Virginia Master Naturalists Merrimac Farm Chapter

08/26/2026

VMNs can record Citizen Science hours through the iNaturalist activity in Better Impact. Take advantage of the beautiful weather and start snapping pics!

Help protect Virginia’s rare species—right from your phone! By uploading clear, well-documented observations to the iNaturalist app, nature enthusiasts can support the Virginia Natural Heritage Program and strengthen the state’s official Biotics database.

Here are a few essential tips to make sure your iNaturalist observations count:

🪪 Choose a Creative Commons license so Natural Heritage scientists can use your observation.
🤝 Join the DCR iNaturalist project to securely share your coordinates.
📸 Snap clear photos that highlight the species’ unique features.
📍 Make sure your location is accurate within 20 meters; edit it if needed.
📑 Add helpful details, including how many individuals you spotted.

To learn more, visit: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/insights/how-to-make-your-inaturalist-observation-count

08/26/2026

Take a look at this article on blue tree frogs from ARMN. If you’ve seen one at Leesylvania SP or any of our other parks, post it on iNaturalist and let us know.

Link to the ARMN article:
https://armn.org/2026/08/23/wheres-waldo-find-kitten-cute-treefrogs-for-fun-and-science/?fbclid=IwcGRvZgVleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFjWVlzV2FRTFdmbzA0d1Bnc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHlFPh4Pys4VXUHIiaAiGHSCLiziV_WG058BHvFrmyxfrq95t11URD2JMfqt0_aem_T8K5lRJOyw8DsxmRoRW-Dw

Photos and Text by Barbara J. Saffir Look closely. I mean REALLY closely. A hidden treasure that sparked a global study could be hiding in plain sight: mutant blue-colored frogs. And they’re back this summer at Huntley Meadows Park in Alexandria and Leesylvania State Park in Woodbridge—and jus.....

07/24/2026

A great Botany moment brought to you by Drew and Rosie!

07/19/2026

It’s the perfect time to get to know moths!

This year’s is July 18 - 26! Bees and butterflies get a lot of time in the spotlight, but moths are also great pollinators, and a vital part of a healthy ecosystem. So let’s celebrate these cool animals.

Thanks to Zach DuFran of National Moth Week, we have answers to many common questions about moths, including how to tell them apart from butterflies, and why they seem to really love lamps.

Learn about moths ➡️ xerces.org/blog

Ready to meet some cool moths yourself? Take part in National Moth Week! Every moth you observe is data that researchers need to help protect these animals. There are events in many places across the world, plus advice on how to make your own “mothing” setup.

Get started ➡️ nationalmothweek.org

07/14/2026

You can inspire the next generation of naturalists and land stewards! Join our outreach team to connect with community members of all ages. Our next outreach event is BUTTERFLY DAY on Sunday, July 26th. This popular Manassas event is a great way to build your skills with outreach and interpretation. Can you lend a hand? RSVP on our website: https://www.merrimacfarmvmn.com/event-details-registration/butterfly-day-occoquan-forest

07/12/2026

One week from today! Join our friends Prince William Conservation Alliance for their annual butterfly count on Sunday, July 19th. This count focuses on areas around Manassas, and the data will be compiled and sent to the North American Butterfly Association. No experience with butterfly identification is needed... just a willingness to learn! To register, contact [email protected].

Graphic via Keep Prince William Beautiful.

07/12/2026