlyinterestedin"digiscoping,"
which means taking a picture through the scope.
Ben Israel, Staff Videographer and Photographer UsuallybooksaretheobjectofmydesirewhenIvisitourNaturalistShop.Butthesedays,abasketfulofsmall,balsa-woodanimalcarvingscatchmyeyeandhearteachtimeIpassthroughtheShop.Createdamano(byhand)byacooperativeofNicaraguanfarmers,thecreaturesarepaintedinsimplebutrealisticdetail.Birds,butterflies,turtles,frogs,andmoreareattachedtoastringforeasyhangingonaholidaytree,festivemantelpiece,orwelcomingdoor-knocker.Myfavorites?TheRose-breastedGrosbeak,GreenSeaTurtle,Leaf-nosedBat,andsleekStingray.Ormaybeit’stheWhite-breastedNuthatch,theMonarchButterfly,theSnailandthe...DoIreallyhavetochoose?
Stephanie Mason, Senior Naturalist
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Precious, rare, and powerful nature education
“I didn’t want to leave. I felt like I belonged there.” - Rocky, 13, nature lover
Afterhismom’sdeath,a10-year-oldwe’llcallRockyfeltdepressedand lonely. He also was misdiagnosed aseducationallydisabledor“slow.”Andthen,alongcameanopportunitytoexperiencenaturewithANS’snature educators. We are delighted to share that our nature educators are something special. They teach childrenusingaholistic,child-centeredphilosophythatisrare.It’srareatschools,andafter-schoolprograms,andcamps.Asaresult,ANSprovidedthefirsteducationalsettingthatallowedRockytoseehimselfdifferently,andpositively.Rockywasacceptedbyusasachildwithavoraciousappetiteandcapacitytolearn,because,atANS,weallowchildrentoshapetheireducationbasedontheirpassions.Rocky’spassionwascatchingfrogs.Everyday,that’sallhewantedtodo.Andso,welethim.
WhenRocky’sgriefcounselorsawhimafterhisfirstsummeratoneofournaturecamps,hesaidhehadneverseensuchrapidprogressandpositivechange in a child who had lost a parent.
Nowateen,Rockyhasfoundhisvoice as an advocate for nature. WithoutANS,Rockymightneverhavefoundaplacetobelongorasenseofpurpose.Thankstoourprecious,rare,and powerful philosophy for engaging children,Rockydidfindaplacetobelong.Hedoesnowhaveasenseofpurpose.
Wethoughtyou’dliketoknowhowyourgiftstoushelpmakethedreamsof children and teachers come true.
Thank you. RockyholdingnotafrogbutBoris,theRussianTortoise,belovedbyallANScampers.
ANS knows nature. We know nature education and nature conservation. We know how to have fun in nature and how to steward nature. We’ve been doing it for a long, long time. But you know, there is so much more we can do and need to do. Nature needs us – all of us, and to answer nature’s call, we need you. During this season of giving, we’re moved to share a couple of stories that demonstrate some of the impact of what we do year ‘round and invite you to help us do even more. Enjoy our stories of success connecting people to the environment, and please donate to help us keep going at www.anshome.org/donate.
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AtANS,wedon’tjustobservenatureinaction.Weinventtoolsthatallowustobesmarteraboutwhatweobserve.OurCreekCrittersapp,whichwontheBethesdaGreenInnovationAwardthisyear,isafreshexample.
TheCreekCrittersappallowsordinarypeople,includingelementarystudents,toidentifysmallorganisms–orcritters–inlocalwaterways.Whatlivesatthebottomofstreams--benthic(meaning“bottom-dwelling”)macroinvertebrates–exhibitarangeofsensitivitiestopollutantsandstressors.Whichmakesthemhelpfulindicatorsofwaterquality.Amongthemanycrittersarecrayfish,snails,aquaticworms,andalargevarietyofinsectlarvae.AppusersgenerateStreamHealthReportsbasedontheirfindings,andthereportsaredisplayedonaninteractivemap.
Injustthreeyears,ANSanditspartnershaveusedtheapptoengagenearly8,800peopleatmorethan200eventsandactivities.Addingthosewhousetheappindependentlyofus,theapphasturnedmorethan12,000peopleintocitizenscientists.UserspostdatafromtheWashingtonmetroregion,theUnitedStates,andabroad.Now,withreal-timeknowledge,wecanbetterprotectourpreciouswaterways. SarahMorse,ExecutiveDirectoroftheLittleFallsWatershedAlliance,recentlysaid,“WehavehostedsixCreekCritterseventsand,ateveryone,Iamstillimpressedwithhowthissimpleapp,alongwithafewnetsandbucketshasgrownacommunityofcleanwaterenthusiasts.Mostpeoplecometooureventsthinkingonlyfishliveinthecreek.Wecanheartheoohsandahhswhentheyfindtheirfirstmacroinvertebrate,and,bythetimetheyleave,theyareaskingquestionsaboutthehealthofthestreamandwhattheycando.”
Inaworldwherethreatstocleanwateraremountingdaily,thislittleappcouldbeconsideredpriceless.Wethoughtyou’denjoyknowingaboutitsimpact.
ANS has invented an app that allows little critters to do big things for clean water - the world over
Creek Critters App – Latest UpdateThelatestupdatetoANS’saward-winningCreekCrittersappisavailablenow! Please download the update fromtheAppleAppStoreorGooglePlay.Ifyouhaven’ttriedthefreeapp,checkitout!Learnhowtofindandidentifystreamcrittersandautomaticallygeneratestreamhealthreportsbasedonyourfindings.
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StreamstudyatKenilworthAquaticGardens. AudubonNaturePreschoolboyclimbingatreewithglee.
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Policy and Advocacy NewsBy Eliza Cava, Director of Conservation
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Victory for Dogue Creek!
Virginia
Victory for Dogue Creek!:Afteranintensebattlebeginningthissummer,ANSandouralliesfoughtadevelopertoastandstillinOctoberovertheirplansdevelopa43acreparcelnearly100%inthefloodplainofhistoricDogueCreek,whichflowspastGeorgeWashington’sMt.VernonEstate.Wehopethatthispausebecomespermanent,becausebuildinginafloodplainisneveragoodideaandifFairfaxCountyultimatelyweretoallowthisdevelopmenttogoforwarditwouldsetaterribleprecedentthatcouldendangerstreams,floodplains,andneighborhoodsacrossthecounty.
Maryland
Visit with Secretary Grumbles:InSeptember,ANShostedMarylandSecretaryoftheEnvironmentBenGrumblesforatourofWoodendSanctuary(above).Wewerehonoredtotellhimandhisstaffaboutoureducationprograms,restorationplans,andpolicyandadvocacywork.Thiswasourfirstopportunitytodemonstratetoadecision-maker how our new rain gardens and other stormwater management projects make Woodend a natural classroom for watershed restorationusinggreeninfrastructure.Itwon’tbethelast!WehopeSecretaryGrumblescomesbacksoon.
Rainscapes Program rebate dollars dramatically increased: GreatnewsforMontgomeryCountyresidents!TherebatesavailablethroughtheRainscapesprogramhaverecentlyincreaseddramatically:triplingforresidentialpropertiestoamaximumof$7,500,anddoublingforinstitutionalpropertiestoamaximumof$20,000.Inadditiontotherebates,gettechnicaladviceandlistsoftrained contractors at www.rainscapes.org. Send us photos of your newraingardens,rainbarrels,andpermeablepavements—theyallhelp our local streams stay healthy!
Students at ANS’s afterschool club for Daly Elementary School make Scary Trash Monsters for Halloween!
Washington, DC
GetthePlasticOutofHere:DidyouhearthattheEuropeanUnionjustpassedabanonsingle-useplasticitemslike“plates,cutlery,straws,balloonsticksorcottonbuds”?Herelocally,Washington,D.C.hasasingle-useplasticbanandisonthevergeofpassinganotherone,focusingonstraws.ANSsupportsthisnewlegislation(aslongasitcontainsprovisionsforpeoplewithdisabilities)andbelievesweneedtodoeverythingwecantoGetthePlasticOutofHere!
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Conservation Conservation
Conservation CafésJoinusforcoffeeanddessertwhileenjoyinginspiringpresentationsonnatureconservationtopics.AllwinterConservationCafesareatWoodendSanctuaryfrom7-8:30pm.Your$15registrationfeesupportsourConservationProgram!See detailed descriptions and register at www.anshome.org/conservation-cafe.
Upcoming Events:
• Tuesday, December 11: TamaraTolesO’Laughlin,ExecutiveDirectorofMarylandEnvironmentalHealthNetwork:“ProtectingOurHealthfromEnvironmentalToxins.”Rescheduled from 11/15.
• Thursday, January 10: Dr.SujayKaushal,AssociateProfessorofBiogeochemistry,UniversityofMarylandCollegePark:“There’ssaltinthewater:whyweusesomuchroadsalt,howitimpactshumanandanimalhealth,andwhatourregionisdoingtotrytouselessofit.”
• Thursday, February 28:VocalistandSpokenWordArtistKarenWilson-Ama’Echefu:“NatureCelebrationthroughtheWordsandMusicofAfricanAmericanPoetsandComposers.”
• Tuesday, March 19: JulieLawson,DirectoroftheMayor’sOfficeoftheCleanCityinWashington,DC,andfounderofTrash-FreeMaryland:“TalkingTrash&Recycling.”
Upcoming Advocacy & Stewardship WorkshopsLearn more and register at: www.anshome.org/training Location: Woodend Sanctuary, Chevy Chase, MD Prices below are for members/nonmembers
facebook.com/audubonnaturalistsociety
Interested in getting involved or learning more? Sign up for our Action Alert list and check out our Blog at
conservationblog.anshome.org.
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Help ANS Fight Climate Change and Save Nature in the DMV!Forthethirdyear,TeamANSwillbeplungingintothePotomacatNationalHarborinJanuary(brrrrr!)toraisemoneytofightclimatechange.Ourgoalthisyearis$8,000,whichwillbesplitbetweenANSConservationandtheChesapeakeClimateActionNetwork—pleasecontributeathttps://www.keepwintercold.org/team/AudubonNaturalistSociety.Andthankyou!
Advocacy 202: Using online tools and social media for organizing Thursday, January 24 (6:30-8:30 pm) $15/$20Whenyouneedtogetothersonyourside,youmustfirstfigureouthowtofindthem.Intoday’sdayandage,thatoftenmeansonline.Howdoyougrowanduseanemaillisttoreach,andtrack,yourneighborsandmembers?Howcanyouknowwhatyouralliesaresayingtoelectedofficialswhenyouaskthemtowriteletters?Howdoyouevenaskthemtowriteletters?Andwhataboutsocialmedia—who’sonFacebook?Instagram?Twitter?Learntheanswerstoallthisandmore,expandyourcomfortzone,andgetaccesstofreeonlineorganizingtoolsatthisworkshop.
Watershed Advocacy & Stewardship 101 Tuesday, February 12 (10 am-2:30 pm) $20/$30JoinANSexpertsforafunandempoweringworkshopforanintroductiontoenvironmentaladvocacy&watershedstewardship!IncludesatourofWoodend’swatershedrestorationprojectsandusesroleplayandscenariostobuildconfidenceinspeakingupfornature.Thefocusisoncleanwaterbuttheskillscanapplytoanyenvironmentalissue--learnhowyoucanraiseyourvoiceforlocalconservation.
You’ll get our BRAND-NEW Advocacy & Stewardship Handbook at each of these workshops!
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MasterNaturalistCarmelBullarddelightsindiscoveringinsectsinoneofourmeadows.
DenisseGuitarraleadsagrouponourfirstSpanishlanguagebirdwalkatWoodend.
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StudentsfromSallyValdes’sWildlifeEcologyNHFSclassscanthelandscapeatMasonNeckNationalWildlifeRefugeandseeRuddyDucks,TundraSwans,andLesserScaup.
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IsitaGoldenEagleoranimmatureBaldEagle?Thisquestionpopsupalot,andit'sagoodone.TheeasiestwaytotellthedifferencebetweenaGoldenEagleandanImmatureBaldEagleatthisstageinitsdevelopmentisbythewhiteaxillaries.Whatareaxillaries?Axillariesarelikearmpits.
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You and your kids can unplug and explore nature every day at Woodend and Rust nature sanctuaries, open dawn to dusk for free, 365 days a year. Our trained naturalists and excellent volunteers are eager to introduce children to nature through the Audubon Nature Preschool, Summer Camp, Nature Birthday Parties, Family Programs, and at your child’s school through School Programs and GreenKids. Consider having your PTA or PTO sponsor a nature activity for your school!
