Historic Rivers Chapter / Virginia Master Naturalists http://www.historicrivers.org The Historic Rivers Chapter of the Virginia Master Naturalist program is located on the Tidewater Peninsula region of Southeastern Virginia between the Historic James and York Rivers, and includes James City County, York County and the City of Williamsburg. Tue, 14 May 2013 00:26:16 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5.1 Seig & Felice’s Presentation “Nature Photography for Naturalists” http://www.historicrivers.org/?p=1367 http://www.historicrivers.org/?p=1367#comments Mon, 13 May 2013 23:30:10 +0000 Jeanette http://www.historicrivers.org/?p=1367 Continue reading]]> Seig Kopinitz and Felice Bond presented a wonderful program on photography at last night’s meeting. You can here: download the PowerPoint presentation Nature Photography for Naturalists This is a very large file (over 68MB) so it will take a while to download.

]]> http://www.historicrivers.org/?feed=rss2&p=1367 0 Bio Blitz at Pleasure House Point http://www.historicrivers.org/?p=1359 http://www.historicrivers.org/?p=1359#comments Thu, 09 May 2013 23:12:18 +0000 Jeanette http://www.historicrivers.org/?p=1359 It was cold and windy, but Master Naturalists can have fun in all kinds of weather!

AGENCIES_PHP BIOBLITZ_031413_0037

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PHP BioBlitz Logistics Map

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1ST LANDING STATE PARK BIO CAMPERS AND PARTY BLITZERS PHP BIOBLITZ_050313_0058

BLITZ BLAST CAKE FOR 1ST LANDING S.P. BIO CAMPERS AND PARTY BLITZERS_PHP BIOBLITZ_050313_0048

EDIBLE FLOWERS IN SALAD

BURGER KING_PHP BIOBLITZ_050313_0053

ANGIER_PHP BIOBLITZ_050413_0002

WARM DONUTS !!!_PHP BIOBLITZ_050413_0005

JEANNE & MIKE MAMMAL BLITZERS_PHP BIOBLITZ_050413_0007

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EARLY BIRDERS _PHP BIOBLITZ_050413_0011

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ENTOMOLOGIST STUART M._PHP BIOBLITZ_050413_0006

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LITTLE BROWN SKINK-2__MG_4997

Possibly diamondback terrapin eggs_2_MG_5016

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MAMMAL SCAT_ PHP BIOBLITZ_050413_0041

JOANNE AND STUART HOLDING DOWN SHEET FOR NOCTURNAL INSECT SURVEY PHP BIOBLITZ_050413_0050

SUSIE, JOANNE, STUART NOCTURNAL INSECT SURVEY PHP BIOBLITZ_050413_0047

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HERPERS PHP BIOBLITZ HERPS_050413_0004

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Herps team getting ready IMG_4461

Herps team IMG_4462

never did catch them IMG_4463

tadpole search IMG_4464

tadpole? IMG_4466

tadpole search IMG_4467

Dean looking for tadpoles IMG_4468

Dean, AJ, and Felice looking for tadpoles IMG_4470

Jody searching for macroinvertebrates in a brackish pond IMG_4477

See all photos of the Bio Blitz at our Flickr site.

]]> http://www.historicrivers.org/?feed=rss2&p=1359 0 NQP Bluebird Monitoring Team Nominated for Volunteer of the Year in York County http://www.historicrivers.org/?p=1352 http://www.historicrivers.org/?p=1352#comments Sat, 20 Apr 2013 23:28:18 +0000 Jeanette http://www.historicrivers.org/?p=1352 Continue reading]]>

Molly Nealer with NQP Bluebird Monitoring Team

Walt Zaremba with members of the Bluebird Monitoring Team


The New Quarter Park Bluebird Monitoring Team was nominated for a Volunteer of the Year award by Molly Nealer of York County. The team received the accolade at the April Board of Supervisors meeting at York Hall, April 16, 2013. Team leaders Jan Lockwood and Lois Ullman, as well as team members Joyce Lowry and Jeanette Navia were on hand to receive the award. HRC members Shirley Devan, Nancy Barnhart and Sara Lewis (who originally started the whole Bluebird Monitoring Project for the Historic Rivers Chapter in the first place) also attended the meeting.

