2024 VHS Events

Where: Viriginia Museum of Natural History, Martinsville VA

When: Friday, April 19 & Saturday, April 20, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Where: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax Oakton, VA

When: Sunday, April 21, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Where: Fort Hunt Park - Park Map - Google Map

When: Saturday, April 27, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Where: Waynesboro RiverFest

When: Saturday, April 27, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Where: Mason Neck State Park

When: Saturday, May 11, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Where: Zoom Presentation—Turtles of Virginia
Matt Close, Associate Professor, Radford University’s Biology Department will give a Zoom presentation about Virginia turtles, their role in the environment, and the challenges they face.

When: Wednesday, May 15, at 7:00 p.m. EST.

Register Here: Zoom Turtle Presentation

Join us for the 18th annual HerpBlitz, taking place at Powhatan Wildlife Management Area, nestled in Powhatan County, Virginia. This event will be held on Saturday, June 1st, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Sunday, June 2nd, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The survey will take place rain or shine.

The Powhatan Wildlife Management Area spans over 4,462 acres and boasts several large lakes, ponds, mature forests, and swampy areas, offering a rich habitat for herpetofauna.

In light of Virginia's spring squirrel hunting season running from June 1st to June 15th, all participants are required to wear a blaze orange hat or blaze orange safety vest during the survey. This measure ensures everyone's safety during the event.

Participants aged 17 or older must possess a valid Virginia hunting, freshwater fishing, trapping license, current Virginia boat registration, or restore the wild membership. Alternatively, they can obtain an access permit to survey the Wildlife Management Area land. Access permits can be acquired online at: https://dwr.virginia.gov/hunting/regulations/licenses/ for $4.00 per day, or $23.00 for access for a year.

We will convene at the Bass Pond parking area promptly at 8:30 each morning (GPS coordinates: 37.543637, -78.007336). Please note that this is a remote wildlife management area with no nearby stores or restroom facilities. We kindly ask participants to bring all necessary provisions, including food, for the duration of the survey.

Given the natural environment, we advise taking precautions against ticks by treating your clothing with permethrin or using tick repellent.

Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to explore and contribute to our understanding of herpetofauna in the Powhatan Wildlife Management Area. Register now to secure your spot for this unforgettable event. We look forward to seeing you there!

Where: Powhatan Wildlife Management Area

When: Saturday - Sunday, June 1-2

Registration: Register here

Documented Herps of Powhatan Co.

Where: Virginia Black Bear Festival - Stanardsville, VA

When: Saturday, June 1, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Where: Deep Run Park & Recreation Center - Richmond, VA

When: Saturday, June 8, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Where: Herndon Fortnightly Library

When: Monday, June 24, 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Where: Runnymede Park, Herndon VA

When: Sunday, September 29, 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.