NATURE, HISTORY AND HORTICULTURE IN FAIRFAX COUNTY
VOLUME 7, NO. 3 SUMMER 2007
INSIDE: Nature and the Burke Lake Train page 6
Concert Drummers on Forest Trees By Carol Ochs, FCPA Volunteer Even if you can’t identify most birds by their calls, there’s no mistaking the rat-a-tat-tat of a woodpecker.
A
mong our common feathered friends in Fairfax County are woodpeckers, and many have been performing spectacular acoustic concerts the past few months.
Everyone knows that woodpeckers peck, but do you know why? “It’s purely advertising,” according to Charles Smith, a natural resource specialist for the Fairfax County Park Authority. He says the birds send messages such as, “I’m the best mate” or “This is my territory.” The rapid pecking is called drumming, and Smith says the birds are particular about their instrument. They seek out a nice, hard wood to get the best resonance and transmit their message the longest possible distance. THERE ARE FIVE SPECIES of woodpeckers seen regularly in Fairfax County. From smallest to largest, they are the downy woodpecker, the hairy woodpecker, the red-bellied woodpecker, the Northern (yellow-shafted) flicker and the pileated woodpecker. They range from about four inches to 12 inches in height while standing on a branch. Two other species can be seen in the area, but Smith says they’re a little tougher to spot. The yellow-bellied sapsucker is primarily a winter resident, migrating north to New England and Canada to breed. The red-headed woodpecker is a year-round resident, but is only found in isolated enclaves. According to Smith, “the red-headed woodpecker is probably the most striking and unusual of our woodpeckers in its vocalization and habits. The irony is that although it is not common, where it does occur it’s not shy.” Smith says there are regular reported sightings at Huntley Meadows Park, but the best place in the area to view them is at Sky Meadows State Park near Paris, Virginia. They’ve also been seen at Lake Fairfax. The red-bellied woodpecker is sometimes mistaken for the redheaded woodpecker because both have red on their heads. WOODPECKERS ARE EXPLORERS by nature and spend their days pecking at tree trunks in search of insect and insect larva. (The flicker is the only species that forages on the ground as well as in trees.)
Smith points out they are ideally designed for their work. Woodpeckers have: 䊳 long tongues with barbs for getting insects out of nooks and crannies 䊳 stiff tails that they use as props when they are pecking and digging Pileated woodpecker 䊳 strong neck muscles 䊳 brains that are apparently cushioned in a unique way to allow them to use their bill like a chisel and battering ram. They also usually have two toes in front and two in back — most other birds have three front and two back. This is an adaptation for clinging to the sides of trees and underneath branches. WOODPECKERS ARE CAVITY NESTERS who make their homes in the holes they chisel out of trees, and their work is important to many other woodland animals. Bluebirds, flying squirrels and mice are among those that commonly make their homes in cavities carved by woodpeckers. Homeowners may be less enthusiastic about the woodpecker’s abilities when it targets wood siding or trim. However, Smith says the woodpeckers “aren’t capable of evil intent.” In fact, he says woodpeckers tend to be “a symptom,” not the problem. If you have woodpeckers, chances are they’re just feasting on insects that have already invaded your woodwork. If you want to spot woodpeckers in your neighborhood or local park, don’t make the continued on page 8
WHAT’S INSIDE . . . Events ........................... 2 Park Foundation ............ 3 Retirements ................... 4 Partnerships .................. 5 Nature and the Burke Lake Railroad ....... 6 Caring for Family Treasures ....................... 8 Kids in the Garden ........ 9 Volunteers ................... 10 Dog Parks .................... 11
p Fairfax County Park Authority • Fairfax, VA 22035 • 703-324-8695 • FAX 703-324-3996 • TTY 703-803-3354 • www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/resources
EVENTS
NATURE CENTERS AND HISTORIC SITES BURKE LAKE PARK 7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Station Call 703-323-6600 COLVIN RUN MILL 10017 Colvin Run Road, Great Falls Call 703-759-2771 ELLANOR C. LAWRENCE PARK 5040 Walney Road, Chantilly Call 703-631-0013 FRYING PAN PARK 2709 West Ox Road, Herndon Call 703-437-9101 GREEN SPRING GARDENS 4603 Green Spring Rd., Alexandria Call 703-642-5173 HIDDEN OAKS NATURE CENTER 7701 Royce Street, Annandale Call 703-941-1065 HIDDEN POND NATURE CENTER 8511 Greeley Blvd., Springfield Call 703-451-9588 HUNTLEY MEADOWS PARK 3701 Lockheed Blvd., Alexandria Call 703-768-2525 LAKE ACCOTINK PARK 7500 Accotink Park Rd., Springfield Call 703-569-3464 LAKE FAIRFAX PARK 1400 Lake Fairfax Drive, Reston Call 703-471-5414 RIVERBEND PARK 8700 Potomac Hills Street Great Falls Call 703-759-9018 SULLY HISTORIC SITE 3601 Sully Road, Chantilly Call 703-437-1794
Need directions or more information? VISIT www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks
GREEN SPRING GARDENS 703-642-5173 Garden Getaway: Colston C. Burrell’s Bird Hill and Morningside Nursery Tuesday, July 10, 7am-4pm Tour Bird Hill, a ten-acre pastiche of woodland, meadow and garden. Lunch at Morningside Farm and Nursery. Trip suitable for agile walkers; steep inclines. $68, lunch included.
