Natural Heritage E-News Conserving Virginia’s Biodiversity through Inventory, Protection and Stewardship Fall 2001

DEEP RUN PONDS - VIRGINIA'S 32ND limestone woodland, glade and karst complex. STATE NATURAL AREA PRESERVE The Cedars Natural Area Preserve now contains DCR purchased the 668-acre Edwards tract at 709 acres with the recent Smith tract addition. Deep Run Ponds, Rockingham County, on August 10th. This acquisition is a landmark SIGNIFICANT NATURAL COMMUNITY conservation accomplishment for DCR. The AND RARE FOUND IN property includes eight globally rare sinkhole BOTETOURT COUNTY pond communities, three of which support the Two globally rare species, Addison’s globally rare Virginia sneezeweed (Helenium leatherflower (Clematis addisonii G2/S2) and virginicum, G2/S2/LT/LE). The Shenandoah smooth coneflower (Echinacea laevigata G2/S2) Valley sinkhole ponds comprise one of Virginia's were discovered in early May in a beautiful most unusual and conservation-worthy montane dry calcareous forest community ecosystems. Other rare species in the system dominated by such species as chinkapin oak include the Black-fruited spikerush (Eleocharis (Quercus muhlenbergii), Shumard oak (Quercus melanocarpa G4/S2), Northern St. John's-wort shumardii), and shagbark hickory (Carya ovata) (Hypericum boreale G5/S2), Buxbaum's sedge on land owned by Westvaco in Botetourt Co.. (Carex buxbaumii G5/S2), Blackfoot quillwort The habitat looked interesting in the winter, but is (Isoetes melanopoda G5/S1?), and Torrey's truly amazing now. Although the population of bullrush (Shoenoplectus torreyi G5?/S1). The Echinacea is small, the Clematis is quite origin of this natural area protection project dates abundant (700+ plants). American gromwell back more than 10 years when the first landowner (Lithospermum latifolium G4/S2) was also found contact was made and negotiations began on the property in a separate habitat. between the Edwards family and The Nature Conservancy, which assisted on this project in RARE BUTTERFLY POPULATIONS FOUND several critical stages. IN WESTERN VIRGINIA' Two new sites have been found with populations Deep Run Ponds is the 32nd state Natural Area of the rare Appalachian Grizzled Skipper, Pyrgus Preserve, the preserve system now encompasses wyandot (G2S2), in Alleghany County by Natural 19,395 acres. Heritage zoologists. Between seven and nine individuals were seen on a ruffed grouse IMPORTANT ADDITION TO THE STATE management area owned by the U.S. Forest NATURAL AREA PRESERVE SYSTEM Service. Additionally, two individuals were seen On July 17, DCR added 66.72 acres to The on property owned by the Westvaco Corporation. Cedars Natural Area Preserve Prior to these observations, P. wyandot had been http://www.dcr.state.va.us/dnh/cedars.htm in Lee seen at only three other locations in Virginia in County. This addition contains a globally the last seven years. significant limestone woodland that supports nine rare species, and is a critical addition to the larger Virginia Natural Heritage E-News Spring 2001 1 CONTINUED BOTANICAL DISCOVERIES IN North Carolina. This new discovery extends that WESTERN VIRGINIA range approximately 180 miles to the north. This DNH botanists continue to uncover new delicate species could easily be overlooked in its occuurrences of rare plants on property owned by grass and sedge – dominated habitats, making the Westvaco Corporation in Botetourt county. discovery of more populations in Southeastern During the past week, approximately 450 Virginia possible. individuals of the federally endangered smooth coneflower (Echinacea laevigata - G2/S2) and New populations of Thalictrum macrostylum over 50 individuals of Virginia false-gromwell (small-leaved meadowrue – G3G4, S1) and (Onosmodium virginianum - G4/S2) were Cleistes divaricata (spreading pogonia – G4, S1) discovered in a dry calcareous woodland already were also discovered in open seepage habitats in known to contain small amounts of smooth Greensville and Southampton counties, Virginia. coneflower and a very large population of The Thalictrum population in Greensville county Addison's leatherflower (Clematis addisonii - consisted of approximately 20 flowering G2/S2). Additionally, three new populations of individuals, but only one individual of Cleistes American gromwell (Lithospermum latifolium - was located at the Southampton county site G4/S2), one new population of smooth coneflower, and three significant natural