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 301-951-7179ANShome.orgcontact@anshome.orgAudubon 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 Voice@anshome.org

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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Children and NaturePh

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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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Adults and Nature

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/parents.Questions?ContactGinaatgina.ghertner@anshome.org.

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 nora.kelly@anshome.org.

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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Register online at www.anshome.org/parents

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 pam.oves@anshome.org.

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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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S School Programs in DC, MD & VA

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 pam.oves@anshome.org.

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 membership@anshome.org 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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Adult Nature Programs

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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 voice@ANShome.org 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 loree.trilling@anshome.org.

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,contactcathy.wiss@anshome.orgorvisitanshome.org/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—emailcathy.wiss@anshome.orgfordetails.

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.

Citizen

Science

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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Citizen

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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 cleanstreams@anshome.org 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.

FEBRUARY

MARCH

JANUARY

twitter.com/ANStweets

DECEMBER

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,contactleaderBenJesupatbenbreep@gmail.com(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,703-685-3790orcheep@allealle.com(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,contactleaderLynneWheeleratsomdaudubon@yahoo.com 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,lpshannon@gmail.com(15-personlimit).

Sunday, February 24 Hughes Hollow, Montgomery Co., MDOne-thirdday.Mixedhabitatofwater,fields,andedgeswithgoodvarietyofwinteringspecies—sparrows,raptors,andwaterfowl.Meet time/place:8amatparkinglotonHughesRdoffRiverRd.Formoreinformation,contactleaderJimNelson,kingfishers2@verizon.netor240-515-4517(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,contacttheleaderCliveHarrisatclivegharris@yahoo.com(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 voice@ANShome.org 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 carol.hayes@anshome.org 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,wherethetripconcludes.Contactcarol.hayes@anshome.orgifyou’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

atcarol.hayes@anshome.orgifyou'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

facebook.com/audubonnaturalistsociety

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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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twitter.com/ANStweets

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.

Contacteliza.cava@anshome.orgwithapresentationideayou’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 jacky.wershbale@anshome.org. *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

organization with a prime audience!

Naturalist Quarterlyreaches individuals and families who are

passionate about our community and

want to learn about businesses and

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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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8940 Jones Mill RoadChevy Chase, MD 20815

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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!