Jodi Bucknam

M a s on N e ck S t a t e P a rk

TheEagle Eye Volume II1, Issue i

Spring, 2009

Points of interest:   The park is open daily from 8:00 am to dusk.

GPS Comes to Mason Neck

  The Hartwell Eagle Festival is on Saturday, April 25th. See page 7 for a schedule of events.   Spring is breeding season for many reptiles and amphibians, and they often wander across roads. Please drive carefully in the park and elsewhere.   Monarch butterflies are returning from their winter homes in Mexico. The very first individuals should arrive in our area in April.

Last spring, we started a new warm weather program, and this year it’s gotten even bigger and better. “Lost and Found: GPS Adventures” is sure to excite both nature explorers and budding techies. Our park interpreter will introduce you to the Global Positioning

System, using units we provide. You’ll learn how to use the units, then as a group you’ll follow clues and solve a puzzle. Along the way you’ll discover lots of wild and fascinating bits of our park. It’s a combination nature walk and scavenger hunt. What could be more fun? As the weather warms up, we’ll also offer the GPS units for rental. Follow clues for additional games and puzzles to solve, or track coordinates that eventually lead you to Mason Neck State Park’s very own geocache.

A traditional geocache like ours is a hidden container with neat treasures inside. You bring a small treasure of your own, and take one out of the container in return. The coordinates of Mason Neck’s geocache, along with thousands of others, can also be found online at sites such as http:// www.geocaching.com. In April we offer “Lost and Found: GPS Adventures” on Sundays from 1:30-3:30. Rentals begin in May. Come meet us at the Visitor Center and give it a try!

Park Manager’sNotes Inside this issue: The Virginia Opossum

2

Summer Jobs at MNSP

2

Meet the Staff

3

Outreach Opportunities

3

How You Can Help Mason Neck State Park

4

April Programs

4

Canoe and Kayak Trips

5

Gardening For Wildlife

6

Hartwell Eagle Festival

7

Junior & Wee Rangers

8

Spring Birding Whiplash

9

About this time each year, I come to work with mixed feelings. I look forward to warm weather, the landscape filling in with a lush green color, and an increase in park visitors enjoying the park and our wonderful resources. As Park Manager, I also can’t keep from thinking about those projects that didn’t quite get completed. Well, this year I feel pretty good about things and am quite proud of

our park staff. We completed a breakwater project a year early and the shoreline is already showing signs of improvement. We also relocated a portion of Wilson Springs Trail to protect a sensitive resource area, planted hedgerows of native trees and shrubs to provide wildlife habitat, and removed invasive species and woody growth at the shoreline near the Visitor Center. We would not have gotten all this work accomplished without the help of numerous volun-

teers, and they deserve a big thank you. Groups from Rice University and Rochester University even spent their spring breaks working at Mason Neck State Park. I’m looking forward to seeing you in the park this spring and summer. It’s going to be a great year! Please continue to offer your feedback through our Your Comments Count cards and do not hesitate to let me know if you have any concerns or suggestions.

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TheVirginia Opossum This incredible animal inhabits the forest of Mason Neck, although you may only have seen it before as roadkill. Virginia Opossums are a type of mammal called marsupials. Female marsupials have an external pouch in which babies develop until they complete much of their growth. When very young, the babies remain connected to mammary glands

inside the marsupial pouch. Later the babies ride around on Mom’s back until they’re old enough to scamper away. The Opossum roams the forest at night looking for tasty fruit, insects and roots. When an Opossum feels threatened it plays dead, even to the point of hanging a motionless tongue out of its mouth. It also issues

a strong putrid smell, so that the predator leaves the area. Unfortunately, neither playing dead nor smelling bad is good protection against an oncoming car!

Summer Jobs at Mason Neck State Park Are you looking for a job this summer? Consider the following seasonal positions here at Mason Neck State Park! Grounds Worker Senior      

 

Equipment maintenance Trails maintenance Mowing and weed-clipping Other maintenance activities requiring physical labor May supervise other wage employees in the absence of park rangers. Must be able to lift and carry 50 pounds unassisted and work in outdoor conditions. Work variable shifts including weekends. 40 hours/week. Starting pay $11.00/hour.

