| The Rural Crescent: Exploring the Path from Sprawl to Sustainability |
When:
Thursday, March 7, from 7 to 9pm
Where: Northern Virginia Community College Manassas Campus, Colgan Theater 6901 Sudley Rd, Manassas, Free Parking! directions
Bring your questions and ideas.
Sponsored by Prince William Conservation Alliance, Northern Virginia Community College and MidCounty Civic Association with Nokesville Civic Association, Coalition to Protect Prince William, Lake Ridge Occoquan Coles Civic Association, and Woodbridge Potomac Communities Civic Association |
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 In 1998 PWC Supervisors adopted a Comprehensive Plan that formally established an urban growth boundary, the Rural Crescent. Their intent was to strengthen the County’s capacity to control urban sprawl.
An urban growth boundary is designed to accomplish many goals, including to safeguard open space and agricultural land from sprawl development. They also seek to encourage smart growth and provide predictable approaches to capital investment and development.
After 20 years, the basic concept of Prince William's urban growth boundary is still in place. By continuing to support the Rural Crescent, county leaders can promote investment in areas that might otherwise be left behind and put the county in the best position for a positive future.
Speakers include:
- Tom Eitler is the Senior Vice President for the Urban Land Institute and former PWC Chief of Long-range Planning when the Rural Crescent was adopted.
- Mike May is the managing partner of May Law LLP and served on the Occoquan District on the Board of Supervisors from 2007 to 2016.
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| First Day Hike |
When:
Tuesday, January 1, 2019, from 1 to 3pm
Where: Meet in the parking lot of Green Front Furniture,
10154 Harry J Parrish Blvd, Manassas, directions
RSVP to alliance@ pwconserve.org, 703.490.5200 |
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 Start the new year right! Join us for a walk through the Route 234 Wetland Mitigation Area... 89 acres of forested and emergent wetlands protected by an upland corridor. This site was developed by the Virginia Dept. of Transportation (VDOT)to replace wetlands and wildlife habitats lost to the construction of the Route 234 Bypass.
Permanently protected by a conservation easement, the Route 234 Wetland Mitigation Area preserves both upland and wetland habitats and is quickly becoming a refuge for wildlife in a rapidly developing area. Read more... |
| Nokesville Christmas Bird Count |
When:
Sunday, December 23, beginning at 7am
RSVP to join a survey team. Contact us at alliance@ pwconserve.org, 703.490.5200
Where: Teams meet at separate locations close to their survey area. |
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 With the holiday season upon us, it will soon be time for the 116th Christmas Bird Count, led by the National Audubon Society. The Nokesville Count, sponsored by PWCA, covers a 15-mile diameter circle centered on Merrimac Farm WMA.
There are three different ways you can help!
1. Identify and count birds in the field (beginning birders welcome). Birders join a team that covers a defined sector within the count area. Teams meet up at 7:00am at a location within their sector. Most teams pause midday for a hot lunch at Merrimac Farm.
2. Identify and count birds in your backyard (if you live in the Nokesville Circle Boundaries)
3. Prepare and/or serve food to cold and hungry birders at the Merrimac Farm Stone House beginning at 11:00am.
This is a great opportunity to see the variety of birds that live in your area in winter months. Please come out to join us for a fun day and be a part of the oldest and largest citizen science project in the world. |
| Smart Growth Tour - It Can Happen Here |
When: Saturday, June 2, 10am to noon
Where: Manassas VRE Station, 9451 West St, Manassas
RSVP: alliance@ pwconserve.org, 703.490.5200
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 Manassas is doing it right. The city is following smart growth principles, investing in public infrastructure that is creating a live-work-play downtown.
In contrast, Prince William is considering going back to the "dumb growth" practices that created expensive suburban sprawl until the 1998 Comprehensive Plan defined an urban growth boundary, separating the Rural Area from the Development Area.
