Although botany is a broad topic, during this month we will overview plant diversity and classification and discuss native plants versus invasives for our area.
Herpetology is the study of amphibians and reptiles. We overviewed amphibians in early spring. Now we will overview the top reptile species found in our local area and discuss how to protect their habitats.
We will cover all things "night" including nocturnal animals and what you can see at night. We will also overview our place in the universe and demonstrate the basics of stargazing.
Early spring is when vernal pools are active. Frogs and salamanders use these temporary bodies of water in wooded areas to lay their eggs. By summer, these pools will be dry.
Our state has over 176,000 acres of public lakes and 27,300 miles of streams as well as ocean and wetland habitat. We will talk about the diversity of fish in our state.
Virginia is home to less than 80 native land animals and almost 30 marine mammal species. We will review how to protect these species and their habitat.