Volunteer Activities: October 2026

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Continuing Education Corner

By Susan D. Howell, Continuing Education Chair

"I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers." — Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

The Continuing Education Team is looking for volunteers. If you have event planning, advertising & marketing skills, we want you! Also seeking a Continuing Education Chair to serve the chapter in 2028 and beyond. Join the board! Team members are also needed to assist with set up, clean up, hospitality, and people. Please fill out this form.

Merrimac Farm 2026 Chapter Continuing Education Lecture & Event Series

Wow! What great fun the Continuing Education Team has been this year! We have all had a blast bringing these events to the Merrimac Farm Virginia Master Naturalists Chapter and the greater Prince William community this year! We hope you have enjoyed them too! Thank you to the MF VMN Board for giving us and the chapter the opportunity to get all of our CE requirements locally with local experts and engage with the community. Gratitude to all of the speakers and presenters who have contributed to this effort - Joe Barnes, Clean Virginia Waterways, Drew Uglow, Prince William County Public Works, Tom Dombrowski, PWC Public Works, Gabby Younken, Occoquan Bay Wildlife Refuge, Candice Lowther, VMN, and Robin Firth, Prince William County Forest Pest Management & VMN. Infinite gratitude to Cokesbury United Methodist Church in Woodbridge for their wonderful support in hosting the lectures. And special gratitude to the best team ever - Elena, Elliot, Judy, Lyn, Ines, Marie, Deanna & Janine! Special thanks to Phil McKechan for his sound and recording production expertise. Thanks to all! Please let us know what Continuing Education events you want to participate in for 2027. -Susan, CE Chair.

"October is the month for painted leaves... As fruits and leaves and the day itself acquire a bright tint just before they fall, so the year nears its setting." — Henry David Thoreau

Please see the website for more on-going, online continuing education classes, and webinars and CE offerings from our partners.

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Continuing Education Activities

Chapter Hike - Bull Run Mountains Preserve

Date: Sunday, October 18th, 1 PM - 3 PM

Location: Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve, Broad Run

Description: For our October hike, we'll explore a property consisting of old-growth forest that will (fingers crossed!) be showing some beautiful fall color during our visit. VMN Members, families, and friends are all welcome.

How to Register: via our website, https://www.merrimacfarmvmn.com/event-details-registration/monthly-hike-series-bull-run-mountains-natural-area-preserve

BetterImpact Category: CE - Lectures, Talks, Interpretive Walks, Classes, Workshops

VMN Chapter Leadership Demystified

Date: Tuesday, October 13th, 7 PM - 8 PM

Location: Zoom meeting, link shared with registered attendees

Description: We can’t have VMN chapters or a functional statewide program without local volunteer leadership. Our chapter could always use additional help in some way, whether on committees, leading projects, or serving on the board. This session will include statewide program staff who will teach you about what chapter leadership entails and ways you can get involved.

How to Register: via Zoom, https://virginiatech.zoom.us/meeting/register/18ItFbjUTzG0x-cVxMuTlg#/registration

BetterImpact Category: CE - VMN Webinars - Scheduled (for Calendar)

Beyond the Storm Drain: Lecture Series #WOW

Dates: Tuesdays, 6:30 PM | Oct. 13, 20, 27; Nov. 3, 10

Location: City of Manassas Community Center, 8750 Sudley Rd, Manassas

Description: a free stormwater educational series. Our own Sarah Coradetti and Susan Howell will be presenting the lecture on November 10th about water quality. Other topics include B.E.S.T. Lawns, Virginia Conservation Assistance Program, Stormwater Best Practices, and Water Stewardship.

How to Register: via SignUpGenius, https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0E48A8AE2DA1F49-64955086-look#/

BetterImpact Category: CE - Lectures, Talks, Interpretive Walks, Classes, Workshops

Virginia Save Our Streams Monitor Field Certification #WOW

Date: Saturday, October 17th, 10 AM - 2 PM

Location: shared with registered attendees

Description: Support local water quality data by becoming a Certified Virginia Save Our Streams Monitor. Your work will support DEQ and the Bay Program with local water quality data. After completing the online training (link in RSVP), you must complete a field protocol test to become certified.

How to Register: with Prince William Soil & Water Conservation District, https://app.unison.io/schedules/4yWeiU21fWyPBeZz23ZQ80

BetterImpact Category: CE - Soil and Water Conservation Districts-Water Quality Monitoring Training

EmpowerU! Advocating Natural Resource Conservation and Management

Program Duration: October 9 - November 12

Location: Zoom meetings, plus independent online coursework through Canvas

Description: this free course offers a chance for master volunteers and natural resources professionals to grow their skills to meaningfully engage decision makers about natural resource issues. The program is delivered through a series of self-paced online learning activities and three live online sessions.

