March wildlife opportunities abound with LWC

March wildlife opportunities abound with Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy
Thursday, Mar. 4 by Emily Cook
American robin. Photo Courtesy Norman Gresley

Have you pulled out and dusted off your muck boots? Located your field coat or slicker from among the snow gear, bibs and parkas wedged into your hall closet? Well, then you’re ready to explore and adventure in all that is Loudoun in spring-time.
Now, while you might be thinking spring is a long way off, the truth of the matter is that spring has already begun in its own subtle, gentle way. Beneath that blanket of snow that still lingers on your boggy front lawn and despite the blustery winds that bring our temperatures down into the teens, signs of spring are all around us. The Robin has begun its return to our yards in abundance. This morning, the neighborhood fox was out patrolling for tidbits left by the birds at the feeder. The very tippy-tops of the crocus’ are peeking through the snow-covered mulch. Warmer weather will be defrosting the world around us before you know it and there’s no time like the present to welcome it with open arms. So throw on that jacket, swing those doors open wide and head outside.
Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy has some fascinating programs scheduled during the month of March. All program details and registration information are located on the events page of the website (http://www.loudounwildlife.org/Programs_and_Field_Trips.htm).
Take a look at what’s going on and find something that piques your interest:

SWAMP WALK WITH MIKE HAYSLETT — Sunday, March 7, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m., Algonkian Park. Registration Required.
Join us for a walk through a “cat swamp,” right here in Loudoun County. Mike Hayslett, director of the Virginia Vernal Pool Program at Sweet Briar College, will lead this walk as we explore the interesting aspects of this habitat, learn how amphibians and other wildlife make use of it, and discuss the historical uses of the land. We’ll search for wood frogs, spring peepers, and a variety of salamanders. Please bring waterproof boots. Limit 12 participants. Questions or to register: Sign up on-line at http://www.loudounwildlife.org/SignUp.htm or contact Nicole Hamilton at nhamilton@loudounwildlife.org .

AMPHIBIANS AFOOT: EXPLORATION OF LOCAL WETLANDS — Class Tuesday, March 9, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. followed by a field session March 12, 13, or 14 (participants sign up for only one field session). Registration Required.
This hands-on training begins with a classroom session on Tuesday March 9th where we will discuss the amphibians that use seasonal pools, streams, and permanent wetlands. We’ll discuss amphibian migration and breeding tactics, the different types of habitats, and unique features present in Loudoun. Participants will learn to identify wetlands and recognize the signs of vernal pool presence during dry seasons. Participants will then join us for one of three full-day field sessions where we will explore the numerous vernal pools and other isolated wetlands around Loudoun. Optional night forays are also possible, depending on rainfall. Cost for the class and field trip is $20 per person. Questions or to register: Sign up on-line (http://www.loudounwildlife.org/SignUp.htm) or contact Nicole Hamilton at nhamilton@loudounwildlife.org .

MID-WEEK WALK: A VERNAL POOL EXPLORATION — Wednesday, March 10, 9:00 – 11:00 a.m., at Morven Park. Registration Required.
Join Mike Hayslett for an exploration of the vernal pools at Morven Park, one of Loudoun’s very special natural areas where vernal pools thrive with wood frogs, spring peepers, and salamanders. During the walk, we’ll discuss the life cycles of the animals that use vernal pools for breeding locations and the importance of the forests that surround them. Space is limited as we are mindful of the impact of human foot traffic in these sensitive habitats. Questions or to register: Sign up on-line (http://www.loudounwildlife.org/SignUp.htm) or contact Nicole Hamilton at nhamilton@loudounwildlife.org .

