Many know Northern Virginia for its economic dynamism, cultural development and ever-changing landscape.  Less well known are the places sheltering remnants of an earlier, vital, natural history.  If you would like to discover native birds, other fauna and flora — in the company of dedicated citizen scientists — then consider joining one or more of the continuing natural resource surveys at Occoquan Bay NWR, Meadowood Recreation Area and other parks and preserves in eastern Fairfax and Prince William Counties.  Each of these publicly-protected sites has a particular blend of habitats representative of Northern Virginia’s special natural character.

A report of each survey is emailed to participants as well as the U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management and other managing agencies.  Summary reports, checklists and analyses of survey data provide an up-to-date inventory of species and insight into the state of populations. 

When: Various dates throughout the year - see upcoming schedule below. 

Locations: Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge and Meadowood Special Recreation Management Area

Upcoming Natural Resource Surveys

Join Jim Waggener in his ongoing natural resource surveys at two of Northern Virginia's best birding spots. Surveys alternate between Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge and Meadowood Special Recreation Management Area on Mason Neck. From April through October, surveys are conducted primarily for butterflies and dragonflies at those two locations and two others—Occoquan Regional Park and Julie J. Metz Memorial Wetlands Preserve. Participation is limited. Email us to make a reservation here.

Observations from Meadowood

NVBA board member Judy Gallagher has been collecting photos from her personal trips to Meadowood Recreation Center and sharing them in her column, “Observations from Meadowood,” published monthly in the Potomac Flier.