April2021 Headwaters Master Naturalists Newsletter

NOTE: End of March Virtual Continuing Education Opportunities

Continuing Education Opportunity
Webinar: Update on the Spotted Lanternfly in Virginia
Hosted by Virginia Working Landscapes, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute
Tuesday, March 30, 1 - 2 pm (virtual)

From Chris Bowlen:
The Spotted Lantern Fly (SLF) is the latest in a long list of non-native insects that are making their way through Virginia. Introduced into Eastern Pennsylvania from Asia, the Spotted Lantern Fly has moved easily into western PA and south into Maryland and Virginia. Most recently, small populations have been found locally in Shenandoah and Augusta Counties. SLF has the potential to become a serious pest causing damage to fruit trees and gardens of all types.

Virginia Cooperative Extension has been operating a volunteer trapping program for the SLF to determine how this pest is spreading through the state. Headwaters Chapter participated in this project last year with one trap location in Rockingham and one in Augusta. We would like to increase the number of traps placed in both counties this year and would really appreciate more volunteers. The primary requirement is having access to a Tree of Heaven that is greater than 5” in diameter. You need to check the traps periodically and enter your data in an app, loaded onto your phone or home computer, provided by Va Extension.

If you are interested in signing up and/or have more questions, contact Chris Bowlen or 540-289-6801.

Continuing Education Opportunity
Workshop: Invasive Plant Identification and Control
Hosted by Blue Ridge PRISM
Wednesday, March 31, 1 - 4 pm (virtual)
$10
Non-native invasive plants are quickly overwhelming many properties by tearing down the forest canopy and overtaking our native plants at the tree, shrub, and/or groundcover levels. Understanding what invasive plants exist on the landscape and what it will take to control them can often feel overwhelming.

Learn how to identify and manage invasive plants. Topics covered in the workshop include learning

Registration

In-Person Events

Note: Being Rescheduled

Volunteer Opportunity
Garlic Mustard Removal!
Shenandoah Mountain Trail (north of Reddish Knob Road (Rt. 257)
Moved to May - Date coming

Volunteer Opportunity
Volunteering for Kestrel and Barn Owl Projects
Are you fond of birds? Here's your chance to volunteer for a project right up your alley. This project involves monitoring kestrel boxes and barn owl food sources. It entails carrying a ladder, climbing up to 12' to the box, and working with the birds. Weekends and weekdays are when volunteers are needed most.

Volunteers are needed as soon as possible until July. If interested, email Lance Morrow.

Volunteer Opportunity
Blacks Run Clean-up Day & Arbor Day Tree Planting Event
Saturday, April 10, 10 am, Westover Park, Harrisonburg
Event by Harrisonburg Public Works

Join us on the morning of April 10th for this family-friendly event!

Please pre-register by April 4th. Space is limited, so register early! When you pre-register You will be able to choose between Tree Planting on the Northend Greenway or Stream & Street clean-up locations around The Friendly City (first come first choice).

Public works will provide the clean-up bags and gloves for the Black-Run Clean-Up Day and trees, holes, and mulch for Arbor Day tree planting. You should wear shoes you do not mind getting wet or muddy and bring work gloves and a shovel (if you have one) for tree planting.

Volunteers will also be given seedlings to take home and plant, while supplies last.

Please pre-register
Pre-registration is important to help us ensure we have supplies for all volunteers and the DRIVE-THRU check-in runs as smoothly as possible. Space is limited, and this is a popular event, so register early. Individuals, families, and groups are encouraged to volunteer!

To ensure this event is compliant with COVID-19 gathering size and social distancing guidelines, you will be working in groups of 10 or fewer on the 10th. We will touch base with you the week of the event with details on how the registration process will work, specifically where you will be volunteering, and other day-of information. If you have questions, please reach out to us at 540-434-5928 or PublicWorks@HarrisonburgVa.gov.