2024 VHS Events
April
ReptileFest at the Virginia Museum of Natural History
Where: Viriginia Museum of Natural History, Martinsville VA
When: Friday, April 19 & Saturday, April 20, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Earth Day Festival
Where: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax Oakton, VA
When: Sunday, April 21, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
6th Annual Environment Expo
Where: Fort Hunt Park - Park Map - Google Map
When: Saturday, April 27, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Waynesboro Riverfest
Where: Waynesboro RiverFest
When: Saturday, April 27, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
May
26th Annual Eagle Festival
Where: Mason Neck State Park
When: Saturday, May 11, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Turtles of Virginia
Where: Zoom Presentation—Turtles of Virginia
Matt Close, Associate Professor, Radford University’s Biology Department will give a
Zoom presentation
about Virginia turtles, their role in the environment, and the challenges they face.
When: Wednesday, May 15, at 7:00 p.m. EST.
Register Here: Zoom Turtle Presentation
June
18th Annual HerpBlitz at Powhatan WMA
Join us for the 18th annual HerpBlitz, taking place at Powhatan Wildlife Management Area, nestled in Powhatan County, Virginia. This event will be held on Saturday, June 1st, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Sunday, June 2nd, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The survey will take place rain or shine.
The Powhatan Wildlife Management Area spans over 4,462 acres and boasts several large lakes, ponds, mature forests, and swampy areas, offering a rich habitat for herpetofauna.
In light of Virginia's spring squirrel hunting season running from June 1st to June 15th, all participants are required to wear a blaze orange hat or blaze orange safety vest during the survey. This measure ensures everyone's safety during the event.
Participants aged 17 or older must possess a valid Virginia hunting, freshwater fishing, trapping license, current Virginia boat registration, or restore the wild membership. Alternatively, they can obtain an access permit to survey the Wildlife Management Area land. Access permits can be acquired online at: https://dwr.virginia.gov/hunting/regulations/licenses/ for $4.00 per day, or $23.00 for access for a year.
We will convene at the Bass Pond parking area promptly at 8:30 each morning (GPS coordinates: 37.543637, -78.007336). Please note that this is a remote wildlife management area with no nearby stores or restroom facilities. We kindly ask participants to bring all necessary provisions, including food, for the duration of the survey.
Given the natural environment, we advise taking precautions against ticks by treating your clothing with permethrin or using tick repellent.
Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to explore and contribute to our understanding of herpetofauna in the Powhatan Wildlife Management Area. Register now to secure your spot for this unforgettable event. We look forward to seeing you there!
Where: Powhatan Wildlife Management Area
When: Saturday - Sunday, June 1-2
Registration: Register here
Virginia Black Bear Festival
Where: Virginia Black Bear Festival - Stanardsville, VA
When: Saturday, June 1, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Pollinator Festival
Where: Deep Run Park & Recreation Center - Richmond, VA
When: Saturday, June 8, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Herpetological Talk for Kids
Where: Herndon Fortnightly Library
When: Monday, June 24, 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
September
Herndon NatureFest
Where: Runnymede Park, Herndon VA
When: Sunday, September 29, 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.