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Tales and TrailsAges 2-4 with a caregiver Thursdays, January 10-March 14 (10-10:45 am) Winter Session: $80 per child
This10-weekclassinvitesyoungchildrento discover the wonders of nature as we journey through the changing seasons. We’lltapintochildren’sdeepconnectionwithnaturebyreadingstories,makingfuncrafts,andsingingsongs.Makesure to dress for the weather as we will explore our Sanctuary trails each class to see what new surprises we can find.
Feel free to relax and enjoy ourtrails,picnicareas,andbookstorebeforeorafterthe program. Register online at www.
anshome.org/[email protected].
Saturdays (4-5 pm) December 1, January 19, February 16, March 9 Fee: $10 per child, adults free
ComejoinusforaCampfireandCraft.Wewillprovideallofthes’moreingredients.$10perchild,adultsarefree.Pleasebringcash or a check. RSVP to [email protected].
Campfire and Craft Fresh Air Kids at Rust Sanctuary!Childrenarebornnaturalists.TheAudubonNaturalistSocietybuildsonchildren'sinherentcuriosityabouttheworldbyusinghands-on,nature-basedactivitiestofostersocial,physical,andacademicskilldevelopment. Our Fresh Air Kids Class is for childrenages5andyounger,alongwithaparent or caregiver. Classes might involve crafts,songs,booksandalwaysahike.Bringyourlunchorsnack.Mingleandmeetothercaregivers!
Rust Sanctuary, Leesburg ,VA Fridays (10-11:30 am) April 5-May 31 (no class 4/19) Cost: $125 (siblings 21 months and older $115, siblings under 21 months free) Register at anshome.org/parents
Reservationsnotconfirmeduntilpaymentreceived(checksonly).PleasemailchecksmadepayabletoANSandsendtoANS,Attn:PamOves,8940JonesMillRd,ChevyChase,MD20815.
TheAudubonNaturePreschoolfeaturesprogramsforchildrenaged5yearsandyounger.Childrenbenefitfromexploringthenaturalsurroundingsofthe40-acresanctuary,whichofferendlessopportunitiesforinvestigationanddiscovery.
TheAudubonNaturePreschoolbuildsonchildren’sinherentcuriosityabouttheworldbyusinghands-on,nature-basedactivitiestofostersocial,physical,andacademicskilldevelopment.
All Nature Preschool programs run September-May.Visitanshome.org/ans-preschoolformoreinfoorcallPreschoolDirectorStephanieBozzoat301-652-9188x32.
Audubon Nature Preschool Story Hikes and Audubon Nature Preschool tours RSVPonlineatwww.anshome.org/events-calendar.Childrenencouragedtoattend!Please dress to walk our trails. All open housesareonSaturdaysfrom9:30-11am.
• December1,2018
• January12,2019
• February2,2019
Wonder and Wander Saturday, May 4 (10-11am)
Storyhikesandart&craftsactivities.
Preschool Community Events ($10 per family)
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Experience the wonders of Spring at CampAudubon!Catchfrogsinthepond,hiketoRockCreek,andgetyourhandsdirtyinourChildren’sGarden!Grades6-9canearnupto20SSLhoursdoingsanctuarystewardshipactivities.
MCPS: Wednesday, April 17- Friday, April 19, 2019 (8:45 am-3 pm) Extended camp available from 3-5 pm ($45) Members $255; nonmembers $310 DCPS: Monday, April 15-Friday, April 19, 2019 (8:45 am-3 pm) Extended camp available from 3-5 pm ($75) Members $365; nonmembers $450
Camp AudubonImportantDatesfor2019SummerCampRegistration
• Friday, December 7, 2018 LastdaytobecomeanANSmemberandbeeligibleformembers-onlyregistration
• Late December, 2018 CatalogmailedtoANSmembers
• Wednesday, January 30, 2019, 10 a.m. RegistrationopenstoANSmemberswhojoinedby12/7/18
• Monday, February 4, 2019, 10 a.m. Registrationopenstononmembersandtonewmemberswhojoinedafter12/7/18
Thissummerwearemakingtwochangestotheregistrationprocesstoupdateoursoftwaresystemandhelpensureasmoothanderrorfreeregistrationexperienceforall.
One,wearechangingthedateofmembers-onlyregistrationtoaweekday,Wednesday,January30,at10a.m.toensurewehavetechsupportifneeded.
Two,weareswitchingregistrationfromThrivatoCampandClassManager(CCM).ThrivaandCCMarebothundertheumbrellaofActiveNetwork,whowehaveworkedwithforoveradecade,butCCMoffersmanyadvantagessinceitisacloud-basedsystemandnotaflash-basedsystem.CCMwillworkonanybrowserandanyplatform(computer,mobilephone,iPad,etc).Inaddition,CCMisequippedtotakehundredsifnotthousandsofregistrationsaminute,unlike Thriva.
However,eventhoughThrivaandCCMareunderActiveNetwork,youwillneedtosetupanewaccounttoregisterforsummercamp.So,allparentswillbenewusersforthe2019summercampseason.YoucanstillusethesameemailandpasswordyouhadforThriva,butagainyouwillneedtofillinallyourinfoinCCMwhenyouregister.YouwillalsoneedyourmemberIDnumber.
IfyouhaveanyquestionsorneedtocheckyourmembershipstatusormemberIDnumber,please email [email protected].
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JoinusthefirstSaturdayofeverymonthfor a FREEnaturalist-ledwalkinthewoods. Explore the Woodend grounds andlearnaboutdifferenttopicseachmonth,suchasbirds,trees,insects,andfungi. All ages welcome! Walks run from 9-10am.MeetatthegazebobytheAudubonNaturalistShop.
Weekend Walks in the Woods
Spring Break Camp (Grades K-9)
twitter.com/ANStweets
57th Season
SUMMER NATURE CAMP Burgundy Center for Wildlife Studies
Capon Bridge, WV
SENIOR PROGRAM (Ages 11-15) Two week sessions June/July/AugustJUNIOR PROGRAM (Ages 8-10) One week AugustADULT WEEKEND (Ages 21+)One weekend July
SLIDESHOW PRESENTATIONS WINTER 2019 Burgundy Farm School3700 Burgundy Rd Alexandria, VA
Audubon Naturalist Society Woodend8940 Jones Mill Rd Chevy Chase, MD
FOR MORE INFORMATIONburgundycenter.orgmichelem@burgundyfarm.org703-842-0470
Hike. Swim. Explore Appalachian wilderness.Small groups. Independent projects.Music. Arts. Games. Laughter.
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VisitoursanctuariesinMarylandandVirginiaorinviteustovisityourschoolwithhands-onenvironmentalscienceprogramsdesignedtomeetNextGenerationScienceStandardsaswellasMarylandGreenSchool&VirginiaNaturallygreenschoolcertificationrequirements.Scholarshipsavailable.
Viewourprogramsandregisteronlineatanshome.org/teachers
Donations are always appreciated to support our on-going programs for underserved schools and community centers in DC, Maryland, and Virginia.
Professional Development for Teachers
Would you like to enrich your curriculum with handsonactivitiesforyourstudents?Letusshareoureducationwithyou!Eachworkshopwillprovideyou with the tools necessary to implement the lessons in your own classroom or school yard. Workshopsareheldyear-round.
Visitwww.anshome.org/teachersforascheduleand to register online.
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Party With a Purpose
WithgeneroussupportfromtheGeorgePrestonMarshallFoundation,wehavethedelightofprovidingnatureprogramsforyoungchildrenfromtheMontgomeryHousingPartnership’sPlay&Learnprogramsthisyear.EachoftheirfivecommunitycentersintheSilverSpringandWheatonareasarereceivingfivenaturalistvisitsandfieldtripstointroducesomeofouryoungestcommunitymemberstothejoysofnature.WelovethisphotoofalittlegirlfindingawormforthefirsttimeatWoodend!YoursupportofANS,alongwithgenerousfundingfromfoundationsandindividuals,makesthistypeofoutreachpossible.Thankyou!
Featured Grant Program
Visit our Naturalist Shop to check out a backpackthatwillhavetoolsandactivitiesyou and your family can use to explore nature right here at Woodend Sanctuary. Themes includebirds,insects,trees,natureart,andmore.Backpacksarefreeforcheck-outintheshopbutmustbereturnedby4:30pm.
Nature Backpacks
WhenyoucelebratewithabirthdaypartyatWoodendSanctuary,yousupportusinprovidingnatureeducationtochildrenallovertheDCMet-roarea.ANSoffersnature-themedbirthdaypartiesforages4-10atourChevyChaseNatureSanctuary.Registeronlineatanshome.org/parents.
• Choosefromourpartythemes:AnimalClues,AllAboutBirds,Reptiles&Amphib-ians,WigglyWorms,InsectInvestigations,WinterDetective,andStayin’AliveWhenWinter Winds Blow.
• Partiesare1.5hoursandareheldyear-roundonSaturdaysandSundays.• Partiesare$230forANSmembersand$265fornonmembers(whichincludesa
familymembership).
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Theseprogramsoffernaturenovicesandexperiencednaturalistsalikeanarrayofopportunitiestoexploreandlearnaboutourarea’snaturalhistory.Allprogramsareledbyexperiencednaturalists.LecturesareheldatWoodendSanctuary.Fieldtripsarereachedbyprivatevehicleorcarpool.
ONLINE REGISTRATION FOR ADULT PROGRAMS
• Visit www.ANShome.org/adults.
• All changes/cancellations/transfers must be handled through the EE office.
• Want to become an ANS member and get the member rate? Join at the same time you register for a program.
• Questions? Call Pam at 301-652-9188 x16 or email [email protected].
Adult Nature Programs
Wild places are closer than you think. ®
Do you want to read your Naturalist Quarterly online and reduce paper use and printing costs? If so, email [email protected] and ask to be taken off our mailing list.
Birding the Shenandoah ValleySaturday, December 1 (9 am-4 pm) Leaders: Joe Coleman and Laura McGranaghan Members (ANS & LWC) $36; nonmembers $50
ClarkeCountyinVirginia’sShenandoahValleyisrichwithexcellentbirdingareas.Jointwoseasonedbirdersonadaylongsearchforhawks,sparrows,waterfowl,andotherseasonalbirdsinthenortheasternsectionoftheValley.We’llmeetattheSnicker’sGapHawkwatchintheBlueRidgeMountainsontheLoudoun/ClarkeCountyborder.Fromherewe’llmovealongtheShenandoahRiver,andvisittheVirginiaStateArboretumandBlandyFarm.We’llwrapupthedaywithareturntoSnicker’sGapHawkwatchtoseewhat’smovingoverhead.Alllevelsofbirdersarewelcome,andwewillcarpool/caravanfromourmeetingpointtothereturn.OurfieldtripiscosponsoredwithLoudounWildlifeConservancy(LWC).
Geology at Long BranchSaturday, December 1 (1-4 pm) Inclement weather date: Sunday, December 9 Leader: Joe Marx Members $26; nonmembers $36
Arlington’sLongBranchNatureCenteroccupiesapicturesquespotoverlookingashort,misnamedtributaryofFourMileRun,itselfatributaryofthePotomac.Wewillhikeamileorsoout--andamileback--downLongBranchandFourMileRun,returningbythesameroute.Avarietyofrockunitsareexposedalongthetrail,includinganundersealandslidefrozenintime,long-vanishedseasideflats,andthebottommostlayerofthecoastalplain.Toaddbotanicalicingtoourgeologicalcake,wewilltraverseanold-growthuplandforestandaquicker-changingfloodplainforest.Thepavedrouteisentirelyonleveltogently-inclinedparktrails.Note: Our geology hikes move faster than our usual “naturalist’s shuffle”.
A Year at TR IslandD: Late Autumn Tree Walk, Wednesday, December 5 (10 am-2 pm) Leader: Melanie Choukas-Bradley Members $28; nonmembers $38
JoinMelanieChoukas-Bradley,authorofA Year in Rock Creek Park and City of Trees,foranexplorationofTheodoreRooseveltIsland,a90-acreislandinthePotomacthatservesasafittingmemorialtoourconservationistandnaturalist26thpresident—andAudubonNaturalistSocietymember!Ourfalltreewalkswilltakeusdeepintotheswampandtidalinletalongtheboardwalkwherewillows,bald-cypressesandcattailsframeviewsofthecitybehindit.Ourleaderwillsharedetailsoftheisland’sfascinatinghistoryduring theseexplorationsandwe’llwitnesstheebbandflowofthe Potomactidesalongwiththechangingseasons.
Natural History of OwlsThursday, December 6 (7-9:30 pm) Leader: Scott Baron Free, but registration required.
