Eastern Shore Master Naturalists

Volunteer: The Nature Conservancy - Youth Environmental Education SPECIFIC DATES TBD
2024-04-08 00:00 - 2024-05-31 00:00 UTC
© TNC
April-May SPECIFIC DATES TBD Naturalist: youth environmental education Brownsville Preserve & Parramore Island Learn more and sign up to help.
Category 13 The Nature Conservancy/Assist with Educational Programs.

Volunteer: Community Science Challenge
2024-04-26 00:00 - 2024-04-29 23:59 UTC
Are you up for a challenge? Join The Nature Conservancy and community partners to compete in the annual community science challenge from April 26th-29th!
Category 14 Bioblitz/City Nature Challenge Eastern Shore iNaturalist Surveys. If you wish you can log your hours on the ESMN iNaturalist page so that we can get an aggregate for the chapter.
It’s easy to get involved. Take pictures of wild plants and animals and upload them to the iNaturalist app (free) on your smart device or computer. You can record sounds and animal evidence, too (feathers, scat, bones). You don’t even have to leave your home. Take a picture of the spider in the corner of your bathtub or the ant crawling on the kitchen counter. Walking your dog this weekend? Take a picture of the dandelion between the sidewalk cracks. Visit your favorite park or nature preserve to see what’s blooming, crawling, flying and singing.
Don’t let the word “city” fool you, everyone can participate!
How do you participate in the Nature Challenge?
1. Download iNaturalist (free) on your smart device. • Apple/iPhone app download link • Android app download link
2. Take pictures of wild plants and animals. You can also record sounds and evidence of wildlife, such as scat or feathers.
3. Where and when? Anywhere! When you’re walking the dog, in your backyard, the ant crawling up the sidewalk, your favorite park, or a nature preserve. Nature is everywhere!
Make observations between Friday, April 26th and Monday, April 29th. Feeling unsure about how to use iNaturalist? Watch this recording of what to do or attend this free webinar on April 17th. Any observations made in Accomack and Northampton counties on iNaturalist will automatically count towards the Challenge.

Volunteer: Cape Charles NAP Bamboo Removal with DCR
2024-04-30 10:00 - 15:00 UTC | TBD
Please sign up here. Four shifts available: 10am-Noon and 1pm -3pm on April 30 and May 2

Category 6/Trail Management

We’ll be working for the second consecutive year with our Bay Creek Stewardship partners to address the invasive bamboo along our shared boundary. This year we’ll have the Bay Creek chipper on site so that we don’t have to load up all of the bamboo to trailer away.

DCR will bring some gloves, snips, handsaws, etc, but volunteers are encouraged to bring their own tools if they would like and are able.

If anyone has use for the bamboo – last year the Cape Charles New Roots Community Garden took a truckload – please let me know. As a reminder, bamboo must dry out and age fully prior to use in the ground or soil, as it will reestablish roots.

Cape Charles NAP Bamboo Removal with DCR
2024-05-02 10:00 - 15:00 UTC | Cape Charles NAP, 301 Patrick Henry Avenue, Cape Charles, VA, 23310, United States
Please sign up here. Four shifts available: 10am-Noon and 1pm-3pm on April 30 and May 2

Category 6/Trail Management

We’ll be working for the second consecutive year with our Bay Creek Stewardship partners to address the invasive bamboo along our shared boundary. This year we’ll have the Bay Creek chipper on site so that we don’t have to load up all of the bamboo to trailer away.

DCR will bring some gloves, snips, handsaws, etc, but volunteers are encouraged to bring their own tools if they would like and are able.

If anyone has use for the bamboo – last year the Cape Charles New Roots Community Garden took a truckload – please let me know. As a reminder, bamboo must dry out and age fully prior to use in the ground or soil, as it will reestablish roots.

