Sign in

va-nated.bsky.social

@va-nated.bsky.social
1.1K followers 543 following 1.4K posts

Teaching children about the natural world right outside their front doors. Located in Northern Virginia. Master Naturalist, Middle School educator, High School Envirothon coach. Native Plants, Geology, 🌎-CO2, Astronomy, Birds, Insects, Lichen, Bats & more.

PostsRepliesMedia
va-nated.bsky.social @va-nated.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
I love mushrooms and how on a dog walk you can marvel about the planet & wonder why they popped up there this year? And what exactly is under the ground? And how does the fungi kingdom work? And why wasn’t there a fungi kingdom when I was a kid? 😆
050
va-nated.bsky.social @va-nated.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
A view of my garden at night. Thanks to my botany kid who planted them.
050
va-nated.bsky.social @va-nated.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
Would I have done this on my own without a class? Nah. Was it supposed to look like this? Nah. But I had so much fun once I started I couldn’t stop. /2
010
va-nated.bsky.social @va-nated.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
I made an Herbarium for my Nature Forward Botany Class. I brought it in for my HS Envirothon team to see, and they were buzzing with excitement. 1/
120
va-nated.bsky.social @va-nated.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
We took the middle schoolers out to see our native gardens that have grown in so nicely!
030
Reposted by @va-nated.bsky.social
Henricus Peters @learnfromnature.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
Pesticide-free landscape for native plants - from @xercessociety.bsky.social
031
va-nated.bsky.social @va-nated.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
Virginia’s first small nuclear reactor could be built in Amherst North Carolina energy developer attempting to win over rural county
000
Reposted by @va-nated.bsky.social
Truls Gulowsen @trulsgulowsen.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
«Nordic Mining did not respond to repeated requests for comment from the Guardian, but said in a social media post shortly after the supreme court decision that it would continue with how it disposed of waste, with the encouragement of Norwegian officials» www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
This is one of Norway’s most pristine fjords. So why is it being used as a dumping site for mine waste?
The Norwegian government has given a permit to a mining company to release waste into Førde fjord despite a 17-year battle by campaigners and a supreme court ruling against it
0246
va-nated.bsky.social @va-nated.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
I didn't know about the insect talk. Thank you!
110
Reposted by @va-nated.bsky.social
Roberta Millstein 🌎🌱🐩🏊🏼‍♀🎶🥾 @cepaea.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
Yes, I have had a number of interactions with them. Fantastic organization, well worth people’s donations. Check out their land ethic live talks if you have not yet already. I did one for my book right before it came out. And there is one this Thursday on insects. I highly recommend the series!
111
va-nated.bsky.social @va-nated.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
About 2 years ago I reread Sand County & was so inspired that I started donating to the Leopold Foundation. They have a really thoughtful staff & do small but meaningful projects. I bet they’d love to hear from you. www.aldoleopold.org
aldoleopold.org
The Aldo Leopold Foundation | Where Ethics Meet Earth
Discover where ethics meet earth. Learn about Aldo Leopold's legacy, a Land Ethic®, and our conservation efforts at the Aldo Leopold Foundation.
120
va-nated.bsky.social @va-nated.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
I’m enjoying your book very much.
110
va-nated.bsky.social @va-nated.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
Thank you for your insights.
000
va-nated.bsky.social @va-nated.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
Virginia Naturalists, can you give me your opinions on the proposed NextEra merger with Dominion power? I see this information from SolarUnited which is against a merger, but I'd like to hear well-researched compare contrast views. solarunitedneighbors.org/nextera-domi...
solarunitedneighbors.org
Fight the NextEra takeover - Solar United Neighbors
NextEra plans to acquire Dominion Energy, creating the world’s largest monopoly utility with few protections for Virginians. The State Corporation Commission (SCC) needs to hear from you today — tell…
100
va-nated.bsky.social @va-nated.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
@alt-epa-workers.bsky.social I put this 8 part post together before the EPA museum closed and thought your handle might want to bookmark it or even better periodically launch it with your account. There was a lot of good stuff at the EPA museum! bsky.app/profile/va-n...