How to Register: complete the online registration by October 8th. https://www.virginiamasternaturalist.org/continuing-education/empoweru/

BetterImpact Category: CE - VMN Recorded Webinars

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Citizen Science Activities

Prince William Stream Monitors Collective Water Quality Monitoring #WOW

Multiple Dates & Locations:

Sarah Coradetti's Team: Westbridge neighborhood, Woodbridge.

Sunday, October 4, 10 AM - 1 PM | RSVP: https://app.unison.io/schedules/5lgZNI1PiffT78dM16Xni9

Sunday, October 11, 10 AM - 1 PM | RSVP: https://app.unison.io/schedules/5xRCvctWgIbDbtg1vJPq5K

Lisa Starling's Team: Andrew Leitch Park, Woodbridge

Sunday, October 4, 10 AM - 12 PM

Jess McCaulley's Team: Ben Lomond, Manassas

Saturday, October 10, 10 AM

Elaine Wilson's Team: James Long Park, Haymarket

Sunday, October 18, 10 AM

Josie Anderson's Team: Montclair, Dumfries

Saturday, October 31, 10 AM

Susan Howell's Team: Prince William Forest Park, Woodbridge

Thursday, November 5, 10 AM

Description: Join us in gathering, identifying and counting the aquatic macroinvertebrates in our local bodies of water in Prince William County. No experience required - team leaders will explain the Rocky Bottom Protocol and provide directions on how to identify the macroinvertebrates.

How to Register: contact merrimacfarmvmn@gmail.com with the team name in the subject line to be connected with the team leader.

BetterImpact Category: CS - WQM, SOS - Water Quality Monitoring

NVBA Butterfly & Dragonfly Surveys

Dates: Fridays, October 2nd & 23rd, 8 AM - 12 PM

Location: Metz Wetlands (2nd) and Occoquan Bay NWR (23rd), Woodbridge

Description: Join fellow citizen scientists to tally butterflies and dragonflies as part of NVBA's ongoing survey program. Volunteers are welcome to attend one or both events.

How to Register: via the NVBA website, https://www.nvbirdalliance.org/nvba-classes-events

BetterImpact Category: CS - NVBA Wildlife Surveys

Bird Walk at Clifton Institute

Date: Wednesday, October 14th, 8 AM - 10 PM

Location: The Clifton Institute, 6712 Blantyre Rd, Warrenton

Description: Watch birds around the Institute's field station with their staff team. Registration is strictly required.

How to Register: via the Clifton Institute website, https://cliftoninstitute.org/event/bird-walk-106/

BetterImpact Category: CS - eBird

Natural Resources Survey

Date: Wednesday, October 28th, 7:30 AM - 12 PM

Location: Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, 13950 Dawson Beach Road, Woodbridge

Description: discover native birds, other fauna and flora in the company of dedicated citizen scientists. Organized by Northern Virginia Bird Alliance.

How to Register: via the NVBA website, https://www.nvbirdalliance.org/natural-resource-surveys

BetterImpact Category: CS - NVBA Wildlife Surveys

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Education/Outreach Activities

Tabling - Trick or Treatment #WOW

Date: Saturday, October 24th, 9 AM - 2 PM

Location: H. L. Mooney Advanced Water Reclamation Facility, 1851 Rippon Blvd, Woodbridge

Description: We need volunteers to staff our chapter’s outreach table at this event. Volunteers will be trained on how to set up the booth and run the children’s activities.

How to Register: email merrimacfarmvmn@gmail.com with subject line "Trick or Treatment Volunteer".

BetterImpact Category: E/O - Community Outreach - Presentations, Lectures and Booth staffing, interpretative walks, caboose

Halloween Safari

Dates: Fridays, October 16th and 23rd, 6:30 PM - 8 PM

Location: Leopold's Preserve, 16290 Thoroughfare Road, Broad Run

Description: Bull Run Mountains Conservancy needs help with their popular Halloween Safari program. They are seeking enthusiastic volunteers to dress up as native wildlife (costumes provided, or bring your own!) and perform short, fun, educational skits along the trail for visiting families. They are also seeking trail guides to lead family groups through the trails to each station.

How to Register: contact Matthew Frost, mfrost@brmconservancy.org, with subject line "Halloween Safari Volunteer".

BetterImpact Category: E/O - Trail Leader/Caboose for Education and Outreach Walks/Hikes

Robotics Team Interview

Date: Flexible through the end of October

Location: Multiple PWC elementary schools (Springwoods, Montclair, Piney Branch)

Description: Multiple robotics teams are seeking subject matter experts in ecology, wildlife biology, and conservation to interview as part of the this year's biodiversity theme. Volunteers would answer questions and offer feedback to the students at one or two club meetings.

How to Register: contact merrimacfarmvmn@gmail.com with subject line "Robotics" to be connected with the teachers in need.