Photography Workshop: Nature and the Great Outdoors Friday, July 13, 7-9pm and Saturday, July 14, 8-11am Learn to capture striking images of gardens and natural landscapes. An illustrated lecture, graphic handouts, and a shooting session. Any camera appropriate. $75
Beatrix Potter Birthday Party Thursday, July 19, 9:30-10:30am or 11am-noon; or Saturday, July 21, 10-11am (3-5 yrs. with accompanying adult) Celebrate Miss Potter with a garden party, games, and treats! $5
Plants That Sizzle, Not Fizzle Saturday, July 28, 10-11:30am Numerous plants thrive in the hot hazy days of a late Washington summer. $16
Using Native Plants in Your Landscape Design Friday, August 3, 1:30-3pm Enhance your garden and the environment with native plants. Dress for a walk through several gardens. $11
CUB RUN RECENTER 703-817-9407
David Ochs
Photos: Don Sweeney, FCPA Administration: Jatinder Kaur Production: Innovative Projects, Inc. Published quarterly by the Fairfax County Park Authority, 12055 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, VA 22035-1118. Available at park sites and Fairfax County libraries. Visit ResOURces online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/resources c ResOURces is printed on recycled paper.
2
ResOURces
Hidden Pond Nature Center, 703-451-9588, has a Friday night summer series of events for kids. Here are some of them. Call the park for more offerings. (Some events canceled if there’s rain.)
Stream Study June 22, (6 yrs. and up), 7:30-9pm Be part of a year-long survey of the fish populations and diversity of Pohick Creek within our park boundaries. Reservations required. $4
Glowing and Eye Shine July 6, (6 yrs. and up), 8-9:30pm The nighttime forest. Reservations required. $4
Natural Superstitions July 13, (6 yrs. and up), 8-9:30pm A Friday the 13th program about superstitions involving nature. Reservations required. $4
Beetlemania July 27, (6 yrs. and up), 7:30-9pm Meet the beetles. Reservations required. $4
Diurnal and Nocturnal August 10, (3-8 yrs.), 7-8pm Delve into reasons some animals prefer the night. Reservations required. $4/child, parents free
Night Flyers August 24, (6 yrs. and up), 7:30-9:30pm There’s more than bats in the night sky. Reservations required. $4
Park Lore August 31, (All ages), 7:30-9pm Actual history and unconfirmed legends. Hidden Pond has a few good stories. Reservations required. $4
Reservations required. $4 child/$2 adult
ALSO KEEP IN MIND:
Bat Watching
June 17: The 34th Annual Antique Car Show at Sully Historic Site. July 25: Humdingers of History at Sully. Aug. 4-5: The 4-H Fair and Farm Show at Frying Pan Farm Park. Aug. 8-10: Sully Sleuths. Aug. 11: The Water Festival at Hidden Oaks Nature Center. Aug. 11, 8-9pm: Skywatching and Meteor Showers scheduled just before the Perseid meteor shower peak at Sully Woodlands. Reservations required. 703-324-8523.
Friday, August 17, (Families with children 5 yrs. and up), 8-9:30pm Editor/Writer:
AFTER DARK IN THE PARK
Insect Safari Saturday, August 18, (Families), 11am-noon. An insect scavenger hunt.
CONCERTS FOR CHILDREN Colvin Run Mill Historic Site. 703-759-2771. Thursday, July 18, 2pm, OTO Percussion Duo Thursday, August 15, 2pm, OTO Brass Quintet, Free
There’s more at fairfaxcounty.gov/parks or see the “Nature” and “History” pages in the county publication Parktakes.