Park Interpreter/Naturalist  Provide programs interpreting cultural, natural and archaeological features: Guided Walks Scheduled Talks Children’s Activities Junior and Wee Rangers  Provide visitor information on park facilities, services,

rules and regulations at the Environmental Center.  Operate a computer/ electronic cash register for equipment rentals and sales of park passes and merchandise.  Work variable shifts including weekends.  40 hours/week. Starting pay $12.00/hour.

Maintenance Ranger/ Boat Rental Attendant     



  

Mowing & weed-clipping Trails maintenance Assisting park rangers Other maintenance activities requiring physical labor Must be able to lift and carry 50 pounds unassisted and work in outdoor conditions. Work at cartop boat launch assisting customers who rent canoes, kayaks and bicycles. Keep canoes, kayaks, bicycles and related equipment clean. Work variable shifts including weekends. 40 hours/week. Starting pay $10.00/hour.

Contact Ranger   Collect park fees at Contact Station.   Answer a variety of visitor questions.   Serve as front line representative of the park.   Work variable shifts including weekends.   Starting pay $9.50/hour. Job applications are available at http://dcrintra.dcr.virginia.gov/ DCR_Public/Jobs/JobList.cfm Completed applications may be delivered by fax, postal mail, email, or in person to park office at 7301 High Point Rd., Lorton, VA 22079. Fax 703-339-2617 Email [email protected]

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Meet the Staff Jess Lowry, Park Manager: I've been with Virginia State Parks for over 30 years and have worked throughout the Commonwealth. My wife, Sue, loves State Parks and we enjoy walking the trails. My two children, on the other hand, have flown the nest: one to Los Angeles and the other to NYC. Outside of the park, I look forward to visits by my wife's children and our grandchild, Van. David Stapleton, Assistant Manager: I was born in Mobile, Alabama. I married my high school sweetheart, Debbie, almost 34 years ago. We have five sons. I have a B.S. degree in Outdoor Recreation Resource Management from the University of South Alabama. I chose this path for my life because of a higher calling to "show forth His marvelous works". In my spare time I like to travel, fish and hike. Tim Smith, Chief Ranger: I was born in Virginia Beach, and am the youngest of 4 boys. I graduated from West Virginia University with a B.S. in

Recreation and Park Management and then worked at parks in Oregon, Arizona and northern Virginia. In 2003, I became Chief Ranger at Holliday Lake State Park. I transferred to Mason Neck in 2006. I live with my wife Stacey and our 2 dogs and cat. Doug Williams, Park Ranger – Maintenance: Born & raised in Richmond, I started out volunteering with the State Parks which led me to Mason Neck. My main objective is to make a visitor’s experience at the park be pleasant. My wife and I have a dog and a cat. In our spare time, we enjoy hiking, cycling, and traveling. We also enjoy the recent addition of a grandson to the family. Marc Ingramm, Park Ranger— Natural Resources: I’m from Ashtabula, Ohio, 45 minutes east of Cleveland. I graduated in 1999 with a B.S. from Frostburg State in Maryland. My interests include motorcycles, camping, outdoors, fitness, softball, my beagle Nala,

whitewater rafting and canoeing. The best part of my job is working with professionals who share my environmental interests and dedication. Now I get a salary for things I would do anyway! Jodi Bucknam, Administrative Specialist: I grew up in Sudbury, Massachusetts, and studied English at UMassAmherst. My favorite part of the job is introducing children to the natural world. My family taught me a lot about nature and I love to continue the tradition. Outside of work, I enjoy birding, gardening, and swing dancing with my fiance. Ricardo Hoyos, Parks Interpreter: I am from Quito, Ecuador, South America. I studied Ecotourism and Biology. I was a tour guide in the Ecuadorian jungle, and worked in different travel agencies in Quito. I came to the US in December, 2006, and on July 7, 2007, I got married in Grand Rapids, MI. My wife and I life in Arlington, VA with our crazy cat Simba-we love him.

Outreach Programs Mason Neck State Park now offers new outreach programs. A park interpreter is available for presentations and programs at offsite locations. Sites may include, but are not limited to, libraries, schools, retirement communities, and other activity centers.

This is a great way to learn more about our activities and the environment in our area. Embrace your natural heritage! For more information, please contact Tim at the Mason Neck State Park Visitor Center.

Telephone: 703-339-2385 Email: [email protected]

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HowYOU Can Help Mason Neck State Park 1. Leave no trace.