Join us on a one-hour walk around Manassas, see how integrated land use and transportation planning creates "progress," and join us afterwards for coffee and conversation. |
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| Butterfly Walks at Merrimac Farm WMA |
When: Sat, May 12, 1-3pm
Sat, June 2, 1-3pm
RSVP appreciated to alliance@ pwconserve.org, 703.499.4954
Where: Meet at Merrimac Farm, Stone House, 15014 Deepwood Lane, Nokesville
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 Join us as we search for butterflies! Learn how to identify butterflies and habitat diversity, meet new friends, and explore the great outdoors.
No experience needed, families welcome. RSVP appreciated to [email protected] |
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| Comprehensive Planning 101 |
When: Tuesday, April 24, 7-9pm (doors open at 6:30pm)
Where: Clearbrook Center for the Arts, 2230 Tacketts Mill Drive, Woodbridge
RSVP: alliance@ pwconserve.org, 703.490.5200
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 Come learn the basics of land use and transportation planning in Prince William. Get smarter and get more effective in steering how we can create high quality live-work-play communities with transit and save green open space too.
Prince William County is updating the Comprehensive Plan now. The eight elected supervisors are changing the rules on what development can occur, and where.
The Rural Area could be re-opened to sprawl subdivisions (ugh), or we could re-affirm the plan since 1998 to focus growth in the Development Area (yeah).
PWCA can help you get dangerously smart. Bring your questions, learn from our short presentations, and meet others who care about where we live. |
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| Trees on Tap - The Rural Crescent |
When: Monday, March 12, 6-8pm
Where: Waters End Brewery, 12425 Dillingham Square, Lake Ridge
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 A Community Get-together
What's happening with our urban growth boundary, the Rural Crescent? Join us to hear the latest news.
Special guests Woodbridge Supervisor Frank Principi and Brentsville Supervisor Jeanine Lawson.
Share your views and meet new friends! Questions? Contact us at alliance@ pwconserve.org or 703.499.4954 |
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| Trees on Tap Community Get-together |
When: Monday, Nov 27, 7pm
Where: Waters End Brewery, 12425 Dillingham Square, Lake Ridge,
directions
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 Green buffers are at risk - what’s up with that?
Over the long run, buffers raise property values and attract economic development. But developers say they consider buffers to be "unusable space" that limits profitability.
Join PWCA to hear the latest about ongoing efforts to protect green open space. Share your views, meet new friends and have fun.
Free. Buy your own beer, appetizers provided.
RSVP appreciated to alliance@ pwconserve.org or 703.499.4954 |
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| Bird Walks at Merrimac Farm |
When: On the last Sunday of every month at 8am
Where: Meet at Merrimac Farm, Stone House, 15014 Deepwood Lane, Nokesville
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 We'll look for birds as we 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 (appreciated) to PWCA , 703.499.4954 or [email protected].
View the bird list for Merrimac Farm HERE. |
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Leesylvania State Park Living Shoreline: Protecting Potomac River Shorelines |
When: Sunday Sept 10, at 2pm
Where: Meet in the main (last) parking lot Leesylvania State Park, 2001 Daniel K. Ludwig Drive, Woodbridge
RSVP required to alliance@ pwconserve.org or 703.499.4954
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 Join us for a walk along a living shoreline at Leesylvania State Park led by ecologist Charles Smith and project designer Tom Dombrowski.
As sea levels rise, erosion of our Potomac River shoreline will increasingly threaten wetlands and wildlife habitats, and reduce the abundance of key bird and other species.
A variety of approaches to protect these important resources are available, ranging from hard fixes to investments to enhance natural areas.
Living shorelines use natural materials and vegetation to reduce erosion and provide habitat. Traditional shoreline protection uses rock and man-made materials that often fail, are unattractive and do not support wildlife.
By mixing traditional materials with native plants, biodegradable matting and wood, attractive, stable shorelines can be created that protect wetlands and host numerous animal species.
Learn how the living shoreline at Leesylvania State Park was designed and functions, and observe the many benefits it provides to local communities and the Chesapeake Bay. |
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| Butterfly Walk at Merrimac Farm WMA |
When:
Sunday, Sept 17, 1-3pm
Where: Meet at Merrimac Farm, Stone House, 15014 Deepwood Lane, Nokesville
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Join us as we search for butterflies! Learn how to identify butterflies and habitat diversity, meet new friends, and explore the great outdoors.