]]> http://www.historicrivers.org/?feed=rss2&p=1352 0 Frog Walk & Croak at Warhill Sports Complex http://www.historicrivers.org/?p=1345 http://www.historicrivers.org/?p=1345#comments Fri, 12 Apr 2013 00:44:45 +0000 Jeanette http://www.historicrivers.org/?p=1345 Continue reading]]>

Spring Peeper

American Bullfrog

American Bullfrog

Spring Peeper

Spring Peeper

Spring Peeper

Spring Peeper

Master Naturalists Listening to Frogs and Toads

Felice led us on a great walk Monday night at the Warhill Sports Complex where we heard very loud Spring Peepers and some Southern Leopard Frogs, caught a huge American Bullfrog as he/she tried to cross the sidewalk, and listened to the sonorous sounds of the snoring Pickerels (which were in a separate pond near the basketball courts)

]]> http://www.historicrivers.org/?feed=rss2&p=1345 0 What Master Naturalists Do in Winter… http://www.historicrivers.org/?p=1296 http://www.historicrivers.org/?p=1296#comments Mon, 04 Mar 2013 22:45:03 +0000 sdevan http://www.historicrivers.org/?p=1296 Continue reading]]> Here are a few photos showing how active Master Naturalists are in winter. Photos of members at York River State Park mulching the native plant gardens; at Freedom Park readying bluebird boxes for spring; wildlife mapping at New Quarter Park; displaying the HRC exhibit at JCC Rec Expo. Cold weather does not stop this crew!
<p>Sherry, Tom, Nancy, and Nancy at Box 22</p>

Freedom Park Bluebird team_1 Mar 2013_7

Sherry, Tom, Nancy, and Nancy at Box 22

<p>The all-important bucket!</p>

Freedom Park Bluebird team_1 Mar 2013_6

The all-important bucket!

Freedom Park Bluebird team_1 Mar 2013_4

<p>Jessie, Sherry, Tom, Judy, Nancy, Jessica, Ginny</p>

Freedom Park Bluebird team_1 Mar 2013_5

Jessie, Sherry, Tom, Judy, Nancy, Jessica, Ginny

<p>Checking a bluebird box…how does this box open again?</p>

Freedom Park Bluebird team_1 Mar 2013_3

Checking a bluebird box…how does this box open again?

<p>Jessica, Jessie, Sherry, Nancy</p>

Freedom Park Bluebird team_1 Mar 2013_2

Jessica, Jessie, Sherry, Nancy

<p>Sherry, Jessica, Jessie, Nancy</p>

Freedom Park Bluebird team_1 Mar 2013_1

Sherry, Jessica, Jessie, Nancy

<p>Feb. 2013 photo by Felice Bond</p>

Mulching at York River State Park

Feb. 2013 photo by Felice Bond

<p>Gary, Les, and Travis 021813_0003 photo by Felice Bond</p>

Mulching at York River State Park

Gary, Les, and Travis 021813_0003 photo by Felice Bond

<p>Jan and Cheryl 021813_0004 photo by Felice Bond</p>

Mulching at York River State Park

Jan and Cheryl 021813_0004 photo by Felice Bond

<p>Felice, Gary, and Cheryl 021813_0017 photo by Les Lawrence</p>

Mulching at York River State Park

Felice, Gary, and Cheryl 021813_0017 photo by Les Lawrence

<p>Jan, Les, Gary 021813_0001 photo by Felice Bond</p>

Mulching at York River State Park

Jan, Les, Gary 021813_0001 photo by Felice Bond

<p>Adrienne and Patty 021813_0002 photo by Felice Bond</p>

Mulching at York River State Park

Adrienne and Patty 021813_0002 photo by Felice Bond

<p>Set-up at James City County Expo<br /> Photo by Les Lawrence</p>

James City Co. EXPO_P1000134

Set-up at James City County Expo
Photo by Les Lawrence

<p>Pictured are Cheryl Jacobson, Jeanne Millin, Mike Millin and Jan Lockwood. Photo by Patty Maloney</p>

Neither rain, nor sleet, nor snow....will stop this wildlife mapping team at NQP.