Discard your trash in proper receptacles. Take home everything that you brought into the park.

Prevent your pet from getting in a dangerous fight with another family’s pet. Carry a plastic bag so your pet leaves no trace as well.

Keep your pet safe from wildlife, and wildlife safe from your pet. Make sure your pet stays away from steep drop-offs and restricted areas.

4. Become a volunteer.

Lead our canoe and kayak trips.

Leave the park cleaner than when you arrived! 2. Control your pet on a leash at all times.

Observe wildlife while letting it remain wild and undisturbed.

3. Refrain from picking fruit, flowers or other plants, and from harassing wildlife.

Make sure everyone that visits after you can enjoy the same things you did. Leave the flowers to turn into seeds, which will feed birds and other animals.

Help out in the Visitor Center. Lead or help with interpretive programs, such as hikes. Assist at our spring and fall festivals.

Let’s keep our park beautiful!

April Interpretive Programs SATURDAYS Majestic Eagles 10:30-11:30 am Look for bald eagles with us, and discover their fascinating lives. Meet at Visitor Center. Got Butter? 12:00-1:00 pm Come make and eat delicious fresh butter with us. You’ll love the pure creamy taste, just like George Mason’s family might have enjoyed. Meet at Visitor Center. Walk on the Wild Side 2:00-3:00 pm Join us as we take a walk in search of some of

the wild inhabitants of Mason Neck as they awaken from their winter slumber. Meet at Bay View Trail head. Majestic Eagles 4:00-5:00 pm Look for bald eagles with us, and discover their fascinating lives. Meet at Visitor Center.

SUNDAYS Birding By The Bay 10:30-11:30 am Join this walk to look for songbirds, waterfowl, and of course the bald eagle. Meet at Bay View Trail head.

Lost and Found GPS Adventures 1:30-3:30 pm Ever use a Global Positioning System? Come and learn how to navigate using these small handheld electronic devices, and find hidden caches around the park. GPS units provided. Meet at Visitor Center. Majestic Eagles 4:00-5:00 pm Look for bald eagles with us, and discover their fascinating lives. Meet at Visitor Center.

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Canoe & Kayak Rentals and Expeditions Guided Canoe & Kayak Expeditions Registration

Holiday Trips (morning only) May 10- Mother’s Day Mothers free with paying child! June 21- Father’s Day Fathers free with paying child! Weather Information

All participants must pre-register at the Park Environmental Center, either in person or by phone (703339-2380). Payment must be made at the time the reservation is made. Cancellations must be made 7 days prior to the trip, otherwise refunds will not be granted.

Trips will be held rain or shine. You may reschedule due to weather conditions; however, refunds will not be made at short notice unless the guide cancels the trip. Guides will assess the weather at the time of the tour. If it is unsafe, the trip will be canceled and your money will be refunded.

Morning Trips

Expedition Guides

9-11:30 a.m. This 2.5 hour kayak or canoe trip is offered on Saturdays and Sundays from April through October. Max of 10 persons per trip. Evening Trips 6-8:30 p.m. This 2.5 hour kayak or canoe trip is offered on Saturdays from May through October. Max of 10 persons per trip. Twilight Trips Dusk (see below) This twilight kayak or canoe trip is offered one Friday evening each month. You must be 18 years or older to participate in this trip. Max of 10 persons per trip. Dates:

All trips are led by a certified canoe and kayak guide. The guides will provide safety information and some paddling demonstrations before the tour. Remember, you are responsible for paddling your canoe or kayak. All trips are provided as staffing permits. Prices Morning Trips

$15 per person

Afternoon Trips

$15 per person

Twilight Trips Group rate

$20 per person** $9 per person*

*Group rates are for parties of 5 or more on morning or afternoon trips. **No group rate on twilight trips. Age Requirements Children 14 to 17 years old may paddle solo in a canoe or kayak, but an adult must accompany the trip.

April 10

6:30—9 p.m.

May 8

7—9:30 p.m.

June 5

7:30—10 pm

July 3

7:30—10 pm

August 7

7—9:30 p.m.

allowed in canoes or kayaks.

September 4

6—8:30 p.m.

October 2

5:30—8 p.m.

Twilight tours are for ages 18 and up only.