*** THIS EVENT IS FULL *** Continuing Ed: Savage Neck Dunes Natural Area Preserve Walk
2024-05-06 09:00 - 11:30 UTC | Savage Neck Dunes Natural Area Preserve, 2186 Savage Neck Rd. Drive, Cape Charles, VA, United States
*** THIS EVENT IS FULL ***

REGISTRATION REQUIRED/SPACE IS LIMITED More information here.
Join ESMN members Rose Marie Roessler and Maggie Long on a guided walk of SND. The group will be given a brief history of the Savage Neck Dunes Natural Area Preserve area and the transition from fields to upland woodland. The preserve includes maritime forests and dunes along the Chesapeake Bay. This guided walk is about two hours out to the shoreline, along the trails, and back to the parking area. We will try to identify the plants, birds, and other wildlife encountered during the walk.
Category 2: Continuing Education
See VMN CE Webinars for additional CE opportunities.

Volunteer: Eastern Shore Land Trust Student Field Trips
2024-05-07 09:00 - 13:00 UTC
The Eastern Shore Land Trust is seeking volunteers to conduct the following student field trips (Category 15: Eastern Shore Land Trust Children’s Field Trips):

May 7th – Metompkin Elementary 2nd grade (3 classes/6 volunteers)
May 9th – Metompkin Elementary 2nd grade (2 classes/4 volunteers)
May 20th – Kegotank Elementary 1st grade ESL (11 students/1-2 volunteers)
May 24th Kegotank Elementary 2nd grade ESL (17 students/2 volunteers)

The May 7th and May 9th field trips will be held at Grayson Chesser’s farm on the way to Saxis. The May 20th and 24th field trips will be held at Brownsville Preserve.
The day will look something like this:

9:00/9:30 a.m. Students arrive
9:30 a.m. Welcome and introduction by VESLT
10 a.m. 1-2 mile nature walk with scavenger hunt
11:15 a.m. Activities – identifying bones and shells, art reflection/journaling based on the scavenger hunt
12 p.m. Lunch (please bring your lunch, we will have some snacks available for volunteers)
1 p.m. Departure

Ideally, they will have enough volunteers to co-lead a class of students or to break the classes into smaller groups. They are also be looking for help leading the activities.
Second grade is learning about habitat and life cycle. Deer and butterflies are popular and often the classroom example.

To sign up or get more information please contact Hali Plourde-Rogers

Executive Director, Virginia Eastern Shore Land Trust

Volunteer: Eastern Shore Land Trust Student Field Trips
2024-05-09 09:00 - 13:00 UTC
The Eastern Shore Land Trust is seeking volunteers to assist with the following student field trips (Category 15: Eastern Shore Land Trust Children’s Field Trips):

May 7th – Metompkin Elementary 2nd grade (3 classes/6 volunteers)
May 9th – Metompkin Elementary 2nd grade (2 classes/4 volunteers)
May 20th – Kegotank Elementary 1st grade ESL (11 students/1-2 volunteers)
May 24th Kegotank Elementary 2nd grade ESL (17 students/2 volunteers)

The May 7th and May 9th field trips will be held at Grayson Chesser’s farm on the way to Saxis. The May 20th and 24th field trips will be held at Brownsville Preserve.
The day will look something like this:
9:00/9:30 a.m. Students arrive
9:30 a.m. Welcome and introduction by VESLT
10 a.m. 1-2 mile nature walk with scavenger hunt
11:15 a.m. Activities – identifying bones and shells, art reflection/journaling based on the scavenger hunt
12 p.m. Lunch (please bring your lunch, we will have some snacks available for volunteers)
1 p.m. Departure
Ideally, we will have enough volunteers to co-lead a class of students or to break the classes into smaller groups. I will also be looking for help leading the activities.
Second grade is learning about habitat and life cycle. Deer and butterflies are popular and often the classroom example.

To sign up or get more information please contact Hali Plourde-Rogers

Executive Director, Virginia Eastern Shore Land Trust

Birding at Chincoteague Island Nature Trail w/ ES Bird Club
2024-05-11 09:00 UTC | Island Nature Trail, 6032 Hallie Wheallton Smith Drive, Chincoteague, VA, United States
Explore this local hotspot for specialties such as red-headed woodpecker along with migrating songbirds. A Swainson’s Warbler was spotted there recently but it has apparently moved on. A great spot and you never know what you might find.

Leader: Joanne Laskowski – 757-665-4984.

Category 14: eBird Surveys (NOTE: You must submit an eBird list to get credit for volunteer hours.)