Pictured are Cheryl Jacobson, Jeanne Millin, Mike Millin and Jan Lockwood. Photo by Patty Maloney

]]> http://www.historicrivers.org/?feed=rss2&p=1296 0 HRC members help at Eco-discovery Park http://www.historicrivers.org/?p=1290 http://www.historicrivers.org/?p=1290#comments Mon, 18 Feb 2013 13:33:21 +0000 sdevan http://www.historicrivers.org/?p=1290 Continue reading]]> During February, HRC members and friends are working to get Eco-Discovery Park in shape for the public to enjoy in the spring.

Here are some photos of members clearing invasive vegetation (honeysuckle!!) and planning for the next steps!

Birds? Oh yeah!

<p>photo by Judy Jones</p>

Patty M., Gary, Felice at Eco-Discovery Park_IMG_6443

photo by Judy Jones

<p>photo by Judy Jones</p>

Patty M. raking at Eco-Discovery Park_IMG_6426

photo by Judy Jones

<p>photo by Judy Jones</p>

Gary digging out unwanted plants at Eco-Discovery Park_IMG_6434

photo by Judy Jones

<p>photo by Judy Jones</p>

Felice cleaning up debris at Eco-Discovery Park_IMG_6427

photo by Judy Jones

<p>Yellow-rumped Warbler photo by Felice Bond 2-7-13</p>

ECO-DSCOVERY PARK_020713_0010

Yellow-rumped Warbler photo by Felice Bond 2-7-13

<p>Gary cutting out invasive honeysuckle<br /> photo by Travis Will<br /> 2-14-13</p>

ECO-DISCOVERY PARK IMG_1867

Gary cutting out invasive honeysuckle
photo by Travis Will
2-14-13

<p>RALPH JAY TRAVIS Will clearing out vines<br /> photo by Felice Bond 2-14-13</p>

ECO-DISCOVERY PARK IMG_1855

RALPH JAY TRAVIS Will clearing out vines
photo by Felice Bond 2-14-13

<p>Felice pulling out invasive honeysuckle<br /> photo by Travis Will<br /> 2-14-13</p>

ECO-DISCOVERY PARK IMG_1865

Felice pulling out invasive honeysuckle
photo by Travis Will
2-14-13

<p>Ralph, Jay, Patty and Travis photo by Felice Bond<br /> 2-7-13</p>

ECO-DSCOVERY_PARK_1_020713_0018

Ralph, Jay, Patty and Travis photo by Felice Bond
2-7-13

<p>Ralph, Jay, and Patty <br /> photo by Felice Bond<br /> 2-7-13</p>

ECO-DSCOVERY PARK_020713_0021

Ralph, Jay, and Patty
photo by Felice Bond
2-7-13

]]> http://www.historicrivers.org/?feed=rss2&p=1290 0 Historic Rivers Chapter End of Year Party 12-12-12 http://www.historicrivers.org/?p=1283 http://www.historicrivers.org/?p=1283#comments Wed, 19 Dec 2012 23:51:02 +0000 sdevan http://www.historicrivers.org/?p=1283 Continue reading]]> Woohoo! What a party! Games! Videos! Photos! Food! Prizes! Raffles! Milestone Awards!

A fun time for everyone! Many thanks to ALL who helped make it so successful! Here are some photos by Felice Bond.

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, Happy Holidays to everyone.

<p>Playing Charades</p>

hrcvmn End-of-Year Party_121212_0059

Playing Charades

<p>Playing Charades</p>

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Playing Charades

<p>Susan presents Thad and Mike milestone awards.</p>

hrcvmn End-of-Year Party_121212_0023

Susan presents Thad and Mike milestone awards.