Canoe & Kayak Rentals Rent a canoe or kayak and explore Kanes Creek on your own. Canoes, solo kayaks, and tandem kayaks are available first-come, first-served. Rentals begin as early as 10 am, and must be returned by 5 pm. Rates Canoes

Kayaks

Tandem Kayaks

$12/hr

$10/hr

$15/hr

$35/4hrs $50/4+hr

$35/4hrs $50/4+hr

$45/4hr $60/4+hr

Age Requirements

 Must be at least 18 years old with a drivers license or other picture ID to rent a canoe or kayak.

 Children 13—17 years old must be accompanied by a legal adult 18 years or older.  Children under 13 are not allowed in a solo kayak, and must be accompanied by a legal adult in a canoe or tandem kayak.

 Children under age 6 are not allowed in canoes or kayaks.

Children 13 and under must paddle with an adult in each canoe or tandem kayak. Children under the age of 6 are not Explore Kanes Creek like never before!

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Gardening ForWildlife Many visitors come to our park to see the diverse wildlife here. Have you wondered why more wildlife may be found in Mason Neck than in your backyard? Parks and other wild spaces provide everything animals need to survive, known collectively as habitat: food, water, shelter, and enough space to raise a family without crowding. With a little thought and effort, you can turn your own backyard into wildlife habitat. You can set aside just a part of your yard for wild creatures, or design your entire yard for wildlife. Even a small patch of land can help provide what animals need to survive. How do you create habitat for wildlife? Providing food is a good way to start. You can do this by adding certain plants to your landscape. Berry-loaded bushes are popular with birds, raccoons, even foxes. Squirrels, wild turkeys, and deer are fond of nuts from trees like oaks, walnuts and beech. Plants that produce tasty seeds are a good choice too, like thistles and sunflowers. Songbirds and small mammals find these particularly attractive. Hummingbirds depend on flower nectar, as do butterflies and other insects. Some of the same flowering plants are also food for caterpillars, and more caterpillars means more butterflies. Keep in mind that native plants are almost always better than exotic plants for a wildlife garden. Not only do native plants tend to require less care to survive our climate, they’re already normal food for our wildlife. In addition to the plants, you can add artificial birdfeeders to ensure a steady supply of food all year. The next step is providing water for your backyard wildlife. This is as easy as installing a bird bath. A shallow basin either at ground level or on a pedestal gives birds and other animals access to fresh water. You can also install a rain barrel under your downspouts

to collect free water both for your garden and for filling the bird bath. Many local communities offer workshops on building rain barrels, or you can follow directions available online. For example, check out http://www.cityofbremerton.com/ content/ sw_makeyourownrainbarrel.html, or http://www.dnr.state.md.us/ed/ rainbarrel.html. You can even put a pond in your garden. Whatever container you use for water in your garden, you’ll want to prevent breeding mosquitoes. With a bird bath, make sure you change out the water every few days. If you have a pond or even a rain barrel, add some insect-eating fish, such as inexpensive goldfish from the pet store. Fish are a better mosquito defense than chemicals. You don’t have to worry whether the fish will harm other animals or your plants, and the fish are entertaining to boot. By now you’re probably already providing shelter and space. The many food plants provide perches and hiding spots for songbirds, provide cover for small creatures like voles and box turtles, and even spots for caterpillars to create their chrysalises. You can also add artificial shelters to your garden: an upturned flower pot can be a cozy cave for toads. Extra space for animals to raise their families can be provided artificially too. Many birds nest in holes, such as in rotted tree trunks. You can provide bird boxes for these birds, from bluebirds to wood ducks. Frogs and toads need water in which to breed. If you create a pond with some plants in the shallows, you should have a happy contingent of amphibians. Don’t worry if you’d rather not use all of your yard for wildlife. With care, you can still have a tame section. If you like to grow vegetables, for example, try fencing off the vegetable plot, and even putting netting over fruit-bearing plants like tomatoes to keep birds away. You

