The Board of Directors of the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District will meet on Tuesday, Mar. 25, 2008 at 9:30 a.m., in room 941 of the Herrity Building at the Government Center Complex, 12055 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, Virginia.

Our annual seedling sale is in full swing! This year, we are offering 12 bare-root seedlings and 2 seed packets to help you provide a butterfly buffet in your yard. The selections provide nectar for butterflies or are butterfly hosts, the special plants that butterflies select to nourish their caterpillars. The cost for this year's package is $17.95. Supplies are limited, so don't wait to order. Orders will be taken while supplies last or until April 14, 2008.

Various dates in March and April
Locations throughout the Potomac River Watershed

Take part in the 20th annual Alice Ferguson Foundation Potomac River Watershed Cleanup! Many small neighborhood park and stream cleanups are being planned throughout Fairfax County. Volunteers are needed to participate in these cleanups, but we are especially looking for people to establish cleanups in their own neighborhoods. This is a great opportunity for individuals and groups of any size. Most cleanups will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2008, but cleanups can be organized in the weeks before and after this date. Held annually since 1989, the Potomac River Watershed Cleanup has engaged over 35,000 volunteers and 250 partners, and removed more than 2.5 million pounds of trash from the Potomac Watershed. Cleanup locations are posted on the Alice Ferguson Foundation's website (http://www.potomaccleanup.org/trash_initiative/trash_cleanup.html). Registering a new cleanup can also be done on-line. If you need any help finding or registering a cleanup, please contact Dan Schwartz by email or phone at 703-324-1422, TTY 711.

April-June 2008
Various locations throughout Northern Virginia

Looking for a reason to spend more time outdoors? Want to try something new and meet people? Do you enjoy science and art? Then participate in the free Neighborhood Ecological Stewardship Training (NEST) program. Explore your NEST this spring!

Adults are invited to learn about natural resources through a series of hands-on workshops and outings. Events will be held on weekends and evenings and will include: (1) classes about streams, soil, native and invasive plants, history, and eating locally; (2) land-based exploration including walks, hikes, and bike rides; (3) water-based exploration including kayaking, canoeing, and boating; (4) outdoor arts including photography, music, drawing, and journaling.

For more information and to register, visit www.exploreyournest.org or contact Joanna Cornell by email or phone at 703-324-1425, TTY 711.

The NEST program is coordinated by the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District in cooperation with over 50 non-profit and agency partners.

Thursday, June 5
8:15 a.m—4:00 p.m.
5300 Wellington Branch Drive, Suite 100
Wetland Studies & Solutions, Inc.
Gainesville, VA

Northern Virginia landscape and planning professionals are invited to learn up-to-date information about land conservation methods that protect, improve, or minimize adverse impacts to wildlife habitat and water quality, such as reducing lawn, restoring streamside buffers, using native plants in site plans, and setting aside critical habitat areas. Low-impact development (LID) techniques that reduce the effects of runoff and erosion are part of the agenda, which will include a walking tour of LID features at the workshop site. Participants are eligible for continuing education units.

Cost: Free! Registration is required by May 28, 2008 and space is limited. To obtain a registration form, contact Carol Heiser by email or phone at 803-367-6989, TTY 711.