Blandy Experimental Farm - Virginia Working Landscapes

VIRGINIA WORKING LANDSCAPES
Blandy Experimental Farm
2015 Grassland Biodiversity Survey Report
INTRODUCTION
Virginia Working Landscapes’ (VWL) mission is to promote the conservation of native biodiversity and
sustainable land use through research, education, and community engagement. VWL was formed in
2010 in response to a strong and growing desire from private landowners and conservation biologists to
partner to conserve biodiversity, especially on working landscapes. We work with a variety of public and
private partners across the region to increase our understanding of wildlife habitats and our shared
ecosystems. Since 2010, we have conducted the Grassland Biodiversity Survey on a network of mostly
private properties across 15 counties in northern Virginia. Working with private landowners and a corps
of citizen scientists, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) scientists, graduate students, and
interns have monitored plants, pollinators, and birds on more than 70 grasslands. Our goal is to reveal
the impacts of pasture management on native biodiversity to inform landowners and citizen scientists
on best management practices and sustainable land use.
This report summarizes the 2015 VWL Grassland Biodiversity Survey for Blandy Experimental Farm at
survey sites “CSG” and “WSG. We are grateful for your continued involvement in the VWL landowner
network and appreciate your support of our program. For more information, please contact Charlotte
Lorick at (540)-635-0038, visit our website (vaworkinglandscapes.org) and facebook page or email us at
[email protected].
2015 Grassland Biodiversity Survey
We have had some exciting new developments in 2015! Each year, our Grassland Biodiversity Survey
evolves as we improve our methods and respond to new opportunities. For example, we streamlined
our general bee survey this year using a more efficient collection method, and added a new survey to
target vulnerable bumble bees. We conducted our second year of winter bird surveys after a successful
pilot in 2014. We also continued to work with several partners on Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius
ludovicianus) monitoring in Virginia and West Virginia.
Our landowner network has continued to grow with seven new survey sites (five at new properties)
added this year. We also welcomed nine new volunteers who joined our team of 39 returning citizen
scientists. VWL strengthened existing partnerships and initiated new ones. For example, this year we
worked closely with the VA Private Lands Biologists (NRCS/VDGIF) and led a joint workshop on quail and
pollinator habitats. We also worked closely with two new partners, Virginia Master Naturalists and
Bridgewater College to recruit volunteers.
This year we created an online interactive map to compare results between sites and to display
snapshots of grassland diversity across the region (Figures 1 & 2). By visiting our website, landowners,
citizen scientists, educators, and the general public can see our survey results and the span of our
research network.
Figure 1. VWL Online Interactive Storymap ecosystem research network (Hosted by ESRI ArcGIS Online). The
interactive map allows visitors to explore the VWL survey region, history and survey results. The map can be
viewed at www.vaworkinglandscapes.org/about/where-we-work.
Figure 2. VWL Online Interactive Storymap survey history (Hosted by ESRI ArcGIS Online). The survey history
portion of the interactive map allows visitors to toggle through maps of the ecosystem research network
throughout the years. The map can be viewed at www.vaworkinglandscapes.org/about/where-we-work.
METHODS
Overview
In 2015, we conducted surveys at 45 sites on 29 different properties in the northern Shenandoah Valley
and northern Piedmont. The survey sites span 13 counties from Augusta and Albemarle to Loudoun and
Prince William (Figure 3). Land use at these sites ranges from hay production and pasturing to hunting
and recreation (i.e. hiking and horseback riding).
We inventory sampled birds, pollinators and plants to find occurrence, total abundance and relative
abundance of each. Three survey poles (labeled A, B and C) served as starting points for each survey.
Poles were placed at least 100 m from forest edge and approximately 200 m from each other and are
shown in Figures 4 and 5. We sampled birds during the winter (December to February) and the nesting
season (May to July), plants in spring (June) and late summer (August), and pollinators in early summer
(June to July) when diversity and activity are highest. We also collected soil samples in the spring from
new sites (and those that had not been sampled in prior years). Due to the nature of sampling methods,
the species lists do not necessarily reflect all species that occur on a property.
Figure 3. Map of 2015 VWL Grassland Biodiversity Survey properties with Blandy Experimental Farm indicated by
a red star.
Figure 4. Blandy Experimental Farm - “CSG” with poles A, B, and
C indicated.
Figure 5. Blandy Experimental Farm - “WSG” with poles A, B,
and C indicated.
