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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Occoquan District
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DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260427T190000
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UID:6461-1777316400-1777323600@occoquandistrict.net
SUMMARY:Our Wild Neighbors: Researching the Flora and Fauna of Prince William Forest Park
DESCRIPTION:Sponsored by Prince William Conservation Alliance\, National Park Conservation Association\, Mid County Civic Association\, and Prince William Wildflower Society. \nOnline via Zoom – Register at us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/Ca7-hZkHT5OKeY6TloT7HQ \nPrince William County is a premier destination for residents across the region to delight in nature\, with two national parks within this ecologically diverse county! They provide vital resources for our community’s physical and mental health\, quality habitat for wildlife\, and protection for stream quality in critical waterways. \nPrince William Forest Park\, for example\, on the county’s southeastern edge\, protects roughly 15\,000 acres of mainly Piedmont forest. This is the largest Piedmont forest in the national park system and provides a home to over 250 species of animals and 900 species of plants. From black bears and elusive freshwater sponges to towering trees and the easily overlooked\, federally threatened small whorled pogonia\, diverse flora and fauna welcome over 250\,000 park visitors annually. Whether taking a walk in the woods to unwind from a long week\, birdwatching for the pure enjoyment of hide-and-seek\, or bike riding along the scenic drive to breathe in fresh air while pushing yourself to go farther\, the park offers rich experiences for all. \nBut wait\, there’s more! The park also provides the opportunity for scientists to study healthy ecosystems. With habitats globally becoming increasingly fragmented due to development pressure\, research opportunities are shrinking. Prince William Forest Park is facing similar pressure. Much of the land around its border was formerly protected by the Rural Crescent (the county’s urban growth boundary). Now\, without that policy\, projects like La Benison and Potomac Technology Park are moving in\, weakening the park’s ability to maintain all the services it provides to the community. \nAs part of the ongoing series\, Places Worth Protecting\, attend an evening to explore foundational research being done thanks to the park and celebrate the knowledge gained as a result. Learn about: \n\n\nSmall Whorled Pogonia (Flora): Melissa McCormick\, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center \n\n\nCharacterizing Deadwood (Flora): Dasha Maslyukova\, Virginia Tech \n\n\nFreshwater Sponge (Fauna): Colin Wang\, William & Mary \n\n\nAt-Risk Turtles (Fauna): Elizabeth Hunter\, Virginia Tech \n\n\nOpening remarks will be provided by Kristi Shelton\, PWFP biologist. Learn about our wild neighbors who call PWFP home and the discoveries being made through researching them.
URL:https://occoquandistrict.net/event/our-wild-neighbors-researching-the-flora-and-fauna-of-prince-william-forest-park/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:Outdoors/Nature,Educational
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