Localowlpopulationsswellduringthewinterasresidentspeciesarejoinedbynorthernmigrants.Lookingforowlsandunderstandingtheirspecializedadaptationsisanexcitingwinteractivity.ThisillustratedslidelectureatourWoodendSanctuary,presentedbyalocalbirderandowlenthusiast,willcoverfieldidentificationtechniques,basicadaptationsandnaturalhistoryofowls.
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Winter Birding at Black HillSection A: Saturday, December 8 (8:30-11 am) Section B: Saturday, January 5 (8:30-11 am) Section C: Sunday, February 3 (8:30-11 am) Section D: Saturday, March 2 (8:30-11 am) Leader: Mark England Each walk: members $24; nonmembers $34 Entire series $87/$123
Thewintermonthscanbeanidealtimetolearnmoreaboutbirdsandbirding,andBlackHillRegionalPark,inupperMontgomeryCounty,isanidealoutdoorclassroomforthisstudy.Eachwalkinourseries,intendedforbeginningtomid-levelbirders,willvisitoneormoresitesintheParkinasearchforwaterfowl,sparrows,raptors,andotherbothresidentandoverwinteringspecies.ThePark’shabitatsarevariedandincludewetlandsandLittleSenecaLake,aswellasforestandfield.Joinusfortheentireseriesandobservetheseasonalchangesinnumbersandspecies,orjustsignup for individual walks.
Winter WeedsFriday, December 14 (10 am-2:30 pm) Leader: Stephanie Mason Members $28; nonmembers $38
Notallherbaceousplantsdisappearinthewinter.Manypersistasdriedstalksandseedclusters,withabeautytomatchtheseason.JoinANSSeniorNaturalistStephanieMasonforanindoor/outdoorintroductiontowinterweedandwildfloweridentificationatourWoodendSanctuary.We’llalsoinvestigateseeddispersalstrategiesandexamineplantskeletonsforsignsofsummerinsectactivity,suchasinsectgalls,chrysalids,cocoons,andeggcases.
Winter Walks Along the CanalWednesdays (10 am-12:30 pm) Section A: January 9 - Carderock Section B: January 23 - Widewater Section C: February 6 - Swain’s Lock Section D: February 20 - Violettes Lock Sestion E: March 13 - Pennyfield Lock Leader: Stephanie Mason Each walk members $25; nonmembers $35 Entire series $113/$159
JoinourSeniorNaturalistforoneorallofthesewalksalongtheC&OCanalaswelookforover-winteringbirdsandotherwildlife,practicewinterbotanyskills,andenjoytheexpansiveviewsalongthePotomacRiverthatthisseasonprovides.Carpoolingwillbeavailablefrom Woodend.
Introduction to the Winter Night SkyThursday, January 10 (7:30-9:30 pm) Leader: Richard Orr Members $24; nonmembers $34
Can you spot Orion the hunter rising up just over the treetops? This alone is a sure sign that winter has come once again to the northern hemisphere.Beingabletoreadtheskyinwintercangiveyouauniquesenseofcosmologicalwondersincemostofthebrighterstarsare,infact,winterstars.Whileourleaderisbest-knownforhisexpertiseindragonflies,he’llsharehisequallystrongknowledgeofastronomyinanindoor/outdoorpresentationatourWoodendSanctuary.We’llbeintroducedtoskyguidepostsandthedozenorso“winter”constellations.Assumingskiesareclear,we’llbundleuptoheadoutsideandlookforsomeofthesewondrouscelestialsightsthroughatelescope.
Winter Hike Series: River and RocksA. Saturday, January 12 (3/4 day hike) Catoctin Mountain Park, MD B. Sunday, January 27 (3/4 day hike) Riverbend Park, VA C. Saturday, February 9 (3/4 day hike) C&O Canal, MD Leaders: Stephanie Mason and Lisa Shannon Each hike: members $34; nonmembers $48 Entire series $92/$130
TakeontwoofyourNewYear’sresolutionsatonce:spendmoretimeoutdoorsexploringnatureANDgetmoreexercisebysigningupforoneormoreofourwinterhikes.Thisseason’sseriestraversestherockytrailsofCatoctinMountainParkjustastheNewYearbegins.We’llhikebetween3.5-5mileshere,eitherasonelongloopor as a series of shorter hikes. Our next two hikes visit the scenic bottomlandsalongthePotomacRiver.HikeBwillusethePotomacHeritageTrail,whichismostlyflat,butoffersasmallamountofrockyterrain,foraroundtriphikeof3.8miles.Onourlastouting,wewillhikeupriverontheflatC&OCanaltowpathfromPennyfieldLocknearPotomac,MDtoViolettesLock—andback—foraroundtriptotalof5miles.Onallthreeofthesehikes,wewillsearchforover-winteringbirdsandotherwildlife,whilepracticingourwinterbotanyskills.Hikes may be modified depending on weather and ground conditions, which could be muddy or snow-covered. These hikes are designed to offer a natural history experience for persons who want to move farther and faster than the pace of most ANS field trips. We will stop to observe and admire nature, but will keep a pace necessary to cover the distance stated.
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ANS greatly appreciates the in-kind donations received from the following organizations: Corcoran Caterers, Catering by Seasons, Putting on the Ritz, Ikona Photography, Occasions Caterers, Wedding Photojournalism by Rodney Bailey, and Design Cuisine.
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Winter Waterfowl Prowl Sunday, January 13 (8 am-12:30 pm) Leader: Mike Bowen Members $26; nonmembers $36
EarlyintheyearisthebesttimetosearchforandlearntoIDoverwintering waterfowl in our area. Basing our search at wetlands andwaterwaysrelativelyclose-intothemetroarea,we’llvisitsitesinorneartheDistrict,NorthernVirginia,orMontgomeryCounty.Ourexactlocationswillbedeterminedclosertothedateofthefieldtrip,basedonourleader’sscoutingexpeditions.Whileourfocuswillbewaterfowl,we’llkeepaneyeopenforallbirdlife.Alllevelsofbirderswelcome.
Native Plant GardeningWinter Walk: Wednesday, January 16 (10 am-Noon) Spring Walk: Wednesday, April 17 (10 am-Noon) Leader: Stephanie Mason Each walk members $25; nonmembers $35
ExploretheBlairNativePlantGarden,locatedjustoutsidetheNaturalistShop,withourSeniorNaturalistwhohelpeddevelopthegardenanditseducationalfocus.Findoutmoreaboutthevaluesofgardeningwithnativeplantspecies,including:lowermaintenance;morevaluetonativebirds,butterfliesandotherinsects,includingpollinators;reducednegativeimpactonlocalecosystems,andmore.We’lldiscussnativealternativestopopularnon-nativespeciessuchasEnglishivy,aswellasresourcesforbroadeningone’sknowledgeandunderstandingofplantsnativetothemid-Atlantic.
Winter in Cape MaySaturday, January 19 (9 am) to Sunday, January 20 (4 pm) Leader: Mark Garland Members: $120; nonmembers $168
VisitthevariedcoastalhabitatsofCapeMayattheheartofwintertosearchforwildlifeduringthisseasideresort’squietestseason.We’llstartwithawalkatCapeMayPointStateParkonSaturdaymorning.Ifit’samildwintertherecanbeagoodvarietyoflingeringsongbirdsandwaterfowlinthepark.Inharshwintersiceformsalongthebeaches,harborsealsrestonthefloatingice,andwoodcocksfeedalongtheroadsides.Afterlunch,we’lltravelnorthtolookforshorebirdsandwaterfowlatoneortwoinletsalongtheAtlanticOceancoast.BigflocksofDunlinswinterhere,andtherearegoodchancestoseescoters,Long-tailedDucks,twospeciesofloons,andotherwaterbirds.WeendthedayatJakesLanding,wheresometimesShort-earedOwlsareseenpatrollingthemarshatdusk.Ifit’sacalmeveningwemaytrytocallaGreatHornedOwloranEasternScreech-Owl.WewillplantospendalldaySundayaroundthesoutherntipoftheCape,takingwalksatseveralnaturalareas.Iftheweatherisbitterlycoldwewillmixshorterwalkswithwarmingbreaksinside.Overnight options include motels, B&Bs, and lodges in and around Cape May, which are booked by participants themselves.
Walking the Winter Woods and Wetlands(10 am-1 pm) Section A. Saturday, January 19: Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, DC Section B. Friday, February 15: Riley’s Lock, MD Section C: Sunday, March 17: Huntley Meadows, VA Leader: Stephanie Mason Each walk members $28; nonmembers $38 Entire series $84/$103
Winterisoftenconsideredthequietseason,butthereisstilllots to look and listen for in the natural world despite the cold temperatures. Our Senior Naturalist will lead this series of walks toobservewinterwildlifeandplants,allthewhilediscussingtheirstrategies for winter survival. We’ll work to cover between 2-3 miles on these walks in order to counter the cold.
New Year’s MoonwalkSaturday, January 19 (6:30-8:30 pm) Leader: Stephanie Mason Members $25; nonmembers $35
CrossyourfingersforclearskiesaswecelebratetheNewYearwithabriskwalkunderthelightoftheyear’sfirstfullmoon.We’llheadupriverontheC&OCanaltowpathfromSwain’sLock,enjoyingtheshadows of arching sycamore trees and listening for the calls of owls andwinter-activemammals.Distancecoveredwilldependontheweatherandconditionsunderfoot.
Winter Birding at Oaks LandfillA: Sunday, January 20 (3-5:30 pm) B: Sunday, February 10 (3:30-6 pm) Leader: Mark England Each walk members $24; nonmembers $32
You’llwanttobundleupforthesebirdingtrekstothenow-closedlandfilladjacenttotheBlueMashNatureTrail,afamiliarbirdingspotinupperMontgomeryCounty.Asafternoonfadestoduskintheopenterrainhere,we’llsearchforresidentandoverwinteringspecies,includingNorthernHarriersandShort-earedOwls.Ourleaderwillbringalongascopefordistantbirdviewing.Ourvisittothisareawhichis“closedtothepublic”isbyspecialpermission.Please register for one session only to allow for greater participation.
This ANS service offers weekly reports of sightings of rare or notable birds. Email [email protected] or visit ANShome.org/voice.
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Introduction to the ID of GullsThursday, January 24 (7:30-9:30 pm) Saturday, January 26 (3/4 day field trip) Leader: Paul Pisano Members $48; nonmembers $68 Lecture only members $24; nonmembers $32
Thevariableplumagesofgullsfrustratemanyobservers,yettheirbehavioroftenallowscarefulandstudiedobservation.Thisforay,designedforbeginningandmid-levelbirders,willstudythegullsthatmostcommonlyoccurinthemid-Atlanticregion.Thursday’slecturewilluseslidestoteachsubadultandadultplumages,whileSaturday’sfieldtripbycarpoolwilltakeustolocationsinDCandVirginiawherethebirdscanbestudiedatlength.
Walk Among the GiantsA. Saturday, January 26 (9 am-1 pm) B. Saturday, April 13 (8 am-Noon) C. Sunday, July 21 (8 am-Noon) D. Sunday, October 27 (8 am-Noon) Leader: Stephanie Mason Each walk members $28; nonmembers $38 Entire series $112/$156
WalkamongthegiantSycamores,Oaks,andRiverBirchesonthisseasonalseriesofexplorationsalongthePotomacRiverjustupstreamofGreatFalls,MD.We’llkeepoureyesandearsopenforallmannerofwildlife,andwatchthewinterwoodsturngreen,andthensummersultrybeforefallcolorsheraldthecomingofanotherwinter.Ourfloodplaintrail,connectingwiththeTowpath,ismostlylevel,butcouldbemuddyaswewalkourloopofroughly2.5miles.
Winter Tree ID for BirdersSaturday, February 2 (2:30-4 pm) Leader: Stephanie Mason Free, but registration required.
We’rereprisingthispopularfieldtriptohelpbirderslearntorecognizethefieldmarksofmanycommontreesthroughbinoculars.TheoutdoorclassroomwillbeScott’sRunNaturePreservenearMcLean,VA,wherewe’llIDtreesintheirwinteraspect,allthewhilekeepingoureyesandearsopenforbirdsmovingamongstthem.
Winter Tree IdentificationFriday, February 8 (10 am-2 pm) Leader: Stephanie Mason Members $28; nonmembers $38
Usingthecluesofbuds,twigs,bark,andfruit,we’llpracticeidentifyingtrees in winter in this half day workshop at our Woodend Sanctuary inChevyChase,MD.We’llbegininsidewithalookattechniquesofwintertreeidentificationandthenmoveoutsidetouseournewskillstoidentifymanyspeciesofwoodyplantsthatgrowonthegrounds.