Bird Surveys
Winter Bird Survey:
The winter bird survey was designed in 2014 to study the effect of
plant diversity and structure on overwintering birds. Field team
members walked 200 m transects from each pole and noted every
bird seen or heard within 50 m in five minutes. Using this point count
sampling method (i.e. noting the number of times a species is
observed in the allotted time), we can report occurrence of each
species during the sampling season. We surveyed each site three
times throughout the survey period.
Breeding Bird Survey:
The breeding bird survey was designed to investigate the relationship
between grassland birds and plant diversity and structure during the
nesting season. We sampled birds by point count method for 10
minute intervals by identifying each bird seen or heard within 100 m
of each survey pole. Field team members visited each site four times
and conducted three point counts during each visit (totaling twelve
point counts for each site).
Some members of the bird survey team, 2015
Pollinator Surveys
Butterfly Survey:
Although we know butterflies are essential to grassland ecosystems
and their diversity is an important measure of habitat quality, we
decided not to survey this year. Our experience has taught us that we
do not have a large enough team to conduct the type of survey
required to effectively link butterfly diversity to habitat information.
In place of surveys, we organized and led butterfly walks at Jones’
Nature Preserve and PEC Memorial Overlook to continue butterfly
education throughout the season.
General Bee Survey:
The goal of the general bee survey is to determine species occurrence
and diversity. Bees are vital pollinators and their diversity is a good
indicator of grassland forb diversity. Our field team members hung
one blue vane trap filled with propylene glycol (a non-toxic
preservative) at the central pole at each survey site. Team members
then collected the specimens from the traps three times during the
survey period and washed, dried, sorted and pinned bees. Bee
experts identified the bees to species or genus depending on
feasibility of identification.
Targeted Bumble Bee Survey:
After finding a Rusty-patched Bumble Bee (Bombus affinis) during the
2014 bee surveys at Sky Meadows State Park, VWL and T’ai Roulston,
curator of Blandy Experimental Farm, initiated the Targeted Bumble
Bee Survey this year. The surveys are designed to compare common
and vulnerable species genetic variation and local infection pattern of
parasitic fungus Nosema bombi. We chose to capture these six target
species: B. affinis (imperiled), B. pensylvanicus (vulnerable), B.
auricomus (uncommon, possibly in decline), B. fervidus (uncommon,
possibly in decline), B. impatiens (common), and B. griseocollis
(common).
We trained field team members on Bombus catching, handling and identification techniques. Each site
was sampled between June 20th and July 20th. The team spent 4 hours at each site to collect 20
individuals of each species per site using a live-trapping method (with falcon tubes and nets). We then
took bees to the laboratory to collect samples and released them back at their respective sites. Bumble
bee abundances for all six species at sampled sites were included in this report.
Plant Survey
Plant surveys determine the vegetative composition of each site to
provide insight on habitat quality and the benefits of biodiversity to
wildlife and people. Field team members identified plant species
along the transect at each field pole to determine plant occurrence
and diversity. Each transect consists of 7 m2 plots totaling 21 plots
per site. We visited sites twice, once in June and once in August, to
total 42 plots surveyed per site for the season.
Soil Survey
Soil composition is useful for understanding soil health and can
provide information to landowners to improve management
practices. A total of 24 samples across all three poles were taken at
each site. Results represent the soil composition (i.e. organic matter,
phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, pH, acidity and cation
exchange capacity (CEC)) within 100 m of the survey poles. Samples
were analyzed by A&L Eastern Laboratories (www.aleastern.com).
Setting up survey poles at new 2015 property, Ashland, Madison County
RESULTS
VWL would like to thank all of the citizen scientists
(named in Appendix 1) whose hard work made this
year’s survey possible. VWL would also like to thank
all landowners and managers (named in Appendix 2)
for participating this year; particularly the owners of
Blandy Experimental Farm for their continued
support. Your support helps further efforts to
promote conservation of native biodiversity and
sustainable use of working landscapes through
research, education, and community engagement.
In the remainder of this section find the Targeted
Bumble Bee Survey results (Table 1) and comparisons
(Figures 6 & 7) followed by the individualized
summary of surveys done at Blandy Experimental
Farm. Overall project results and interpretations
comparing all our survey sites will be presented with
more detail in the comprehensive annual landowner
report and at the annual VWL meeting in 2016. In the
meantime, please feel free to contact us at
[email protected] with any questions regarding your
survey.