BIRDING BANSHEE ― Saturday, March 13, 8:00 a.m.
Join LWC and the Friends of Banshee Reeks at the Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve for a monthly bird walk. Because of its rich and varied habitat, this part of the county is a birding hot-spot. Please bring binoculars. Free.
Questions: contact Joe Coleman at 540-554-2542 or jcoleman@loudounwildlife.org

“TIPS ON HOW TO LEAD A NATURE WALK” CLASS AND FIELD SESSION — Saturday, March 20, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Registration Required.
Join naturalist Phil Daley as he teaches participants how to lead or co-lead a nature walk and then takes us out into the field for a demonstration walk. Phil will provide some insights, ideas, and guidance for potential walk leaders. He will also discuss the “to do” and “not to do” aspects of leading a successful walk. Location TBD. Questions or to register: contact Phil Daley at pdaley@loudounwildlife.org or 540-338-6528.

SUNDAY IN THE PRESERVE ― Sunday, March 21, 1:00 p.m.
Join a naturalist from the Friends of Banshee Reeks and LWC for a free, informal family walk around the preserve. Search for the many natural wonders that make the preserve such a special place. For information call the Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve at 703-669-0316.

BIRD IDENTIFICATION CLASS — Thursday, March 25, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Registration Required.
Join naturalist Joe Coleman for a class on birding. He will describe some of the different field guides and binoculars, as well as seasonal information on what birds to look for and when and where to look for them. He will also describe some of the key factors in identifying birds in the field. Location TBD. To sign up: contact Joe Coleman at jcoleman@loudounwildlife.org or 540-554-2542.

BIRDING THE BLUE RIDGE CENTER ― Saturday, March 27, 8:00 a.m.
On the fourth Saturday of each month (except December), LWC leads a bird walk at the Blue Ridge Center for Environmental Stewardship (BRCES). This beautiful 900-acre preserve is located at 11661 Harpers Ferry Road in northwestern Loudoun County. Only a few miles south of Harper’s Ferry and the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, BRCES includes meadows in the valley and heavily forested slopes on the Blue Ridge. Meet at the Visitor’s Center. Detailed directions can be found on the website, http://www.brces.org. Free.
Questions: contact Joe Coleman at 540-554-2542 or jcoleman@loudounwildlife.org .

AN EVENING WITH THE PEEPERS AND WOOD FROGS — Saturday, March 27, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. at Algonkian Park. Registration Required.
Spring peepers and wood frogs are often the first calls we recognize in the springtime, yet few people actually see them. We’ll start this class with a discussion of peepers and wood frogs; their behaviors, their life cycles, and their habitat needs. Then we’ll head out into the field to see them in action as we visit some pools and ponds, listen to their calls, and observe their courtship behaviors. Please wear boots and raingear, and bring either a flashlight or headlamp. Limit 12 participants. Questions or to register: Sign up on-line (http://www.loudounwildlife.org/SignUp.htm) or contact Nicole Hamilton at nhamilton@loudounwildlife.org .

NATURE BADGE PROGRAMS FOR JUNIOR GIRL SCOUTS AND BEAR/WEBELOS CUB SCOUTS — Sunday, March 28th, 1:00 – 3:30 p.m. for Girl Scout programs; 1:30-4:00 p.m. for Boy Scout Programs. Located at the Chapter House of the Izaak Walton League of Loudoun. Registration Required.
Volunteer naturalists from LWC will offer instructional walks and talks to assist scouts in meeting several requirements for the following badges: 1) Girl Scouts “Wildlife” and “Outdoor Surroundings,” 2) Cub Scouts Bear Achievement 5, “Sharing Your World with Wildlife,” and 3) Webelos “Forester and Naturalist.” Two sessions will be available: 1:00 – 3:30 p.m. for Junior Girl Scouts and 1:30 – 4:00 p.m. for Bear/Webelos Cub Scouts. All scouts must be accompanied by their leader. The program is free, but space is limited. Questions or to register: call Paul Miller at 540-882-3112. Registration Deadline: March 21, 2010.
Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy is an all-volunteer non-profit organization whose mission is to promote the preservation and proliferation of healthy wildlife habitats throughout Loudoun County. Visit http://www.loudounwildlife.org or call 540-554-2542 for more information.