Continuing Ed: Magothy Bay Natural Area Preserve Walk
2024-05-14 09:00 - 11:30 UTC | Magothy Bay Natural Area Preserve, 4829 Bulls Drive, Cape Charles, VA, United States
REGISTRATION REQUIRED/SPACE IS LIMITED More information here.
Join members Frank Renshaw and David Boyd as they “walk through the 445-acre Preserve that encompasses woodlands, forested wetlands, and an extensive salt marsh on the southern tip of Virginia’s Eastern Shore.”
Category 2: Continuing Education
See VMN CE Webinars for additional CE opportunities.

Volunteer: Birding on the Deck
2024-05-14 17:00 - 19:00 UTC | Island House Restaurant, 17 Atlantic Avenue, Wachapreague, VA, 23480, United States
Birding on the Deck at the Island House Restaurant, Wachapreague. Various coastal birds and migratory shorebirds are viewed from the back deck of the Island House Restaurant. The Eastern Shore Bird Club will have scopes and bird books and welcome beginners.
For More Information: Roberta Kellam info@birdingeasternshore.org
Category 14: eBird Survey (NOTE: You must submit an eBird list to get credit for volunteer hours.)

Volunteer: TNC Eelgrass Seed Collection
2024-05-15 08:00 - 2024-05-26 17:00 UTC
Sign-up required. This opportunity has very specific requirements, including the ability to snorkel. Please review all the details here and contact Jen Dalke if you are interested.
Each year, The Nature Conservancy and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS), along with several partners in the Seaside Heritage Seagrass Community Restoration Program, begin another chapter in the largest seagrass restoration project in the world!
And you can be a part of it.
Volunteer snorkelers and water lovers are needed to collect millions of eelgrass seeds offshore of Oyster on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. Volunteers must sign up to get updates as collection days each year are weather dependent and cancellations may occur.
Trips will last from 4-5 hours.
CATEGORY 13: Seagrass Restoration

ESMN Nature Walk and Chapter Picnic!
2024-05-15 16:00 - 20:00 UTC
Enjoy socializing with fellow Master Naturalists and the beauty of the natural setting. Take a nature walk and view wildlife along with a visit to several lovely seeps on the property. Come at 4:00 if you would like to join members on a guided walk which counts for 1 hour of Continuing Education. Bug repellent & sturdy shoes are advisable.
Directions and additional details will be provided to members via email.

Continuing Ed: Mutton Hunk Fen Natural Area Preserve Walk
2024-05-16 09:00 - 11:30 UTC | Mutton Hunk Fen Natural Area Preserve, 28583 Baker Road, Parksley, VA, United States
REGISTRATION REQUIRED/SPACE IS LIMITED More information here.
Join Kellie Piekarsky, Chair of the ESMN Mutton Hunk Fen Stewardship Committee, and Joanne Laskowski on this guided walk. Participants will walk the trails of this Mutton Hunk Fen Natural Area Preserve with Master Naturalist guides. They will receive information about this preserve and its transition from commercial agricultural fields to its habitat for wildlife today. During this approximately mile and a half walk the guides will help identify plants, birds, and other animals in the area.”
Category 2: Continuing Education
See VMN CE Webinars for additional CE opportunities.

Volunteer: TNC Whimbrel Watch
2024-05-19 17:00 - 2024-05-28 19:00 UTC | Box Tree Farm, Box Tree Drive, Machipongo, VA, United States
The public is invited to join TNC VVCR’s Migratory Bird Conservation staff and volunteers on the evenings of May 19th-28th from 5:00-7:00 pm ET to learn about Whimbrel migration, take in the beauty and biodiversity of the seaside salt marsh habitat and participate in a little citizen science!
Category 13: Whimbrel Watch
Whimbrel have a remarkable migration story! These shorebirds travel from their wintering grounds in South America to their breeding territory in the Arctic and subarctic each spring – over 4,000 miles one way! For many Whimbrel, Virginia is the only stop before reaching their breeding grounds. The Virginia Coast Reserve is especially important for these birds to rest and refuel, where they feed on an abundance of invertebrates, such as fiddler crabs, on the expanses of protected marshland. Whimbrel Watch began in 2009 to document Whimbrel leaving the area and has become an annual outreach event to engage the community in citizen science. This effort is conducted in partnership with William & Mary’s Center for Conservation Biology.
Event Location Details:
To reach Box Tree Farm, east of Machipongo, take Machipongo Road east from Highway 13. Machipongo Road will become Box Tree Drive as you cross through at the stop sign on Seaside Road. Follow Box Tree Drive all the way to the end where you’ll see our team, the salt marsh and the water!
For questions, please reach out to our Migratory Bird Specialist, Mario Balitbit at mario.balitbit@tnc.org or our Outreach and Education Coordinator, Margaret Van Clief at mvanclief@tnc.org or call (757) 414-9227.