PA R K F O U N D AT I O N
THE ACCESSIBLE TREEHOUSE By Nancy Russo, Fairfax County Park Foundation
T
here is a distinctive ambiance up in a tree house. Leafy branches rustle in the breeze, birds perch at eye level, kids dream up fanciful games as their imaginations soar. Tree houses are safe sanctuaries that elicit the creative energy of youth. With traditional tree houses, trees and ladders pose an obstacle to kids in wheelchairs, crutches, and walkers. You can help overcome the limitations. The Fairfax County Park Foundation hopes you will join us in building an Accessible Treehouse in Lee District Park. Families will “climb” up the Accessible Treehouse along gently graded ramps that provide access to all. For some children, it will be the first time to experience the feeling of climbing a tree and looking out over the forest canopy. In our area, many families live in homes where the landscaping often does not allow them to build a tree house, especially one with the space for ramps.
Accessible Treehouse Photo by Jan Brown Checco/City of Cincinnati Parks
The Accessible Treehouse will be a place of learning and inspiration, literally in the trees. Children need the contact with the natural world that tree houses provide. To be built on the edge of the forest of Lee District Park, the Accessible Treehouse will be surrounded by a variety of trees that include chestnut oak, known for its attractive, deeply furrowed bark, glossy leaves that turn yellow or red in autumn and large acorns relished by squirrels and deer. The sights and sounds of woodland creatures will include children’s favorites like the chipmunk, deer, squirrel, birds, reptiles and insects. The Accessible Treehouse will be a demonstration of community spirit, built by volunteer participation and through donations. If you would like to help, please contact Fairfax County Park Foundation, 12055 Government Center Parkway, Suite 404, Fairfax, VA 22035, call 703-324-8581 or e-mail Robert.Brennan@fairfaxcounty.gov. The Fairfax County Park Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and all contributions to the Foundation are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
Diversity Celebration at Hidden Oaks
C
hildren of all ages enjoyed the third annual Celebrating Diversity Children’s Day at Hidden Oaks Nature Center on April 21. Performing groups from several countries shared the richness of their cultures that comprise the Annandale community. Mason District Supervisor Penny Gross of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors was on hand to open the event and praise the benefits of diversity in the community. Young people stole the show throughout the day. Children ages 4-6 years with Caporales San Simon Virginia USA presented a native dance from Bolivia. Dancers representing El Salvador and Vietnam also performed, and students from Fairfax High School highlighted the cultures of Korea and Ethiopia. Visitors also enjoyed making crafts from the cultures that were saluted throughout the afternoon.
Summer 2007
3
RETIREMENTS
For 30 years, the Fairfax County Park Authority has benefited from two important resources who are leaving their county posts. Here are thoughts upon departure from Park Authority Director MICHAEL KANE and Huntley Meadows Park Manager GARY ROISUM.
It’s Always Hard to Say Goodbye By Michael Kane, Director, Fairfax County Park Authority
T
hirty years ago, when I started working for the Park Authority as the Wakefield RECenter snack bar manager, I never envisioned myself as the agency’s director. Not in my wildest dreams. Maybe a park manager one day…that’s the pinnacle I aspired to.
protect and care for their environmental and cultural resources. I also believe that the Park Authority is in the best position it has ever been to truly lead in our community — demonstrating and educating how to exercise stewardship in a manner that will exceed all measures and expectations. We could never have achieved what we have without the incredible leadership, passion and dedication from all our paid and volunteer staff.
But this organization gave me wonderful opportunities, and I have not made this journey alone. Along the way I have had committed, passionate and professional partners in the trenches. It may sound like a cliché, but it’s true: it’s people working together as hard as they can who’ve made my job as director incredibly rewarding…and easier.
We also seek a higher level of professionalism, and towards that goal we are pursuing accreditation for the Park Authority. Professionalism is complementary, not mutually exclusive, with innovation and risk taking. We’ve got to have our act together and become really good — incredibly good — business managers in order to achieve a balance with prudent risks and thoughtful innovation.
Mike Kane
I’ll miss them all — not just the paid employees, but the volunteers and the board members who give their time as well. Complacency and mediocrity have never had a place in the Park Authority that I know. That’s what makes this organization so incredible, and the citizens of Fairfax County benefit from the staff’s strong work ethic and commitment to excellence. Balancing key responsibilities as an organization has always been a challenge. We have seen the pendulum of emphasis swing slowly away from aggressive facility development to where it is today — in motion redefining one of the core characteristics of our organization — being model stewards of the precious resources entrusted to our care. I believe that not too far from now, a primary measure of communities, like the crime rate or unemployment rate, will be how well they preserve and
In its lifetime, the Park Authority’s priorities and focus have evolved from land banking to facility development to focusing on customer service. Strategic planning has helped chart the course for these evolutions. The new strategic plan approved last November will take us to the next phase and identify the issues that will shape our future. So we’ve consciously engaged staff at all levels of the organization to give them an understanding of, and a dominant voice in, that future. What do I take the most pride in from my three decades with the Park Authority? It’s the professionalism, the passion and, most of all, the people. What will I miss? Again, it’s the people. Thanks for the support. Thanks for the enjoyment. Remember: great counties have great parks…and great parks have great people.