<p>Susan presents Adrienne her milestone award.</p>

hrcvmn End-of-Year Party_121212_0024

Susan presents Adrienne her milestone award.

<p>President Patty presentedTed with a bag of gifts to thank him for all he did for the chapter picnic.</p>

hrcvmn End-of-Year Party_121212_0028

President Patty presentedTed with a bag of gifts to thank him for all he did for the chapter picnic.

<p>Lester and Clyde involved in a reading of the children`s book, Lester and Clyde.</p>

hrcvmn End-of-Year Party_121212_0040

Lester and Clyde involved in a reading of the children`s book, Lester and Clyde.

<p>Party games</p>

hrcvmn End-of-Year Party_121212_0047

Party games

<p>Playing Charades</p>

hrcvmn End-of-Year Party_121212_0048

Playing Charades

<p>Party games</p>

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Party games

<p>Susan reading MadLibs.</p>

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Susan reading MadLibs.

<p>Party games</p>

hrcvmn End-of-Year Party_121212_0055

Party games

<p>Party games</p>

hrcvmn End-of-Year Party_121212_0057

Party games

<p>Charades</p>

hrcvmn End-of-Year Party_121212_0062

Charades

<p>Charades</p>

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Charades

<p>Charades</p>

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Charades

<p>Charades</p>

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Charades

<p>Charades</p>

hrcvmn End-of-Year Party_121212_0084

Charades

<p>Charades</p>

hrcvmn End-of-Year Party_121212_0074

Charades

<p>Tom showing his end of year movie</p>

hrcvmn End-of-Year Party_121212_0087

Tom showing his end of year movie

<p>End of year movie</p>

hrcvmn End-of-Year Party_121212_0090

End of year movie

]]> http://www.historicrivers.org/?feed=rss2&p=1283 0 “A Christmas Poem” by Clyde Marsteller and the Zoo http://www.historicrivers.org/?p=1264 http://www.historicrivers.org/?p=1264#comments Thu, 06 Dec 2012 17:33:42 +0000 sdevan http://www.historicrivers.org/?p=1264 Continue reading]]>

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the Zoo

Not a creature was stirring except a mouse or two.

The millipedes were all snug in their beds

While visions of mushrooms danced in their heads.

Their stockings were hung from one wall to another

Hundreds of them, they were such a bother.

The roaches were running hither and thither

While writing to Santa for edible litter.

The Hissing cockroach writes for its brood

The young prefer cheerios for their food.

The worms were writing their lists in dark interlude

Trying to find who’s he/she without being crude.

The termites were all in a bunch

Writing for a Yule Log (trying not to be lunch).

Slugs and snails are sending to Santa their texts

“What to buy a  creature when you don’t know its sex”?

Betsy Beetles were busy talking and squeaking

While with their lists they’re constantly tweaking.

Black Widow is accused of eating her mates

But her silken letter simply states:

“To be guilty of Husbandcide is a bunch of lies”

And proceeds to ask for Blue Bottle Flies.

The toads and frogs dream of crickets galore

Not free range but bought from a store.

The Eft has turned into a Newt

So it needs a new list. What a hoot.

 

 

 

 

 

Our Spotted Salamander dreams of spring

wishing for a pond is just the right thing.

The  centipedes have written for food

Termites and ants would festive their mood.

The snake was curled up in its cage, its eyes on a mouse

Wishing it could slither across the floor of the house.

The Box Turtle was asleep in its shell

Until spring, so we just wish it well.

In the winter woods and not in the Zoo

The apex predator Black Racer too.

Is coldly calculating

Asking for a mate so captivating.

Now Ma in her Snuggy and I in my cap

Had just sat in our chairs for a long nap.

When from the Den there arose such a clatter

I sprang up to see what was the matter.

I opened the door and what did I hear?

