Virginia Master Naturalists Merrimac Farm Chapter

Home
United States
Nokesville, VA
Virginia Master Naturalists Merrimac Farm Chapter

We are dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas within our community. Department of Agriculture, and local governments.

Virginia Master Naturalists Merrimac Farm Chapter is a group of local volunteers and nature enthusiasts who participate in citizen science projects, stewardship, and provide environmental education to the local community. Virginia Master Naturalists Merrimac Farm Chapter is a group of local volunteers and nature enthusiasts who participate in citizen science projects, and stewardship, and provide

environmental education to the local community. Our Mission
The Virginia Master Naturalist Program is a statewide corps of volunteers providing education, outreach, and service dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas within their communities. Interested Virginians become Master Naturalists through training and volunteer service. Our Vision
Our vision is a community that is informed, engaged, and committed to the protection of natural resources for future generations. Our Story

Our chapter was founded in 2008 and is organized around the Prince William County region. While our members have diverse interests and backgrounds, we all share a commitment to support our natural world through education, stewardship, and research. We meet several times a year to work together on projects, expand our knowledge, and share our accomplishments. Chapter accomplishments include being honored with Prince William County's 2019 Green Stewardship Award, PWC Ducks Unlimited 2019 Conservationist of the Year Award, and the Virginia Master Naturalist Chapter of the Year for 2019! Our chapter is growing- and we're always looking for new members to join one of our upcoming class sessions. Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Its programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, s*x (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, s*xual orientation, or military status, or any other basis protected by law.

04/13/2026

Experience the healing benefits of nature! Want to try Forest Bathing this month? There are two free opportunities offered by Merrimac Farm Chapter Master Naturalist Emily Hampton: Wednesday, April 22 (Earth Day!), 9:30-12:30 at Leopold's Preserve (16290 Thoroughfare Rd, Broad Run); and Sunday, April 26, 9:30-12:30 at Mason Neck State Park (7301 High Point Rd, Lorton).

What is Forest Bathing? Also known as Forest Therapy, this experience is a slow, mindful immersion in nature that originated in Japan. The guide will lead you in voluntary activities called invitations as we slowly move through the Forest and connect with the environment using all our senses. This practice helps participants let go of the busyness of everyday life and experience the soothing sensuality of nature. Forest Bathing is deeply grounding and has many health benefits, including lowering blood pressure and boosting the immune system. Come and see what it’s all about!

Wednesday, April 22 @ Leopold's Preserve: https://www.leopoldspreserve.com/events-1/forest-bathing-4/form

Sunday, April 26 @ Mason Neck State Park: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/forest-bathing-tickets-1985754034773

Photo: Emily's fall forest bathing program at Leopold's Preserve, courtesy of Leopold's Preserve.

04/11/2026

On Saturday, March 28, 2026, the Merrimac Farm Virginia Master Naturalists held our first field event of the year. We toured the Neabsco Creek Bandalong, Prince William County's premier floatable trash capture system. It spans a portion of Neabsco Creek near Leesylvania Elementary School on Neabsco Road in Woodbridge.

The event began at 1:00 PM with an engaging, informative talk led by Drew Uglow, a Senior Environmental Analyst, MS4 Coordinator, and Bandalong Project Manager with Prince William County. It was enlightening!

The Bandalong is a system of metal cages supported by floating booms that are anchored into the floodplain by steel cables. It captures floatable litter passively using only the power of the water flowing through it, preventing items such as single-use plastic bottles, polystyrene, and other debris from advancing downstream into the Neabsco Wetlands. The booms allow it to rise and sink with varying water levels, meaning trash is unable to flow over the top of the collection system.

It was installed in 2021 as a collaboration between Prince William County and Micron Technology, Incorporated. The device continues to capture a tremendous amount of pollution, which is removed by County workers, Micron employees, and volunteers monthly. This has led to a significant improvement in environmental health immediately downstream of the device, with numerical evidence and community feedback reporting a significant decrease in trash. This specialized equipment is effective at reducing the amount of plastic pollution entering tributaries, the Potomac River, and the Chesapeake Bay.

