Neighborhood
Ecological Stewardship Training
(NEST)

About NEST

What is the NEST Program?
The Neighborhood Ecological Stewardship Training (NEST) Program is an exciting opportunity for residents to learn about our local natural resources. A series of hands-on workshops and outings (most of them free!) explores our local environment. Spring 2006's focus will be on stream ecology, plants, soil, and personal connections to the region. NEST's optional programs highlight the diverse range of stewardship programs available for Northern Virginia residents such as the backyard wildlife habitat program, invasives removal programs, and more.

The Spring 2006 NEST has been completed successfully. You can download a summary of the NEST Program, with participant comments, by clicking here.
Brief article is available at:
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/nvswcd/newsletter/nest.htm

NEST will be offered in the future, details will be announced.

Joanna Cornell designed NEST as the basis for her dissertation work at George Mason University. The Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District administers the NEST Program, in partnership with many organizations and agencies.

Why participate in NEST?

  • Learn about your local streams, plants, soil, trails, and stewardship programs
  • Make new friends
  • Enjoy kayaking, canoeing or boating
  • Enjoy a naturalist-led walk or bike ride with a group
  • Explore your artistic side outdoors
  • Gain the skills to lead a community environmental project
  • Receive Audubon at Home’s new publication: Nature of Change
  • Learn about how get involved with groups improving our local environment
  • It's fun and free
  • Many incentives

What is the NEST Series?

I. Indoor Introduction to Program
II. Stream Valley Ecology: Watersheds, Streams, Plants
III. Stream Valley Ecology: Soil and Native and Invasive Plants
IV. Land-based exploration: walk, hike, or bike ride
V. Water-based exploration: kayaking, canoeing, or boating
VI.Outdoor arts: music, photography, creative writing/journaling, or meditation

At optional evening events speakers will discuss opportunities for involvement in volunteer stewardship opportunities, outdoor programs, adventure programs, and more.

What does "committing to the entire NEST series" mean?
You commit to attend one program in each of the six categories listed above. You will have many options with both programs and dates. We anticipate that it will take about 15 hours to complete your obligation. You will be invited to complete a series of take-home activities that will take less than 15 minutes at a time and will help you reflect on your connection to the natural world. You also commit to completing one or two surveys about your environmental attitudes, knowledge, and behaviors. No prior background is needed for the surveys. Your responses will be kept confidential and will not be associated with your name, but with a coded number. For more information about the surveys, contact Joanna Cornell.

Can I participte with my kids?
The NEST program is for adults 18 years and older in 2006. This is because it is the basis for a disseration project at GMU. Many of the land-based exploration programs included in NEST are public programs, so your children can attend those programs. The Stream Valley Ecology programs and Outdoor Arts and "free for NEST participants" programs are for NEST participants only. If you have questions about the age limit, please contact Joanna.

What is the survey?
The survey will be used by Joanna to evaluate the program and learn more about residents' environmental attitudes, knowledge, and behaviors. No prior knowledge or experience is needed to take the survey. The surveys will take 30-45 minutes to complete. You will be asked to complete an almost identical survey once or twice (whether you take it once or twice is randomly assigned, so you do not have a choice). You can complete the survey at home or prior to the kick-off event (if you are a NEST participant) or at the pre-program Q&A sessions. Special arrangements can be made to make this convenient for participants. Your choices will be made clear via email.

If I am too busy this year, how else can I help?
If you are interested in the program but unable to participate this year, then you can greatly assist Joanna Cornell by completing 1-2 surveys (<1-2 hours). You can complete the surveys at home or at the Fairfax County Government Center. As a thank-you for helping with the survey, you will receive a pencil made from recycled currency or denim and several other appreciation items. You will also be entered to win autographed books, waders, rubber boots, mugs, and more. If you are willing to complete the survey, please contact Joanna or call 703-324-1425. The surveys will be available by March 20th, 2006. Register to take the surveys with Joanna. Just send an email with your contact information and "survey volunteer" in the subject line.

What are the costs?
All core NEST programs are free.  Although you can complete the NEST program for free, you can choose to participate in events with a fee. For example, you can attend a free bird walk or one that costs $3. The choice is yours. If there is a program that greatly interests you, but you are unable to afford the fee, then please contact Joanna. Also, some optional programs may have associated costs. Participants will need to provide their own transportation to all events.

Who is behind the scenes of NEST?
Implementation and evaluation of NEST is the basis for Joanna A. Cornell's dissertation research at George Mason University.  Joanna Cornell is the Watershed Specialist at Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District.  A range of local and regional environmental organizations and agencies support the NEST program by providing in-kind support, assistance with promotion, or funding. A number of companies partner with NEST.

How do I register to participate in NEST?
Send an email with your contact information to Joanna Cornell. Please mark "NEST registration" in the subject line. You will receive confirmation of your registration through email. All information will be sent electronically.

CONTACT INFORMATION: Joanna Cornell jcornell@gmu.edu 703-324-1425