Baby Bluebirds!

 

There is good news from our bluebird monitoring team! The first hatch of the season has arrived.

This week, Box 10 revealed 5 chicks and Box 11 has 6 healthy chicks. Another nest is close behind, with 6 eggs that will hopefully hatch soon. It is a strong and encouraging start for our local bluebird population.

Our monitors continue their weekly checks, tracking nest activity and supporting this important conservation effort. Shout out to all of our monitors, led by Dick and Calvin! 

Monarch Monitoring Takes Flight

Spring is underway, and BRFAL volunteers have begun monitoring milkweed for monarch life stages at Booker T. Washington National Monument as part of the Monarch Larva Monitoring Project.

This North America–wide effort, led by Monarch Joint Venture, tracks monarch eggs, caterpillars, and milkweed growth to support conservation. In our area, BRFAL participates through both at-home efforts and registered public sites.

At BTWNM, two sites are being monitored this year: a common milkweed patch in the Heritage Garden and an unmowed area beyond the historic grounds. Milkweed emerged in early April, and weekly surveys began right away.

As of April 21, volunteers have recorded 41 milkweed plants and 3 monarch eggs in the garden patch, and 16 plants with no eggs yet in the unmowed area. It is still early in the season, and more activity is expected in the weeks ahead.

Monitoring involves collecting data on milkweed density, noting the presence of monarchs across all life stages, and tracking weekly rainfall. Each observation helps us understand monarch populations across the North America.

The local team includes Sue B., Calvin M., Jennifer H., Posie M., Sandy W., Lynn F., and Lorraine A.- shout out to them!

Those interested in participating can complete training through the Monarch Joint Venture, and contact Sue B for more information.

Wildflowers!

Sunshine and a warm breezes set the scene for the 2026 BRFAL-VMN trainees during their Wildflower ID field trip on April 4 along the trails of Booker T. Washington National Monument . The group spent the morning immersed in early spring blooms while building practical field identification skills.

Using Newcomb’s Wildflower Guide, trainees worked through the guide’s key system, learning how to observe plant structure and narrow down species step by step. While the process can be challenging, it offered a hands-on way to deepen familiarity with native plants.

The trail rewarded their efforts with a lovely display of seasonal wildflowers, including Virginia bluebells, foamflower, spring beauty, rue anemone, golden ragwort, bluets, chickweed, and a variety of violets. Each stop along the way became an opportunity to practice identification and share observations.

Field experiences like this continue to build confidence and equip trainees with the skills they need to become certified Virginia Master Naturalists.

photo credits to Sue B.

Bluebirds at Booker T!

 

A group of BRFAL members and trainees recently gathered at Booker T. Washington National Monument for a Bluebird Monitoring training led by project lead Dick.

Dick provided step-by-step instruction on how to monitor the site’s 16 bluebird houses. Participants took turns opening boxes, checking for nests, and observing activity while learning proper monitoring techniques.

Several boxes contained active nests, and one revealed five eggs. The group took a moment to appreciate the find and the role of ongoing monitoring in supporting bluebird populations.

The chapter has also strengthened its partnership with park staff, who have welcomed the research and expressed appreciation for the role BRFAL plays in supporting bluebird conservation.

Members are encouraged to learn the monitoring process and sign up for shifts during the spring monitoring season.