Eastern Shore Master Naturalists

Field Trip: Bay Creek Nature Preserve
2025-05-05 08:00 - 10:00 (America/Halifax) | Bay Creek Nature Preserve, 1 Clubhouse Way, Cape Charles, VA
Visit the various habitats at the Bay Creek development preserve.
Bay Creek Nature Preserve; 1 Clubhouse Way, Cape Charles, VA
Leaders: Walter Childs, Maggie Long, Stan Osmolenski.
Register with Maggie Long at 610-500-9971 by April 20.
CE: Category 2

💡Member CE: Savage Neck Dunes Natural Area Preserve Walk with A.L.L.
2025-05-05 09:00 - 11:30 (America/Halifax) | Savage Neck Dunes Natural Area Preserve, 2186 Savage Neck Rd. Drive, Cape Charles, VA, United States
Savage Neck Dunes Natural Area Preserve
Instructor: Rose-Marie Roessler (Rosemarie.a.roessler@gmail.com)

This 298-acre preserve contains outstanding Chesapeake Bay beach, dune, and maritime forest communities, migratory songbird habitat, and the largest population of the globally rare federally protected northeastern beach tiger beetles (Habroscelimorpha dorsalis dorsailis). The adults are active along the intertidal zone (the area between high and low tide) during the day and rest under the sand along the back beach at night. The larvae inhabit vertical burrows within the intertidal zone, capturing food items washed ashore by waves. For this reason, sand disturbance (digging) by visitors or their dogs is not permitted. We will take a guided hike out to the shore and back, approximately 1 mile total.

One session: Monday, May 5, 9:00 – 11:30 a.m. (Rain date: Tuesday, May 6, 9:00 – 11:30 a.m.)
Location: 2141 Savage Neck Rd., Cape Charles
Materials included with registration at no additional charge:

parking available at Preserve entrance
VDCR staff will be on site and have an AED and First Aid Kit for emergency response

Materials to be supplied by student:

breathable hiking gear
insect repellant
drinking water
any special medical needs (EpiPen, insulin, etc.)
binoculars or scope for bird viewing

Additional fees: none
Notes:

Nature walk will begin at the Preserve parking area located at the entrance to the Preserve.
Participants need to be able to walk about 2 miles and should wear appropriate footwear (closed toe recommended) to do so.
There are no restroom facilities at the Preserve.

Class limits: Minimum 6, Maximum 12

Rose-Marie Roessler has been a Master Naturalist since 2021 and has been the stewardship chair at Savage Neck Dunes for about one year.

💡Member CE: VMN Webinar: Butterfly population trends in America north of Mexico and their most likely drivers
2025-05-05 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Halifax) | Virtual
Description: Mounting evidence shows that insects are declining world-wide, leading to the so-called “insect apocalypse”. Unfortunately, this is also true for butterflies in America and Canada. Leslie Ries will present the evidence showing patterns and trajectories of butterfly declines here in American north of Mexico. She will also summarize a recent study examining the most likely drivers. This story is complicated, but she’ll show that in the 10 years following the 2003 release of seed-coated neonicotinoids, that class of pesticides appears to have the biggest impact on butterfly population declines. She will also be emphasizing an often untold part of this story which is that the only reason scientists can do this research is the efforts of thousands of on-the-ground volunteers who participate in monitoring programs like the North American Butterfly Association’s count program and regional networks that do more intensive surveys, including new programs in the Carolinas and Blue Ridge Mountains. With the efforts of community scientists, we will be able to continue to amass the evidence we need on declines and causes that will hopefully allow us to turn the tide on this tragic loss of biodiversity.
Presenter: Leslie Ries is an associate professor at Georgetown University studying how global change impacts biodiversity with a focus on butterflies in America north of Mexico. In addition to carrying out lab, field, and “big data” research on butterflies, she is the co-director of the North American Butterfly Monitoring Network, which provides data management support for the vast majority of groups that run programs where volunteers collect structured survey data. She is also excited to be a new board member of the North American Butterfly Association. Leslie is a native of the DMV, growing up and now living in suburban Maryland.
Leslie Ries is a co-author of the recent study you may have seen in the newsshowing widespread butterfly declines in the United States using volunteer-collected data sets–including butterfly counts that many of our VMNs have contributed to!
Registration: Pre-registration required to participate in the live Zoom. As with all our VMN CE Webinars, the recording will be available to anyone on our websitewithin a few days of the event.