My 30-Year Niche with the Park Authority By Gary Roisum, Park Manager, Huntley Meadows Park
A
s a young boy, I would ask my mother if I could go outside and play in the woods. Friends and I would head for the “gully” in search of snakes, frogs, bugs or anything that moved. My enthusiasm for the outdoors grew when my family moved to Nationalist China for three years. Again, I played in the woods near our house there, and there were cool, creepy lizards and colorful birds to find. Later, I graduated from college with a forestry degree and wanted to manage a large forest out west with tall trees. My naturalist career began with five years in the National Park Service, interpreting natural and cultural resources. I then spent three years in Bowie, Maryland, managing a municipal park system. In 1977, Fairfax County Park Authority hired me to develop and operate a newly acquired park that was little known at the time. They named it Huntley Meadows Park, and with over 1,200 acres, it was the Park Authority’s largest park. Developing and managing this natural island in a suburban sea was a challenge, and I couldn’t resist the opportunity. A quick 30 years has passed and I still haven’t made it to that large forest out west. I fell in love with that little known county park. It is a part of me and always will be as I begin travels around the world to
4
ResOURces
enjoy the beauty and mystery of the planet’s natural and cultural treasures. Fairfax County is rich with natural and cultural resources. County residents are blessed to have access to over 400 parks containing a variety of resources! However, during the last 30 years, I have seen harm come to these fragile resources. Exotic Gary Roisum invasive plants aggressively alter natural ecosystems throughout the county by displacing native vegetation. An excessive deer population degrades our forests, affecting plant diversity and future forest composition and growth. Suburban development burdens our streams, causing increased erosion and sedimentation. Subsequently, our lakes and wetlands are affected by non-point source pollution. All of us can find our niche in a park. We all play an important role in protecting and preserving our natural and cultural heritage for generations that will follow us. Find out how much of a difference you can make by visiting the Park Authority’s website at www.fairfax county.gov/parks. Find your “gully” and volunteer!
PARTNERSHIPS
Volunteers in Fairfax County parks
Kind Words from a Friend
Honors for Our Volunteers Thirty Resource Management Division volunteers were honored during the 2007 Fairfax County Volunteer Service Awards presentation for contributing at least 250 hours of service in calendar year 2006. Congratulations and thanks to them all! Cultural Resource Management and Protection Bill Brickhill C.K. Gailey Chris Ramey
Hidden Pond Nature Center Henna Afendy Arthi Aravind Matt Baltz Michael Belovitch Kathleen Bradshaw David Gawalt Bailey Haase Bobby Haase Cody Henson Sally Holtgrieve Kyle Hughes Neal MacDonald Erin McCaffrey Jessie Pixley Gina Reistrup Allison Van Gilst
%
Colvin Run Mill Historic Site Marjorie Lundegard Mike Moran Kitty O’Hara Joe Pruden Sam Swartz Nick Yannarell Green Spring Gardens Lynne Glasser Frances Tyler Hidden Oaks Nature Center Jean Laub Carol Porter
Huntley Meadows Park Dorothy Raduazo
T
he Resource Management Division (RMD) of the Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) is grateful for kind words from a good friend and partner. The Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District (NVSWCD) named RMD its 2006 Cooperator of the Year. In its annual report, the district said the FCPA “has become a valuable district partner,” and made special note of the Resource Management Division. The report said the RMD’s “dedication to environmental stewardship and resource conservation is matched by a willingness to share with and learn from other agencies.” It added that RMD’s “focus and energy are transforming the way our parks are managed, enhancing the health of Fairfax County’s natural resources, and encouraging the environmental commitment of local citizens.” In the past year, NVSWCD and RMD worked together on a stream restoration project at Little Pimmit Run and teamed to reduce invasive species. We also developed a volunteer temperature monitoring program, created low impact development demonstration projects at four county parks, and installed stream crossings at Turner Farm Park. Resource Management Division staffers appreciate the award and the productive partnership. Summer 2007
5
N AT U R E
A NATURALIST’S GUIDE TO THE BURKE LAKE RAILROAD
There’s more to the Burke Lake Railroad than train and tracks. Here’s a look at one of the most popular attractions in the Fairfax County park system through the eyes of natural resource specialist Charles Smith. AFTER AN INITIAL CIRCLING, THE TRAIN REACHES ITS MAIN LINE. At this point, there’s a younger tree stand on the left with pine. Just past the track juncture, on the left, is an eye-catching trio of trees standing together. The Virginia pine in the group is about as large as the species gets. Next to it are a beech and a holly.