No experience needed, families welcome. RSVP appreciated to [email protected] |
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| PWCA Open House - Honoring Tom Smith, PWC Landfill Chief |
Rescheduled from Wednesday, September 20, 5:30 to 7:00pm
Where: PWCA office, 2241F Tackett's Mill Drive, Woodbridge
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 Following many years of service to Prince William citizens, Solid Waste Division Chief Tom Smith will soon retire.
Tom leaves a legacy of improvements that have advanced the environmental sustainability of our landfill. Thanks to his steady march forward, the County has established recycling, active yard waste composting, and methane gas programs, to name a few. Learn more about Tom's achievements at our Open House.
Please join us for a drinks, appetizers, and a toast to Tom Smith! Our Open House is free of charge, everyone is welcome. For more information, contact us at [email protected] or 703-499-4954. |
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| Insect Survey at Merrimac Farm WMA |
When: 4:00 to 6:00pm on Monday, August 28
Where: Please RSVP to alliance@ pwconserve.org for the meeting location. |
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 Join us as we search for butterflies, dragonflies and other important pollinators.
Help us learn more about wildlife diversity, habitats at Merrimac Farm, meet new friends, and explore the great outdoors.
This is a regularly scheduled survey that occurs every other Thursday through mid September.
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| Wildlife Garden Workday |
When:Saturday, Aug 26, 9am to noon
Where: Merrimac Farm Wildlife Management Area, 15014 Deepwood Lane, Nokesville 20181, directions
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 Thanks to volunteer support, we created an area at Merrimac Farm WMA where people and the environment can come together as one. It's a great area to watch wildlife, learn about native plants and pollinators, and get ideas for your own backyard.
We need help to keep nonnative invasive plants in check to maintain high quality habitat. Even if you can come just once, your help makes a big difference. Wear long pants, sturdy shoes, and long socks.
Questions and RSVP (appreciated) to alliance@ pwconserve.org or 703-499-4954.
Read more about Merrimac Farm Wildlife Management Area HERE. |
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| 2017 Butterfly Count - Manassas Circle |
When: Saturday, July 29 rained out - rescheduled to Sunday, August 6, beginning at 10am
RSVP Required to alliance@ pwconserve.org, 703.499.4954. You'll receive the meeting location for your survey team. |
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 Help us count butterflies for the Annual 4th of July Butterfly Count and learn more about butterfly populations close to home.
This count is part of a nationwide program led by the North American Butterfly Association (NABA), which compiles information about butterfly populations and distribution that's used to study the effects of climate and habitat change on North American butterflies.
“Every single day there are fewer butterflies in the United States than there were the day before. You don’t have to be a genius to figure it out,” said geneticist and NABA president Jeffrey Glassberg.
Here in Prince William on July 29, we'll form teams and see how many butterflies we can find within our 113,000 acre count circle (centered on Manassas Airport). To view our survey area on Google Earth, use the coordinates 38.724270, -77.500466 as the center point for a circle with a 7.5 mile radius.
We submit our compiled results to NABA's national database for butterflies. Everyone is welcome. We are also seeking tips on specific areas to survey, notably areas with flowers. Please email us if you have ideas. |
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| Land Use 101 |
When: Friday, April 28, from 9am to 2:30pm
Free of Charge
Lunch is Provided
RSVP Required email alliance@ pwconserve.org 703.499.4954
Where: Prince William Area Realtors, 4545 Daisy Reid Ave, Woodbridge 22192, directions
Sponsored by:
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 A workshop for homeowners, civic groups, realtors and others interested in planning for a bright future.