Log your hours under Better Impact Category 2: Continuing Education
See VMN CE Webinars and VMN High Five From Nature Series for additional CE opportunities.

VIMS Public Seminar: Seeing the Light, Tasting the Ocean - How Bivalves Sense Their Environment
2025-05-07 19:00 (America/Halifax) | Virginia Institute of Marine Science Eastern Shore Laboratory, Seaside Hall, 36 Atlantic Street, Wachapreague, VA, United States
Log your hours exclusive of travel in Better Impact under Category 2: Continuing Education.

💡CE: Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day at Chincoteague NWR
2025-05-10 08:30 - 10:30 (America/Halifax) | Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge – Toms Cove Visitor Center, 8586 Beach Road, Chincoteague, Virginia, 23336
It’s May and the birding couldn’t be better! Join us for a guided bird walk. Perfect for beginner to intermediate birders of all ages—or those just interested in getting started!
Bring your binoculars and field guide-or borrow ours. This program is hosted by the National Park Service, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and the Eastern Shore Master Naturalists.

Log your activity hours (exclusive of travel) under Better Impact Category 2: Continuing Education.

Member 🧤Volunteer Opportunity: VESLT Spring 2nd Grade Field Trips
2025-05-13 09:00 - 14:00 (America/Halifax) | TNC Brownsville Preserve, 11332 Brownsville Rd, Nassawadox, Virginia, 23413
ESMN Volunteers assist with co-leading a 2nd grade class along the nature trail pointing out habitat, living things and their life cycles, how plants/animals are interdependent with their living and non-living surroundings, and natural resources along the way. Essentially, covering 2nd grade SOLS 2.4, 2.5, and 2.8. There will be a few stations as well throughout and after the nature walk. Volunteers assist with co-leading stations (Eastern Shore specimen box, nature walk art reflection, marsh viewing, and nature scavenger hunt). We end the trip with a picnic lunch before walking back to the buses. Let me know if you have any questions! Hope you can join in on the fun!

Log your hours under Better Impact Category 15: Education/Outreach.

💡 CE: A Sip of Science with LTER: How plants shape our changing barrier islands
2025-05-13 17:00 - 19:00 (America/Halifax) | Cape Charles Brewing Company, 2198 Stone Road, Cape Charles, VA, 23310, United States
You are invited to join us on Tuesday May 13th, 5-7pm, for a Sip of Science with Coastal Plant Ecology Lab of VCU – researchers on our Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) project.

Storms, winds, and currents shape barrier islands, but so do the plants growing in these harsh coastal environments. Come find out how plants are shaping our changing barrier islands. You’ll be amazed at the changes they’ve contributed to over time.

Bring your questions, grab a drink, and join us for a Sip of Science at Cape Charles Brewing Company.

💡CE for Members: Mutton Hunk Fen Natural Area Preserve Guide Nature Walk
2025-05-14 09:00 - 11:30 (America/Halifax) | Mutton Hunk Fen Natural Area Preserve, 28583 Baker Road, Parksley, VA, United States
SPACE IS LIMITED. PLEASE REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT.
Mutton Hunk Fen Natural Area Preserve Guide Nature Walk
Instructor: Kellie Piekarsky (kellie.piekarsky@verizon.net)
This will be a walk through the 516-acre Preserve that encompasses woodlands, restored agricultural lands in the successional process, and expansive tidal wetlands on the seaside of Accomack County. There are about 1.5 miles of walking trail through the migratory songbird habitat restoration area, along White’s Creek, and overlooking Gargathy Bay. These natural communities provide habitat for waterfowl, shorebirds foraging in the salt marsh, migratory birds in the woodlands, and raptors soaring in search of prey. The Preserve is also home to a variety of reptilian species, white-tailed deer, and small game.