THE JOURNEY STARTS AT THE STATION, behind the J.P. Huntington replica locomotive #343. On the right, seconds after departure, are the umbrella-like leaves of the spring wildflower mayapple. Above is flowering dogwood, a species being lost in the wild to dogwood blight. If there’s a flat-topped, white flower cluster on the left, that’s viburnum in bloom. The highbush blueberry there helps form a nice understory in the woods. But there are also invasive species — Japanese honeysuckle, Japanese barberry and multiflora rose.
ABOUT 80 YARDS OUT OF THE STATION, the trees change from pine to larger varieties. Holly, mountain laurel and woodland aster (it blooms white in summer) in this area also indicate the soil is probably stable and rich. 6
ResOURces
On the right, toward the lake, there’s an older tree stand with oaks. Farmers likely weren’t clearing the land that sloped toward the old stream valley that lies under the lake. The track here appears to form a dividing line — pine to the left, hardwoods to the right. The track may be built over an old farm road.
MOVING DOWN THE TRACK, there are quite a few maple and beech trees. The maples are tolerant of wet conditions, so they’re more common closer to the lake. Cormorants, geese, heron, gulls, osprey and loons may be on the lake. Swallows may be flying low over the water and feeding if there’s an insect hatch — mayflies or midges (the common, so-called no-see-ums). Mallards and wood ducks may be around in spring or fall. The cormorants may be diving under the water to catch fish. There are sassafras trees about 20 yards before the tunnel. They have three different
leaf shapes — a three-lobed leaf, an elliptical leaf, and a mitten-shaped leaf. Their berries are a good wildlife food source, and their leaves were the original primary ingredient in gumbo.
AFTER THE TUNNEL, the woods on the right side of the tracks display a large mass of running cedar, a form of club moss. It covers a significant area of woods, which is common in old pine forests. Closer to the lake near hardwood trees are shrubbery-like highbush blueberries and viburnum — plants that indicate a stable, undisturbed area. People aren’t trampling down the soil, and the ground’s not compacted like the area around the station, where few plants grow.
AT THE TRESTLE JUST PAST THE TUNNEL, there are obvious signs of human activity. That driving range is not a concern. The tees are over 350 yards away. The bottom land around the trestle has a lot of maple trees of significant size. The thicket past the trestle is full of graystem dogwood, a first cousin to the flowering dogwood. It’s common along waterways and low, moist areas. This area can draw robins, wood thrush, Eastern bluebirds and chipping sparrows.
N AT U R E A maple-dominated wooded area returns as the train nears its secondary station on the run. The tallest tree straight across from the water barrel is a willow oak.
PAST THE WATER BARREL AND THE WINDMILL there are a few sizable oak trees. Larger birds like herons might be seen in the shallows of this silted-in part of the lake. Wood ducks also frequent this spot.
Mayapple
PAST THE RAILROAD CROSSING SIGN, the train enters mature forest that has a fairly good understory with a lot of mayapple on both sides of the track. Behind the old tree stump on the lake side of the tracks are a pair of river birch — trees with flaky bark that indicate wet bottomland. On the other side of the track, in a small creek bed, is a field of well-named skunk cabbage. It spreads underground and pops back up, so a large area could be, essentially, the same plant. A colony like this one could live for a thousand years.
of what a fairly healthy forest looks like. There aren’t invasive species covering the forest bottom and climbing the trees. There are old trees, young trees and shrubs, and there’s a carpet of native wildflowers and ferns. Shrubs offer a lot of food and cover and help create diversity in the woods.
THE TRAIN CIRCLES AGAIN ON THIS END OF ITS RUN AND HEADS BACK HOME DOWN THE SAME PIECE OF TRACK. Just before arrival back at the station the track splits, and there’s another healthy piece of woods and another good example of what forest would look like if left alone.
There are violets growing along the tracks. There’s also arrowwood viburnum, so named because Native Americans harvested it for arrow shafts. The gnarly knobs on the maple tree that sits on the lake side of the tracks just past the creek crossing is likely caused by a fungus. The loud “teacher, teacher, teacher” cry of the ovenbird can be heard here.
WHEN BURKE LAKE ROAD APPEARS, the ride has reached the shallowest part of the lake. The ‘peep’ of spring peepers, likely coming from across the road, can occasionally be heard. There could be migrating songbirds here as well in late spring and early fall. Mountain laurel, highbush blueberry and flowering dogwood grow near a ditch that may be an old farm road. There are areas with a fair number of young trees and other areas that are almost clear. That may be the result of deer browse. Close inspection of small branches may show that some tips of limbs have been chewed and stripped. Sometimes there are raccoon tracks in the mud.