NEW POPULATION OF SHALE-BARREN communities were located elsewhere on the same ROCKCRESS LOCATED property. A small occurrence of serotina (shale- barren rockcress) was located last week in SMALL WHORLED POGONIA FOUND AT Alleghany County near Covington. This species QUANTICO is listed Endangered under both the Federal A new occurrence of the rare woodland orchid, Endangered Species Act and the Virginia small whorled pogonia (Isotria medeoloides), was Endangered and Insect Act. The species located last week at Marine Corps Base Quantico was located on land owned by Westvaco and was (Quantico) in Prince William County. This found as part of a rare species inventory for that species is listed Threatened under the Federal timber company. Endangered Species Act and Endangered under the Virginia Endangered Plant and Insect Act. FINALIZATION OF PAMUNKEY RIVER Quantico is a stronghold for the species in CLASSIFICATION & INVENTORY Virginia, and several other occurrences are A final report and GIS package titled "A plant known from the installation. The new occurrence community classification and natural heritage consists of just two individuals. One individual inventory of the Pamunkey River floodplain" was showed evidence of having flowered this year, submitted to the Environmental Protection but no fruit was produced Agency this July. The report summarized inventory work completed over three field RARE PLANTS DISCOVERED IN seasons from 1998 to 2000 and included new SOUTHEASTERN VIRGINIA significant natural heritage occurrences, a plant The first known population of Rhynchospora community classification of approximately 40 stenophylla (coastal bog beaksedge – G4) in community types, and coarse and fine resolution Virginia was discovered in an open, herb - vegetation maps of the Pamunkey River System. dominated seepage in Southampton county. This species has a spotty range and is naturally uncommon to rare in the deep South, with its northernmost outpost supposedly in southeastern Virginia Natural Heritage E-News Spring 2001 2 VEGETATION MAPPING AND from field notes and specimens taken during the CLASSIFICATION PROJECT ON NATIONAL course of fieldwork at MNBP prior to 2000 and PARK LANDS from fieldwork conducted by Field Botanist Allen Chris Ludwig and Dean Walton attended a Belden and Ecologist Gary Fleming in 2000 planning meeting at the Chimborazo Visitor specifically for the project. A total of 706 plant Center in Richmond with researchers from North taxa were observed, including 16 pteridophytes, 4 Carolina State and the National Park Service for a gymnosperms, 186 monocot angiosperms, and cooperative project to map and classify 500 dicot angiosperms. Six plants that are rare in vegetation on seven national parks in Virginia. Virginia are on the list.27. The parks involved include Booker T. Washington NHS, Richmond National Battlefield CAMP PENDLETON NATURAL HERITAGE Park, Appomattox Courthouse NHS, Petersburg INVENTORY REPORT COMPLETED National Battlefield Park, Fredericksburg and The final report on the reassessment of the rare Spotsylvania NMP, Colonial National species and an evaluation of the significant Monument, and George Washington's Birth Place natural communities at the Naval Amphibious NM. This multi-year project involves the Base Little Creek South Virginia Beach Annex production of digital maps based on remotely (Camp Pendleton) was completed. This one-year sensed data and a vegetation classification based inventory reassessed the status of rarities on plot data. Draft products will be refined based documented in a previous inventory by DCR- on results of an intermediate accuracy assessment DNH in 1989-90. The state rare plants bog rush and the final deliverables will be statistically (Juncus elliottii) (G4G5/S1S2), fasciculate assessed for accuracy in the field as well. beakrush (Rhynchospora fascicularis var. fascicularis) (G5T4?