Meanders and Oxbows

These folks have published many nice explanations of natural phenomena.

Try geocaching today, wherever you are.

Adam asked about ideas for containers for hiding geocaches to get people to explore unique areas (like your watersheds!), and I thought I'd share my response with you all.

But most importantly, try geocaching yourself with friends or family.  You can be very successful using only your smart phone with Google Maps or one of the apps below.  Start here by entering your current location:  http://www.geocaching.com/seek/default.aspx  

You'll be surprised how many are nearby and how long you've been living as a muggle.

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I use everything from magnetic key cases (I have several of these) to fake rocks (for hiding keys), to up to big 4" tubes.  It's all about what you can hide in plain site, and that depends on location and the number and nature of passersby.  I've seen some people use those Glad containers in which sandwich meat is packaged.  Others use ammo containers  in remote places that allow them to chain it to trees.

You're not allowed to bury your cache, so your selection of container and it's camouflage is often a source of amusement for those who seek them.

I have one large mega vitamins bottle that I wrapped in black duct tape and it hangs between two signs in a neighborhood traffic circle; people regularly comment "I can't believe this doesn't get stolen."  Another that gets even more comments is a magnetic key case on a drain pipe at a bus stop at a community college.  Finding it without "muggles" noticing what you're doing is part of the excitement for the seekers.

Other suggestions: http://goo.gl/SaFmD6

If you're travelling, enter your current address here (http://www.geocaching.com/seek/default.aspx) and go look for a few.  It's a great way to explore with your family while you work up an appetite or advance digestion after dinner.

If you don't have your favorite GPS with you, here are links to free and full-featured phone apps:  http://www.geocaching.com/mobile/default.aspx  The graphic interface of some of these apps make them more fun than a GPS, even if less accurate.

VT Thanksgiving Holiday

I overlooked the VT holiday, so no presentations tonight.  I'm open to troubleshooting and support, and will be logged in and available by phone (571-482-8298) or email after 6pm until 9pm.  But otherwise please enjoy the break and we'll resume presentations next week.  Wear orange if you go out for a rural watershed hike.

Hangout - November 17

It's a busy time, but I'm hoping some folks will be willing to present some of their work.

I'll be available online at 7pm EDT to talk with anyone that can join us. We'll use the same combination of two technologies as last time (pick one or both): 

1. Google hangout: Look for an email invitation or on G+ at or after 6:55pm 

2. Voice conference call by Uber: Call-in Number: (585) 632-6253 • PIN: 22875

Starting a Non-Profit

Click here.

Hangout tonight - November 10

Many of you told me you'd be unavailable, but I'll be online for a regular "office-hours" Hangout.  I also promised to describe/discuss watershed non-profits. 

I'll be available online at 7pm EDT to talk with anyone that can join us. We'll use the same combination of two technologies as last time (pick one): 

1. Google hangout: Look for an email invitation or on G+ at or after 6:55pm 

2. Voice conference call by Uber: Call-in Number: (585) 632-6253 • PIN: 22875

Recommended Trees (for Arlington)

From the Arlington, VA Environment Pages:

The author/keeper of this information, Vincent Verweij, is a graduate of the MNR program and is now Arlington's Urban Forester.

Recommended Trees

This page lists trees appropriate for planting on private property in Arlington County. The lists have been vetted for trees that are structurally sound if maintained well, and do not contain species known to be invasive. To find a list of trees native to our region, consult Native Plants for Wildlife Habitat and Conservation Landscaping (Chesapeake Bay Watershed) by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. To find out whether a species is native to Arlington County, consult the Virginia Digital Plant Atlas

• For planting on County property (along streets, parks and other public areas), refer to our Tree Planting Program.
• If you're a developer or are performing a large project in Arlington, refer to the Chesapeake Bay Ordinance page. The lists on this page do not apply to the Chesapeake Bay Ordinance.
• Consult the Virginia Tech Tree database for more detailed information and pictures.

Contact the County Urban Forester at vverweij@arlingtonva.us for further questions. The lists on this page are subject to change.

Shade Trees

Shade & Maximum Environmental Benefit

Shade trees can significantly alter the microclimate around a home, resulting in a more comfortable environment and significant savings in heating and cooling costs over time. Large shade trees also provide the most significant stormwater and wildlife benefit.
These trees should be planted with the future in mind. Be aware of overhead powerlines or nearby structures when planting these trees.

Shade Tree List

Small and Ornamental Trees

Small Spaces & Accent

A list of trees perfect for accents, ornamental display, or spaces with low soil space. Consider these species when filling out a landscape, or when maintenance budget is limited. Appropriate for planting under most overhead utilities.

Small Tree List

Evergreen Trees

Screening & Shade in the Summer, Wind Breaks in the Winter

Evergreen trees provide great screening, shade in the summer, and wind breaks in the winter. Evergreen trees also provide year-round wildlife food, crucial for survival during the winter.
Some of the larger evergreens should be planted with the future in mind. Be aware of overhead powerlines or nearby structures when planting these trees.

Evergreen Tree List

Invasive Trees

Do Not Plant These Trees

Invasive plant species degrade the landscape in several ways. In Arlington, invasive plants negatively impact ecosystem health, green infrastructure and canopy coverage. Due to their ability to outcompete native plants, invasive plants have displaced many native species that provide habitat and forage for wildlife. Additionally, invasive plants can disrupt normal forest succession by inhibiting regeneration of native tree species.
For more information on invasive species, check out our Invasive Plant Program.

Invasive Tree List

Master Tree List

Technical Compilation of Recommended Trees for Arlington County

A list of trees appropriate for planting in Arlington County. This list has been vetted for trees that are structurally sound if maintained well, and do not pose an ecological risk due to invasion.
Master Tree List (Excel)

Master Tree List

Hangout tonight - November 3

I'll be available online at 7pm EDT to talk with anyone that can join us. We'll use the same combination of two technologies as last time (pick one): 1. Google hangout: Look for an email invitation or on G+ at or after 6:55pm 2. Voice conference call by Uber: Call-in Number: (585) 632-6253 • PIN: 22875