BetterImpact Category: E/O - Community Outreach - Presentations, Lectures and Booth staffing, interpretative walks, caboose

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Stewardship Activities

PWCA Fall Adopt a Stream #WOW

Date: Sunday, October 25th, 11 AM - 2 PM

Location: Merrimac Farm Wildlife Management Area, 15014 Deepwood Ln, Nokesville

Description: Our friends at the Prince William Conservation Alliance need our help to clean up Cedar Run. Let's keep our namesake property healthy and beautiful.

How to Register: contact alliance@pwconserve.org to register.

BetterImpact Category: S - PWCA Cedar Run Adopt-A-Stream

Brentsville Courthouse Cleanup Day

Date: Sunday, October 4th, 9:30 AM

Location: Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre, 12229 Bristow Road, Bristow

Description: PWC Office of Historic Preservation is seeking help with a final park cleanup for 2026. Work to remove Japanese honeysuckle vines, downed limbs, and English ivy at the ground level. No experience or knowledge needed.

How to Register: via Volunteer Prince William, https://volunteers.volunteerprincewilliam.org/need/detail/?need_id=1312709

BetterImpact Category: S - Invasive Plant Removal Projects (other)

Friends of the Occoquan Cleanup #WOW

Date: Saturday, October 3rd, 9 AM - 12 PM

Location: multiple locations; Lake Ridge Marina, Town of Occoquan, Occoquan Regional Park, Fountainhead Regional Park, Bull Run Marina

Description: FOTO's semi-annual cleanup focuses on the Occoquan River. Refreshments provided, please bring your own water bottle.

How to Register: email foto@friendsoftheoccoquan.org with your desired location & time slot, names of all volunteers in your group, and your contact details.

BetterImpact Category: S - Other Public Lands Support

Woodbridge District Route 1 Cleanup

Date: Sunday, October 10th, 9 AM - 12 PM

Location: Featherstone Square Shopping Center, 14591 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Woodbridge

Description: Join Woodbridge District Supervisor Jeannie LaCroix and Keep Prince William Beautiful for their bi-annual Route 1 cleanup. The cleanup will be about a 1.5-mile round trip, starting and ending at the shopping center.

How to Register: via KPWB's google form, https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdJPXYCz0aDQ20pd838M7ovrkidIuGao08BpnH6dI84U9zL3Q/viewform

BetterImpact Category: S - Keep PW Beautiful Events

Neabsco Bandalong Cleanup #WOW

Date: Wednesday, October 14th, 10 AM

Location: near Neabsco Creek Ct, Woodbridge (RSVP for detailed directions)

Description: The Neabsco Bandalong is Prince William County’s premier floatable trash capture device spanning Neabsco Creek. Join the team to clean out the metal traps that intercept and filter out litter, debris, and pollutants before they reach the bay. Training and gloves provided.

How to Register: contact Drew Uglow at AUglow@pwcgov.org

BetterImpact Category: S - Other Public Lands Support

Quantico Creek Cleanup #WOW

Date: Saturday, October 17th, 9 AM - 12 PM

Location: Simpson Community Center, 17757 Main Street, Dumfries

Description: Remove litter and debris at the last Town of Dumfries cleanup of 2026.

How to Register: via Volunteer Prince William, https://volunteers.volunteerprincewilliam.org/need/detail/?need_id=1304162

BetterImpact Category: S - Other Public Lands Support

Riparian Tree Planting #WOW

Date: Saturday, October 17th, 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Location: Leopold's Preserve, 16290 Thoroughfare Rd, Broad Run

Description: Help plant 200+ native trees and shrubs for a riparian habitat restoration project. This project will establish a diverse native understory to protect water quality in the North Fork of Broad Run, with support from Fairfax Water.

How to Register: via Leopold's Preserve website, leopoldspreserve.com/events-1/volunteer-tree-planting-2026-10-17-08-30

BetterImpact Category: S - Leopold's Preserve Workdays

Chapter Stream Cleanup #WOW

Date: Saturday, November 14th, 9 AM - 11 AM

Location: near Walgreens, 10671 Sudley Manor Dr, Manassas

Description: Our chapter adopted this urbanized stream many years ago, so it's our responsibility to keep it free of trash and invasive plants. We need all hands on deck for our last cleanup of the year. Families and friends welcome!

How to Register: via SignUpGenius, tinyurl.com/CleanupNov2026

BetterImpact Category: S - Adopt A Stream (near Manassas Costco & Bull Run watershed)

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Administration Activities

Board Meeting

Date: Tuesday, October 20th, 7 PM - 9 PM

Location: Zoom meeting, https://zoom.us/j/92833206013?pwd=DqjrRA8t5il54fL5ulDftzYCjwbnyg.1

Description: We'll be discussing plans for the upcoming chapter meeting, elections, board retreat, and finances. All members are welcome to join and participate.