/S1?) and American FORT PICKETT ZOOLOGICAL SURVEY lipocarpha (Lipocarpha maculata) (G5/S1), COMPLETED found in previous surveys, were relocated. One A final report detailing two years of zoological new rare plant species, long beach seedbox surveys for rare fauna on Ft. Pickett – Maneuver (Ludwigia brevipes) (G4G5/S2), was found in the Training Center has been completed. Six Natural 2000 inventory. No rare animal species were Heritage monitored species were found including documented but survey time was limited and the federal and state endangered Roanoke weather conditions often unfavorable. In Logperch (Percina rex), the state threatened addition, the natural vegetation communities were Atlantic Pigtoe (Fusconaia masoni), and the state evaluated and vegetation plots were sampled: two rare Dwarf Waterdog (Necturus punctatus), significant Interdune Pond communities were Smokey Ruby-spot (Hetaerina titia), Blackwater identified. Management and protection Bluet (Enallagma weewa), and Southern Sprite ( recommendations were provided in the report. Nehalennia integricollis). Fifteen species on the DCR-DNH animal watchlist were also SINKHOLE POND REPORT FOR COLONIAL documented. Management and protection needs NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK were also discussed. The final report, A Biological Survey of the Coastal Plain Depression Ponds (sinkholes) of MANASSAS NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD Colonial National Historical Park, Yorktown, PARK PLANT LIST COMPLETED Virginia, was submitted to the National Park A Natural Heritage Technical Report containing a Service. Surveys during 1999 and 2000 included list of the vascular plants of Manassas National ground-truthing of potential depression pond Park (MNBP) has been completed for the habitat, documentation of animal and plant National Park Service. The list was compiled rarities and significant natural communities as Virginia Natural Heritage E-News Spring 2001 3 well as complete species lists for each area Virginia, and provides recommendations for the determined to be a sinkhole. Nine sites were protection and management of the species in determined to contain seasonal wetlands meeting Virginia. All documented sites for the St. Francis the definition developed for the project. One satyr in the state are privately owned; therefore, wetland supported the state listed (threatened) conservation of the species will require working Mabee’s salamander (Ambystoma mabeei) closely with the landowners to ensure wise (G4/S1S2) and 5 wetlands contained significant stewardship of these sites. natural communities: 4 with Coastal Plain Depression Pond (G?/S1) community types and SOUTHEASTERN WETLANDS GIS PROJECT one with a Non-Riverine Wet Hardwood Forest CONCLUDES community (G?/S1. The project area adjoins the The final report has been prepared for an EPA- Grafton Ponds Natural Area Preserve owned by funded project, Development of a Comprehensive the City of Newport News. GIS Database for the North Landing/Northwest Rivers Wetlands Ecosystem. This project, which PRESENTATION TO PAMUNKEY RIVER provided the initial impetus and funding for WETLANDS PARTNERS dedicated GIS staff in Natural Heritage, involved DNH staff presented the results of their assembly and distribution of GIS data as well as inventory, community classification, and detailed mapping of the area’s ecological mapping work on the Pamunkey River Wetlands communities. An educational poster was at a Nature Conservancy-organized meeting of produced which describes the resources and their locality planners, conservation agencies, and protection needs; it can be viewed at landowners on June 22. This work has been http://www.dcr.state.va.us/dnh/posters. All of the funded through a grant from EPA. The final products are available digitally on a set of CDs report will contain a community classification for being distributed to Virginia Beach and the region as well as conservation site Chesapeake planners and conservation advocates. descriptions. Another product will be a set of CDs distributed to conservation partners FINAL MEETING FOR SWAMP - containing detailed ecological communities PRESENTATION OF CONSERVATION PLAN mapping information for the Pamunkey wetlands, On the evening of 6/14/2001, the Natural as well as other GIS data that can serve planners Heritage Information Manager and Stewardship and conservation advocates in their efforts to Biologist participated in a final meeting with the protect the Pamunkey’s natural assets. Cities of Chesapeake and Virginia Beach as a final deliverable component of the SWAMP SAINT FRANCIS’ SATYR CONSERVATION (Southern Watersheds Area Management PLAN Program) project. Project consultants (DCR, The Division of Natural Heritage recently Virginia Tech, Siemon & Larsen, Landmark completed a conservation plan for the Saint Design) presented their findings to Planning Francis' satyr (Neonympha mitchellii francisci ), a Departments, City Councils, City Managers, and federally