will probably find that encouraging wildlife in your yard also benefits your kitchen garden. Native flowers will attract bees and butterflies that also pollinate your vegetable flowers. Insect eaters can help keep pest bugs from destroying your crops too. Of course, there are indeed animal pests that may bother both wild and tame gardens. As mentioned above, some of the wildlife you’re encouraging will help control pests. It might be tempting to use a quicker chemical pesticide instead, but then you’ll be killing the beneficial insects too, such as ladybugs and praying mantises. They can do the pesticide’s job for you if you’re patient. Toads, too, are great bug eaters. You can even have your backyard habitat certified by the National Wildlife Federation (NWF). NWF’s Wildlife Habitat web site, http://www.nwf.org/ backyard/index.cfm, has a form to submit either electronically or through postal mail. You pay a $15 fee and explain how you are providing habitat and using sustainable gardening methods such as composting, collecting rainwater, and using native plants in your landscape plans. You will be listed in NWF’s registry of certified habitats. You’ll receive a certificate, a free NWF membership and subscriptions to the National Wildlife magazine and a quarterly e-newsletter, Habitats. NWF also sells “Certified Wildlife Habitat” placards you may post in your yard. Have a great spring outside in your garden! Keep an eye on the habitat you provide for our local wildlife, and let us know how things go. Email us your best wildlife gardening tips, and we’ll compile a list to share in a future issue of the Eagle Eye.

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Elizabeth Hartwell Eagle Festival at Mason Neck Saturday, April 25, 2009 8:00 am check-in; 8:30 am race

7 th Annual David Klinghard 5-K Run Walk

10:00 am – 5 p.m.

Displays from Local and National Environmental Organizations

10:00 am

Canoe Tour #1

10:00 am

Nature Hike – Bird Walk for Beginners #1

10:00 to 11:00 am

Hay Rides and Trips to the Great Blue Heron Rookery

11:00 am

Public Program Jess Lowry, Mason Neck State Park – Welcome Greg Weiler, Elizabeth Hartwell National Wildlife Refuge Rob Hartwell – Remarks and Recognition of Public Officials Congressman Gerry Connolly Special Award – Liz Hartwell Conservation Award and Remarks Stephen Hartwell to Present VYCC and Announce 5K Race Winners 2009 Hartwell Fund Volunteer Award

11:45 am

Conclusion of Public Program

Noon to 5 pm

Bluegrass Music by Skystone, Environmental Education Stations, Food and Drink Sales, Hay Rides, Pony Rides, Biking on the Bike Trail, Periodic Trips to the Great Blue Heron Rookery, and Bird Banding Demonstrations

12:00 pm

show #1

Reptiles Alive!

12:30 pm

show #1

Magic Show

1:00 pm

Canoe Tour #2

1:00 pm

show #1

Raptor Conservancy of Virginia – Owls and Hawks

2:00 pm

show #2

Reptiles Alive!

2:00 pm 2:30 pm

Nature Hike – Bird Walk for Beginners #2 show #2

3:00 pm

Magic Show Canoe Tour #3

3:00 pm

show #2

Raptor Conservancy of Virginia – Owls and Hawks

4:00 pm

show #3

Reptiles Alive!

Dusk

Northern Virginia Astronomy Club - Star Gazing Program (weather permitting) Monday April 27th

8 am Shotgun Start

9 th Annual Liz Hartwell Golf Tournament with Special VIP Guests Call 571-212-2129 – www.HartwellFund.org

Sponsored by REI, Roy Rogers, SERVPRO and EnviroSolutions Inc.

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Junior Rangers andWee Rangers Looking for a special chance to get your kids out into nature this summer? Sign up for one or more of our Junior Rangers or Wee Rangers programs! Call the Visitor Center (703-339-2380) to register.

Junior Rangers (ages 7-10) $50.00 fee per child, per session, includes all materials, instruction, a midmorning snack, and the Junior Rangers tee shirt, patch and certificate of completion. Parents should drop off their children at 9:00 am, and return at 4:00 pm for family campfire. Campfire concludes at 5:00 pm.

July 8th - Wet and Wiggly: Have you ever looked through a microscope at the tiny creatures living in pond water? We’ll start with these smallest of animals, then climb the aquatic food chain as we explore how everything in the natural world is connected. We’ll play games, make crafts, hike and even catch fish and other critters from the pond. July 15th – Buggin’ Out: There are hundreds of different types of insects at

Mason Neck State Park. We will find and identify many of these creepy crawlers and discover their fascinating lives through games, crafts, hikes, and more!

July 22nd – Mammal Safari: Camouflaged, cautious, and under cover—let’s discover some elusive mammals on Mason Neck. As we follow their fascinating signs, how many mammals can we find? We’ll also enjoy mammal-themed activities, games and crafts.