000
va-nated.bsky.social @va-nated.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
The kids were somewhat perplexed this wasn't already done. Public advocacy began in the 2016. Considering the # of data centers in our area, the money flowing from those deals, and the need for electricity, why isn't there a line of people who want to grab these large flat roofs for use? 2/2
020
va-nated.bsky.social @va-nated.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
This week the HS club was all about solar energy. ☀️ We advocated to get solar panels on our school & learned more about the process the school system is undergoing to get them on lots of schools. Rooftop solar reduces air pollution, reduces global warming & provides hands-on STEM experiences. 1/2
150
Reposted by @va-nated.bsky.social
Erin Biba @erinbiba.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
[banging on table] FAT BEAR WEEK FAT BEAR WEEK FAT BEAR WEEK FAT BEAR WEEK www.popsci.com/environment/...
popsci.com
The Fat Bear Week 2026 bracket is here and chunkier than ever
Voting starts September 22 with a final winner crowned on September 29.
211672709
va-nated.bsky.social @va-nated.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
There's this. www.thefederalcriminalattorneys.com/illegal-ocea... And homeowners have trouble proving lack of intent: Proving that the dumping was unintentional or accidental can mitigate culpability. This defense might be applicable if the act was due to unforeseen circumstances or an emergency.
thefederalcriminalattorneys.com
Illegal Ocean Dumping | 33 U.S.C. § 1411
Title 33 U.S.C. 1411 makes it a federal crime to dump materials into the ocean without specific permits and authorization, carrying hefty fines and jail time.
020
va-nated.bsky.social @va-nated.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
If you litter you get a fine, if you sit back and knowingly allow an entire household full of toxic electrical and building materials to sink into the ocean, isn't there already legislation that makes that a crime? I mean it's kinda a mini superfund site.
010
Reposted by @va-nated.bsky.social
Adam Pollack @crispapoll.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Respectfully, that’s not the full story here. Among other details, during the last administration there was over $1B in some years available for predisaster voluntary flood buyouts. Perhaps more importantly, nobody forced homeowners to buy these properties
031
va-nated.bsky.social @va-nated.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
DELMARVA - President Trump is repealing an executive order from 2009 dedicated to protecting and restoring the Chesapeake Bay. www.wboc.com/news/trump-a...
wboc.com
Trump Administration repeals Chesapeake Bay Protection and Restoration Executive Order
President Trump is repealing an executive order from 2009 dedicated to protecting and restoring the Chesapeake Bay.
001
va-nated.bsky.social @va-nated.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
An interesting question & we also need to add in whatever FEMA is offering. This needs to be looked all together, and coalitions built to fix this. It's dangerous -- long term-- letting houses fall into the ocean. The environmental consequences just to humans. . . www.npr.org/2026/09/17/n...
npr.org
People's houses are collapsing into the ocean. FEMA gives them no other option
Waterfront homes are collapsing along the coast. Homeowners generally have plenty of warning before their house buckles. So why aren't most houses removed, or at least emptied, before they fall?
0214
va-nated.bsky.social @va-nated.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
After reading the NPR piece and your piece, I think FEMA should not give anyone a payout who is on ocean waterfront.
120
va-nated.bsky.social @va-nated.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Very thought provoking article! Your article and this one make good companion pieces. www.npr.org/2026/09/17/n...
npr.org
People's houses are collapsing into the ocean. FEMA gives them no other option
Waterfront homes are collapsing along the coast. Homeowners generally have plenty of warning before their house buckles. So why aren't most houses removed, or at least emptied, before they fall?
0111
va-nated.bsky.social @va-nated.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
There are weird people out there that just like to look at homes with no intention of buying, so you should not feel badly. You had a goal and point.
0270
va-nated.bsky.social @va-nated.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Fascinating read about how realtors manage extremely wealthy clients versus upper middle class home buyers.
001
va-nated.bsky.social @va-nated.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Back to School Time! ⏰ My Enviorthon Club High Schoolers surprised me! They insisted we pick club meetings back up the first week of school. I love their enthusiasm! They were incredibly inspired by the light pollution community engagement work we did last year.
010
va-nated.bsky.social @va-nated.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Centipede on my trail.
110
va-nated.bsky.social @va-nated.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Sign about George Mather, first head of our national park system, from Great Falls park.
000
va-nated.bsky.social @va-nated.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
National Park week, so I didn’t need to pay to visit Great Falls.