endangered species. The globally Advisory Groups from both Cities, as well as the endangered butterfly has only been documented Hampton Roads Planning District Commission. in two counties in North Carolina and one county The "Conservation Plan for the Southern in Virginia, and the Virginia occurrence was not Watershed Area" authored by DCR-DNH, as well discovered until 1998. The conservation plan as other consultant's reports, were well received. summarizes the ecology of the species as it is currently understood, presents information on each of the sites where the species occurs in Virginia Natural Heritage E-News Spring 2001 4 FINAL SWAMP CONSERVATION PLAN first week of July, and Eastern Shore populations COMPLETED were monitored during the week of July 9. The Conservation Plan for the Southern Watershed Area was completed and submitted to VIRGINIA NATURAL AREAS Hampton Roads Planning District Commission STEWARDSHIP FORUM (HRPDC) on March 21, 2001. Submission of this Stewardship Staff from DCR's Natural Heritage document fulfills the DCR-Natural Heritage Program and The Nature Conservancy's Virginia contractual role of developing this Plan as a key Field Office met over two days (6/26-27) to focus part for the Southern Watershed Area on five key areas of concern for natural areas Management Program (SWAMP). The product is managers and to share stewardship experiences, intended to assist the Cities of Chesapeake and perspectives, and outlooks with the hope of Virginia Beach, as well as the HRPDC, with developing improved approaches for addressing long-term planning to protect natural resources, challenging issues. Issues discussed were open space, and water quality. Outreach and Education, Prescribed Burning, Conservation Planning, Ecological Restoration, DNH TO ASSIST DEQ WITH DATA FOR and Invasive Species. The forum consisted of REVIEW OF WETLANDS DEVELOPMENT small breakout sessions with each group APPLICATIONS presenting ideas on a number of discussion points DNH staff met with DEQ staff to discuss their for each session topic. An array of innovative needs for natural heritage data, which will be ideas were generated which may prove useful in required for proper review of wetlands the on-going management of natural areas in development notifications and applications under Virginia. new wetland regulations published by DEQ for implementation October 1, 2001. DNH proposed FIRE REFRESHER COURSE HELD IN to develop a password-secured Internet CHARLOTTESVILLE application, with funding assistance from DEQ, On Thursday, April 5, the Division of Natural that would allow DEQ staff to screen projects for Heritage (DNH) and The Nature Conservancy their proximity to natural heritage resources. (TNC) hosted a one-day Fire Refresher training This would reduce the tremendous increased course at the Ivy Creek Nature Center in workload on DNH Project Review that might Charlottesville. Approximately 25 staff members otherwise be required by the new regulations. from TNC, DNH, and the Division of State Parks DEQ is considering our proposal. were represented. Topics covered included fire ecology, prescribed fire operations, wildfire NORTHEASTERN BEACH TIGER BEETLE suppression tactics, safety, and pump and engine POPULATION MONITORING operations. Participants also completed the During July, the Chesapeake Bay Region Steward physical fitness test that is mandatory for fireline and Summer Intern monitored population status duty. for Northeastern beach tiger beetles at Natural Area Preserves flanking the Chesapeake Bay. NATURAL HERITAGE PRESCRIBED BURN Mid-summer is a peak activity period for adults WRAP-UP of this federally threatened species, and Thursday, May 30 saw DCR-Natural Heritage populations are monitored annually at this time to and Nature Conservancy staff work cooperatively establish trends, detect change in population to complete prescribed burns on two dedicated health and habitat status, and abate threats. natural area preserves in southeast VA, each with Populations were monitored at Bethel Beach, the objective of enhancing habitat for rare fire- Hughlett Point and Dameron Marsh during the adapted plant species. Burns were successfully Virginia Natural Heritage E-News Spring 2001 5 conducted at Blackwater Ecological Preserve in rare plants. Known populations of species such Isle of Wight County, and at Chub Sandhill as bog-buttons, slender nutrush, and large white Natural Area Preserve in Sussex