Volunteer: Eastern Shore Land Trust Student Field Trips
2024-05-20 09:00 - 13:00 UTC
The Eastern Shore Land Trust is seeking volunteers to conduct the following student field trips (Category 15: Eastern Shore Land Trust Children’s Field Trips):

May 7th – Metompkin Elementary 2nd grade (3 classes/6 volunteers)
May 9th – Metompkin Elementary 2nd grade (2 classes/4 volunteers)
May 20th – Kegotank Elementary 1st grade ESL (11 students/1-2 volunteers)
May 24th Kegotank Elementary 2nd grade ESL (17 students/2 volunteers)

The May 7th and May 9th field trips will be held at Grayson Chesser’s farm on the way to Saxis. The May 20th and 24th field trips will be held at Brownsville Preserve.
The day will look something like this:
9:00/9:30 a.m. Students arrive
9:30 a.m. Welcome and introduction by VESLT
10 a.m. 1-2 mile nature walk with scavenger hunt
11:15 a.m. Activities – identifying bones and shells, art reflection/journaling based on the scavenger hunt
12 p.m. Lunch (please bring your lunch, we will have some snacks available for volunteers)
1 p.m. Departure
Ideally, we will have enough volunteers to co-lead a class of students or to break the classes into smaller groups. I will also be looking for help leading the activities.
Second grade is learning about habitat and life cycle. Deer and butterflies are popular and often the classroom example.

To sign up or get more information please contact Hali Plourde-Rogers

Executive Director, Virginia Eastern Shore Land Trust

CE: VMN Webinar - The Ins and Outs of Rain Gardens
2024-05-20 12:00 - 13:00 UTC | Virtual
Registration is required for live event. Recording will be available later on VMN CE website.
Description (from VMN): Rain gardens are probably the most commonly used stormwater management practice in residential landscapes. Join Dr. Laurie Fox, Horticulture Associate with Virginia Tech, for an in depth look at how to design, install and maintain a rain garden.
Category 2: Continuing Education
See VMN CE Webinars for additional CE opportunities.

Volunteer: Eastern Shore Land Trust Student Field Trips
2024-05-24 09:00 - 13:00 UTC
The Eastern Shore Land Trust is seeking volunteers to conduct the following student field trips (Category 15: Eastern Shore Land Trust Children’s Field Trips):

May 7th – Metompkin Elementary 2nd grade (3 classes/6 volunteers)
May 9th – Metompkin Elementary 2nd grade (2 classes/4 volunteers)
May 20th – Kegotank Elementary 1st grade ESL (11 students/1-2 volunteers)
May 24th Kegotank Elementary 2nd grade ESL (17 students/2 volunteers)

The May 7th and May 9th field trips will be held at Grayson Chesser’s farm on the way to Saxis. The May 20th and 24th field trips will be held at Brownsville Preserve.
The day will look something like this:
9:00/9:30 a.m. Students arrive
9:30 a.m. Welcome and introduction by VESLT
10 a.m. 1-2 mile nature walk with scavenger hunt
11:15 a.m. Activities – identifying bones and shells, art reflection/journaling based on the scavenger hunt
12 p.m. Lunch (please bring your lunch, we will have some snacks available for volunteers)
1 p.m. Departure
Ideally, they will have enough volunteers to co-lead a class of students or to break the classes into smaller groups. They are also looking for help leading the activities.
Second grade is learning about habitat and life cycle. Deer and butterflies are popular and often the classroom example.

