Text by Kristin Bartschi and photos by George Sutherland Recent ARMN Basic Training graduates Kristin Bartschi and George Sutherland joined in a very satisfying service activity on the Potomac River. Kristin’s observations demonstrate how they could get wet and dirty and provide a valuable service at the same time. There’s nothing I love more thanContinueContinue reading “Getting Dirty and Keeping Our Rivers Clean”
Category Archives: Events
Outstanding Participation in the 2019 City Nature Challenge! What Are the Next Steps?
by Louis Harrell Citizen science activities are an important way for individuals to contribute to scientific knowledge and for members of the public to increase their knowledge of local natural resources. Currently, the largest citizen science project that ARMN supports is the City Nature Challenge. Read about the results of this year’s challenge and theContinueContinue reading “Outstanding Participation in the 2019 City Nature Challenge! What Are the Next Steps?”
Virginia State Symbol: The Northern Cardinal
Text and Photos by Ames Bowman With its distinct red feathers, or plumage, its deep orange beak, and a crest that resembles a well-groomed mohawk, the presence of the Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) in Northern Virginia is unmistakable. The Northern Cardinal is Virginia’s state bird. I tagged along with part-time Arlington County Park Naturalist YolandaContinueContinue reading “Virginia State Symbol: The Northern Cardinal”
Sky Dancer: The American Woodcock
Sky Dancer: The American Woodcock Text and photo by Ames Bowman Chances are you have heard the familiar “peent” call of the male American Woodcock (Scolopax minor) if you have ever ventured near a meadow at the edge of the forest on a spring or summer evening. From early March until early May, Huntley MeadowsContinueContinue reading “Sky Dancer: The American Woodcock”
It’s Springtime . . . Plant Natives!
Text and photos by Kasha Helget With longer daylight hours, warming soils, and the return of bird, bees, and butterflies, get ready to roll up your sleeves and install some native plants. Our local animals depend on them, AND they provide beautiful enhancements to our landscapes. So, please consider a few—or several native plants toContinueContinue reading “It’s Springtime . . . Plant Natives!”
2018 Arlington BioBlitz is September 15th!
Arlington will be conducting its second Bioblitz, and this year it will take place at only one site: Glencarlyn Park. This is a wonderful opportunity for individuals to participate in a valuable citizen science inventory of plants, wildlife, and other living organisms in the community. What is a BioBlitz? It is a (usually) 24-hour surveyContinueContinue reading “2018 Arlington BioBlitz is September 15th!”
Add Native Plants to Your Fall Garden and enjoy them again next Spring and Summer!
Text and photos by Kasha Helget Fall is the BEST time to install native plants. The cooler air temperatures are less stressful to stems and foliage, and the still-warm soil gives roots a great head start to become established before winter. So, consider choosing a few—or several native plants to brighten your yard, patio, orContinueContinue reading “Add Native Plants to Your Fall Garden and enjoy them again next Spring and Summer!”
Firefly Fest – Fun for all Ages!
Text and photos by Jo Allen On June 24, 2018, the 10th annual Firefly Festival was held at Fort C.F. Smith Park. This very popular event was scheduled to run from 7:00–9:30 p.m. but was cut short by a cloudburst around 9:10. Still, it was really a great time, especially for the little ones! ThisContinueContinue reading “Firefly Fest – Fun for all Ages!”
Summer Chapter Meeting Kicks off ARMN’s 10 Year Celebration
ARMN members met on the evening of June 21st to celebrate the first day of summer and the official start to our 10-year anniversary festivities. While ARMN members are known for their industrious volunteer work, we also know how to have a good time! ARMN’s Summer Chapter meeting was preceded by a tree identification walkContinueContinue reading “Summer Chapter Meeting Kicks off ARMN’s 10 Year Celebration”
The Importance of Citizen Scientists: Using iNaturalist to Create an Inventory of Natural Resources
By Louis Harrell The recent City Nature Challenge, held 27-30 April 2018, exemplifies the important role that the general public plays by providing professional scientists with valuable data on biodiversity. Anyone can become a “citizen scientist” by going out and collecting data related to the natural world – made even easier today with the iNaturalistContinueContinue reading “The Importance of Citizen Scientists: Using iNaturalist to Create an Inventory of Natural Resources”