County. With fringed orchid appear robust and on the increase. the on-set of wetter and more humid summertime A rare species not previously known from the conditions, these may be the last prescribed burns site, Asclepias rubra (red milkweed), was of the current growing season. If drier conditions observed for the first time in an area that prior to return during June, NH staff may have the burning had been occupied by thick woody opportunity to assist State Parks staff in vegetation. More discoveries likely await at this completing planned burns at Sailor's Creek important managed site. Battlefield and Staunton River State Parks. NATURAL HERITAGE COMPLETES WRECK ISLAND NATURAL AREA INVASIVE PLANT STUDY AND REPORT PRESERVE COLONIAL BIRD NESTING NH Staff, led by the Stewardship Biologist, ACTIVITY Natural Areas Vegetation Ecologist, and Botanist On Thursday, May 24, NH staff (Chesapeake Bay recently completed a new three-part study of Steward, Eastern Operations Steward) and Nature invasive plants in Virginia. The study was Conservancy - Virginia Coast Reserve staff conducted in response to the American Seed posted signs to protect colonial nesting birds at Trade Association (ASTA) request that DCR Wreck Island NAP. This barrier island preserve remove 11 commercially-important species from on Virginia's Eastern Shore is a critical nesting the advisory list of Invasive Alien Plant Species area for many species of shore birds, including an in Virginia. The study consisted of (1) newly exceptionally large colony of Black Skimmers revised invasive plant ranking criteria with a (G5S2). These birds lay eggs in shallow nests in critical analysis of the invasive tendencies of each the sand in exposed areas. Camouflaged nests of the 11 species in question, (2) multivariate and eggs are vulnerable to human disturbance as analysis of plant characteristics, and (3) analysis they are easily overlooked and trampled. Signs of data from 2,000 vegetation plots located were posted around colonies to inform boaters throughout the state. Study results indicate strong that the area is off-limits during nesting season. evidence for continued listing of 10 of the 11 Over 500 Black Skimmers were observed on the species as invasive, but do not support listing of south end of Wreck Island. bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) as biologically invasive. Copies of the report were forwarded on PRESCRIBED BURNING PAYING-OFF AT 7/2/01 to ASTA and their legal counsel. The CHERRY ORCHARD BOG report may be reviewed and/or downloaded from On Friday, 6/15/01, the NH Stewardship Manager the DCR - Natural Heritage Program website. and Staff Botanist inspected rare plant occurrences at International Paper's Cherry INVASIVE SPECIES CONTROL EFFORTS ON Orchard Bog natural area in Sussex County, one NATURAL AREA PRESERVES year following a NH-conducted prescribed burn. Recent invasive species control efforts on Natural Controlled burns, made possible by an on-going Area Preserves have focused on Sorghum written agreement between DCR and the halapense (Johnson grass) and Ailanthus landowner, are now being used to improve this altissima (Tree-of-Heaven). The Chesapeake Bay habitat by returning the process of fire that steward and the Chesapeake Bay assistant applied historically helped maintain these types of natural herbicide to Johnson grass - infested areas of an communities and their high local diversity. The abandoned agricultural field at Savage Neck May 2000 burn has resulted in improved Dunes in Northhampton County, and in another conditions for "sun-loving," moisture-dependant project, the State Natural Area Steward and the Virginia Natural Heritage E-News Spring 2001 6 Western Operations Steward completed similar review comments from researchers and land control measures in an abandoned agricultural managers throughout this species' range have field at Cowbane Prairie Natural Area Preserve in been very favorable. Additionally, review drafts Augusta County. Invasive monitoring plots for of the "Cowbane Prairie NAP Management Plan" Tree-of-Heaven were also completed at Pedlar have been distributed to a multi-agency Hills NAP in Montgomery County. management planning advisory team as well as to in-house reviewers. This plan is scheduled for INVASIVE SPECIES WORKDAY HELD AT completion during summer of 2001 after PEDLAR HILLS NAP comments are returned and included. On Saturday, June 2, the Western Operations Steward