To sign up or get more information please contact Hali Plourde-Rogers

Executive Director, Virginia Eastern Shore Land Trust

Volunteer: Clean the Bay Day
2024-06-01 09:00 - 12:00 UTC
REGISTER BY MAY 28th
From CBF:
”Each year, on the first Saturday of June, thousands of Virginians simultaneously descend on the rivers, streams, beaches, and inland parks of the Chesapeake Bay watershed to remove harmful litter and debris. Clean the Bay Day has been a staple for Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay community since its inception more than three decades ago. A true Virginian tradition, it is an annual opportunity for individuals, families, military installations, businesses, clubs, civic and church groups to give back to their local waterways. Watch our video to see why so many people participate.”
The Nature Conservancy is seeking volunteers to help clean the shorelines of Oyster Harbor and the surrounding area during the 35th Clean the Bay Day event in partnership with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. Join hundreds of volunteers throughout Virginia on Saturday, June 1st, 9:30-11:30 am in pitching in to clean our waterways. Trash bags, gloves, and training provided on site. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. To volunteer and receive information about meeting location, please contact VCR Outreach & Education Coordinator, Margaret Van Clief at mvanclief@tnc.org or (757) 414-9227.
Register here to sign up with Burnham Guides in Onancock (boaters only).
See more information here .
Category 16/Chesapeake Bay Foundation Clean the Bay Day

Volunteer: Magothy Bay Trail Maintenance Day
2024-06-04 09:00 - 12:00 UTC | Magothy Bay Natural Area Preserve, 4829 Bulls Drive, Cape Charles, VA, United States
Meet at the parking lot at the end of Bulls Drive. Participants are encouraged to wear appropriate clothing (including shoes and hat) and bring the following as desired:

tick and insect repellant
sunscreen
favorite gloves and snips/loppers
hydrating fluids and a snack.

We (DCR) will have extra gloves, tools, and a water cooler to refill bottles. We will also have an AED and first aid kit on site, but any unique needs (e.g., epi pen, insulin) should be brought by a participant if it is possible that it will be needed. Most of the work will take place along the northern portion of the trail. If there are a lot of volunteers, some folks may do some work with DCR staff nearer the berm or at the new pollinator area.
BI Category 5/Trail Maintenance

2024 Cape Charles Garden Tour
2024-06-09 12:00 - 16:00 UTC
Posted FYI. No ESMN volunteer hours for this event.

⚠️ NOTICE: Mutton Hunk Fen Natural Area Preserve is CLOSED TODAY
2024-06-10 00:00 - 2024-06-11 23:59 UTC | Mutton Hunk Fen Natural Area Preserve, 28583 Baker Road, Parksley, VA, United States
MHFNAP is closed today for invasive species management activities.

🧤Volunteer: Eastern Shore Oyster Gardening Event
2024-06-15 09:00 - 11:00 UTC
CBF will distribute spat for oyster gardening.
If you are a returning gardener register here . If you are dropping off oysters/picking up new spat the start time is 9:30 a.m. The new gardener seminar begins at 9am. You must register for the event by June 13, 2024.
Read this if you are new to oyster gardening and want to learn more.
For more info contact CBF .
______________________________________________
Better Impact Category 16: Oyster Habitat/Reef Restoration

🧤 Volunteer: TNC ESVA Juneteenth Celebration Event Assistance
2024-06-15 09:00 - 16:00 UTC | Exmore Town Park, 10A3, A-52, Exmore, VA, 23350, United States
ESVA Juneteenth Celebration Event Assistance | Exmore Town Park | email Jen for details. Help staff TNC’s informational booth 10 a.m.—1 p.m. or 1—4 p.m.
Category 13: Assist with educational programs.

🌞 Summer Solstice
2024-06-20 16:51 - 16:52 UTC

🧤 Volunteer: TNC Smith Island Oyster Reef
2024-06-21 09:30 - 14:30 (America/Halifax) | TNC Brownsville Preserve, 11332 Brownsville Rd, Nassawadox, Virginia, 23413
Smith Island Oyster Reef
dumping recycled oyster shells
max of 6 volunteers needed each day
Email Jen to sign-up to help: jdalke@tnc.org

Fri, June 21 from 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Mon, June 24 from 12 – 5 p.m.