000
Reposted by @va-nated.bsky.social
The Virginian-Pilot @pilotonline.com · 23/08/2026
Virginia Tech part of federal push to expand mining workforce: mrf.lu/2Cc4D
pilotonline.com
Virginia Tech part of federal push to expand mining workforce
011
Reposted by @va-nated.bsky.social
The Virginian-Pilot @pilotonline.com · 27/07/2026
‘We’re All Plastic People Now:’ Award-winning documentary screens at WRL and Tabb Library this week: mrf.lu/2c3bp
pilotonline.com
‘We’re All Plastic People Now:’ Award-winning documentary screens at WRL and Tabb Library this week
032
va-nated.bsky.social @va-nated.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
A great reminder to give thanks especially since I live here. ❤️
000
Reposted by @va-nated.bsky.social
Emily Atkin @emorwee.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
This. This is the correct, science-backed, responsible framing. Wish more news outlets did it like the CBC.
cbc.ca
'Just stop burning fossil fuels.' Scientists stress that our smoky skies only have one true fix | CBC News
Smoky skies in Toronto have led to new scrutiny of government efforts to fight fires and manage forests. But scientists say the realistic way to tackle the smoke is fighting climate change itself.
2727421001
va-nated.bsky.social @va-nated.bsky.social · 19/07/2026
His research — which focused on the Philippines and the Coral Triangle between the Indian and Pacific oceans — shaped conservation efforts around the world…
000
va-nated.bsky.social @va-nated.bsky.social · 18/07/2026
Morning!
020
va-nated.bsky.social @va-nated.bsky.social · 12/07/2026
I always root for the underdog so things almost never go well. Cape Verde making it that far was so cool.
000
va-nated.bsky.social @va-nated.bsky.social · 12/07/2026
😆
000
va-nated.bsky.social @va-nated.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
I know numerous kids who were on their way to grad school and the program abruptly closed down due to administration intimidation
0100
Reposted by @va-nated.bsky.social
Erin 🍂 fall is fall 🐦‍⬛ @wearegonnafindout.bsky.social · 04/07/2026
Heat wave visitor. We gave it some water on the tarp 🦋
A yellow swallowtail butterfly on a hot orange tarp. The tarp is dry, but the photographer carefully added some water for the butterfly after the photo was taken.
1303
va-nated.bsky.social @va-nated.bsky.social · 04/07/2026
Happy 4th & 250th bday party to all my naturalist friends. You all make things country better and you need to hear that every single day! ❤️
030
Reposted by @va-nated.bsky.social
The Garden Dude 🪴🏳️‍🌈🎃 @rudiev.bsky.social · 03/07/2026
Coneflowers are holding up much better in this heat than I am 🥵
A cluster of bright pink coneflowers against the backdrop of other green plants of varying sizes and shapes
191
Reposted by @va-nated.bsky.social
ProPublica @propublica.org · 30/06/2026
NEW: Oil companies are blasting millions of gallons of toxic waste underground each year — less than a half-mile from Enid, Oklahoma’s water wells. But to protect their city, officials must appeal to the state agency that created the problem. With @readfrontier.bsky.social
propublica.org
To Protect Its Drinking Water, This City Has to Appeal to the Oil Regulators That Put It at Risk
Oklahoma restricts oil field wastewater injection within a half-mile of public water wells. Regulators have let companies do it anyway. But in the city of Enid, officials are pushing back against one ...
28241252136
va-nated.bsky.social @va-nated.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
Tree in the * Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier*
020
va-nated.bsky.social @va-nated.bsky.social · 28/06/2026
Herring Cove in Nova Scotia. The Bay of Fundy will *cover* all this ground as the tide returns. 🇨🇦
030
va-nated.bsky.social @va-nated.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
Really important news coverage about kids and education in the US and Canada. Take a look here 👇
000
Reposted by @va-nated.bsky.social
Emily Atkin @emorwee.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
Wild investigation out in HEATED today from @marinscotten.bsky.social An education nonprofit that provides free energy/environment lessons to school kids is constantly calling itself "objective" and "nonpartisan" Turns out, it's secretly funded by the fossil fuel industry
heated.world
An education nonprofit, secretly funded by Big Gas
The Switch Energy Alliance markets its free classroom materials as “objective.” But they are backed by the fossil fuel industry, a HEATED investigation shows.
14427
Reposted by @va-nated.bsky.social
The Virginian-Pilot @pilotonline.com · 24/06/2026
Plans for UVA’s new data center project grow in size and cost: mrf.lu/nS2l
pilotonline.com
Plans for UVA’s new data center project grow in size and cost
011
Reposted by @va-nated.bsky.social
Eoghan Daltun 🌍 @irishrainforest.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
Some good news: church grounds and graveyards across Ireland are becoming havens for birds, bees and bats as part of a biodiversity project inspired by Pope Francis. www.rte.ie/news/regiona...
rte.ie
Biodiversity project inspired by Pope Francis soars
Church grounds and graveyards across Ireland are becoming havens for birds, bees and bats as part of a biodiversity project inspired by Pope Francis.
8762581293