Agenda:
Welcome
The Honorable Ruth Anderson, Prince William Board of County Supervisors, Occoquan District
Planning: The Big Picture
Charlie Grymes, Chair, Prince William Conservation Alliance
The Role of Elected Officials
The Honorable Marty Nohe, Prince William Board of County Supervisors, Coles District
The ABCs of Land Use Planning
Rebecca Horner, Planning Director, Prince William County
What Happens to the Trees? Buffers, Landscaping, and
Open Space
Julie Flanagan, Arborist, Prince William County Watershed Management
Stormwater: Practical Tips for Homeowners, Developers, and Realtors
Marc Aveni, Branch Chief, Prince William County Environmental Services
Cluster Development
John McBride, Attorney, Odin, Feldman & Pittleman
Conservation Wordbook, Charlie Grymes, Chair, Prince William Conservation Alliance |
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| Bluebell Festival at Merrimac Farm WMA |
When: Sunday, April 9, 10am to 4pm
Where: Merrimac Farm WMA, 15014 Deepwood Lane, Nokesville 20181, directions
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 Please join us to welcome spring, celebrate nature close to home and meet local organizations and people who are working to improve our community.
With some of the best Northern Virginia naturalists leading tours and activities, we're looking forward to a special day at an outstanding natural area.
Click HERE to view the tour schedule and topics.
Free of charge and family friendly! Questions? Contact us at alliance@ pwconserve.org or 703-499-4954. |
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| PWCA Annual Fundraiser Party |
When: Sunday, March 12 from 3 to 6pm
Where: Tall Oaks Community Center, 12298 Cotton Mill Drive, Woodbridge, directions
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 Water Runs Through It: A Community Wetlands Safari
Guest Speaker Alonso Abugattas, the Capital Naturalist, is a locally known naturalist, environmental educator, speaker, and storyteller. He is Co-Chair of the National Association for Interpretation Region 2, co-founder of the Washington Area Butterfly Club and Natural Resources Manager for Arlington County Parks.
Eat, drink and think green!
Suggested minimum donation$50/ea. Please RSVP by March 8.
Contact us at alliance@ pwconserve.org, 703.499.4954 |
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| PWCA Open House |
When: Monday, March 22 from 5:30 to 7pm
Where: Prince William Conservation Alliance, 2241F Tackett's Mill Drive, Woodbridge, directions
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 Special Speaker Marc Aveni, Chief of Prince William's Environmental Services division, will share information about updates to stormwater rules and the Chesapeake Bay.
Please join us for a drink, appetizers, and a lively conversation about stormwater from our backyards to the Chesapeake Bay!
Our Open House is free of charge, everyone is welcome. For more information, contact us at [email protected] or 703-499-4954. |
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| Barbara W. Ellis Talk -- Greener Gardens: One Step at a Time |
When: Sunday, February 12 from 2pm to 4pm
Where: Manassas Park Community Center 99 Adam Street, Manassas Park, VA, directions
Registration recommended. For questions and to RSVP call 703-792-7747 or email master_gardener @pwcgov.org. |
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 Speaker: Barbara Ellis is the author of Chesapeake Gardening & Landscaping The Essential Green Guide
Creating a greener yard and garden does not have to involve making life-altering changes.
In this talk, Ms. Ellis will discuss a range of options—from simple steps to ambitious projects—that gardeners and homeowners can take to create beautiful, more sustainable gardens and landscapes that are attractive and healthy for humans, wildlife, pets, and the environment as a whole—including the Chesapeake Bay and all its tributaries.
This event is free of charge, and refreshments will be served. Copies of the book will be available for sale and Ms. Ellis will sign copies after her presentation.
Sponsored by the Prince William Wildflower Society, with support from Prince William Conservation Alliance and Prince William Master Gardeners |
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| PW Parkway (Chinn Park) Elementary School Update |
When: Tuesday, February 7, 4 to 6:30pm at Prince William Conservation Alliance, 2241F Tacketts Mill Drive, Woodbridge,directions
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 Community Meeting Tuesday, February 7, 4 to 6pm at Prince William Conservation Alliance, 2241F Tackett's Mill Drive, Woodbridge
Planning Commission Vote Wednesday, February 15, 7pm at McCoart Government Center, Board Chambers
Originally proposed to replace part of Chinn Parkland, this school is now slated for a site adjacent to Chinn Park, along PW Parkway between Kenwood Drive and Trowbridge Drive. While this new site is preferable, concerns about impacts to Chinn Park and the surrounding community remain.