Surveys at Blandy Experimental Farm – “CSG”
recorded 19 winter bird species. Of the wintering
bird species observed, one is of conservation concern
and one is a VWL target grassland or shrubland
species (Table 2).
Surveys at Blandy Experimental Farm – “WSG”
recorded 18 winter bird species. Of the wintering
bird species observed, none are of conservation
concern and one is a VWL target grassland or
shrubland species (Table 3).
29 properties
45 sites
48 citizen scientist participants
1000 volunteer hours
WINTER BIRD SURVEY
622 individuals observed
37 species identified
BREEDING BIRD SURVEY
1946 individuals observed
80 species identified
GENERAL BEE SURVEY
6604 individuals observed
79 species identified
TARGETED BUMBLE BEE SURVEY
459 individuals observed
PLANT SURVEY
3245 individual plants recorded
272 species identified
Table 1. 2015 Targeted Bumble Bee Survey Results (2014 High-Intensity Pollinator Survey results included for comparison).
Bombus
impatiens
Bombus
griseocollis
Bombus
fervidus
Bombus
auricomus
Survey Site
2014 2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014 2015
Fannon Farm
47
20
20
6
11
90
27
35
Kinloch Farm
24
20
20
21
17
28
28
41
Manassas National Battlefield Park 13
20
20
17
22
21
16
12
Oxbow Farm
26
20
14
20
3
19
44
6
Sky Meadows State Park
40
19
21
21
16
58
21
69
The Farm at Sunnyside
88
17
17
20
20
72
25
31
Figure 6. Select bumble bee abundances caught with blue
vane and glycol pan traps during the High-Intensity
Pollinator Survey in 2014. These results provide a
comparison for the 2015 Targeted Bumble Bee Survey.
Figure 7. Relative abundances of bumble bees live-trapped
during the 2015 Targeted Bumble Bee Survey. Captures were
capped at 20 individuals per species, indicated by a dashed
line.
Bombus
pensylvanicus
2014
1
3
3
1
0
1
2015
0
9
20
0
7
1
Bombus
affinis
2014 2015
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
Table 2. Winter Bird Survey results at Blandy Experimental Farm - "CSG". Recorded as occurrence in rank order with a
maximum of nine point counts per species.
Common Name
Genus
Species
Species of
Concern*
VWL Target
Species**
Common Bird
in Steep
Decline
Priority
Species
Listing
Occurrence+
Song Sparrow
Eastern Bluebird
American Goldfinch
American Tree Sparrow
Cooper's Hawk
Tufted Titmouse
Cedar Waxwing
Red-shouldered Hawk
Northern Cardinal
Turkey Vulture
Northern Flicker
American Crow
Common Raven
Blue Jay
Downy Woodpecker
European Starling
Carolina Wren
American Robin
White-throated Sparrow
Melospiza
melodia
NA
NA
NA
NA
2
Sialia
sialis
NA
S
NA
NA
2
Spinus
tristis
NA
NA
NA
NA
1
Spizella
arborea
NA
NA
NA
NA
1
Accipiter
cooperii
NA
NA
NA
IV
Inc.
Baeolophus bicolor
NA
NA
NA
NA
Inc.
Bombycilla
cedrorum
NA
NA
NA
NA
Inc.
Buteo
lineatus
NA
NA
NA
IV
Inc.
Cardinalis
cardinalis
NA
NA
NA
NA
Inc.
Cathartes
aura
NA
NA
NA
NA
Inc.
Colaptes
auratus
R
NA
Yes
NA
Inc.
Corvus
brachyrhynchos
NA
NA
NA
NA
Inc.
Corvus
corax
NA
NA
NA
NA
Inc.
Cyanocitta
cristata
NA
NA
NA
NA
Inc.
Picoides
pubescens
NA
NA
NA
NA
Inc.
Sturnus
vulgaris
NA
NA
NA
NA
Inc.
Thryothorus ludovicianus
NA
NA
NA
NA
Inc.
Turdus
NA
NA
NA
NA
Inc.
migratorius
Zonotrichia albicollis
NA
NA
NA
NA
Inc.
*Information on species of regional (R) and continental (C) conservation concern, or Both (B), for both wintering and breeding bird species, was
obtained from Partners in Flight (http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/pif/).
**VWL target species are those that SCBI researchers have identified as dependent on grassland/shrubland (G/S) habitats and therefore are
important components of the grassland communities.