One session: Wednesday, May 14, 9:00 – 11:30 a.m. (Rain date: Thursday, May 15, 9:00-11:30 a.m.)
Location: 28587 Baker Rd., Parksley
Materials included with registration at no additional charge:

parking available at Preserve entrance
VDCR staff will be on site and have an AED and First Aid Kit for emergency response

Materials to be supplied by student:

breathable hiking gear
insect repellant
drinking water
any special medical needs (EpiPen, insulin, etc.)
binoculars or scope for bird viewing

Additional fees: none
Notes:

Nature walk will begin at the Preserve parking area located at the entrance to the preserve.
Participants need to be able to walk over 2 miles and should wear appropriate footwear (closed toe recommended) to do so.
There are no restroom facilities at the preserve.

Class limits: Minimum 6, Maximum 12

Kellie Piekarsky is a Virginia Master Naturalist, member of the Eastern Shore Chapter. She serves as the Chair of the Mutton Hunk Fen Natural Area Preserve Volunteer Stewardship Committee. Another Virginia Master Naturalist will also be in attendance to bring their observational skills, local knowledge, and ecological training to share with attendees.

ESMN Members: Annual Chapter Picnic at VIMS in Wachapreague
2025-05-14 16:00 - 20:00 (America/Halifax) | Virginia Institute of Marine Science Eastern Shore Laboratory, Seaside Hall, 36 Atlantic Street, Wachapreague, VA, United States
Please join us for the annual chapter picnic from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at VIMS behind Seaside Hall! An optional VIMS tour worth one continuing education credit hour will begin at 4:00 PM.
Please a dish to share. For simplicity, we’ve organized dish categories by last name:

A-G: Vegetable dish or salad
H-Q: Side dish
R-Z: Dessert or fruit

We’ll be grilling hamburgers, veggie burgers, hot dogs, and oysters. Don’t forget to bring your own beverages and chairs! Picnic tables will be available for use.
RSVP: Thank you for responding to the invitation you received via email by May 7th. If you did not receive the invitation or if you have any questions, contact Anne B at (703) 401-1904.

💡 ESMN Member CE: Creature Catch, ID & Release (Open to the Public)
2025-05-19 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Halifax) | Cape Charles Beach, 533 Mason Avenue, Cape Charles, VA, 23310, United States
Join us to explore the ocean and learn about different marine species that live on Cape Charles Beach. Meet us at Cape Charles Beachfront (by the pier). In partnership with University of Virginia – Coastal Research Center.
Free and open to all.

Log your hours (exclusive of travel) in Better Impact under Category 2: Continuing Education.

🧤Volunteer: TNC Whimbrel Watch
2025-05-19 17:00 - 19:30, 2025-05-20 17:00 - 19:30, 2025-05-21 17:00 - 19:30, 2025-05-22 17:00 - 19:30, 2025-05-23 17:00 - 19:30, 2025-05-24 17:00 - 19:30, 2025-05-25 17:00 - 19:30, 2025-05-26 17:00 - 19:30 (America/New_York) and 2 more dates | Box Tree Farm, Box Tree Drive, Machipongo, VA, United States
Whimbrels are landing on our Eastern Shore this week!
Each year, whimbrels migrate from their wintering grounds in South America to their breeding territory in the Arctic—a journey of more than 4,000 miles one way!
Join our Migratory Bird Conservation staff and volunteers around the dock at Box Tree Farm (a TNC-protected property just east of Machipongo) to watch the evening skies and keep count of shorebirds called whimbrels as they set out for the final leg of their northern migration.
*This activity is free and open to the public.
Pro tip: Big flight nights tend to be in the middle of the count period. Bring: bug spray, a chair, binoculars and a friend!
For more information about Whimbrel Watch Live, attending the count in person or other TNC VVCR programs, please contact Outreach and Education Coordinator, Margaret Van Clief at mvanclief@tnc.org or (757) 414-9227.

Log your hours under Better Impact Category 13.

💡Member CE: Conservation Talk: Native v. Invasive Plants THIS EVENT IS FULL
2025-05-20 09:30 - 11:00 (America/Halifax)
THIS IS EVENT IS FULL. Please email Sam Willis at outreach@veslt.org to inquire about waitlist.

🧤Member Volunteer Opportunity: Magothy Bay Natural Area Preserve Stewardship and Maintenance Day
2025-05-22 09:00 - 11:00 (America/Halifax) | Magothy Bay Natural Area Preserve, 4829 Bulls Drive, Cape Charles, VA, United States
You are invited to help trim the trail, snip invasive vines, and generally beautify Magothy Bay Natural Area Preserve!

