Virginia Master Naturalist- Holston Rivers Chapter (Abingdon)

07/12/2026

Report your in Virginia’s Turkey Summer Sighting Survey! 🦃 July 1 - August 31 🦃

See a Turkey? Let Us Know!

DWR wants your help with our annual Turkey Summer Sighting Survey, which runs from July through August 31. This survey, also known as the brood survey, has been ongoing in Virginia since the early 2000s and is one of our best indicators of annual turkey reproduction, and we’re looking to increase the amount of area surveyed. By incorporating observations from the public, we can expand our understanding of statewide turkey populations. If you see wild turkeys, whether it’s from your porch, your truck, your trail camera, or that one spot where they always seem to be minding everyone’s business, please report your sighting at the link in the comments.

We appreciate everyone who has participated in our wild turkey survey in the past, and we need your help again this summer.

📷: DWR Staff

07/03/2026

🌊✨ Save Our Streams Success! ✨🌊

What an incredible day of learning, exploration, and stewardship at our Save Our Streams event! The Hungry Mother Lutheran Retreat Center Summer Campers had an amazing opportunity to get their feet wet while exploring stream ecosystems, identifying aquatic macroinvertebrates, learning about water quality, and discovering why healthy waterways are so important to our communities.

A special thank you to the Virginia Master Naturalist Holston Rivers Chapter volunteers for leading this event and sharing their expertise, enthusiasm, and passion for conservation. Your hands-on guidance helped campers connect with nature in meaningful ways and inspired a deeper appreciation for our local streams and wildlife.

We are proud of our campers for their curiosity, participation, and willingness to learn about environmental stewardship. Experiences like these help foster the next generation of conservationists and community leaders.

Together, we are making a difference—one stream, one lesson, and one camper at a time. 💧🌱

🌿💙

06/18/2026

06/15/2026

Learn about Virginia’s birds!🦉🐦‍⬛🦆🦅

06/09/2026

🌿Virginia Master Naturalists – Holston Rivers Chapter 2025 In Review: The Virginia Master Naturalist program is a statewide corps of trained volunteers providing education, science, and stewardship to benefit natural resource conservation in their communities. A 2025 Project Highlight is that Holston Rivers Master Naturalist volunteers planned and planted a native plant garden with the Town of Abingdon that has provided a home for monarch caterpillars and gotten the attention of town members. Statistics included 55 volunteers contributing 3,731 service hours valued at $128,421; 20 sites stewarded; 10 scientific, monitoring, and inventory studies supported; 6,436 contacts made through education and outreach; and 25 partnerships with local organizations.

05/15/2026

🌿 Find Us at Trail Days in Damascus! 🌿

The Virginia Master Naturalist – Holston Rivers Chapter is set up and ready to welcome you at Trail Days! 🎒🌄

Stop by our booth to learn about the incredible natural resources of our region, discover how you can get involved in conservation and citizen science, and chat with our knowledgeable volunteers. We’re excited to share our passion for the outdoors and connect with fellow nature lovers, hikers, and community members. 🦋🌱

We’re set up alongside great partners (like Mountain Empire Trout Unlimited!) and have plenty of information, resources, and friendly faces waiting for you.

📍 Trail Days – Damascus, VA

👉 Come out, say hello, and see what we’re all about!

CitizenScience LoveWhereYouLive

05/12/2026

We had 36 in attendance last night for our May Member meeting! Our program was a presenter from DWR telling us about their Living with Black Bears program. It was very informative and helpful and we had a lot of great questions! Part 2 of the training is June 2…contact Monica Hoel with questions.

Aaaannnd we were excited to wear our new Holston Rivers Swag!! Thank you, Rafe Hagee for getting an order together! If you missed ordering this time, we’ll share info soon on how to get yours!

05/08/2026

🌿 What an incredible turnout for the special screening of The Extraordinary Caterpillar! 🐛💚

Thank you to everyone who joined The Nature Conservancy Virginia at Abingdon Cinemall for an inspiring evening exploring the hidden world of caterpillars and their vital role in healthy ecosystems. Shout out to the volunteers that worked the information tables with the Virginia Master Naturalist Holston Rivers Chapter, Wild Ones Appalachian Highlands, and The Nature Conservancy. A big thank you to Jude C**t appearing as our giant caterpillar.

This beautifully produced film by Jeff McKay featured stunning cinematography, fascinating science, and insightful commentary from renowned naturalists Doug Tallamy, Sam Jaffe, and David Wagner. Their passion and expertise helped bring attention to the importance of protecting biodiversity — starting with some of nature’s tiniest superheroes. 🦋🌎

We’re grateful for the amazing community support and everyone who came out to celebrate conservation, education, and the wonder of the natural world with us! ✨

05/05/2026

🌿 Join Us for a Special Nature Film Screening! 🐛

The Nature Conservancy is excited to host a community screening of The Extraordinary Caterpillar, a stunning short film that highlights the incredible world of these tiny but mighty ecosystem heroes.

📅 May 7, 2026
🕖 7:00 PM
📍 Abingdon Cinemall
🎬 Runtime: ~1 hour
🎟️ Tickets: $6 per person (day‑of ticket sales)
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tnc-hosted-screening-of-the-extraordinary-caterpillar-tickets-1985834735150

This beautifully shot film features remarkable close‑up footage, vivid storytelling, and expert commentary that will open your eyes to the essential role caterpillars play in our environment.

Come get inspired, learn something new, and celebrate nature’s smallest superheroes! 💚