+ Incidentals (Inc.) are species observed either before or after survey periods, outside the survey boundaries or observed as flyovers. Birds
recorded as incidentals were not included in the final dataset for scientific analysis by SCBI researchers.
Table 3. Winter Bird Survey results at Blandy Experimental Farm - "WSG". Recorded as occurrence in rank order with a
maximum of nine point counts per species.
Common Name
Genus
Species
Species of
Concern*
VWL Target
Species**
Common Bird
in Steep
Decline
Priority
Species
Listing
Occurrence+
Song Sparrow
Eastern Bluebird
House Sparrow
American Goldfinch
Mourning Dove
White-throated Sparrow
Tufted Titmouse
Red-shouldered Hawk
Black Vulture
American Crow
Blue Jay
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Northern Mockingbird
Carolina Chickadee
White-breasted Nuthatch
European Starling
Carolina Wren
American Robin
Melospiza
melodia
NA
NA
NA
NA
4
Sialia
sialis
NA
S
NA
NA
2
Passer
domesticus
NA
NA
NA
NA
1
Spinus
tristis
NA
NA
NA
NA
1
Zenaida
macroura
NA
NA
NA
NA
1
Zonotrichia
albicollis
NA
NA
NA
NA
1
Baeolophus bicolor
NA
NA
NA
NA
Inc.
Buteo
lineatus
NA
NA
NA
IV
Inc.
Coragyps
atratus
NA
NA
NA
NA
Inc.
Corvus
brachyrhynchos
NA
NA
NA
NA
Inc.
Cyanocitta
cristata
NA
NA
NA
NA
Inc.
Melanerpes carolinus
NA
NA
NA
NA
Inc.
Mimus
polyglottos
NA
NA
NA
NA
Inc.
Poecile
carolinensis
NA
NA
NA
NA
Inc.
Sitta
carolinensis
NA
NA
NA
NA
Inc.
Sturnus
vulgaris
NA
NA
NA
NA
Inc.
Thryothorus ludovicianus
NA
NA
NA
NA
Inc.
Turdus
NA
NA
NA
NA
Inc.
migratorius
*Information on species of regional (R) and continental (C) conservation concern, or Both (B), for both wintering and breeding bird species, was
obtained from Partners in Flight (http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/pif/).
**VWL target species are those that SCBI researchers have identified as dependent on grassland/shrubland (G/S) habitats and therefore are
important components of the grassland communities.
+ Incidentals (Inc.) are species observed either before or after survey periods, outside the survey boundaries or observed as flyovers. Birds
recorded as incidentals were not included in the final dataset for scientific analysis by SCBI researchers.
Staff
VWL STAFF
Tom Akre is the Director of Virginia Working Landscapes at the Smithsonian
Conservation Biology Institute. Tom is a broadly trained ecologist with a doctoral
degree from George Mason University and postdoctoral fellowships with
Conservation International and the University of Georgia. Until joining SCBI, he was a
professor of biology at Longwood University where he taught ecology and
conservation biology. Tom is Virginia native who returned to this area because of his
strong connection to the wildlife and beautiful landscape of the region. He believes
in using science to inform and empower conservation action through research, education, and
community engagement.
Charlotte Lorick is the outreach coordinator for Virginia Working Landscapes and is
representing SCBI on the Virginia Master Naturalist Board of Directors. Charlotte
completed her B.A. in political economics at Barnard College in New York with a
focus on agricultural economics and sustainability. Subsequently, she worked in
Zambia as a quality control supervisor on the 2012 Rural Agricultural Livelihoods
Survey, apprenticed on an organic farm, and most recently worked with Mike Sands
and Betsy Dietel on their farm in Flint Hill. She started as a volunteer for VWL in June
of 2014.
Samantha Parker is the data manager for Virginia Working Landscapes and has been
working with the program since October 2014. Previously she worked as a field
technician with the Northern Virginia Wood Turtle Project at SCBI, studying nesting
and hatchling turtle ecology. Samantha is an alum of Bridgewater College with a
Bachelor’s of Science and the SMSC undergraduate program. Sam plans to use her
experiences to further her interests in landscape conservation and applied
management through graduate work and open curiosity.
Amy Johnson is the bird survey coordinator for Virginia Working Landscapes and is
also the 2013 recipient of the Smithsonian-Mason PhD fellowship in conservation
science. For her dissertation research she is currently studying grassland bird
diversity and community ecology on VWL properties during both the breeding
season and winter. Amy has participated in or led the VWL grassland biodiversity
surveys since 2011 and is interested in community-based conservation initiatives,
particularly those in agricultural landscapes.