Uglow welcomes Master Naturalists to volunteer at the Bandalong and help with cleaning the banks, too. Cleanups are every third Wednesday of the month, at 12 Noon. Reach out to him for information and to sign up at [email protected].

Did you miss this event? Mark your calendar for our next field trip on May 23rd, which will take us to Powell's Creek to learn about Wetlands, Streams, and Riparian Buffers. RSVP on our website: https://www.merrimacfarmvmn.com/event-details-registration/wetlands-streams-riparian-buffers-field-event

📝 Article reproduced from MFVMN 2026 Spring Journal. Written by Susan D. Howell & Elliot Foster, Continuing Education Team, MFVMN.

📸 Photos by Elliot Foster.

04/09/2026

This Saturday, April 11th, there are two stewardship events planned in our community! Take your pick of trash cleanup or tidying a native plant garden. Both activities are great ways to get into the spirit of Earth Month and give back to the planet.

Saturday, April 11th, 9 AM - 12 PM: Friends of the Occoquan Spring River Cleanup. Multiple locations through the watershed, including Lake Ridge Marina, Town of Occoquan, and Bull Run Marina. Preregistration recommended. Learn more: https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1380427967462537&set=a.561103136061695

Saturday, April 11th, 9 AM - 11 AM: Prince William Conservation Alliance Wildlife Garden Maintenance at Merrimac Farm WMA. Email [email protected], call 703-490-5200, or complete their volunteer form to register. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSceUO4YDgcY-unNTQBJZqe7SY3bTaxHfEj8E3qFIJl4KqiRcw/viewform

Photos from a 2025 wildlife garden maintenance workday via Prince William Conservation Alliance.

04/07/2026

This Saturday! Don't miss our program covering the history of Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge on Saturday, April 11th at 10 AM. The program will kick off with a bird walk, then staff from the Fish & Wildlife Service will lead a tour of the facility and discuss its intriguing history and significance.

Please RSVP on our website: https://www.merrimacfarmvmn.com/event-details-registration/the-history-of-occoquan-bay-national-wildlife-refuge

Photo: Eastern Wood Pewee at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge by Amaury Laporte - 8283439@N04/52964699502/," rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://www.flickr.com/photos/8283439@N04/52964699502/, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=133949599

03/28/2026

Join us and Prince William Conservation Alliance for the 2026 Bluebell Festival. Our Virginia Master Naturalists Merrimac Farm Chapter will be exhibiting. Scan the QR code below for more information and registration.

The festival will be held on Sunday, March 29, 2026, 10:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m., at Merrimac Farm WMA. You may get the best directions if you enter “Cedar Run Parking Lot”. Once on Deepwood Ln, follow the signs to the Stone House and not the North Parking Lot.

03/23/2026

We are entering tick season! Ticks are active year-round when temperatures are above freezing, but we see the highest activity levels from April through September.

Researchers at Old Dominion University are currently studying tick-borne diseases across Virginia. Virginia Master Naturalist volunteers can support their work by using a tick flag to collect ticks from designated natural areas. Volunteers will place the ticks in vials and mail them to ODU. Check MyImpact or the March monthly news for details on how to register for this activity.

Members of the general public can also participate in this study. If you find a tick on yourself or your pet, you can mail it to the ODU researchers for testing. Learn more at https://sites.wp.odu.edu/tick-team/what-we-do/tick-testing/%20sending-us-your-ticks/.

Tick ID chart courtesy of Virginia Department of Health via Prince William County Public Works.

03/14/2026

Volunteers needed! Our friends at the Prince William Trails & Streams Coalition are organizing a spring trash cleanup on Marumsco Creek on Saturday, March 28, 2026. They want to cover as much of the Marumsco Creek floodplain & wetland as possible within Veteran’s Park.

