Audubon at Home resumed in-person visits to homes with masks and safe social distancing on July 1 and interest came roaring back. Since then AAH has had 63 requests with 47 visits reported. The most notable property to be certified is the JK Black Oak Wildlife Sanctuary, an 87-acre property in Loudoun County near Lucketts which has been placed under a conservation easement by owner and Audubon at Home partner, Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy.
Biologists from the Virginia Department of Conservation’s Natural Heritage program determined the property was a globally rare wetland, with 14 vernal pools that support large and rare amphibian populations, mature forest, meadow and grassland within a unique geologic setting in an area of Karst limestone overlay. Challenges include non-native invasive plants such as autumn olive and missing understory due to deer grazing. Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy is working in partnership with The Nature Conservancy and Loudoun Soil and Water Conservation District to develop a management plan for the property.
LWC Executive Director Michael Myers said, “LWC is proud to steward this globally rare wetland and we are glad the property is now permanently protected from future development through a conservation easement. The Audubon at Home Wildlife Sanctuary certification is a very welcome recognition of the significance of this property.”
Maybe you don’t have 87 acres of globally rare wetland habitat, but Audubon at Home is always eager to work with you to improve the wildlife value of your yard, HOA or other property, no matter how small. Even a patch of a few dozen square feet can help support wildlife. Fall is a great time to plan and plant. To request a free visit from an Audubon at Home Ambassador who can advise on native plantings and other habitat improvements, visit us here.
Leave the Leaves
Here’s a habitat tip for fall: Leave the leaves! Did you know that many beneficial insects overwinter in leaf litter? And that many birds forage for their meals in leaf litter, such as the beautiful winter visitor, the Hermit Thrush? Leaf litter decays into rich humus that enriches the soil and supports a rich web of life. So, don’t bag up those leaves in plastic bags and set them out at the curb—leave the leaves on the ground.
For more advice on enhancing the habitat in your own backyard, check out our website.
In photo, from left: Anne Owen, LWC Audubon Program Coordinator for Loudoun County, Sheila Ferguson, LWC volunteer and native plant guru, Betsy Martin, ASNV Board member and AAH Program Co-Director, and Michael Myer, LWC Executive Director- all temporarily mask less for the photo. Photo by Mike Sciotino, LWC Black Oak Committee member.