Celia Vuocolo acted as the grassland plant and pollinator survey coordinator for the
2015 survey season while completing her graduate fellowship with SCBI and George
Mason University. For her master’s thesis research she is currently studying the
occurrence of the parasite Nosema bombi on bumble bee populations in Virginia.
Celia has returned to the Piedmont Environmental Council, one of VWL’s partners, in
her new roles as the Habitat & Stewardship Specialist.
APPENDICES
Appendix I. Grassland Biodiversity Survey Participants (Continued)
Sally
Anderson
Citizen Scientist
Miller Farm, Ogdens Cave Natural Area Preserve, Polyface Farms,
Stonebridge Farm
John
Beardsley
Citizen Scientist
Last Resort
Tricia
Booker
Citizen Scientist
Kinloch Farm
Mark
Bruns
Citizen Scientist
Oxbow Farm
Bob
Butterworth Citizen Scientist
Oxbow Farm, Sky Meadows State Park, Stonebridge Farm
Christopher Chan
Citizen Scientist
Chris
Crowe
Citizen Scientist
Spring House Farms
Sally
Cunningham Citizen Scientist
Last Resort, Texas Farm
Hillary
Davidson
Citizen Scientist
Kinloch Farm
Ashley
Dawson
Citizen Scientist
MARE Center, Miller Farm
Julie
Dawson
Citizen Scientist
Ashland Farm, MARE Center, Miller Farm
Melissa
Dimmet
Citizen Scientist
Miller Farm, Rosebrook
Art
Drauglis
Citizen Scientist
Sky Meadows State Park
Fred
Fox
Citizen Scientist
Last Resort, Texas Farm
Janice
Frye
Citizen Scientist
Lanark Farm
Susan
Gitlin
Citizen Scientist
Last Resort, Texas Farm
Holly
Glenn
Citizen Scientist
Ashland Farm
Paul
Guay
Citizen Scientist
Ogdens Cave Natural Area Preserve, Stonebridge Farm
Joyce
Harman
Citizen Scientist
Oxbow Farm
Alys
Harshbarger Citizen Scientist
Ogdens Cave Natural Area Preserve
Angelica
Heath
Citizen Scientist
Ashland Farm, Kinloch Farm, Sky Meadows State Park
Jonni
Hem
Citizen Scientist
Teri
Holland
Citizen Scientist
Ogdens Cave Natural Area Preserve, Shenandoah River Campus at
Cool Spring Battlefield
Diane
Holsinger
Citizen Scientist
BSA Camp Shenandoah
Nils
Isberg
Citizen Scientist
Ashland Farm
Elizabeth
Johns
Citizen Scientist
Oxbow Farm
Allan
Kelley
Citizen Scientist
Sky Meadows State Park
Peggy
Kenney
Citizen Scientist
Manassas National Battlefield Park, Ashland
Philip
Kenny
Citizen Scientist
Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve
Brenda
Kiessling
Citizen Scientist
Manassas National Battlefield Park, Sky Meadows State Park, The
Farm at Sunnyside
William
Krassoi
Citizen Scientist
Polyface Farms
Lisa
LaCivita
Citizen Scientist
Ogdens Cave Natural Area Preserve, Shenandoah River Campus at
Cool Spring Battlefield
Warren
Lynch
Citizen Scientist
Spring House Farms
Cathy
Mayes
Citizen Scientist
Last Resort, Miller Farm, Texas Farm, The Volgenau Farm
Christine
Nelson
Citizen Scientist
Alex
Newhart
Citizen Scientist
MARE Center, Oxbow Farm, Sky Meadows State Park
Janet
Paisley
Citizen Scientist
Lanark Farm
John
Pastors
Citizen Scientist
Polyface Farms
Appendix I. Grassland Biodiversity Survey Participants (Continued)
Morgan
Pastors
Citizen Scientist
Polyface Farms
Hannah
Phillips
Citizen Scientist
Manassas National Battlefield Park, Sky Meadows State Park
Steph
Ridder
Citizen Scientist
Last Resort, The Volgenau Farm
Francie
Schroeder
Citizen Scientist
Miller Farm, Rosebrook
Elizabeth
SidamonCitizen Scientist
Fannon Farm, Kinloch Farm, Manassas National Battlefield Park,
Eristoff
Oxbow Farm, Rosebrook, Sky Meadows State Park, The Farm at
Sunnyside
Dana
Squire
Citizen Scientist
Ashland Farm, Fannon Farm
Russell
Taylor
Citizen Scientist
Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve
Ian
Topolsky
Citizen Scientist
Jones Nature Preserve, Miller Farm