Note: we may work until noon if there’s still more to do at 11am.

What to expect:

VDCR will have some extra gloves, snips, loppers, and ear plugs. Please bring your own if you’d like.
VDCR staff will have first aid equipment if needed (hopefully not),
Volunteers may not use chainsaws or power tools.

Please be sure to:

bring any specialty items that you may need (epipen, inhaler, insulin, snack, etc.);
dress appropriately in closed toe shoes and long pants/sleeves as necessary to protect yourself;
use your insect repellant of choice, particularly to prevent tick bites; and
bring fluids to stay hydrated. We will have a water cooler for refills.

Log your hours under Better Impact Category 05, Trail and Habitat Management.

💡 CE: Butterfly Walks at the ES NWR
2025-05-23 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-06-13 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Halifax) | Eastern Shore National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 32205 Seaside Road, Cape Charles, VA, 23310, United States

🧤Volunteer Opportunity: Clean the Bay Day
2025-06-07 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Halifax)
Please register at one of the sites below or become a Zone Captain.
There are numerous locations on the shore participating in this event. They are detailed here and as of April 26 include:
Cape Charles
Bay Creek Resort
Bay Creek Resort (18+ only)
Bay Creek Resort (boaters only)
Cape Charles Yacht Center
Cape Charles Yacht Center (18+ only)
Cape Charles Yacht Center (boaters only)
Kiptopeke State Park
Virginia Eastern Shore Land Trust
Onancock: Burnham Guides (boaters only)
Oyster: The Nature Conservancy – Virginia Coast Reserve; The Nature Conservancy – Virginia Coast Reserve (18+ only)

Please log your hours under Better Impact Category 16 CBF Clean the Bay Day.

💡 Member CE: Birdability Project Training and Update (Webinar)
2025-06-10 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Halifax) | Virtual
On June 10 at 7:00 pm, we will host a webinar on the Birdability project in which VMN volunteers are visiting sites on the Virginia Bird and Wildlife Trail to collect and report data related to accessibility. Some changes were made to the protocols after the initial launch of the project in Fall 2024, so this will be a bit of a re-launch. It will be a good opportunity for volunteers who already signed up for the activity to get a refresher in what to do and an opportunity for new volunteers to get involved. Cat Fribley, Executive Director of the nonprofit Birdability, will present.

Watch for additional details and signup information in the next VMN bi-weekly email.

Please log your hours in Better Impact under Category 2 Continuing Education.

💡Member CE: VMN Educators Bureau Flash Talks (Webinar)
2025-06-12 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Halifax) | Virtual
Virginia Master Naturalists who are part of our program’s statewide Educators Bureau will give talks and demonstrations – each no more than five minutes long. Get inspired by these dynamic educators! See our website for the full list of topics and presenters.
Pre-registration required.
As always, the VMN CE Webinar will be recorded and posted on our website shortly after the event.

BETTER IMPACT INFO: Please log your hours under Category 2/ Continuing Education.

💡Member CE: Beech Leaf Disease Survey Training Webinar
2025-06-16 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York)
In partnership with the Virginia Department of Forestry, we are launching a new monitoring project for VMN volunteers to look for beech leaf disease, an emerging issue for Virginia’s forests. Lori Chamberlin, Forest Health Manager for the Virginia Department of Forestry, will present on how to look for and report this disease. This webinar will be recorded, and, around that time, we also will email information on how to participate in this activity.

Date: Monday, June 16, 12:00-1:00 pm

Pre-registration required.

Better ImpactPlease log your hours under Category 2: Continuing Education.

💡CE: Seaview Farm Birding Field Trip
2025-06-18 08:00 (America/New_York)
Eastern Shore Post June 13 p. 30

💡 CE: Eastern Shore Pollinators
2025-06-20 09:00 - 10:00 (America/New_York) | Buttercups, 16393 Courthouse Road, Eastville, Virginia, 23347, United States
Join Agriculture Extension agent Helene Doughty and the Eastern Shore Master Gardeners for an informal demonstrative session on pollinators of the Eastern Shore. Learn which are native and non-native, generalist or specialized, review specimens, and much more!

For more information, contact hdoughty@vf.edu or call/text 757-999-0780.