Wonders at Woodend: Forest Bathing through the SeasonsWednesdays (10 am-Noon) Section A: February 13 Section B: May 15 Section C: July 10 Section D: October 16 Leader: Melanie Choukas-Bradley Each walk members $26; nonmembers $36 Entire series members $94; nonmembers $130
SavorthenaturaljoysofeachseasononforestbathingwalksledbyMelanieChoukas-Bradley,alongtimeANSfieldtripleaderandtheauthor of The Joy of Forest Bathing—Reconnect with Wild Places & Rejuvenate Your Life. Discover the magic of shinrin-yoku,translatedas“forestbathing,”anature-orientedmindfulnesspracticethatoriginatedinJapanandhasbecomepopularallovertheworld.OurleaderisaNature&ForestTherapyGuidewithcertificationfromtheAssociationofNature&ForestTherapyGuidesandProgramsofSonomaCounty,California.ExperiencetherestorationofWoodendasweexploreandcommunewiththelivingthingsinourmeadows,forest,andBlairGarden.Aservingofmaplesap“tea”andasharingofnature poetry will conclude each walk.
Winter Birds of the CoastSaturday, February 16 (9:30 am-5:30 pm) Leaders: Cyndie Loeper and Paul Pisano Members $36; nonmembers $50
BundleupandenjoyOceanCity,MD,withoutthecrowdswhilewelearntoidentifybirdsthatwinterinandalongthemid-Atlanticcoast.Hereandatotherlocations,includingCapeHenlopenandBroadkillMarsh,we’lllookforloons,seaducks,raptors,andwintersongbirds.We’llhopetofind,identify,anddiscussthenaturalhistoryofbirdssuchastheRed-throatedLoon,HarlequinDuck,NorthernGannet,andSnowBunting.Thisfieldtripisaimedatbeginningandmid-levelbirders,butallarewelcome.Ourmeetingpointisabouta3-hourdrive from Woodend.
Presidents’ Day Hike on the Canal: Swain’s Lock to Pennyfield LockMonday, February 18 (10 am-2:30 pm) Leader: Stephanie Mason Members $28; nonmembers $38
Gotthedayoff?Joinourhalf-dayhikeonthetowpathalongtheC&OCanalfromSwain’sLocktoPennyfieldLock.Onthis3.5-milestretchalongthePotomacRiver,we’llhikethroughfloodplainforestsandbesidewetlands.We’llkeepoureyesandearsopenforwinterbirdsandotherwildlife,whilepracticingourwinterplantidentificationskills.
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It’seasy!GotoANShome.org/Donate,orcontactLoreeTrillingat301-652-9188x35or [email protected].
Support ANS — Monthly!
Woodcock WatchSaturday, March 9 (5:15-7:15 pm) Leader: Stephanie Mason Members $25; nonmembers $35
InhisSandCountyAlmanac,AldoLeopolddescribedthematingdisplayoftheAmericanWoodcockasa“skydance.”Announcingitspresencewithnasal“peents”,themalewoodcockascendshighintheskyatdusk.Totheaccompanimentofaconstanttwittering,itcircles,thenplummetsbacktoearthinaseriesofzigzagmovements,wingswhistling.OnthisfieldprogramtoanaturalareainupperMontgomeryCounty,we’llhopetobeluckyenoughtocatchaperformance of this seasonal drama.
Late Winter Birding Trek in Northern VirginiaSunday, March 10 (8 am-12:30 pm) Leader: Mike Bowen Members $26; nonmembers $36
Withwinterwindingdown,we’llbundleupforonelastforaytowetlandsandwoodlandsnearAlexandria,VAinsearchoflingeringwinterwaterfowl,residentbirds,andsomeofthefirstreturningmigrants.We’llcheckoutRoach’sRunnearNationalAirport,beforeheadingdownandalongthePotomacRiverforanexplorationofDykeMarshWildlifePreserve.OurfinaldestinationisnearbyHuntleyMeadowsPark,wherealarge,protectedtractofforestandmarshsitsamidstresidentialandcommercialneighborhoods.
Rockin’ on the MallSunday, March 10 (1-4 pm) Leader: Joe Marx Members $26; nonmembers $36
ManystructuresthatbordertheNationalMallindowntownWashingtonproudlywearthebedrockofotherlocalities.Wewillmeetatthe7th&MarylandSWentrancetotheL’EnfantPlazaMetrostationanddoatwo-mileloop--flatandeasy--aroundtheeasternendoftheMall.Wewilldiscussthetype,mannerofformationandplaceoforiginoftherockinvariousfacades,fountainsandwalls.Limestone,oftenwithfossilsvisible,isthemostcommonbuildingstoneontheMall,butwewillalsoseegoodexamplesofgranite,gneiss,marbleandsandstone.Topreventgeologicoverload,thetripleaderwillbringasupplyofamusinghistoricalanecdotesaboutthesiteswevisit.Note: Our geology walks move at a faster pace than our usual “naturalists’ shuffle.”
Warbler Warm-upThursday, March 14 (7-9:30 pm) Leader: Mike Bowen Members: $24; nonmembers $34
Wethinkit’snevertooearlytostartbrushinguponthevoicesandfieldmarksofthesoon-to-bearrivingwarblers.Evenforthemostseasonedbirders,findingandproperlyIDingthemastheyarriveorpassthroughbetweenlateMarch-Maycanbearealchallenge.Sinceweallneedanannualrefresher,we’veenlistedthehelpofaveteranANSfieldtripleadertouseslidesandrecordedsongstohelpprepareusforthisrich,long-awaitingperiodofbirding.
Beginning BirdingThursday, March 21 (7:30-9:30 pm) Saturday, March 23 (8 am-1 pm) Leader: Mark England Members $46; nonmembers $64 Lecture only members $24; nonmembers $34
Ifyou’recuriousaboutbirdsandbirdwatchingbutdon’tknowwheretobegin,thisclassisforyou. No experience is required!Atoureveninglecture,we’llfocusontheselectionoffieldguides,binoculars,andotherresources,andwe’lldiscussthebasic
techniquesofbirdingfindingandidentification.Thegoalofourfieldtrip,whichvisitsBlackHillandLittleBennettRegionalParksinupperMontgomeryCounty,istodeveloptheabilitytofind,study,andidentifybirdsintheirnaturalenvironment.
Early Spring in Cape MayFriday, March 22 (6 pm) to Sunday, March 24 (4 pm) Leader: Mark Garland Members $120; nonmembers $168
SavorthefirstblushofspringalongtheAtlanticcoastatCapeMay,NewJersey.We’llbeginourweekendactivitiesonFridayeveningwithasearchforShort-earedOwlsandothermarshbirdsatasiteabout45minutesnorthofCapeMay.OnSaturdaywe’llreconvenetovisitforest,field,andwetlandsinCapeMaytosearchforsongbirds,waterfowl,and,ifit’samildMarch,frogs,turtles,andbutterflies.Wewillalsovisitcoastalareaswherewecanscanforscoters,loons,gannets,andotherbirdsonandalongthewatersoftheAtlanticand Delaware Bay. Saturday evening we will watch for displaying woodcocks and listen for owls and frogs. Sunday will give us another chanceforexploringthisricharea.We’llsendyouinformationonovernightoptionsinCapeMay,includingmotelsandB&Bs.
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Early Spring Wildflower HikeSaturday, March 30 (10 am-2 pm) Leader: Sujata Roy Members $26; nonmembers $36
BeatthewinterbluesbyjoiningthissearchfortheearliestsignsofspringwildflowersinthewoodsandbottomlandsalongthePotomacRivernearCarderockRecreationArea,justoutsidetheBeltway.We’lllookforthegreeningleaves,swellingbuds,and(fingerscrossed)unfoldingflowersofspeciessuchasHarbingerofSpring,EarlySaxifrage,SpringBeauty,andBloodroot.OurfieldStudiesSpringflowerIDinstructorleadsthishikeoversomeuneven, rocky and likely muddy natural surface trails on a roughly 2-mile walk.
Spring Early Birds (7-10 am)A. Sunday, March 31 - Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, DC (Paul Pisano) B. Sunday, April 14 - Huntley Meadows, VA (Lisa Shannon and Rob Hilton) C. Saturday, April 27 - Dyke Marsh, VA (Mike Bowen) D. Saturday, May 4 - Patuxent Research Refuge, MD (Mike Bowen) E. Sunday, May 12 - Glover Archbold, DC (Jim Nelson) F. Saturday, May 18 - Little Bennett, MD (Mark England) G. Sunday, May 26 - Pennyfield Lock, MD (Lisa Davenport and Len Bisson) Each walk members $26; nonmembers $36 Entire series $155; nonmembers $215
Immerseyourselfinthephenomenonofspringmigrationwiththisseriesofshortbirdwalksatnearbyparks.Thesewalksaredesignedforbeginningandintermediatebirdersforwhomthespringpulseofbirdactivitycansometimesbeoverwhelming.Oneachwalk,we’llsearchforbothresidentandmigrantbirdsbysongandsound.We’lldiscussthearrivalsequencethespringtravelers,practicespottingtheminthefield,andattempttolearnthesongsofmanyspecies.Ourtripsincludeonnaturalsurfacetrailsand/orboardwalks,whichmaybemuddy,slipperyanduneven.
The Magic of Early Spring WoodsMonday, April 1 (10 am-12:30 pm) Leader: Marney Bruce Members $24; nonmembers $34
Nofooling:evenifit’sachillydayourleaderissuretofindsignsofspringinthewoodlandsoftheGoldmineTractatGreatFallsPark,MD.Withthecolorsandformsofunfoldingleavesandbloomsoverheadandearlyspringwildflowersunderfoot,themorningissuretowarmthespirits,regardlessoftheweather.Ourleaderdescribesthisexploration,mostlikelyontheTract’sValleyTrail,asrelativelyeasy,butitmaybemuddy,slippery,and/orunevenunder foot.
Urban Watershed Restoration Challenges - the Foundry Branch at Glover Archbold ParkSaturday, March 23 (9 am-1 pm) Leaders: Neal Fitzpatrick and Bill Yeaman Free, but registration required.
TheFoundryBranchbeginsneartheTenleyMetroStationandflowssouthintothePotomacRiver,justwestofGeorgetown.Wewilllookatthenaturalfeaturesofthestreamvalleyparkanddiscusslong-termstormwaterimpactsandneededinfrastructurerehabilitation,including an old DC Water sewer line. We will walk the watershed fromnorthtosouth,lookingatpastproblemsandimaginingthechangesneededtorestorewaterquality-aprimaryobjectiveoftheCleanWaterAct.RepsoftheNationalParkService,DCDepartmentoftheEnvironment,andDCWaterhavebeeninvitedtojoinus.ParticipantscanreturntoTenleyonaWisconsinAvenueMetrobusand/ormakeplansforlunchinGeorgetown.
Spring Saunters Along the CanalWednesdays (10 am-12:30 pm) Section A: March 27 - Carderock Section B: April 10 - Widewater Section C: April 24 - Swain’s Lock Section D: May 8 - Riley’s Lock Section E: May 22 - Violettes Lock Leader: Stephanie Mason Each walk members $25; nonmembers $35 Entire series $113/$158
EnjoyoneoralloftheseleisurelywalksalongportionsoftheC&OCanal.Thefocusofourwalks,eachbeginningfromadifferentlocation,willbegeneralnaturalhistoryofthevariedhabitatsalongthePotomacRiverandtheCanal.We’llproceedataslow“naturalist’sshuffle”paceaswewatchspringunfold.We’llstopoftentoobservebirds,wildflowers,butterflies,snakes,turtles,andwhateverelsewemightfind.CarpoolfromWoodendwiththeleader if you desire.
Window into the World of FungiThursday, March 28 (7-9:30 pm) Leader: Tovi Lehmann Free, but registration required.
Rooted,yetnotplants,heterotrophs,butnotanimals(growinginfairyrings,yetnotevenfairies),fungiaremembersofanotherkingdom.Mostlyhiddenunderthesurface,fungihaveevolvedtheirownsolutionstolife’spersistentproblems.Gainingtherecognitionfortheirpivotalroleinshapingthelivingworld,theynowreshapefundamentalperceptionsofbiologists.InthislectureatourWoodendSanctuary,wewillexplorethenaturalhistoryandecologyofourlocalfungalneighbors,ratherthanfocusontheedibilityofparticularspeciesofmushrooms.
