The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) announced on July 10 that it has added more than 200 acres of ecologically significant upland forest and forested wetlands along Accokeek Creek in Stafford County to Crow’s Nest Natural Area Preserve, ensuring their protection for biodiversity conservation.

A mixed hedge consisting of native plant species has the added value of supporting the songbirds in our communities. Privacy screens don’t always work out as planned, though, so here are a few considerations for creating and maintaining them.

Amid what seems like never-ending doom-and-gloom reports about climate change, biodiversity loss, deforestation and species declines and extinctions, the Eastern Bluebird is a comeback story and some Northern Virginians are helping tell the story.

Our organization, Northern Virginia Bird Alliance (NVBA), has entered into a partnership with the recently-formed Fairfax Invasive Removal Alliance (FIRA).

There are several ways to “harvest” the rain that falls on our property and stretch out its usefulness.

Judy Gallagher is an ASNV board member and a regular surveyor of local wildlife who also captures photos of what she sees, in particular the less common species.

Monday Nature Mystery continues! Read on to learn who correctly identified our last mystery.

Stretch Our Parks is both a conservation and a social initiative, aimed at improving and creating wildlife habitat while building a greater commitment by a broader northern Virginia community in saving wildlife.

It’s a conundrum. We want birds to visit us, but only certain species, and even under those conditions we want to see them on our terms.

We’ll have a full report on the results of this year’s Birdathon at our June 2 Audubon Afternoon and Annual Meeting.

If you grew up in suburbia, a pristine lawn was a welcome herald of spring. Everyone enjoys the smell of freshly mowed grass and the look of a well-kept, manicured lawn. So what, you might wonder, is the problem with turfgrass?

South Arlington birders were thrilled last year when Common Ravens, which had been haunting the Long Branch Nature Center area, built a nest on a Route 50 abutment where the roadway crosses the W&OD Trail. So, they were doubly pleased when the Ravens returned this year to the same nest.

Some tree care companies do provide a free arborist consultation—but you still must analyze the wide range of recommendations you will get.

Is there a more magical sight than fireflies flashing on a June evening?

Judy Gallagher is an ASNV board member and a regular surveyor of local wildlife who also captures photos of what she sees, in particular the less common species.

Monday Nature Mystery continues! Read on to learn who correctly identified our last mystery.

One of the most anticipated sounds of spring in northern Virginia is the exquisite song of the returning Wood Thrush.

We all know that chronic stress affects our health and well-being, causing us to go into “fight or flight” mode. Ongoing stress also affects the health of trees.

Judy Gallagher is an ASNV board member and a regular surveyor of local wildlife who also captures photos of what she sees, in particular the less common species.

Conservation advocates lost several battles in the 2024 General Assembly, but did score a couple of wins that allow local governments to adopt some environment-friendly requirements. We can use your help in lobbying your local governments to adopt these measures.