and the State Natural Area Steward led a PINNACLE NATURAL AREA PRESERVE crew of 7 volunteers in invasive species control IMPROVEMENTS COMPLETED activities at Pedlar Hills Natural Area Preserve in Several improvements have been completed at Montgomery County. Efforts were directed at the Pinnacle Natural Area Preserve, some of controlling the exotic invasive Tree-of-Heaven which were requested by Director Brickley and () , which is well established Delegate Dillard after visits last summer and fall. in the eastern portion of the preserve. A variety of These improvements include; mechanical and chemical methods were used to 1-Directional signs w/DCR logo at all turns treat between 800-1000 seedlings, saplings, and between Lebanon, VA and Pinnacle NAP mature trees. 2-Repairs to the swinging bridge

RESTORATION PROJECTS RECEIVE WHIP 3-Erosion control and stabilization of trail from FUNDING Phase II down to the waterfalls Two native warm-season grass restoration 4-"Pack out your trash" signs in high visibility projects recently received approval for funding by areas the Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program, a USDA 5-"Please Close Lid" signs in SST cost share program administered by the Natural A kiosk is planned for installation at the Phase II Resources Conservation Service. The 25-acre area parking lot after all equipment associated project at Cowbane Prairie NAP was allocated with trail project is removed. This kiosk will $5987 and the 4-acre fescue conversion at provide an information platform for visitors. Pinnacle NAP received $349. Both projects are scheduled for planting in mid-May of 2001. In Alternative Spring Break Students Work on addition to herbicide and seed costs, this external Pinnacle Improvements funding will also cover costs associated with An alternative Spring Break group from Florida prescribed burning, which is a critical component International University recently spent two days of warm. at Pinnacle Natural Area Preserve in Russell County completing a variety of site improvement PROGRESS ON CONSERVATION AND NAP projects. Among other activities, the students MANAGEMENT PLANS cleared Japanese honeysuckle and multiflora rose A final review draft of the report "Current Status from fencelines, installed landscape timbers along and Conservation Strategy for the Eastern Small- a walkway, created firebreaks for a restoration footed Myotis (Myotis leibii)" was submitted to project, and installed vehicle barriers adjacent to the contracting agency (USDA Forest Service) the main gate to the Preserve. The project was for final review. This small bat is thought to have coordinated by the Western Operations Steward declined in recent years, and is now recognized as and the Southwest Region Steward. a species of concern across its range. Draft

Virginia Natural Heritage E-News Spring 2001 7 LICHEN & FUNGUS IDENTIFICATION apreciated the rainbow trout that were recently FIELD TRIP stocked in Big Cedar Creek by DGIF. The Natural Heritage Ecologist Dean Walton led a Southwest Region Steward and the Western lichen and fungus identification field trip to Operations Steward were on-site to assure that Henricus Park Saturday April 7th. The trip, the event ran smoothly. sponsored by the Richmond Chapter of the Virginia Native Plant Society, was attended by PROJECT UNDERGROUND about 10 people. On July 19 the Natural Heritage Karst Education Coordinator represented DCR at a weeklong STEWARDSHIP STAFF LEAD FIELD TRIPS graduate class on environmental education using AT DAMERON MARSH, PINNACLE the natural resource programs, Projects NATURAL AREA PRESERVES Underground, WET, WILD and Learning Tree. On Saturday, April 28, Chesapeake Bay Region The class was held by steward Rebecca Wilson led a group of 35 James Madison University for k-6th grade students and faculty from the Virginia Institute of teachers. DCR and Project Underground Marine Science on a tour of Dameron Marsh participated with the other agencies and NAP in Northumberland County. Discussion programs. The teachers really enjoyed receiving focused on northeastern tiger beetle management, information on karst geology and the special land control of Phragmites, and wetland restoration. management issues in karst areas. The class also On the same day, Southwest Region steward toured Endless Caverns, thanks to Wade Claiborne Woodall led a group of about 40 Berdeaux who is presently serving on the Cave participants on a tour