Irene
Upshur
Citizen Scientist
Penny
Warren
Citizen Scientist
BSA Camp Shenandoah
Tom
Akre
VWL Director
Norm
Bourg
Research Scientist
Skyler
Burrows
Utah State University Pollinator Identification
Olivia
Cosby
SCBI/VWL Intern
Molly
Dodge
SCBI Strategic Development Assistant
Amy
Johnson
Bird Survey Coordinator/George Mason University
Charlotte
Lorick
VWL Outreach Coordinator
David
Luther
George Mason University
William
McShea
Research Scientist SCBI
Samantha
Parker
VWL Data Manager
T’ai
Roulston
University of Virginia/Pollinator Survey Expert
Scott
Sillett
Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center
Ruth
Stolk
Strategic Development SCBI
Celia
Vuocolo
Plant and Pollinator Survey Coordinator/ George Mason University
Blandy Experimental Farm VWL Partner
Piedmont Environmental
VWL Partner
Council
Shenandoah University
VWL Partner
Smithsonian-Mason School VWL Partner
of Conservation
Private Lands Biologists
VWL Partner
(NRCS/VDGIF)
Virginia Master Naturalists VWL Partner
Virginia Native Plant
VWL Partner
Society
Appendix II. 2015 VWL Grassland Biodiversity Survey Locations
Ashland
Madison County
Bill and Ann Tidball, owners
Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve
Loudon County
Loudoun County Dept of Parks, Rec, and Community
Services; Ron Circe, Manager
Blandy Experimental Farm
Clarke County
University of Virginia; David Carr, manager
BSA Camp Shenandoah
Augusta County
Boy Scouts of America; Harold Tate, Manager
Chilton's Gate Farm
Culpeper County
Lili Alexander, owner; Roland Word, manager
Fannon Farm
Rappahannock County Bill Fannon, owner
Jones Nature Preserve
Rappahannock County Bruce and Susan Jones, owners
Kinloch Farm
Fauquier County
Andrea Currier, owner; Jonathan Duffy and Brian
Campbell, managers
Lanark Farm
Albemarle County
Benjamin and Antoinette Brewster, owners; Frank
Coursey, manager
Last Resort
Rappahannock County John Beardsley and Stephanie Ridder, owners
Manassas National Battlefield Park
Prince William County National Park Service; Bryan Gorsira, manager
MARE Center
Loudon County
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University;
Bridgett McIntosh and Shayan Ghajar, managers
Marriott Ranch
Fauquier County
Lanier Cate, manager
Miller Farm
Rappahannock County Bill Fletcher, owner
Ogdens Cave Natural Area Preserve
Frederick County
Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation;
Adam Christie, manager
Over Jordan Farm
Rappahannock County Mike Sands and Betsy Dietel, owners
Oxbow Farm
Warren County
Beatrice and Adie von Gontard, owners; Gene Dooty,
manager
Polyface Farms
Augusta County
Joel and Daniel Salatin, owners
Rosebrook
Greene County
Jim Hurley and Susan Roth, owners
Shenandoah River Campus at Cool
Loudon County
Shenandoah University; Gene Lewis, manager
Spring Battlefield
Sky Meadows State Park
Fauquier County
Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation;
Tim Skinner, manager
Smithsonian Conservation Biology
Warren County
Smithsonian Institution National Zoological Park; Kyle
Institute
Rhodes, manager
Spring House Farms
Shenandoah County
Jeff and Ali Carithers, owners
Stonebridge Farm
Warren County
Dave Denton, manager
Texas Farm
Fauquier County
Mary Ridder, owner; John Beardsley and Stephanie
Ridder, managers
The Farm at Sunnyside
Rappahannock County Nick and Gardiner Lapham, owners; Sam Quinn,
manager
The Volgenau Farm
Fauquier County
The Volgenau Foundation and Lisa Volgenau
Fitzgerald, owners; Betsy Smith, manager
Wheatlands
Augusta County
Michael Godfrey, owner
White House Farm
Page County
Scott Plein and Chris Anderson, managers