This Month in Conservation Science: September 2026
August marks the end of summer field season! We soaked up those final days with field work and nature time.
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VWL on Air
VWL researchers are taking conservation to the airwaves! WMRA recently featured Allison Huysman’s research on cavity-nesting birds and ecosystem services on working lands. The story also highlighted the contributions of summer interns James Rodriguez and Arzu Pahl.
Justin Proctor was featured in a two-part episode of 4 The Soil: A Conversation discussing the connections between wildlife conservation and working lands. The episodes highlighted the Virginia Grassland Bird Initiative, a collaborative program that works with farmers to improve grassland bird habitat while supporting productive agricultural operations.
Wrapping up Field Work
The 2026 plant surveys were completed in August thanks to the 19 volunteers supporting VWL staff and interns. The team successfully surveyed 20 properties across our research region.
VWL Research Fellow Allison Huysman concluded another season of her graduate research, Ecosystem Services Provided by Cavity-nesting Birds, with support from Nick Garnhart and summer field interns. The team monitored Eastern Bluebirds, Tree Swallows and Barn Owls across seven farms.
Congratulations to both teams on their hard work, positive attitudes and commitment to another successful field season!