Dogwood
Human influence, deer browse, invasive species and time all play a part in the look of the Burke Lake forest communities. There’s a lot to be learned about what is there, and what was there, with a set of open eyes during a ride on the Burke Lake Railroad.
Four-hundred years ago, this probably would have been an older forest with larger trees. There was likely a good mix of turkey, beaver, bobcat, gray foxes, woodland bison, elk, black bear and perhaps wolves.
Salamanders and turtles could be common in this moist area, which is a good example
Skunk cabbage
The train has an accessible platform at the station.
There is a longer version of this story on the Internet at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/resources/archives/. Click on Nature and the Burke Lake Train. Skunk cabbage beside a creek
Summer 2007
7
H E R I TA G E
Caring for Family Treasures
L
ook around your home. That photo on the corner stand, the heirloom china pieces on a shelf, the silverware you inherited, the handmade quilt in your closet, maybe even the old recliner your spouse refuses to part with. All are treasures that are part of your family, and we’ve got some tips for taking care of them.
• Keep treasures away from fireplaces or wood stoves. Soot and smoke are air pollution. • Dust regularly with a magnetic cloth or soft artist’s brush. Wash antique textiles by hand. Avoid household detergents, cleaners and waxing supplies. • Store valuables in acid-free materials. Avoid plastic bags. Store paper and textiles flat. Pad folds in quilts to prevent creases. Stuff precious clothes, like wedding dresses, with acid-free tissue to keep their shape. Don’t place anything heavy on them.
• Photograph your treasures, and put those photos in an album or on disk with notations about the items. • Inspect them regularly, looking for damage, dirt or deterioration. • Handle with care. Wash your hands before touching them, and handle them only by sturdy, stable points. Don’t put anything fragile in a place where it could be bumped. • Keep temperatures and humidity constant. Generally, if it’s comfortable for you, it’s fine for your treasures. You might want to keep them out of attics or basements. Gently circulating air helps. • Keep them out of direct light, and consider rearranging them occasionally. Light can cause colors to fade, wood to bleach, and fibers to turn brittle.
• Check locks on windows and doors to make cer tain they’re secure. Insure your keepsakes — except for maybe that worn-out recliner. QUESTIONS? Email Collections at resources@fairfaxcounty.gov or call Historic Collections at 703-631-1429. There are links and more information at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/collections/caretips.htm. The Fall 2001 issue of ResOURces has information on preserving your favorite family photos. You can find it at: http://www.fairfax county.gov/parks/resources/vol2no1-fall2001.pdf.
WOODPECKERS continued from page 1 mistake of looking for them on branches where you might find other birds. Woodpeckers hang out on the trunks of trees. While woodpeckers peck and pry for a living year-round, they don’t drum all the time, making them a little harder to find by ears alone. To learn more about their calls, Smith recommends consulting Birding by Ear, one of the Petersen Field Guides books. And though it worked for Woody, don’t expect to hear ha-ha-ha-HA-ha!
Woodpeckers aren’t picky about what wood they peck for food, as long as the eating is good. A few years ago, staff at Riverbend Park began noticing pileated woodpeckers landing on the nature center’s log cabin walls and giving the occasional peck. Riverbend Manager Marty Smith says the birds “obviously found something” of interest at the center and soon became regular visitors. A professional who was consulted suspected something like carpenter bees might be attracting the birds’ attention. Smith says staff “tried to be vigilant” about chasing the birds away whenever they heard them, but “it did little good.” The photos illustrate how the woodpeckers left their mark.
8
ResOURces
HISTORY LOVERS, SAVE THE DATE % The third annual Fairfax County History Conference is scheduled for October 20 at Northern Virginia Community College. The first two gatherings of professionals, historic society members and citizens have been very successful and wellattended. This year’s theme will be “400 Years of Fairfax History,” and the keynote speaker will be Dr. Douglas Owsley of the Smithsonian Institution, Anthropology Department. Dr. Owsley is an internationally renowned forensic anthropologist.
H O R T I C U LT U R E
Let’s Grow: Kids in the Garden Parents sometimes say their kids grow like weeds. Here’s a chance for the kids to show they can grow without weeds.
There’s a new stewardship brochure available at county RECenters, parks and libraries. Learn how to make your backyard beautiful and healthy with the brochure “Native Backyard Plants.” See other stewardship brochures at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/ parks/resources/ stewardshipbrochures.htm.
It’s the Let’s Grow Kids’ Garden at Green Spring Gardens. This summer, 8 to 12 year-olds can grow garden vegetables at Green Spring. They prepare the soil, plant the seeds, dig the weeds. They’ll tend the carrots, radishes, tomatoes, lettuces, potatoes, beans, sunflowers and more. Then, the kids get to bring the family along to harvest the vegetables and flowers.