of The Pinnacle NAP in Board and who's family owns Endless Caverns. Russell County. This trip was associated with the annual meeting of the Virginia Chapter of The CAVE CONSERVANCY OF THE Nature Conservancy held in Abingdon. GRANT The Division of Natural Heritage received at FIELD TRIP AT GRASSY HILL NATURAL $10,000 grant this week from the Cave AREA PRESERVE Conservancy of the Virginias (CCV). This grant On Saturday, May 19, the State Natural Area will fund a Virginia Tech study to sample and Steward led a group of eight interested characterize sawdust in various stages of participants from the Blue Ridge Wildflower decomposition to determine its suitability as a Society on a botany and forest ecology field trip soil supplement for mine land reclamation, as to Grassy Hill NAP in Franklin County. mulch product or possibly for other uses. The Discussion focused on plant identification, soils results from the characterization project will and geology, fire ecology, and vegetation support the multi agency efforts to remove the management in powerline corridors. decomposing sawdust which has lead to severe impairment of Batie Springs and Creek in Lee KID'S FISHING DAY HELD AT PINNACLE County. NATURAL AREA PRESERVE On Saturday, May 19, approximately 1200 BUSH MILL STREAM NATURAL AREA visitors attended the annual Kid's Fishing Day PRESERVE FIELD TRIP event at Pinnacle Natural Area Preserve in On Saturday, June 2, the Chesapeake Bay Russell County. This annual event is sponsored Steward assisted with a TNC- sponsored field trip by the Clinch Mountain Wildlife Association. , to Bush Mill Stream NAP. The group launched the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, from Cooper Landing on the Great Wicomico (DGIF) and DCR. Many of the young anglers River and traveled by canoe and kayak to the Virginia Natural Heritage E-News Spring 2001 8 upper end of Bush Mill Stream. Stops were made along the way to discuss coastal plain habitats, wetland ecology and Natural Area Preserve dedication and stewardship approaches. The group returned to a small landing on the preserve for lunch.

Virginia Natural Heritage E-News Spring 2001 9

STAFF Tom Smith, Division Director Allen Belden, Field Botanist James S. Gilmore, III, Governor David Boyd, GIS Database Developer

Steve Carter-Lovejoy, Information Manager Ron Hamm Anne Chazal, Field Zoologist Secretary of Natural Resources Al Cire, Western Operations Steward

Phil Coulling, Natural Area Vegetation Ecologist David G. Brickley, Director Kathy Derge, Field Zoologist Department of Conservation & Recreation Sandra Erdle, Stewardship Biologist Joesph Fagan, Karst Protection Specialist Virginia Department of Conservation and Vonne Fagan, Program Support Techician Recreation Dorothy Field, Eastern Shore Regional Steward Division of Natural Heritage Gary Fleming, Vegetation Ecologist 217 Governor Street Kevin Heffernan, Stewardship Biologist Richmond, VA 23219-2010 Chris Hobson, Natural Area Zoologist PHONE: 804/786-7951 Rhonda Houser, Data Management Specialist FAX: 804/371-2674 Curtis Hutto, State Natural Areas Steward WEBSITE: René Hypes, Project Review Coordinator www.dcr.state.va.us/dnh Pat Jarrell, Business Manager Terri Killeffer, Data Management Specialist Phil Koury, Eastern Operations Steward Mike Leahy, Mountain Region Steward Beth Locklear, Locality Liaison Darren Loomis, Stewardship Assistant Chris Ludwig, Chief Biologist Faye McKinney, Administrative Assistant Cathy Milholen, Information Specialist Rick Myers, Stewardship Manager Wil Orndorff, Karst Protection Specialist Dorothy Palmer, Digitizing Assistant Karen Patterson, Field Ecologist Gina Pisoni, Zoology Technician Steve Roble, Zoologist Megan Rollins, Database Manager Delphenia Rooks, Project Review Assistant Holly Sepety, Data Management Intern Larry Smith, Natural Areas Protection Manager Johnny Townsend, Botanist Nancy VanAlstine, Field Botanist Laura Vaught, Project Review Assistant Dean Walton, Field Ecologist Joe Weber, GIS Projects Manager Irv Wilson, Natural Areas Protection Assistant Rebecca Wilson, Chesapeake Bay Region Steward Claiborne Woodall, Fire Manager Craig Young, Southeast Region Steward Carol Zokaites, Project Underground Coordinator Vacant - Digitizing Specialist Knowledge to Protect the Diversity of Life Vacant, Natural Area Conservation Planner WWW.ABI.ORG Vacant – Central Virginia Operations Steward

November 7, 2001 Virginia Natural Heritage E-News Spring 2001 10