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Introduction to Wildflower IDThursday, April 4 (7:30-9:30 pm) Saturday, April 6 (9:30 am-3 pm) Leader: Stephanie Mason Members $48; nonmembers $68 Lecture only members $25; nonmembers $35
InApril,springwildflowersintheWashingtonareaaredazzling!We’llspendThursdayeveningatWoodenddiscussingbooks,equipment,andterminologyforbeginningwildfloweridentification.OnSaturdaywe’lltraveltotheCarderockareaalongtheC&OCanalandexploreseveralshorttrailsbetweentheCanalandthePotomacRiver.We’llpracticeusingkeystoidentifywildflowersandlookforVirginiabluebells,dutchman’sbreeches,twinleaf,toadtrillium,andmanyotherspecies.Expectsomerocky,uneventerrainonthefieldtrip.
Geology Hike at Soldiers DelightSaturday, April 6 (1-4 pm) Leader: Joe Marx Members $26; nonmembers $36
TheSoldiersDelightNaturalEnvironmentArea,nearOwingsMill,MD,preservesoneofthelargestpatchesofigneousbedrockthatwasliftedfrombeneaththeseafloorandstrandedinpatchesamidstthecontinentalrockofthePiedmont.Soilsherearethin,dry,andnutrient-poor,producingalandscapeobservablydifferentfrommostofthemid-Atlantic.We’llhikearound3milesonparktrails(partswillbesteepandpossibilitymuddy),studyingthebedrock,soil,andplantcommunities.Note: Our geology hikes move farther and at a faster pace than our usual naturalists’ shuffle.
Spring in the Parks(8:30 am-1 pm) A. Sunday, April 7 - Watkins Regional Park, MD B. Sunday, April 28 - Rock Creek Park, DC C. Saturday, May 11 - Mason Neck NWR, VA Leader: Stephanie Mason Members $28; Nonmembers $38 Entire series $84/$114
JoinourSeniorNaturalistforthesebroad-basednatureexplorationsofclose-byparksrichinnaturalhistory.We’llwalkbetween2-3milesinasearchforspringwildflowersandseasonalwildlifeactivity,includingbirds,butterflies,andamphibians.OurfirstdestinationvisitsrichwoodlandandwetlandhabitatsnearLargo,MD.Onournextexpedition,we’llexplorethesurprisinglywildurbanforestandstreamside trails of Rock Creek Park in the District. As the pulse of springchangeslowsdownandthewoodsstandgreen,we’llwalkthebottomlandsadjacenttoBelmontBaynearOccoquan,VA.Allofourtripsincludesomeuphill/downhill(steepestonwalksAandB)onnaturalsurfacetrails,whicharelikelytobemuddyandpossiblyslipperythistimeofyear.
Budbreak and Spring Wildflower Walk on Theodore Roosevelt IslandWednesday April 10 (10 am-2pm) Leader: Melanie Choukas-Bradley Members $28; nonmembers $38
JointheauthorofA Year in Rock Creek Park,City of Trees and a forthcoming book about Theodore Roosevelt Island for an early springexplorationofthis88-acreislandinthePotomac.Theislandparkservesasafittingmemorialtoour26thPresident,whowasanaturalist,anearlyconservationist-andamemberoftheAudubonNaturalistSociety!We’llwitnessthemiracleofbudbreakamongsttheisland’sremarkabletreesandenjoythefloodplainforest’slovelyVirginiabluebells,springbeauties,troutlilies,andotherspringephemerals. Our walk will take us around the island on woodland trailsandthroughtheswampandtidalinletonanelevatedboardwalktrail.Bringapicniclunchtoenjoyunderthetoweringsycamoresaswelookforgreatblueherons,woodducks,beltedkingfishersandreturningosprey.
Bluebells and Budbreak at Boundary BridgeSaturday April 13 (9:30 am-2 pm) Leader: Melanie Choukas-Bradley Members $28; nonmembers $38
We’redelightedthattheauthoroftheaward-winningbook,A Year in Rock Creek Parkandthecriticallyacclaimed,City of Trees,willofferher 13thyearofnaturewalksforANSinthecountry’soldesturbannationalpark.Onourwalk,wewillwitnesstheannualfloralmiracleofVirginiabluebells,springbeauties,andtroutliliesinthefloodplainforest,asweadmiretheleavesoftuliptreeandAmericanbeechbegintospillfromtheirbuds.We’llhopetocatchbloodroot,wildginger,cut-leafedtoothwortandotherspringephemeralsinbloomasweexplorebothfloodplainanduplandwoodsataleisurelypace.Ourlunchstop,highabovethecreekonadramaticrockoutcropoffering,willofferspectacularviews.Here,we’lldoabitof“forestbathing,”timepermitting.Throughout,we’llkeepoureyesandearsopenforbeltedkingfishers,woodducks,migratingsongbirds,andtinyspringpeepers.
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Hawks Aloft at Fort Smallwood ParkSaturday, April 13 (9 am-3 pm) Leaders: Hal Wierenga and Lynn Davidson Members $32; nonmembers $44FortSmallwood,situatedatthemouthofthePatapscoRiverwhereitemptiesintotheChesapeakeBay,providesoneoftheregion’spremierhawkwatchingsitesforspringraptormigration.Ifweatherconditionsarefavorable,wecanhopetoseegoodnumbersofhawkspassingovertheparkatthisseason.Thoughthefocusofthedaywillbewatchinghawks,theremayalsobetimetolookfortheearliestsongbirdmigrants,butterflies,andevenwildflowers,dependingontheday’sweather,thenumberofhawksaloft,andtheinterestofthegroup.
Smitten by FrogsThursday, April 18 (7:30-9:30 pm) Saturday, April 20 (7-9 pm field trip) Leader: Richard Schubert Members $42; nonmembers $58 Lecture only members $24; nonmembers $34
UnliketheidealVictorianchild,frogsaremostlyheardandnotseen.Wehave20speciesoftheseanuransinMaryland,includingtherecently-discoveredKauffeld’s(AtlanticCoast)LeopardFrog,thefirstnew frog discovered on the east coast in over 130 years! We will discussvisualandauditoryidentificationoflocalfrogs,andreviewtheirvaryinghabits,adaptations,andpreferredhabitat/location,withspecialemphasisonMontgomeryCounty.TocomplementtheeveninglectureatWoodendSanctuary,therewillbeanearlyeveningfieldtriptoMcKee-BeshersWildlifemanagementAreanearPoolesville.Ourleader,anANSmemberwhoissmittenbyfrogs,aimsforhearingorseeingatleastfivespecies.
Evening on the CanalFriday, April 19 (6:45-8:45 pm) Leader: Stephanie Mason Members $25; nonmembers $35
Earlyspringeveningscanbealivewithwildlifeasyou’lldiscoveronthisstrollfromSwain’sLockuptheC&OCanaltowpath.We’llwatchforwildlifeasthesunsets,andastwilightgiveswaytothedarknessofnight,we’lllistenforcallingfrogsandhootingBarredOwlswhilediscussingtheadaptationsoftheseandothernocturnalanimals.
River Herring Return to Rock CreekSaturday, April 20 (9 am-1 pm) Leaders: Neal Fitzpatrick and Bill Yeaman Free, but registration required.
TomHortondescribestheannualRockCreekmigrationofriverherringinBayCountry:“Nofinerparade,oronemoreunappreciated,everswungthroughthiscapitalthanthequicksilverlegionsofAlosapseudoharengus,thecommonriverherring.”Onour22nd(!)annualherringwalk,wehopetoviewthespawningrunanddiscussopportunitiesforrestoringfishmigrationtoRockCreek.WewillvisitthefishladderatPeirceMill,thenwalksouthonthehiker/bikerpathtotheNationalZoo.MeetattheClevelandParkMetroStation.ThewalkwillendattheWoodleyPark/NationalZoo/AdamsMorganStation.
Spring Butterflies of Hoyle’s Mill Conservation ParkSaturday, April 27 (10 am-2:30 pm) Leader: Stephanie Mason Members $28; nonmembers $38
Hoyle’sMillConservationParkinupperMontgomeryCounty,preservesthelargestdiabasebedrockhabitatinMaryland,makingitarichareaofbothcommonanduncommonplants.Theseplantsarecaterpillarhostsandnectarresourcesforspringbutterflies,suchasthepipevineswallowtailanditsmorecommoncousins:falcateorangetip;olivehairstreak;Easterncomma;andseveralspeciesofduskywingskippers.We’lllookforthesespeciesandtheirassociatedplantcommunitiesalongamostlyflatdirt/gravelroadintheParkonawalkof2-3miles.
Do you participate in the National Capital Area CFC?The easiest way to support ANS is to designate the Audubon Nationalist Society 75493inthe2015CombinedFederalCampaignunderEarthShareMid-Atlantic.
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Save the Date!Meadow Workshop at Woodend Sanctuary Wednesday, March 13 (10 am-3:30 pm) Members $25; nonmembers $30
Joinlocalexpertstolearnaboutmethodsofcreatingmeadowhabitatateveryscale,andtohelpplanthefutureofWoodend'smeadows.Moredetailswillbeavailablesoonatanshome.org/adults.
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NotedUniversityofDelawareNaturalistDougTallamywasguestspeakeratANSonNovember8.Tallamyisalsotheauthoroftwobestsellingbooks,whichwesellattheShop,including“BringingNatureHome:HowYouCanSustainWildlifewithNativePlants.”Hekindlysharedtwoofhismanyamazingnaturephotoswithus:(Above)ThegoldenrodstowawayisamoththatdevelopsonlyonBidensaristosa(DitchDaisy).
(Bottomright)Abluebirdbringsagrasshoppertoitsbabies.Birdscannotrearyoungwheretherearenotenoughinsects.Credit:Tallamy
(Topright)BlueMistFlower,whichbloomslateintofallandattractsavarietyofbutterflyandinsectspecies.Credit:OriettaEstrada
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For25years,ANShasbeenteachingthenaturalhistoryofaquaticecologyandtrainingvolunteerstreammonitorswhotrackthehealthofourregion’sstreams.Learnfromtheexperts:studystreamscienceinourintroductoryclasses,andyoujustmightbeinspiredtobecomeastreammonitoryourself!OuradvancedclassesareperfectforthoseinterestedindeepeningtheirknowledgeaboutbiologicalstreammonitoringandaretaughtbyourMarylandBiologicalStreamSurvey-certifiedinstructorCathyWiss.Tolearnmoreaboutclassesorbecomingavolunteer,[email protected]/water-quality-monitoring..
Stream Science
Introduction to Stream Science SeriesClassroom Session Healthy Stream Biology Section A: Tuesday, January 22 (7-9:30 pm) Section B: Thursday, March 28 (7-9:30 pm) Both Sections A & B cover the same material Woodend Sanctuary, Chevy Chase, MD
Intheclassroom,wewillexplorehow“benthicmacroinvertebrates”–organismsthatliveinthebottomofstreams–helpusassessastream’shealth.Wewilllearnhowtoidentifytheseorganismsto the taxonomic level of order through aPowerPointpresentationandbyexamining preserved specimens through ahands-onsessionwithmicroscopes.
Field Workshop Section A: Saturday, March 30 (9:30 am-12 pm) Ten Mile Creek, Boyds, MD
Inthefieldworkshop,wewillvisitahealthystreamtopracticemonitoringtechniquesandtocollectandidentifythebenthicmacroinvertebrateswefind.
Registration & Fee Information
Registrationrequired:registeronlineatwww.anshome.org/adults. The classes are open to anyone 10 years and older. ExceptforMacroIDReview&Quiz,pricesforallclassesare$15Members/$25Nonmembers;waiversareavailableforexistingANSmonitorsandmiddleandhighschoolstudentsearningSSLcredit—[email protected].
How to Read Your StreamTuesday, April 2 (7-9:30 pm) Woodend Sanctuary, Chevy Chase, MD
Learnabouttheinfluenceoflandusesonstreams,streamcharacteranddynamics,bankerosion,barformation,substratecomposition,differentvelocity-depthregimes,andtheimportanceofrifflesandriparianvegetation.Wewillpracticeassessingstreamhabitatbyusingphotographsofstreamsandtheformsthatmonitorsfilloutinthefield.ThisclassisrecommendedforanyonewhoplanstoparticipateintheANSwaterqualitymonitoringprogramandisagoodrefresheronhabitatassessmentforexperiencedmonitors.
