An Evening Under the Stars: Virginia Master Naturalists on Conservation and Community

The Valley Today

In this episode hosted by Janet Michael, the focus was on the Virginia Master Naturalists and the upcoming event, 'An Evening Under the Stars' at Blandy Experimental Farm on September 13th. Joining Janet was Rebecca Harriett, President of the Shenandoah Chapter of Virginia Master Naturalists, and Mary Beth Yarborough, the event coordinator.

Rebecca explained the mission and scope of the Virginia Master Naturalists, emphasizing the extensive training volunteers undergo in natural sciences to aid in various community and conservation projects. The organization has 30 chapters across the state and is heavily involved in education, citizen science, and stewardship projects.

Mary Beth detailed the inspiration behind the event 'An Evening Under the Stars' and the documentary Hometown Habitat - Stories of Bringing Nature Home which aims to inspire community stewardship of local resources. The documentary, filmed the previous fall, highlights the importance of pollinators and native plants.

The film starts at 7:30pm but plan to arrive between 6pm - 7pm to enjoy food and drinks, local native plant nurseries, conservation groups, and prizes. Guests are invited to bring chairs/blankets to Blandy’s amphitheater as well. This documentary film profiles 7 “hometown habitat heroes” around the country who are taking practical steps to bring more native plants into their backyards and communities. The narrative thread of this documentary (produced by Catherine Zimmerman) is provided by renowned entomologist Douglas Tallamy, Ph.D. whose research, books and lectures about the use of non-native plants in landscaping sound the alarm about habitat and species loss.

Throughout the conversation, the guests discussed various topics, including the benefits of conservation landscaping, the role of native plants in supporting local ecosystems, and the importance of educating children about the environment. Rebecca and Mary Beth shared their personal experiences in transforming their own yards to support native wildlife and reduce turf grass.

Janet touched upon the practical aspects of the event, such as the layout with information tables, food trucks, and plant nurseries, which will contribute to a comprehensive educational experience for attendees. Tickets for the event are free but attendees are encouraged to register through Eventbrite for updates.

Mary Beth emphasized that the documentary and event are relevant for a wide audience—from homeowners to community leaders—highlighting the shared responsibility in promoting sustainable practices.

About the Event organizers: Sponsored by:

· Virginia Master Naturalists- Shenandoah Chapter: volunteers who work to help manage and conserve Virginia's natural resources and public lands. They provide education, outreach, and service to benefit their communities' natural areas and resources. VMNs are also known as citizen scientists and volunteer educators. One goal is to inspire individuals to become stewards of their local resources. Rebecca Harriett, President

· Virginia Native Plant Society, Piedmont Chapter: is a nonprofit organization of individuals who share an interest in Virginia’s native plants and habitats. The Society and its chapters seek to further the appreciation and conservation of this priceless heritage and strives to have a positive impact on the future of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Emily Southgate, President

· Blandy Experimental Farm (home to the State Arboretum of Virginia) host and partner to VMN, is hosting this event at its outdoor amphitheater, located in Boyce, Virginia (Clarke County). The State Arboretum of Virginia is part of Blandy Experimental Farm, a research field station for the University of Virginia. Its 700 acres are a good representation of the habitats found in the Shenandoah Valley, making it an excellent spot to watch birds and other wildlife. The State Arboretum is the only mature arboretum on limestone soils on the east coast. The grounds are open dawn to dusk, 365 days a year, free of charge. Director David Carr; Ariel Firebaugh, Director of Scientific Engagement

In collaboration with:

Virginia Cooperative Extension Agency: The Frederick County office of Virginia Cooperative Extension is the local connection to Virginia‘s land-grant universities, Virginia Tech and Virginia State University. Through educational programs based on research and developed with input from local stakeholders, VCE helps the people of Frederick County improve their lives: education through programs in Agriculture and Natural Resources, Family and Consumer Sciences, 4-H Youth Development, and Community Viability. Joanne Royaltey Program Associate