All the creatures were singing:

“Merry Christmas to all and a Happy New Year”

From all the creatures both great and small

A Happy Holiday to you all.

 

The Zoo Keeper, the Zoo Cru & all the creatures in

“A Zoo In My Shopping Bags”

]]> http://www.historicrivers.org/?feed=rss2&p=1264 0 Nancy Norton – We miss you so much! http://www.historicrivers.org/?p=1234 http://www.historicrivers.org/?p=1234#comments Fri, 09 Nov 2012 14:44:00 +0000 sdevan http://www.historicrivers.org/?p=1234 Continue reading]]> Nancy Norton, member of Cohort IV of Historic Rivers Chapter of VA Master Naturalists, died Thursday, November 8. You can read her obituary here: http://hosting-tributes-24290.tributes.com/show/Nancy-Jill-Norton-94705754

Nancy was involved in so many projects with the Master Naturalists and we all enjoyed working with her out on the trail. Thank you, Nancy, for everything you did for our Chapter and for our community.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to theNancy Norton Nature Camp Scholarship Fund. Please make checks out to HRC VMN and annotate “Scholarship Fund” in the remarks section. Mail donations to the Historic Rivers Chapter, Virginia Master Naturalists, P.O. Box 5026, Williamsburg, Virginia 23188.

Here are some photos of Nancy and friends submitted by HRC members. You can write a memory in the “Comments” section above.

Nancy Norton_NQP Teaching Trail August 2010_1

Don't Look Down...New Kent Forrest.jpg

On the lookout at the Christmas Bird Count.jpg

Nancy Norton, Les Lawrence and Felice Bond at the Chickahominy WMA_edited-1.jpg

Nancy Norton at the New Quarter Park Rain Garden.jpg

One of the many "Built by Nancy" bluebird houses being enjoyed by a resident

Nancy Norton and Patty Maloney at the New Year's Day Board Walk at Greensprings

Nancy Norton with her "birdnoculars" on Project Osprey Watch

Nancy Norton and Judy Jones at the New Year's Day Board Walk at Greensprings

Nancy Norton, Seig and Alice at Christmas Bird Count

Nancy Norton, Patty Maloney, Christina Woodson planting at the Chickahominy Wildlife Management Area

Nancy Norton, Christmas Bird Count

Nancy Norton with her "birdnoculars" at the Christmas Bird Count

Nancy Norton at New Kent picking pine cones

<p>Love the tee shirt - FB</p>

Nancy_MG_3350

Love the tee shirt - FB

<p>Everglades trip FB</p>

PS GROUP AT ROBERT_MG_3395

Everglades trip FB

Nancy and JudyEND OF YR PARTY 2010_0783

_MG_3350

VMN END OF YEAR PARTY 2010_0009

<p>A favorite! FB</p>

Nancy and Judy and friends END OF YR PARTY 2010_0794

A favorite! FB

<p>The closest bird photo I have to a pink flamingo! Felice B</p>

Pink Flamingo disguised as a Roseate_Spoonbill__MG_3259_FB

The closest bird photo I have to a pink flamingo! Felice B

Nancy's graduating class_MG_9295

Nancy at VMN graduation_MG_9309

Nancy Norton & Patty Maloney July 2009_1

<p>"Froggin` at Greensprings"</p>

Nancy Norton & Group March 2010_1

"Froggin` at Greensprings"

Nancy Norton at NQP Bluebird Trail March 2010_2

Nancy Norton at NQP Bluebird Trail March 2010_1

Nancy Norton at NQP Bluebird Trail March 2010_3

Nancy Norton at NQP Teaching Trail April 2010_1

Nancy Norton HRC Picnic July 2010_1

Nancy Norton at NQP Teaching Trail August 2010_1

Nancy Norton releasing bird Sept 2010_1

HISTORIC RIVERS 2010 SUMMER PICNIC IMG_0589

]]> http://www.historicrivers.org/?feed=rss2&p=1234 2 Winners of 2012 HRC Photo Contest http://www.historicrivers.org/?p=1209 http://www.historicrivers.org/?p=1209#comments Sun, 14 Oct 2012 23:02:06 +0000 sdevan http://www.historicrivers.org/?p=1209 Continue reading]]> Wow! What stunning photos our members submitted for our 2012 Photo Contest. Enjoy the photos rotating through the web site below. Winner’s names are listed below the photo.