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Advanced Series: Aquatic Insect Family IDWoodend Sanctuary, Chevy Chase, MD (7-9:30 pm) A: Beetles, Megaloptera & Water Bugs, Tuesday, 1/29 B: Caddisflies & Aquatic Moths, Tuesday, 2/5 C: Dragonflies, Damselflies & True Flies, Tuesday, 2/12 D: Mayflies, Tuesday, 2/19 E: Stoneflies & Review, Tuesday, 2/26
Learnhowtoidentifyaquaticinsectstothetaxonomicleveloffamilythroughthisseriesoffiveclasses.Identificationtofamilylevelgreatlyenhances our understanding of stream ecology and the power of our monitoringdata.Theseclassesaregreatforflyfishermen,citizenscienceprogramorteamleaders,aquaticresourcebiologists,andanyone interested in monitoring and understanding stream health.
Aquatic Insect ID Review & Quiz Woodend Sanctuary, Chevy Chase, MD (No fee) Section A: Thursday, March 7 (6:30-9 pm) Section B: Saturday, March 9 (9:30-noon) Section C: Tuesday, March 12 (6:30-9 pm) (Sections A, B, and C cover the same material)
Timetoseparatethemayfliesfromthestoneflies!ThosewhowishtobecertifiedtoidentifymacroinvertebratesinthefieldinANS’programmustdemonstratetheirabilityannuallybytakingaquizusingpreservedspecimens.Thosewhodonottakethequizmaystillbeassignedtoamonitoringteamtoassistwithdatacollectionandotherfieldlogistics,butonlythosewhohavetakenandpassedthequizwillidentifymacroinvertebratesfordatarecording.
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Is There BACTERIA in Rock Creek?!Fordecades,ANShasbeentestingthewatersinRockCreekPark,butwehaveneverhadtheabilitytotestforbacteriathatmightmakepeoplesickuntilnow.AspartofaconsortiumledbytheAnacostiaRiverkeeper,wearepreparingtotrainanddeployvolunteersacrosstheDistrictofColumbiaeveryweeknextMay–Septembertosamplethewateratstreamsandrivers,andthentestitforE.coli.Do you want to get involved? Send an email to [email protected] with your full contactinformationandwhatwardyouliveinifyouareaD.C.resident.You’llhearfromuswhenit’stimetostarttraining!Learnmoreatwww.conservationblog.anshome.org.
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Free Birding Trips December-MarchThesefree,volunteer-ledwalksofferbirdersachancetoexplorenewareaswithotherbirdingenthusiasts.VisitANShome.org/Adultsforcompletedirections,additionaltrips,andmoreinformation.Turntopage16forthelistoffee-based,instructionalclassesandfieldtripsforbeginningtomid-levelbirders. Register online at www.anshome.org/adults.
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Online Registration
Register for Free Birding Trips online at www.anshome.org/adults.
Saturday, December 8 Huntley Meadows, Fairfax County, VAHalfday.Winteringwaterfowlandotherwinterresidents,BaldEaglesapossibility. Meet time/place: 8amatparkinglotbytheVisitor’sCenter.Formoreinfo,[email protected](12-personlimit).
Wednesday, December 19 Woodbridge/Occoquan Bay NWR, VAHalfday.Songbirds,waterfowl,eaglesandotherraptors.Meet time/place:7:30aminsidetherefugeatcentralparkinglot.Formoreinfo,contactleaderJimWaggenerat703-567-3555(6-personlimit).
Saturday, January 12 National Arboretum, Washington, DCOne-thirdday.Winterandresidentsongbirds,raptors.Meet time/place:10amatparkentranceonRStreetjusteastoftheintersectionofRStreetandBladensburgRd,NE.Tripmaybepostponedifbadweather.Checkwithleader.Formoreinfo,contactleaderPaulPisano,[email protected](15-personlimit).
Sunday, January 20 Piscataway Park and Hard Bargain Farm, Prince George’s Co., MD One-thirdday.JointtripwithSoMDAudubon.Winterwaterfowlandresidentbirds.Variedhabitatofwater,woods,farmfields,andedgesprovidesagreatvarietyofbirds.Nofacilities. Meet time/place:8am.Seefergusonfoundation.orgfordirections.MeetBillTownsend,HBFEducatorAssociate,attheentrance(redChevy).Nofee.Formoreinfo,[email protected] or text301-751-8097.MarkRositolwillco-lead(20-personlimit).
Wednesday, January 30 Woodbridge/Occoquan Bay NWR, VASeeDecember19listingfordetails.
Saturday, February 9 Riley’s Lock, C&O Canal, Montgomery Co., MDHalfday.Winterresidents,possibleraptorsandwinteringducks.LeaderswillhavescopeforaviewfromthebridgeatRiley’s.Meet time/place:8amatRiley’s.Formoreinformation,contactleadersLisaShannonandRobHilton,[email protected](15-personlimit).
Sunday, February 24 Hughes Hollow, Montgomery Co., MDOne-thirdday.Mixedhabitatofwater,fields,andedgeswithgoodvarietyofwinteringspecies—sparrows,raptors,andwaterfowl.Meet time/place:8amatparkinglotonHughesRdoffRiverRd.Formoreinformation,contactleaderJimNelson,[email protected](15-personlimit).
Wednesday, February 27 Woodbridge/Occoquan Bay NWR, VASeeDecember19listingfordetails.
Wednesday, March 6, Tuesday, March 12, and Thursday, March 14 Riley’s Lock and Hughes Hollow, Montgomery Co., MD Informal late afternoon bird walks until duskJointtripwithMontgomeryBirdClub.Meet time/place: Meetpromptlyat4:30pmattheendofSenecaRdatRiley’sLock“onthebridge.”We’llbecheckingouttheriverforwaterfowl,gulls,terns,etc.NextstopwillbeHughesHollow.Highlightshereincludewaterfowlflyingintoroost.We’llfinishwithdisplayingwoodcockiftheyareinthevicinity.Bringscopeandflashlightandwear“muddyconditions”footwear.Formoreinfo,calltheleaderJimGreen,301-742-0036(nolimit-allarewelcome!).
Saturday, March 9 Patuxent River Park, Jug Bay Natural Area, Prince George’s Co., MDHalfday.JointtripwithMontgomeryBirdClub.Waterfowl,Wilson’sSnipe,winterandearlyspringsongbirds.Ospreysdisplaying. Meet time/place: 8amatparkinglotbyparkhdqtrs.Wearmuddyconditionsfootgear.Formoreinfo,[email protected](15-personlimit).
Wednesday, March 27 Woodbridge/Occoquan Bay NWR, VASeeDecember19listingfordetails.
VisitourFreeBirdingTripswebpageforafulllistingoflocal(and
somenotsolocal!)ChristmasBirdCounts,including:
• Saturday,December15(Washington,DC)
• Sunday,December16(Seneca,MD&VA)
• Friday,December28(CentralLoudoun,VA&MD)
• Sunday,December30(Sugarloaf,MD)
Christmas Bird Counts
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Thispopularprogram,cosponsoredbytheAudubonNaturalistSocietyandtheGraduateSchoolUSA,providesacomprehensiveandstimulatingviewofourregion’snaturalhistoryandconservationissues.Taughtatthecollegefreshmanlevel,thesecoursesareopentoanyone18yearsofageorolder,professionalsandamateursalike.ACertificateofAccomplishmentisawardedforcompletionofarequiredcurriculumof39ContinuingEducationCredits(CEUs).Classesareofferedatseverallocations
aroundtheDCmetroarea,includingtheAudubonNaturalistSociety’sWoodendSanctuaryinChevyChase,MD,andnaturecentersandotherlocationsinVirginia,aswellastheCapitalGalleryindowntownDC,whichisMetroaccessible.ForacompletelistoftheclassesintheNHFSprogram,plusinstructorbios,visitANShome.org/adults.
Natural History Field Studies
Land-Use PrinciplesNATH8255E, 3 CEUs Class night and time: Mondays, 6:30-8:45 pm Class meetings: January 28-April 1, 2019 Field trip dates: February 9, March 2 and March 23 (all 9 am-1 pm) Location: Woodend Sanctuary, Chevy Chase, MD Tuition: $365 Instructor: Katherine Nelson
Landuseplanningdecisionsmadeinyourcommunityaffectyoueveryday:yourdecisiontowalk,driveorbike;theplacementofparksandgreenspace;yoursenseofplaceandconnectiontothepast.Gainaworkingunderstandingofthelegalandregulatoryprinciplesaswellasthepoliticalforcesatworkinmakinglandusedecisions.Sustainabledesignandsmartgrowthproposesolutionstothetradeoffsbetweenlandandpeople,economicdevelopmentandenvironmentalprotection.Thiscourseintegratesaspectsofecosystems,conservation,andhumanecologytoexplorehowyoucaninfluenceourexistingandfuturebuiltenvironmenttofitintothenatural environment. Field trips allow you to see how the principles andpracticesarebeingappliedclosetohome.If minimum student enrollment is not reached by one week before the scheduled start date, the course may be canceled.
Botany for NaturalistsNATH7125E, 1.5 CEUs Class night and time: Wednesdays, 7-9 pm Class meetings: January 30-February 27, 2019 Field trip dates: February 2 and 16 Location: Woodend Sanctuary, Chevy Chase, MD Tuition: $269 Instructor: Sujata Roy
This course will provide the nature enthusiast with a grounding in thescienceofplants.Greenplants(andalgae)providetheoxygenthatsupportslifeasweknowitonearth.Learnabouttheinternalworkingsofvascularandavascularplants,theirlifehistories,specialadaptationsforgrowthandreproductionandtheirplaceinecologicalcycles.Twofieldtripsareplannedtolocalsitesofgreatplantdiversity.Studentsshouldhavea10xhand-lens. If minimum student enrollment is not reached by one week before the scheduled start date, the course may be canceled.
GeologyNATH7175E 3 CEUs Class day and time: Saturdays, 9 am-12 noon Class meetings: January 26-March 30, 2019 Field trip dates: March 9 and March 24 Location: Capital Gallery, Washington D.C. (L’Enfant Metro) Tuition: $365 Instructor: Joe Marx
WemaynothavetheRockiesinourbackyard,butwehavetheroots of mountains that were as high as the Alps. Although local earthquakesarerarenow,thisareabrokeintwotwiceandoceansflowedin.CentralAtlanticgeologytellsastoryasfascinatingasanyplaceontheplanet.Courselecturesintroducethelandscapes,subsurfacestructuresandgeologichistoryofourregion.Twofieldtripsemphasizetherecognitionoflocallandformsandofthe geological processes that created them. ACE College Credit RecommendationServiceReviewed.If minimum student enrollment is not reached by one week before the scheduled start date, the course may be canceled.
Rock IdentificationNATH7160E, 3 CEUs Class day and time: Saturdays, 1-4 pm Class meetings: January 26-March 30, 2019 Field trip dates: during every class Location: Capital Gallery, Washington DC (L’Enfant Metro) Tuition: $365 Instructor: Joe Marx
Thefieldidentificationofrocksrequiresknowinghowtoconductasimplechemicaltest,recognizesixcommonminerals,anddistinguishabouttenaspectsofrocktextureandappearance.Inthiscourse,wewilllearntheseskillsandthenapplythemsystematicallytoidentifythetwenty-fiveorsotypesofrockcommonintheMid-Atlantic.Ahandlensormagnifyingglasswithamagnificationof6to10xisrequired.Eachclasssessionwillincludeawalkoutsidetolookatrocksamples. If minimum student enrollment is not reached by one week before the scheduled start date, the course may be canceled.
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Registration Info for Natural History Field Studies Classes
Experiencegainedonfieldtripsisessentialtothesecourses,sostudentsshouldnotregisterforclasseswhenfieldtripsoverlap.
Registrationmaybecompleted:
• inpersonattheGradSchoolRegistrar’sOffice,8am-7pm,Monday-Friday
• online at graduateschool.edu
• byphoneat202-314-3300ortoll-freeat 888-744-GRAD
• byFAX:866-329-4723
• bymail:Registrar’soffice,Suite120,600MarylandAve.SW,Washington,DC20024
BOOKSHOP OPEN!
OurNauralistShopwillbeopen30minutespriortothefirstnightofclassesatWoodend.Studentscanbuybooksandotheritemsata20%discount!Weusuallycarrytextbooksforclasses,butcall301-652-3606toconfirm.
Find details on Spring NHFS classes, starting in April, at ANShome.org/adults
The Living SoilMondays,CapitalGallery,DC(L’EnfantPlaza)Instructor:KatherineNelson
Biology for NaturalistsTuesdays,WoodendSanctuary,MDInstructor:PaulaWang
Butterflies of Late SpringTuesdays,WoodendSanctuary,MDInstructor:RickBorchelt
Introduction to OrnithologyWednesdays,WoodendSanctuary,MDInstructor:GemmaRadko
Reptiles and AmphibiansThursdays,CapitalGallery,DC(L’EnfantPlaza)Instructor:RachelGauza
Rising CO2 and Global WarmingFridays,WoodendSanctuary,MDInstructor:BertDrake
youtube.com/audubonnaturalist
Winter Courses January-March
This ANS service offers weekly reports of sightings of rare or notable birds. Email [email protected] or visit ANShome.org/voice.