Wee Rangers (ages 4-6) Adult must attend with each child. $10.00 fee per child, per session, includes all materials, instruction and certificate of achievement. Children who complete all three sessions may attend the free graduation campfire, and will receive a Wee Rangers t-shirt and patch. Each session starts at 11:00 and ends at 12:30 pm.

June 30th - Frogs and Friends. How many reptiles and amphibians are there hiding all around us? We’ll take a look at some of our captive creatures and then search for more. Through hikes, games, and crafts, we’ll discover the frogs, turtles, snakes and more that call Mason Neck home. July 9th - Butterfly buddies. Have you ever met a butterfly? Come explore the secret world of these dazzling creatures. We’ll enjoy hikes, games, and crafts about butterflies’ lives. July 28th - Fuzzy and Furry. Their fur may be soft, but their teeth are sharp. Discover with us the incredible lives of mammals on Mason Neck. You’ll love themed hikes, fun games, and crafts to take home. August 5th - Graduation Campfire. Children who complete all three sessions may bring their families to make s’mores around our campfire. Free!

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Spring BirdingWhiplash It’s spring, so bring on the birds! This season, many colorful birds are returning to our area from their southern winter homes, while others are leaving to head back north. There are so many comings and goings, it can seem quite confusing to know what to expect at any given day for a bird walk. With the right tools, though, early spring is a great time for bird watching. You can even find winter and summer residents on the same day. How do you know when to go? How do you know which birds to look for? Many of the answers lie in the Virginia Society of Ornithology’s new fourth edition of Virginia’s Birdlife: an Annotated Checklist. This edition is nicknamed “The Gold Book” to differentiate it from earlier editions. It describes the occurrence of Virginia’s many bird species. Readers can discover when each migratory species normally arrives, departs, and even raises its young. To whet your appetite for bird watching here in Mason Neck State Park, here are some highlights of our spring migration. The first bird to return from southern regions is often the Osprey, frequently seen in the park as early as late February. This year the park’s first Osprey was spotted on March 11th. Welcome back! Eastern Phoebes arrive around the same time, and they too

showed up in early March this year. One pair of Phoebes always nests on a light fixture outside the Visitor Center’s interpretive room, and we’ve set up the popular Phoebe Cam in the Visitor Center to give an up-close view. Tree Swallows usually return to the park by the third week of March. This year they were spotted on March 22nd . Look for them swooping through the air in pursuit of tasty flying insects, and poking their heads out of nest boxes near the Visitor Center. Early warblers that come through in March include Pine Warblers and Yellow-throated Warblers. Tundra Swans, Mergansers and other kinds of ducks often congregate in large flocks in late March, in preparation for the trek north. During the first two weeks of April, the park positively bustles with migrants’ arrivals and departures. Black-and-White Warblers, Prothonotary Warblers and White-eyed Vireos are among many new species filling our woods with song. At the same time, many birds that were here throughout the snowy months leave for their summer nesting grounds: the last Canvasbacks and Fox Sparrows are usually gone by mid-April. The second half of April sees even more warblers and vireos arriving, and waterfowl and winter songbirds leaving. Watch for the last glimpse of

Brown Creepers, Goldencrowned Kinglets and shy Winter Wrens. Look for the first returning cuckoos and Rubythroated Hummingbirds in late April as well. By the end of April we see a tsunami of new arrivals: bright Scarlet Tanagers flash amid the budding tree branches, Magnolia Warblers sing high up in the trees, Blue Grosbeaks arrive in our marsh and even Rose-breasted Grosbeaks sometimes stop by our birdfeeders on their way further north. In late April and early May many waterfowl and winter songbirds pack their bags for the north, such as Red-breasted Mergansers and White-throated Sparrows. The end of May is usually your final chance to see the last late migrants until they come back next fall. As you can see, April and May are a busy and rewarding time for birders in our park. The list of recent sightings changes weekly, if not daily. How many species can you spot? When you include our year-round residents like chickadees, can you find 100 species in a day? Give it a try. You can also find out more about Virginia’s bird population by purchasing your own copy of the Gold Book. It’s available from the Virginia Society of Ornithology (http:// www.virginiabirds.net/) for $20.00. Have fun bird watching this spring!