Time: 9:00 am to noon
Location: Veterans Park, 14300 Veterans Dr, Woodbridge, VA 22191
Supplies: Trash bags, gloves and litter grabbers will be provided. Wear boots or shoes and clothing that you don’t mind getting wet or muddy.
REGISTRATION: please visit the PWTSC website for registration instructions. https://www.pwtsc.org/event/marumsco-creek-wetlands-cleanup-veterans-park-march-28-2026/

Sponsors of the cleanup are:
– PWC Dept of Parks, Recreation and Tourism
– PW Trails & Streams Coalition
– PW Soil & Water Conservation District

Photo of trash in Marumsco Creek courtesy of Prince William Trails & Streams Coalition.

03/13/2026

We will be exhibiting at the amazing Bluebell Festival this year! Join us for this amazing annual event. Scan the QR code for your entry time.

The festival will be held on Sunday, March 29, 2026, 10:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m., at Merrimac Farm WMA. You may get the best directions if you enter “Cedar Run Parking Lot”. Once on Deepwood Ln, follow the signs to the Stone House and not the North Parking Lot.

03/12/2026

One week from today! Mark your calendar for Thursday, March 19, 7 PM - 8:30 PM at Cokesbury United Methodist Church for our next Continuing Education Lecture, focused on the NEABSCO BANDALONG.

Join us for a fun, engaging and informative presentation with Drew Uglow, Senior Environmental Analyst, MS4 Coordinator and the Neabsco Bandalong Project Manager, with Prince William County. What is a Bandalong and why is it important? Come and find out! Drew can help you connect with the volunteer opportunities at the Bandalong too.

Learn more and register at https://www.merrimacfarmvmn.com/event-details-registration/neabsco-bandalong

Photos of Neabsco Bandalong courtesy of Prince William County.

03/10/2026

The next VMN Statewide Continuing Education Webinar is scheduled for TOMORROW, March 11th, at noon. Join us on zoom to learn about the VIRGINIA WILDLIFE ACTION PLAN. This plan, developed by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, lists Species of Greatest Conservation Need and their associated habitats & watersheds. The plan also identifies threats to these species and best management practices for conservation.

Learn more and register at https://www.virginiamasternaturalist.org/continuing-education/webinar-series/

Photo: spotted skunk by Grayson Smith, USFWS.

03/08/2026

Did you know? This year, we are hosting a series of educational lectures and field trips. These programs fulfill continuing education requirements for our VMN members, but they are also free and open to the general public. Please join us at one (or more!) of these excellent programs.

OUR NEXT LECTURE is on Thursday, March 19th at 7 PM, at Cokesbury United Methodist Church in Woodbridge. Andrew Uglow of Prince William County Environmental Management will speak about the Neabsco Bandalong litter collection system.

OUR NEXT FIELD TRIP is on Saturday, March 28th at 1 PM. We will take a tour of the Neabsco Bandalong in Woodbridge to see the litter collection system in action and learn how to volunteer at this site.

All details and registrations are available on our website event calendar, www.merrimacfarmvmn.com/event-calendar.

03/06/2026

In celebration of National Invasive Species Awareness Week, help restore the trees along the hiking trail at Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre, THIS SUNDAY, March 8th. Two shifts are being offered: 9:30 AM and 12:30 PM.

If you can pull your shoe strings, you have the skill to help pull destructive invasive Japanese honeysuckle vines. Cutting damaging English ivy vines requires a skill similar to cutting a partially cooked potato. No experience or knowledge needed.

Learn more about this event: https://volunteers.volunteerprincewilliam.org/event/detail/?event_id=116445

Photo: a VMN volunteer removes invasive vines, by Marie Pinto

Address

15014 Deepwood Lane
Nokesville, VA
20181

Website

https://www.merrimacfarmvmn.com/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Virginia Master Naturalists Merrimac Farm Chapter posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Virginia Master Naturalists Merrimac Farm Chapter:

Shortcuts

Want your organization to be the top-listed Non Profit Organization in Nokesville?