Free Beginner’s Bird WalksSaturdays, 8-9 am at Woodend
HaveyoueverwantedtolearnaboutthebirdsyouseeregularlyaroundWashington?Didyouknowthatabout250birdseitherpassthroughormakethisareatheirhome?
JoinusSaturdaymorningsatWoodendforourBeginnerBird Walks. An excellent place to come for those just startingoutorforthosewhowanttolearnmoreaboutourarea’sbirds.From8-9amavolunteerleaderwillguideyouthroughtheimportanthowtos:fromhowtousebinocularstohowtoidentifyourmostprevalentresidentbirds.
MeetattheAudubonNaturalistShopparkinglot.Bringbinocularsoruseours.Registeratwww.anshome.org/adults.
These gentle walks happen every Saturday morning from MarchthroughJune,andSeptemberthroughNovember.WalkstakeplaceonlyonthefirstSaturdayofDecemberthroughFebruary.TherearenowalksinJulyandAugust.
BesuretovisittheAudubonNaturalistShopafterthebirdwalk. The shop opens at 9 am on Saturdays and if you let the cashierknowyouattendedthatmorning’sbirdwalktheywill provide you with a coupon for a discount in the shop.
Congratulations to the 2018 NHFS Certificate of Achievement awardees, who were recognized at the ANS Annual Meeting on October 18. From left to right: Rita Thompson, Tom Aurelio, Lisa Shannon, Judy Gallagher, Jennifer Cox, and Bill Browning.
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ANS’sNatureTravelprogramoffersourmembersandfriendsopportunitiestosearchforwildlifeandexplorethewondersofnatureatplacesoutsidethemid-Atlanticregion.Groupsizeistypicallylimitedto15people,andmanytripsfillearly.CallCarolHayesattheANStraveldeskat301-652-9188x10oremailcarol.hayes@anshome.orgforcompleteitinerariesandregistrationinformationorvisitANShome.org/travel.
Galapagos Islands: Darwin’s Wild ClassroomJune 21-30, 2019 Leaders Stephanie Mason, Michael O’Brien, Louise Zemaitis & local guides
AtriptoEcuador’sGalapagosIslandsisoneoftheworld’sgreatestnaturalhistoryexcursions.ANSishappytobecollaboratingonceagain with industry leader Victor Emmanuel Nature Tours for our 4thcollaborativetriptothisfascinatingarchipelago.The2019cruiseitinerarywillvisiteightislandsonboardtheM/VEvolution,providingapremiumtravelexperience.Anoptionalpre-tripvisittotheTandapayaregionofmainlandEcuadorandtwooptionalpost-tripextensions(onetoPeru’sMachuPicchuandonetoNapoWildlifeCenterinEcuador’sAmazonianlowlands)arealsobeingplanned.Contactcarol.hayes@anshome.orgor301-652-9188x10forinformationonhowtoregisterforthetrip.Pricesperpersonwillvary,dependingonthesizeandlocationofindividualcabinsontheboat.
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Panama: Travels to the Canopy Tower and Canopy LodgeJanuary 30-February 7, 2019 Leaders: Terry Lawson Dunn & Carlos Bethancourt
Thistripisfullbutcalltobeaddedtothewaitlist.
Costa Rica: A Trove of Tropical Birds—and Much MoreFebruary 22-March 4, 2019 Optional extension to March 7 Leaders: Stephanie Mason & Carlos “Charlie” Gomez
Thistripisfullbutcalltobeaddedtothewaitlist.
New Mexico: A Natural History ExplorationMay 15-22, 2019 Leaders: Terry Lawson Dunn and Paul Pisano
NewMexicoisknownasthelandofenchantment,butit'salsoalandofgreatdiversity--diversewildlife,diverseecosystemsinfluencedbyahugerangeofelevationsandpastgeologicalevents,diversecultureswhereNativeAmericanandSpanishinfluencesdominate,andahistorythatisunlikeanyother.VisitingNewMexicoinMaymeanscatchingthebirdswhiletheyaremigratingandthedesertbloomswhentheyare opening! Contact Carol at [email protected] or go to www.anshome.org/adultforitineraryandcosts.
Oregon: Columbia River Gorge to the Scenic CoastAugust 16-25, 2019 Leader: Mark Garland
SearchforbirdsandenjoynaturalhistoryinadiversesetofhabitatsonournewOregonitinerary.We’llvisitthescenicColumbiaRiverGorgeonourwaytoBend,apleasanttownalongtheDeschutesRiverattheeasternfootoftheCascades.Herewe’llexplorethesagebrushsteppeofthehighdesert,theripariancorridoralongtheriver,andmontaneforestsandmeadowsoftheCascadeMountains.WethenheadtoNewportalongthescenicOregoncoast,searchingforbirdsandmarinemammals.AleisurelydrivenorthalongthecoasttakesusbacktoPortland,[email protected]’dliketoreceiveinfoonthetripwhenit’savailable.
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Tanzania: East African Wildlands and WildlifeEarly November 2019 Leaders: Stephanie Mason and local guides
Our Senior Naturalist can´t stop talkingaboutthesightsandsoundsshe experienced on a wildlife safaritoTanazanialatelastyear.Fromgiraffestobee-eaters,fromleopardstohornbills,anamazingassortment of animals were encountered and photographed in their natural environments. Planning is nearly completed for an ANStriptothisstableEastAfricannationwithvisitstotherenownedNgorongoro Crater and vast Serengetigrasslands.ContactCarol
[email protected]'dliketoreceiveinformationonthetripwhenit´savailable.
For ANS Travels...or Your Own!Consider travel insurance for any trip with our insurance partner Travelex. By using our code 20-6029 you will alsobesupportingANS.ContactCarolat301-652-9188x10formoreinformation,orgototheTravelexwebsite:travelexinsurance.com.
Colors that are Seasonal. Flavors created the Sustainable way. Food that is Sensational.
Photograph by Bella Carolina Photography
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Thanks for Joining Us!The 2018 ANS Annual Meeting was Bee-utiful!
Carol Anderson, Bob Mecklenburg, ANS President Scott Fosler, and David Mecklenburg arrive at the Annual Meeting.
Executive Director Lisa Alexander speaks with long-time ANS member FK Millar.
Keynote speaker Samuel “Dr. Buggs” Ramsey, flanked by his parents, gave an engaging presentation on how to help pollinators.
OnOctober18,wecelebratedour121thanniversarywithanelectrifyingkeynoteaddressaboutwhat’sreallykillingourbeesandwhatwecandotointervenebyDr.SamuelRamsey,akaDr.Buggs.ExecutiveDirectorLisaAlexanderchristenedournature-lovingorganizationas“theGoodPlace.”Honoringthewonderfulpeopleandgroupsthatmakeourmissionworkpossibletookcenterstageontheprogram.
• PresidentScottFoslertookpleasureinrecognizingandthankingfourBoardmemberswhowereinstrumentalinhelpingbringANS to where we are today and who ended their service as of thatnight:WendyAnderson,JaneDavenport,TimMcTaggart,and Bonnie VanDorn.
• BoardSecretaryRebeccaTurnerpresentedfourcandidatesforelectiontotheBoard:SusanBlaha,PatriciaHernandez,GreggPetersen,andNancyVoit.TurnerandAliceEwenwereupforre-election.Allcandidateswerevotedinunanimously.
• Highlightsfromtheyearincludedrecord-breakingattendanceandearningswithsummercamps;nationalandregionalconservationadvocacy;workingforgreendevelopmentintheRoute1CorridorinVirginia;newrestorationplantingsandongoingworkintheNativePlantGardenandrestoredmeadow;installationofthedeerfence;embracingnewvoiceswithourNaturallyLatinoandTakingNatureBlackconferences,andourstrongcommunicationsandsocialmediaoutreachdividendsinmemberships,renewals,andShoprevenue.
• MarciaSwardEnvironmentalEducatorAwardwent(inabsentia)toPatriciaHerr,whohasbeeninstrumentalinpromotingenvironmental literacy through her role as Elementary Science ResourceTeacherforLoudounCountyPublicSchools(LCPS).
• Thatsamenightonanotherstage,ourownGreggTrillingreceived a Bethesda MagazineGreenInnovationAwardfordevelopingtheCreekCritterssmartphoneappandmanagingtheprogramthat’sbrought10,000usersworldwidetoanewkindofwaterqualitymonitoring.
• TheVolunteeroftheYearAwardwaspresentedtoKathyBenjaminwhospentnearly150hoursvolunteeringforANS.Kathy’sservicetranscendeddepartmentsandincludedtimespentinConservation,Administration,DevelopmentandRestoration.
• SeniorNaturalistStephanieMasonintroducedtheNaturalHistoryFieldStudiesprogram,nowinits57thyearandnewgraduates:TomAurelio,BillBrowning,JenniferCox,JudyGallagher,LisaShannon,andRitaThompson(seepage31forpicture).
SpecialthankstoCateringbySeasonsandIkonaPhotographyfordonatingtheirservicestotheevent.
LearnmoreaboutouraccomplishmentsintheFY18AnnualReportatwww.anshome.org/annual-reports/.
SeetheentiretalkbyDr.SamuelRamseyonourYouTubepage,www.youtube.com/audubonnaturalistsociety.
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Brambles, Heat, and Hedges No Match for ANS Restoration Volunteers this Year AnewecologicaltrajectoryofWoodendNatureSanctuaryisbeingsetasItype.Inadditiontoprofessionalcontractors,ourvolunteersaremakingitpossible.Thispastyear,ourvolunteerswadedthroughthebramblesofourmeadowsduringdeerdrives,perseveredwithpickmattocksandshovelsagainsthardclaysoilstoplantyoungtrees,clearedthickhedgesofhoneysuckleintheintenseJulyheat,andstruggledtodifferentiatemockernuthickoriesfrompignuthickoriesintheirfieldguides.
Thankstotheirgeneroussupplyofgoodcheerandhardlabor,wecompletedanewdeerexclusionfenceanddrivewaygratestostemtheforestdegradationcausedbydecadesofover-browsing.Weundertookamassiveremovalofinvasiveshrubs,likebushhoneysuckleandburningbush,tocreatespaceforthenativeplantsthatarethefoundationofahealthyfoodweb.Weplantedmorethan200nativeshrubsandtreestosupporttheforestofthefuture.Weinstalledanewraingardenalongtheentrywaytoslowandfilterstormwaterrunoffbeforeitleavestheproperty.And,finally,westartedacomprehensivevegetationsurveyoftheWoodendforesttoinformmanagementandtrackrestorationprogressintothefuture.
We’relearningtogetherthroughthisambitiousrestorationprojectandwouldlovetohavemoreofyouonourjourney!Ifyouwouldliketogetinvolvedintheadventuresofrestoration,pleasevisitwww.anshome.org/volunteer.Thankyou.
New ANS Board Members Nancy Voit, Susan Blaha and Gregg Petersen are sworn in. Not pictured: Patricia Hernandez.
Development Director Jacky Wershable greets Gerry Schneider, former ANS Executive Director in the 1960s.
Kathy Benjamin is presented the “2018 Volunteer of the Year” award by Volunteer Coordinator Mitch Greene.
ANS members Patty O’Malley and Helen Patton sell a raffle ticket to Anne Cottingham. They, along with Sue Duffy, helped ANS raise $475 for environmental education and conservation programs.
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Volunteer Corner
An occasional feature that highlights ANS volunteers
Thisquarter’scolumnisforthebirds.Sorry,low-hangingfruitisgreatfordadjokesandbirdsalike.(Ican’thelpmyself!)
Really,thoughthiscolumnisaboutsayingthankyou,publiclyandformallytoseveralpeople.I’llstartwithANSFreeBirdTripleaders.Thesefolksarededicatedvolunteers,birdersall,whogooutoftheirwaytoleadbirdingtripsthroughouttheregion.FromSpringMigrationtoOverwinteringGuests,ourvolunteertripleadersaretheretospotcommonandrarebirdsalikeandtohelpothersdothesame. Thank you.
