Merrimac Farm Wildlife Management Area 

Merrimac Farm was permanently protected in January 2008 through a partnership between the Prince William Conservation Alliance, Marine Corps Base Quantico and the VA Dept. of Game & Inland Fisheries.  This unique partnership is used as a model for the Military Encroachment Partnering Program and we were honored to present information on this success at the Sustaining Military Readiness Conference.

This year we added approximately 200 feet of boardwalk through two floodplain wetlands along the Bluebell Trail. The boardwalks protect high quality natural areas from foot traffic and keep our feet dry and warm.

We also produced a trail map, helping visitors make the most of their visit to Merrimac Farm.

After three years, PWCA wildlife surveys continue to improve our knowledge of resident species.  We sponsor Wildlife Mapping workshops, compile species information and make this information available to the public on our website. We want everyone to have easy access to information about local flora and fauna… and many memorable wildlife watching experiences.

PWCA sponsors the Merrimac Farm Master Naturalist Program, which has provided a 50-hour training program to more than 30 Northern Virginia residents. We sponsor the annual Nokesville Christmas Bird Count for the Audubon Society’s Nationwide citizen science event.

Nearly 700 people enjoyed nature walks, examined frogs and turtles, and viewed paintings and photos from local artists at the Third Annual Bluebell Festival at Merrimac Farm.

 

Interpretative tours led by PWCA members and supporting organizations covered a diversity of habitats and birding hotspots on the way to the floodplain, where Virginia Bluebells carpet the Cedar Run shoreline for more than one mile.

 

The Fourth Annual Bluebell Festival is planned for April 10, 2010… mark your calendar now for this fun event!

This popular program creates an opportunity for nature lovers to gather and learn more about a variety of topics ranging from black bears to global climate change and sustainable beekeeping.

 

Topics for 2011 include Saving the Nighttime Environment with  Milt Roney, Dark Skies Assoc. and an update on EPA mandates to save the Bay with Norm Goulet, NVRC Occoquan Program Manager.

PWCA provides presentations on a range of topics, including Saving the Bay One Backyard at a Time, Nearby Nature – Discover Wildlife Close to Home, and The Shape of the Future in Northern Virginia.

 

This year we met with more than 20 community groups throughout Northern Virginia and look forward to meeting with new groups in the coming year. Call us at 703.499.4954 to schedule one for your group.

For the Featherstone National Wildlife Refuge, 2010 marks the 40th anniversary of public ownership with no public access.

 

This year Prince William Conservation Alliance worked to create a partnership supporting public access to the Featherstone Refuge for wildlife-dependent recreation. Together with our partner organizations, we wrote a letter to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service expressing concern about current impacts and offering support for opening the refuge.

 

This effort attracted the support of 11th District Congressman Gerry Connolly and created momentum for publication of the draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP), the first step to opening the refuge. Currently the draft CCP is scheduled for publication in January.

We plan to follow through in support of opening the Featherstone to the public in a manner that protects the quality of this important natural area.

 

Public parkland is a priority and we continue efforts to ensure that the quality of natural areas on Park Authority properties is preserved.

Last year we acted quickly to address serious stormwater problems created during the construction of new ball fields at Hellwig Park as well as the Park Authority’s proposal to use bonds approved by voters for parkland acquisition for development of an unnecessary back entrance to Hellwig Park.

When globally rare plant communities were discovered at Silver Lake Park, we initiated discussions between the School Board and the Park Authority in hopes these natural areas could be protected.

Although the natural areas were discovered too late in the development process and were not protected, we carried this example to the Environment Chapter update, where new policies recognize the importance of identifying unique resources early in the process.

 

We acted to support preservation of the Rural Crescent, including support for community opposition to the Avendale development proposal to remove 175 acres from this “protected” rural area, and plan to continue responding to current events in the coming year.

PWCA online publications provide up to date information and timely articles on nearby nature, local land use choices, and Federal, state and local conservation topics. Work and family keeps us busy, leaving little time to research current issues and opportunities.

Our webpage, blog, facebook and e-newsletter provide people with a one-stop opportunity to learn about current issues and upcoming opportunities to create a bright future for local communities.  

 

The recent PWC Environment Chapter update created a first opportunity for the County to start moving in the right direction. PWCA actively participated in this opportunity, working to strengthen standards that prevent pollution and create the positive framework needed for the County to achieve the new Federal goals.

Developers opposed our efforts and they were successful in removing some but not all of the stronger standards included in the draft plan, delaying implementation of new rules that will be needed to achieve the new EPA mandates.

Meeting the new goals established by EPA will be a significant challenge in Prince William and we look forward to being leaders in that process.   

We have had many successes and we are looking forward to exciting opportunities in the coming year.

 

Prince William Conservation Alliance is able to continue our mission thanks to the generosity of our supporters. Your donations help preserve our cherished resources, protecting land for present and future generations. Thank you for your generous support of the Prince William Conservation Alliance. 

 

We wish you and your family a holiday season filled with joy and peace.