The unique program runs on Saturday afternoons, 1pm to 3pm, through August 4. The cost is $90. It’s a chance to learn garden lessons, grow some food and flowers, and have a lot of fun. Let’s Grow is a collaborative project of Green Spring Gardens and Green Spring Master Gardeners. More information is available at 703-642-5173 and at Green Spring Gardens in Alexandria.
Mulch on This Green Spring Master Gardeners marked a milestone earlier this year, and the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors recognized the group upon its fifth anniversary. The Master Gardeners promote responsible horticulture and train volunteers to provide horticultural information to communities as part of a national program that started in 1973 through Washington State University. A commitment of 100 hours is required in the first year to become a Green Spring Master Gardener. After that, Master Gardener status requires 20 hours per year as a volunteer educator and eight hours of continuing education in horticulture.
For more information, call Green Spring Gardens at 703-642-5173 or go online to www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/gsgp/mastergardener.htm or http://mastergardener.wsu.edu/mgvp/mgvp.html.
Summer 2007
9
VOLUNTEERS
Masterpieces of Nature THERE ARE 8,760 HOURS IN A YEAR. The Park Authority recently recognized three volunteers who have dedicated over 10,000 hours — more than one full year of their lives — to your county parks. Here are words about and from long-time park friends:
MARJORIE LUNDEGARD In the 18 years that Marjorie Lundegard has volunteered at Colvin Run Mill Historic Site, she has always brought a smile broad enough to brighten a gray day. Marjorie is a weekly education docent working with up to 60 school children, teaching the history of milling and Colvin Run Mill. Her research has been incorporated into a brochure on Fairfax County mills, and her investigation has led to nine Arlington County mills being added to the Fairfax County data base of historic mills and mill sites. Marjorie and husband Bob search for old mills and mill sites and write On the Road with Bob and Marge, a popular feature of the Colvin Run Mill volunteer newsletter. Marjorie is a founding member and fundraising chairman of the Friends of Colvin Run Mill. She’s also sometimes the mill store keeper, the first contact for site visitors. Her contagious smile, knowledgeable answers, and keen interest in mills are invaluable first impressions. Marjorie is a multiple award-winner for her outstanding volunteer work and a true asset to Colvin Run Mill. – Mary Allen, Colvin Run Mill Volunteer Coordinator
“A friend may well be reckoned the masterpiece of nature.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
NICK YANNARELL
C.K. GAILEY Charles (C.K) Gailey is the Cultural Resource Section’s 10,000-Hour Man. The former U.S. Army serviceman has been with the Park Authority since 1993 in a broad range of functions and he
Nick Yannarell has accrued over 22,000 volunteer hours in 25 years with the Fairfax County Park Authority, mostly at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park and Colvin Run Mill Historic Site. Nick interprets history, conducts research, writes procedure manuals, sets up computer programs and trains new volunteers. “Moonshiner” Nick also set up, demonstrated and interpreted the old still he helped restore at Colvin Run Mill’s Autumn Traditions program.
✔ has entered all 3,244 archaeological sites into a database
Nick prepared and submitted all the papers for the incorporation of the Friends of Colvin Run Mill, and he served as the first president. Like Marjorie Lundegard, he’s a multiple-award winner as a volunteer, and he’s a valued community asset for whom volunteering is truly a way of life.
✔ serves as an outreach ambassador at fairs, open houses, school programs and orientations for new employees and volunteers.
– Mary Allen, Colvin Run Mill Volunteer Coordinator
✔ proofread, edited and contributed to the Cultural Resource Management Plan ✔ records archaeological sites with the Virginia Department of Historic Resources ✔ conducts archaeological field work, historical research and laboratory analysis ✔ is the liaison with the Northern Virginia Chapter of the Archaeological Society of Virginia
C.K. is the Gold Standard for volunteering. – Liz Crowell, Manager, Cultural Resource Management and Protection
WHY WE VOLUNTEER Although my career field was engineering, I’ve always had an enduring interest in history. That’s how I ended up volunteering with the Park Authority, which has provided the means to pursue this interest. Although I’ve participated in many different efforts at a number of the county’s parks, I’ve focused on Colvin Run Mill Historic Site for the following reasons: • Volunteering at Colvin Run Mill represents a merging of vocational and avocational interests. It enables me to use my engineering background to promote our industrial heritage and preserve our engineering history. • The park’s school programs enable docents to contribute to education. We provide motivation for students visiting the mill to see practical applications of what they’re learning and perhaps to take their studies more seriously. The benefits of volunteering are professional and social. Volunteers, along with paid staff at the parks, become part of a very close knit family. – Nick Yannarell
10
ResOURces
I believe every person wants to be a respected member of a group of friends that are dedicated to community service. Fairfax County parks have broad community support, and the park sites depend on dedicated and talented volunteers. Volunteering at Colvin Run Mill provides me both friendships with such dedicated people and the satisfaction of working with others on a highly valued community activity. In retirement, I have had an opportunity to shop around for a volunteer activity that works for me. Not all volunteer options succeed in providing the needed associations and the satisfaction of giving a needed service year-in and year-out. Telling the story of 19th century milling and village life to the thousands of school children and visitors that come to the mill is a rewarding experience. Sharing your satisfaction with other volunteers and staff enhances the personal rewards. Being a volunteer and participating in the community’s valued activities becomes your way of life. There is no more rewarding service. – Marjorie Lundegard
STEWARDSHIP
Take Your Best Friend to the Park
Starting line at pug races in the park. Photo by John Finegan.