The Nature Conservancy is looking for up to six volunteers to dump bushel baskets of recycled oyster shell off the boat near one of our Smith Island reefs. The group will meet at the Brownsville Shop in Nassawadox to fill shell baskets and load them into the boats before driving (carpooling or driving separately, depending on your needs) to Wise Point Marina where we will launch the boats and dump shell.
Tentative schedule:

1.5 hours to fill bushel baskets and load the boats at the TNC Brownsville Shop
1 hour to drive to the Wise Point Marina boat ramp and launch the boats
1.5 hours to dump shell
1 hour to wrap-up and drive back to Brownsville

Some volunteers will be in the water dumping and spreading shells while others are needed to hand down the shell-filled baskets from the boat.
Bring: Volunteers should bring waders and gloves if you have them. It will probably be warm enough that closed toed shoes that can get wet will work fine if you don’t have waders. TNC has some extra gloves for those who need them.
Note: volunteers driving separately to the marina can park for free at the county kayak ramp and TNC can shuttle them or they can walk into the ESVA National Wildlife Refuge. Volunteers can also chose to pay a $10 entrance fee/vehicle to drive directly into the ESVA National Wildlife Refuge.

Better Impact Category 13

💡 CE: World Asteroid Day at Wallops - Learn about The Chesapeake Bay Impact Crater!
2024-06-21 10:00 - 13:00 UTC | NASA Wallops Visitor Center, Route 175, Wallops Island, VA, 23337, United States
David Powars, USGS Scientist Emeritus, Research Geologist, and principal discoverer of the Chesapeake Bay Impact Crater! will share his incredible journey of leading the campaign to confirm the presence of the crater and map it’s size! We’re certainly looking forward to this talk, as we often find that many people are unaware of the Chesapeake Bay Impact Crater, which is the largest impact crater in the United States. This will be a great opportunity to learn more about the landform and geological past of the Eastern Shore from a subject matter expert!

The event is from 10am-1pm. Speaker begins at 11.
Category 2 Continuing Education for speaker presentation.
Programs are free and open to the public. Full details and updates available at: https://www.nasa.gov/wallops/visitor-center/events-and-programs/ .
All programs are subject to change or cancellation due to changes in operations. To stay up-to-date on programs, follow the NASA Wallops Flight Facility Visitor Center Facebook page.

Better Impact Category 2: Continuing Education

See VMN CE Webinars and VMN High Five From Nature Series for additional CE opportunities.

💡CE: Leopold's Preserve: A Model for Wise Land Use (VMN Webinar)
2024-06-24 12:00 - 13:00 UTC | Virtual
Next Webinar: Leopold’s Preserve: A Model for Wise Land Use
Date: Monday, June 24, 12:00 pm Pre-registration required.
Description: Leopold’s Preserve, a 380-acre park with more than 7 miles of trails located in Haymarket, Virginia, was created as part of a housing development project. The developer acquired a 500-acre parcel of land, carved out a slight portion for a clustered residential community, then used the profits to protect and fund the maintenance of the remaining acreage as public open space. In this presentation, participants will learn about the principles of wise land use that influenced the creation of Leopold’s Preserve, policies governing the preservation of open space in Virginia, and the educational programs and environmental best practices taking place at Leopold’s Preserve.
Presenter: Scott C. Plein is the Chairman and President of the White House Farm Foundation, an environmental nonprofit based in Northern Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley. Scott is deeply involved in many other charitable organizations, including the American Horticultural Society (Chairman), the Potomac Riverkeeper Network (past Board Member), and Asian American Success (past Board Member). Scott has been recognized for his tireless work in conservation with the Elizabeth Cabell Dugdale Award for Meritorious Achievement in Conservation, the Prince William Ducks Unlimited Conservationist of the Year Award, and the NVBIA Great American Living Award for Innovative Land Planning.
Better Impact Category 2: Continuing Education

See VMN CE Webinars and VMN High Five From Nature Series for additional CE opportunities.