Thanks to Ted Sargent for “managing” the photo contest and Felice Bond for posting the winners to Flickr.

And thanks to ALL who shared their talents and photos.

<p>2012 HRCVMN PHOTO CONTEST - Inge Curtis IMG_2362</p>

Purple Martins Feeding: Honorable Mention Fauna (Professionally Judged)

2012 HRCVMN PHOTO CONTEST - Inge Curtis IMG_2362

<p>2012 HRCVMN PHOTO CONTEST - Patty Maloney DSC_0928_edited-1</p>

Happy Campers: Honorable Mention Fauna (Professionally Judged)

2012 HRCVMN PHOTO CONTEST - Patty Maloney DSC_0928_edited-1

<p>2012 HRCVMN PHOTO CONTEST - Linda Miller; For VMNHRC PR Only Copyright Linda C. Miller 201</p>

Barn Swallows, Jamestown Island National Park: 2nd Place Fauna (Professionally Judged)

2012 HRCVMN PHOTO CONTEST - Linda Miller; For VMNHRC PR Only Copyright Linda C. Miller 201

<p>2012 HRCVMN PHOTO CONTEST - Jeanette Navia</p>

Feeding Birds: 3rd Place Fauna (Professionally Judged)

2012 HRCVMN PHOTO CONTEST - Jeanette Navia

<p>2012 HRCVMN PHOTO CONTEST - Felice Bond IMG_9273</p>

Reflect on This: 1st Place Fauna (Professionally Judged)

2012 HRCVMN PHOTO CONTEST - Felice Bond IMG_9273

<p>2012 HRCVMN PHOTO CONTEST - Mary Turnbull</p>

Spider Lily: Honorable Mention Flora (Professionally Judged)

2012 HRCVMN PHOTO CONTEST - Mary Turnbull

<p>2012 HRCVMN PHOTO CONTEST - Patty Maloney DSC_0227_edited-1</p>

Swamp Reflections: Honorable Mention Flora (Professionally Judged)

2012 HRCVMN PHOTO CONTEST - Patty Maloney DSC_0227_edited-1

<p>2012 HRCVMN PHOTO CONTEST -Inge Curtis IMG_8208</p>

Crabapple Blossoms: 2nd Place Flora (Professionally Judged)

2012 HRCVMN PHOTO CONTEST -Inge Curtis IMG_8208

<p>2012 HRCVMN PHOTO CONTEST - Bill Davis IMG_0077</p>

Picnic Ground: 1st Place Flora (Professionally Judged)

2012 HRCVMN PHOTO CONTEST - Bill Davis IMG_0077

<p>2012 HRCVMN PHOTO CONTEST - Jeanette Navia</p>

Cicadas: 3rd Place Fauna (Member Judged)

2012 HRCVMN PHOTO CONTEST - Jeanette Navia

<p> 2012 HRCVMN PHOTO CONTEST - Inge Curtis IMG_2008</p>

Prothonotary Warblers: 1st Place Fauna (Member Judged)

2012 HRCVMN PHOTO CONTEST - Inge Curtis IMG_2008

<p>2012 HRCVMN PHOTO CONTEST - Patty Maloney DSCN8008</p>

The Knees: 2nd Place Flora (Member Judged)

2012 HRCVMN PHOTO CONTEST - Patty Maloney DSCN8008

<p>2012 HRCVMN PHOTO CONTEST - Felice Bond MG_8333</p>

Coral Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) 1st Place Flora (Member Judged)

2012 HRCVMN PHOTO CONTEST - Felice Bond MG_8333

]]> http://www.historicrivers.org/?feed=rss2&p=1209 0