DOGS ARE WELCOME
T
here’s always been room for Fluffy and Clifford at Fairfax County Park Authority parks. Public health, good stewardship, resource protection and courtesy dictate that you clean up after your dog. So scoop the poop, bag it, and find a trash can. Also, remember to keep your dog on a leash. That’s for the protection of other people, wildlife, and your dog.
There’s a lot more information, and even a surprise gift, in the stewardship brochure Pets in Parks. It’s available at county RECenters, county parks, libraries, Board of Supervisors’ offices, dog parks, and from the county wildlife biologist. Stewardship brochures also are online at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/ resources/stewardshipbrochures.htm. There’s more information about pet waste at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/nvswcd/ newsletter/dogwalker.htm. The Fairfax County Health Department, at 703-246-2411, can answer questions about pet waste health hazards. The FCPA has dog parks, which are fenced areas where unleashed dogs can run free. Information about those parks is online at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/offleash.htm. You can volunteer to work at one of those areas by calling 703-324-8594.
Naturalist Jaime Brooks leads free hikes for dogs and their owners at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park (ECLP). It’s a great way to see and learn about the park and its plant and animal life, and you can pick up a tip on things in nature that might harm your dog. Jaime says it’s “a great opportunity for the canines and their owners to get the fresh air and exercise we all very much need. It’s also a great opportunity to socialize the dogs in a small group, and for the owners to be able to meet new people.” Lake Accotink also has extensive dog programs. For information, call either ECLP at 703-631-0013 or Lake Accotink at 703-569-0285. Summer 2007
11
SUBSCRIBE!
STEWARDSHIP
❑ Please enter my FREE subscription to RES OURCES. Name (please print) ______________________________________________
DRAIN MARKERS Have you seen one of these at a RECenter or in a park?
Address ________________________________________________________ Apt. #
City, State, Zip __________________________________________________ Email Address __________________________________________________
Tell us what you’d like to read about!
❑ Nature centers ❑ Local history ❑ Kids’ projects ❑ Hiking
❑ Birds ❑ Archaeology ❑ Events ❑ Historic sites
❑ Gardening and horticulture
❑ What else? ______________________
You’ll be seeing more of them in coming days. They’re reminders that water from our streets flows into storm drains and then into our creeks and rivers, not into sewer lines. Remember, trash on the streets and spilled oil follow the same path. If it’s down a storm drain, it’s in your water. www.fairfaxcounty.gov/nvswcd/stormdrained.htm
MAIL TO: Resources/RMD, Suite 936 12055 Government Center Parkway • Fairfax, VA 22035-1118 or: subscribe through our website at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/resources
Bargains Galore at Community Flea Market Come to a huge Flea Market on Saturday July 28, from 9am-1pm at Frying Pan Farm Park in Herndon. Join the fun and peruse selections from many vendors, or sign up to be a vendor yourself. For only $30, you can clean out your basement and garage and make some money. Admission is FREE for shoppers. This recycling and reusing event helps the Resource Management Division fulfill part of its mission to preserve the natural resources of Fairfax County. Proceeds from the vendor fees benefit the RMD Volunteer Program and the Friends of Frying Pan Farm Park.
Riverbend Park
SOMETHING SIMPLE YOU CAN DO TO BE A GOOD STEWARD:
Print copy on both sides of paper when you’re using a computer printer.
For more information contact Erin Chernisky at 703-324-8750.
12055 Government Center Parkway Fairfax, Virginia 22035-1118
A Fairfax County, Va., publication
p
EQUAL ACCESS/SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS
The Fairfax County Park Authority is committed to equal access in all programs and services. Special accommodations will be provided upon request. Please call the ADA/Access coordinator at 703-324-8563, at least 10 working days in advance of the date services are needed. ADA/Access Coordinator 703-324-8563 • TTY 703-803-3354 www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/ada.htm
PRST STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT 45 FAIRFAX VA