🧤 Volunteer: TNC - Smith Island Oyster Reef: Dumping Recycled Oyster Shells
2024-07-11 08:30 - 13:30 (America/Halifax) | TNC Brownsville Preserve, 11332 Brownsville Rd, Nassawadox, Virginia, 23413
Thursday, July 11 from 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Smith Island Oyster Reef: Dumping recycled oyster shells (max of 6 volunteers)
Email Jen to sign-up: jdalke@tnc.org
The Nature Conservancy is looking for up to six volunteers to dump bushel baskets of recycled oyster shell off the boat near one of our Smith Island reefs. The group will meet at the Brownsville Shop in Nassawadox to fill shell baskets and load them into the boats before driving (carpooling or driving separately, depending on your needs) to Wise Point Marina where we will launch the boats and dump shell.
Tentative schedule:

1.5 hours to fill bushel baskets and load the boats at the TNC Brownsville Shop
1 hour to drive to the Wise Point Marina boat ramp and launch the boats
1.5 hours to dump shell
1 hour to wrap-up and drive back to Brownsville

Some volunteers will be in the water dumping and spreading shells while others are needed to hand down the shell-filled baskets from the boat.
Bring: Volunteers should bring waders and gloves if you have them. It will probably be warm enough that closed toed shoes that can get wet will work fine if you don’t have waders. TNC has some extra gloves for those who need them.
Note: volunteers driving separately to the marina can park for free at the county kayak ramp and TNC can shuttle them or they can walk into the ESVA National Wildlife Refuge. Volunteers can also chose to pay a $10 entrance fee/vehicle to drive directly into the ESVA National Wildlife Refuge.

Better Impact Category 13/Oyster Reef Restoration

🧤 Volunteer: TNC Youth Engagement Event Assistance
2024-07-11 08:45 - 11:45 (America/Halifax) | TNC Brownsville Preserve, 11332 Brownsville Rd, Nassawadox, Virginia, 23413
Thursday, July 11 from 8:45 – 11:45 a.m.
Butterfly Activity (and more) Field Trip Assistance/Youth Engagement
Brownsville Preserve (Nassawadox, VA)
Contact Margaret to sign-up: mvanclief@tnc.org or (757) 414-9227.
The VCR Outreach & Education Team is seeking 2-3 volunteers to assist with the Northampton County Public Schools Migrant Youth Program’s visit to Brownsville Preserve on Thursday, July 11th, 9:00-11:30 am. Children will range in age from pre-K to high school. Activities will include butterfly/insect netting, habitat exploration, and arts & crafts and will be led by TNC staff with volunteer assistance. NCPS staff will also be on hand, and bilingual skills are not required (students speak English, Spanish, and/or Haitian Creole). Training will be provided, and volunteers must agree to TNC’s Youth Safety policies.To volunteer, please contact, VCR Outreach & Education Coordinator, Margaret Van Clief at mvanclief@tnc.org or (757) 414-9227.

Better Impact Category 13: Education & Outreach

🧤 Volunteer: TNC Youth Engagement Event Assistance
2024-07-16 09:15 - 2024-07-19 13:15 (America/Halifax) | TNC Brownsville Preserve, 11332 Brownsville Rd, Nassawadox, Virginia, 23413
Butterfly Activity (and more) Field Trip Assistance/Youth Engagement
Brownsville Preserve (Nassawadox, VA)

Fri, July 11 (6th-12th Grade): 9:15 am-1:15 pm (4 volunteers)
Mon, July 14 (3rd-5th Grade): 9:15 am-1:15 pm (3 volunteers)
Tues, July 15 (pre-K – 2nd Grade): 9:15 am-1:15 pm (2 volunteers)

The VCR Outreach & Education Team is seeking 2-3 volunteers for each date to assist with the Accomack County Public School Migrant Youth Program’s visit to Brownsville Preserve on Monday, July 15th, Tuesday, July 16th, and Monday, July 22nd, 10:00 am-1:00 pm. Activities may include habitat exploration, butterfly/insect netting, wagon rides, kayaking on 7/15 (optional for volunteer), and geocaching and will be led by TNC staff with volunteer assistance. ACPS staff will also be on hand, and bilingual skills are not required (students speak English, Spanish, and/or Haitian Creole). Training will be provided, and volunteers must agree to TNC’s Youth Safety policies.
Please contact, VCR Outreach & Education Coordinator, Margaret Van Clief at mvanclief@tnc.org or (757) 414-9227 to sign up for one or more of the above dates.

Better Impact Category 13/Education & Outreach