Questions? Attend our February 7 community meeting to find out more and learn how you can help protect parkland in PWC. |
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| Dove's Landing Hike |
When: Saturday, February 4, 10am to noon.
Where: Dove’s Landing parking lot at 9250 Doves Lane, Manassas, VA 20112
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 Join PWCA for an easy hike through Prince William County's newest forested parkland.
Dove's Landing is a 235-acre undeveloped property with one mile of frontage along the Occoquan River, upstream from Lake Jackson.
The gently sloping landscape, open forest and scenic appearance are invitating and make Dove's Landing a great choice for a family outing.
For questions and to RSVP (appreciated not required): [email protected], 703.499.4954 |
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| The Geologic Evolution of Thorough Gap |
When: Sunday, January 22, from 1 to 3pm
Where: Bull Run Conservancy Mountain House, 17405 Beverley Mill Drive, Broad Run, directions
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 Speaker: Charlie Grymes, Prince William Conservation Alliance
The rocks at the top of Thoroughfare Gap were once an ocean beach. The core of the Blue Ridge was buried as much as five miles underground.
Dinosaurs walked on the reddish rocks that lie underneath Haymarket. The dark rocks exposed at The Plains were hot volcanic lava.
Join us to learn the stories about what's below our feet and above our heads!
Sponsored by Bull Run Mountain Conservancy. |
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| PWCA First Day Walk at Conway Robinson |
When: Sunday, January 1, from 2 to 4pm
Where:Conway Robinson Main Parking Lot, Route 29 and University Blvd., Gainesville, directions
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 Start the year off on the right foot!
Join Charlie Grymes for an afternoon hike at the 400+ acre Conway Robinson forest, managed by the Virginia Dept.of Forestry.
Questions? Contact us at alliance@ pwconserve.org or 703.499.4954. RSVP not required. |
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| PWCA Open House |
When: Monday, December 5 from 5pm to 7:30pm
Where: PWCA Office, 2241F Tackett's Mill Drive, Woodbridge
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 Special guests include Occoquan District Supervisor Ruth Anderson, Sycamore Ridge Homeowners Assoc. President Rob Carswell, and Prince William County School's David Beavers.
Please join us for a drink, appetizers, and a lively conversation about the public school proposed by Chinn Park and the preservation of green open space in Prince William County.
Our Open House is free of charge, everyone is welcome. For more information, contact us at alliance@pwconserve.org or 703-499-4954. |
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| Nokesville Christmas Bird Count |
When: Monday, December 26, beginning at 7:00am
RSVP Required
Contact us at alliance@ pwconserve.org, 703.499.4954 to register and join a survey team, and receive meet up location.
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 Now in it's 117th year, the Christmas Bird Count, led by the National Audubon Society, provides scientists with information on the status of bird populations across North America.
Birding enthusiasts are invited to join the Nokesville Christmas Bird Count (CBC), sponsored by Prince William Conservation Alliance.
All CBC Circles cover a 15-mile diameter circle (113,000 acres).
The Nokesville count circle, centered at Merrimac Farm WMA, covers a diverse landscape at the edge of the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area and captures the transition from coastal plain to piedmont ecosystems. Our survey area includes portions of Prince William Forest Park, Merrimac Farm WMA, several wetland banks, and large areas within MCB Quantico.
Please join us for a fun, rewarding day and be a part of the oldest and largest citizen science project in the Nation. Read more about the Nokesville CBC here! |
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| Bird Walks at Merrimac Farm |
When: On the last Sunday of every month at 8am
Where: Meet at Merrimac Farm, Stone House, 15014 Deepwood Lane, Nokesville
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 We'll look for birds as we travel through the uplands to the edge of the floodplain, covering a variety of habitats, including open fields and woodland edges. Everyone is welcome.
View the bird list for Merrimac Farm HERE.
Dress for the weather, bring binoculars and cameras. More info and RSVP (appreciated) to PWCA , 703.499.4954 or [email protected]. |
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