Next,IwouldliketothankJanetBogueandDenisseGuitarrafortheireffortstoarrangeandleadANS’sfirstbilingualBeginnerBirdWalk.OnSaturday,October20,DenisseandHolyBrevigsimultaneouslyledwalksinSpanishandEnglishrespectively.DenisseworkedwithourfriendsatLatinoOutdoorstospreadthewordaboutthisopportunity.Wehadawonderfulwalkwithseveralbeginnersandfirst-timevisitorstoANS.Fully40%ofthewalkparticipantsjoinedDenisseonherSpanishlanguagewalk!Thankyou,Denisse,Janet,andHollyformakingthisfirst(ofmanytocome!)bilingualwalksasuccess.ThanksalsotoAlbertArevaloforhelpingustospreadtheword.
Spotlight on Volunteer John Bjerke
Thismonth,we’dliketoshinea spotlight on a very special volunteer,JohnBjerke.JohnhasbeenanAudubonNaturalistSocietymembersince1979whenhe moved into the DC region. It’sourgoodfortunethatJohnwasreferredtoANSbysomeonefromNationalAudubon!Asalong-timefederalemployee,Johnknowsandhasembodiedservicein his professional career and in the many volunteer roles he has playedandcontinuestofillatANS.AsJohnmodestlyputsit,
“AfterafewyearsofenjoyingANSprograms(especiallythebirdwalks),Ifeltitwastimetogiveback.Ihadlearnedalotandwantedtohelpmyfavoriteorganization.InMarch1984Ibeganleadingbirdwalks—myfirstwastoJugBay.”
Sincethatfirsttrip,Johnhasgoneontoleadmorethan400programsforANS–takingpeopleeverywherefromfreebirdwalksaroundWoodend,toBombayHookNationalWildlifeRefugetofindshorebirds,andintothewildsofSouthFlorida,SouthTexas,WestTexas,PacificNorthwest,Yellowstone,andNewfoundlandonANSnature travel trips!
Beingoneofourmostprolificinstructorsisnotenoughforthishardworkingvolunteer.JohnhasalsogivenANSawhopping12yearsofserviceasaBoardmember,includingservingfouryearsasBoardPresident.ButJohnisn’tafraidtorolluphissleevesandpitchinon
anyproject,bigorsmall,thatsupportstheworkofANS.He’sputintimeworkingholidayfairsandstuffedcountlessANSmembershipenvelopeswithourMonthlyMailingGroup.Johnsays,
“IalwaysgetafeelingofaccomplishmentwhentheMailingGroupputsanothersetofmembershiprenewalremindersinthemail.Itmayseemlikeasmalltask,butitbenefitstheSocietyandhelpssupport the infrastructure that provides us with all those wonderful momentsoutdoors.”
JohncontinuestoserveontheANSProgramsCommitteeaftermanyyearsasamemberofourEducationCommittee–providingstrategicguidanceonourwonderfuleducation,conservationandcommunicationsprograms.HelooksforwardtofundraisingwithfellowvolunteerandExecutiveDirectorEmeritus,NealFitzpatrick,astheyonceagaintakeuptheiryears-longtraditionofcountingbirdsfordonationsduringthe“low-carbonfootprint”Bird-a-thontheyinvented.IfyoucomeoutonaBeginnerBirdWalksomeSaturdaymorningatWoodend,youjustmayhavethepleasureoffindingJohnasyourleader.Johnissomeonewhoalwaysenjoysbeingoutdoorsand sharing the wonders of the natural world with others. He is living proofthatonceyouvolunteerwithANS,you’llfindgreatsatisfactioninvolunteeringagainandagain.Johnputsitthisway,
“Mymostmemorableexperienceasavolunteerhasbeenrepeatedhundredsoftimes.Itisthejoythatcomesfromspendingtimeinnature.Feelingtheworriesanddutiesslipawayandbecomingopentothebeautythatsurroundsus.AndoneofthegreatthingsaboutbeingavolunteeristhatyougettosharethatjoywithagroupoffellowANSdevotees.”
JohnBjerkeisanexampleofavolunteerwhostartedwithANSdecadesagoandhasbecomeanintegralpartofallthatwedo.TheAudubonNaturalistSocietyisindebtedtoJohnBjerkeandacohortofdedicatedvolunteerslikehim.Volunteersenableustofulfillourvisionofcreatingalargerandmorediversecommunityofpeoplewho treasure the natural world and work to protect. Thank you!
IfyouwanttojoinJohnonavolunteerpaththatissuretobringyoujoy,pleasesignuptodayatanshome.org/volunteer.
Community Science SummitSunday, January 13 (1-4 pm) Optional reception from 4-5 pm Woodend Nature Sanctuary Cost: $10 per person
Hearye,hearye!CallingallANSCommunity(Citizen)Scientists!AreyouaWaterQualityMonitor?MasterNaturalist?MeadowSurveyor?CreekCrittersenthusiast?FrogWatcher?ButterflyTracker?Heck,doyouhavearaingaugeinyourfrontyard?WellthenyouareWELCOMEtoANS’sfirstCommunityScienceSummit!
Pleasejoinustoshareyourprojectsandlearnaboutothers’.Therewillbepresentations,volunteeropportunities,volunteerappreciation,andopportunitiestochatandnetwork.You’llfindoutabouttheprogramsabove,pluscoolcommunityscienceappslike iNaturalist and Water Reporter.
[email protected]’dliketoshare.Your$10registrationcoversrefreshmentsandsnacks.Registeratanshome.org/events.
by Mitch Greene, Volunteer Coordinator
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MEMORIAL AND TRIBUTE CONTRIBUTIONS August-October 2018
IN HONOR OF: Lena CavaDebraPrybyla Mark England ThomasBlaik;Leslie&HamptonDejarnette;SusanHunt;GurujeetKhalsa;Mary&LarryKroll;KathleenMaher;StephanieMason;DonMessersmith;MarthaMorris; Pam&ChrisOves;BarbaraYoung
Mark GarlandDonMessersmith
Ava ObolerAllyn and Richard Prosten
Shoshana Risman & David ManowitzMaryBethSaffo
IN MEMORY OF: Cliff AdelmanPaulaMcMartin
Anne Conover CarsonKristieMiller
Yoli Del BuonoJulieBeaugrand;CynthiaFalke;LinetteLinder;MaryMassey;ElizabethRead-Connole;ElizabethWooster; LisaZuckermanGamshad
Paul DuMontJane&BillHill
Jane HuffLinetteLinder
Jeff LeonardJaneJohnston;Mike&BeckyLatta;TheWaltersFamily; JackyWershbale
Jefferson Ward Keener JrSarah Keener
Pearl MarksDonMessersmith;CarolPerone
Mysore PrasannaRangaminiMurthy
Dianne Fellman SchachnerJudithLandau
Stan ShetlerDonMessersmith
William Douglas WadeBookClubFriends
Thomas WebbDonna Citrin
Hugh YoungJackyWershbale
QUALIFIED DISTRIBUTION FROM AN IRA*
Asyouconsideryouryear-endgiving,keepinmindthatyoucanmakeagifttoANSfromyourIRA.ThesegiftsmayhelploweryouradjustedgrossincomeandcounttowardsyourRequiredMinimumDistribution.
AllyoudoisinstructyourIRAadministratortomakeatransferfromtheIRAdirectlytoAudubonNaturalistSociety.Mostadministrators already have forms and procedures in place to make this transfer.
Formoreinformationaboutthesegifts,goto: www.anshome.org/ways-to-giveorcontactJackyWershbaleat [email protected]. *ANSdoesnotprovidetax,legaloraccountingadvice.Youshouldconsultyourowntaxadvisorsbeforeengaginginanytransaction.
youtube.com/audubonnaturalist
IN REMEMBRANCE
Withfondnessandaheavyheart,AudubonNaturalistSocietyannounces the passing of former Boardmember,Michael B. Trister,onOctober28,2018.
Anavidbirder,Mikewasamemberof ANS for more than 20 years takingonaleadershippositionin 2011 when he joined the GovernanceCommitteeandthenjoiningtheBoardayearlater.Mike
waswidelyrespectedthroughoutthenon-profitworldasalawyer,teacher,andpassionateadvocateforcivilrights.
AttheUniversityofMississippiLawSchoolinthe1960’s,MiketaughtandoperatedalegalservicesprogramforthepoorforseveralyearsafterwhichhewentontobecomethefirstExecutiveDirectorofNorthMississippiRuralLegalServiceswherehetransformedpovertylawpracticeinMississippi.MikemovedtoWashingtonDCin1970tojoinanorganizationthatbecametheChildren’sDefenseFundin1973.HelaterservedasVicePresidentandthenasGeneralCounselfortheChildren’sDefenseFunduntilhismedicalleavebeganinDecember2017.
Throughhisownfirm,Trister,Ross,Schadler&Gold,PLLC,Mikecounseledprogressiveadvocacy,labor,charitableandpoliticalorganizationsaswellasgrant-makingfoundationsontax,campaignfinance,lobbyingandgeneralnonprofitcorporatematters.
ANScertainlybenefitedfromMike’sexpertiseasheguidedusthroughanamendmentofourArticlesofIncorporationin2015andmostrecentlyprovidedadvocacytrainingtoouradvocacyteam.WearegratefultoMikeforhisdedicationtoANSandsendourheartfeltcondolencestoMike’swife,Duffy,and their children and grandchildren.
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Share your message about your business or
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Naturalist Quarterlyreaches individuals and families who are
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Distributed in public spaces throughout
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REGISTRATION INFORMATION
EducationprogramsareheldatWoodend,theAudubonNaturalistSociety’s40-acreHeadquarters,8940JonesMillRoad,ChevyChase,MD20815,unlessotherwisenoted.AlleducationprogramsexceptNatureTravelhaveonlineregistration.YoumayalsoregisterinpersonintheEEofficeMonday-Friday,9a.m.-4p.m.Youwillbenotifiedimmediatelyiftheprogramisfull;otherwise,confirmationletterswillbeemailed1-2weeksbeforethescheduledprogram.
LecturesareheldatourWoodendSanctuary,andfieldtriptransportationisbyprivatevehicleorcarpoolunlessotherwisenoted.Mostprogramsarelimitedto16participantsandalsohaveaminimumenrollment,soearlyregistrationisimportanttoensurethatprogramsrun.Unlessotherwisenoted,weekendadultforayprogramfeesdonotinclude meals or lodging.
Becauseourprogramsrelyonregistrationfeesforfunding,wehaveadoptedthispolicy:
• Cancellationsmustbemadeatleastsixworkingdaysbeforethebeginningoftheprogramtobeeligibleforacredittoyouraccount,lessa$5administrativefee.
• IfanadultforayiscancelledbyANSduetolowenrollment,youwillreceiveafullrefund.Ifaweather-relatedconcernoranotherissueoutsideofANS’scontrolforcesacancellation,youwillreceiveafullcredittoyouraccount.
• Naturetravelprogramshavedifferentcancellationpolicies,explainedontheinformationsheetsentonrequest.
ANSiscommittedtoaddressingproblemswhentheyoccur.Programparticipantsareencouragedtobringproblemsorconcernsofanykinddirectlytothestaffmemberinchargeoftheprogram.Staffmemberswilltrytoresolvetheproblemimmediatelyorassoonasreasonablypossible.Ifstaffisunabletodoso,theyareexpectedtobringtheproblemtotheattentionoftheirimmediatesupervisorormemberoftheSeniorManagementTeam,whowilltakeresponsibilityforseekingaresolution.ProgramparticipantsarewelcometobringunresolvedproblemsorconcernstotheattentionoftheExecutiveDirector.TheExecutiveDirector’sdecisiononresolutionoftheproblemisfinal.
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New Year's Resolution: Help the Environment!Herearethreetopwaystohelpsustainourplanet:
1) Eat More Beans and Less Meat. Recent research tells us thataplant-baseddietcouldcutgreenhousegasesinhalfandtheuseoflandbyasmuchof75percentandwouldmakeoneofthebiggestimpactsoncombattingclimatechange.Plus,plant-baseddietswillinspirecreativity-andweightloss-allowingyoutofeedtwobirdswithonehand.
2) Use Alternatives to Plastic Produce Bags. Keep large produce,suchascabbageloose,andforsmallerandmorevulnerableproduce,suchaspears,usenatural,sustainable,biodegradable,reusable,andrecyclablebags.SimpleEcologysellsacottonmuslinbagthatwelike.
3) Get Outdoors for Your Workout.Ofcourse,we'drecommendthis!Yet,truthisthatmoretimeoutsideisgoodforourminds,bodies,andspirits-evenwhenit'scoldoutside.So,consideruppingyouroutdoorworkoutgameinthewinterbyanextra30minutesaday,forstarters.Gettingyour workout outdoors vs indoors at a gym means you're also saving electricity.
Here'stoaHappyandMoreEnvironmentally-SustainableNewYear!