There's also a couple low, wet areas along the Bluebell Trail at Merrimac Farm that need a low boardwalk so people can walk without getting muddy or impacting the habitat. Our end goal is to construct 150 feet of boardwalk, 32” wide, using a cedar tree base with dimension lumber tread.

We have the cedars but are still looking for lumber to use for the treads, so let us know if you have any ideas. Also, after the heavy snows this winter, some other areas along the Bluebell Trail are covered with debris, which also needs to be cleared. Extra tools are always helpful.

We're to trying to get as much done as possible before the April 11 Bluebell Festival and would sure appreciate your help. For questions and to RSVP, call 703-499-4954 or email alliance@pwconserve.org.

We'll travel through the uplands to the edge of the floodplain, covering a variety of habitats, including open fields and woodland edges. Everyone is welcome.

Dress for the weather, bring binoculars and cameras. More info and RSVP (not required) to PWCA , 703.499.4954 or alliance(at)pwconserve.org.

Meet at the North Entrance to Merrimac Farm, 14712 Deepwood Lane, Nokesville, directions

Questions? Contact us at 703-499-4954 or alliance@pwconserve.org.

Bring your family and friends to Merrimac Farm on Sunday, April 11, beginning at 9:00 am, to welcome spring and view the spectacular display of Virginia Bluebells that carpet the floodplain along Cedar Run for nearly a mile. In the words of one visitor, it's like walking through Oz.

We'll have naturalist-led tours to the Bluebells and Cedar Run, where you can stay as long as you'd like. A nature art show featuring local artists and photographers will be ongoing inside the Stone House Visitor Center. Outside on the front lawn, local groups will have fun nature activities for children of all ages. Read more...

At the end of the morning, we're ready for soup and sandwiches. But if you were a frog, you'd be looking for flies. In addition to frogs, we'll investigate what's on the lunch menu for wildlife at Merrimac Farm cafe.

After a discovery walk, we'll return to the Stone House and create clay replicas of your favorite animals favorite lunch.

Workshop leaders - Linda Johnston and Kathy Madson. Suggested contribution is $5/ea.

Register early! Program is capped at 12 participants. To register, send your contact information to alliance@pwconserve.org or call 703.499.4954..

The Featherstone Refuge is located at the point where Neabsco Creek flows into the Potomac River. With 325 acres of bottomland forests and freshwater tidal marshes, the Refuge attracts waterfowl, wading birds and migratory songbirds. Bald eagles and other raptors perch along the Potomac River shoreline.

This is a great spot to watch wildlife! The Featherstone Refuge is generally closed to public uses and many people do not even know it exists. Now is you chance to visit this fabulous natural area along Prince William's Potomac River shoreline. Bring binoculars and cameras. Wear clothes suitable for the outdoors, including long pants and sturdy shoes.

For questions and to register, email alliance@pwconserve.org or call 703.499.4954..

Speaker - Charles Smith, Natural Resource Manager, Fairfax County Park Authority

Able to thrive in suburban landscapes and released from hunting pressure, white tail deer pose a significant threat to our remaining natural areas by over browsing - eliminating hundreds of native plant and animal species.

White tail deer management is often a polarizing issue driven more by emotion than logic. Come hear naturalist Charles Smith speak about the science as well as the politics behind the issue of managing white-tail deer.

Learn about the ecological and financial benefits of land conservation for individuals and communities.

AGENDA

Opening remarks

• Congressman Gerry Connolly, 11th Congressional District
• Robert Davenport, Director, Virginia Land Conservation Foundation
• Supervisor Mike May, Vice-Chairman, Prince William County Board of Supervisors

Presentations

• Bob Lee, Executive Director, Virginia Outdoor Foundation
• Sara Richardson, Land Conservation Coordinator, VA Dept. of Conservation & Recretion

Q&A and Community Discussion with all speakers

Check for displays from local and regional land trusts and environmental organizations in the lobby.