Mission Statement	The mission of the National Audubon Society (NAS) and Shenandoah Audubon (NSVAS) is to conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife, and their habitats, for the benefit of humanity and the Earth's biological diversity.
About Shenandoah Audubon	The Northern Shenandoah Valley Audubon Society (NSVAS), or “Shenandoah Audubon”, is a chapter of the National Audubon Society and member of the Virginia Audubon Council and the Virginia Environmental Network. NSVAS is a non-profit organization which serves the City of Winchester and the Counties of Frederick, Clarke, Warren and Shenandoah plus portions of Loudoun, Fauquier and Rappahannock. Local Membership ($15 annual dues) is open to anyone with an interest in birds, in our environment and in conservation. Membership includes 4 issues of the chapter Oak Leaf newsletter, notices of special local events, participation in migratory bird counts, field trips and basic operating costs. Send dues, payable to NSVAS (or Shenandoah Audubon) to Shenandoah Audubon Treasurer, PO Box 515, Winchester, VA 22604.
Membership / Public Meetings	Membership meetings are held in March, April, May, September, October and November (or as otherwise specified) and are open to the public at no charge.
Board Meetings	Board Meetings are held at such times as determined by the President and open to all members, .
NSVAS Arboretum	The NSVAS Arboretum has been established in Jim Barnett Park, Winchester, VA where donations from community businesses, organizations and individuals contribute to the planting of native Virginia trees, bushes and flower beds. This Arboretum, located in a 5-acre lot on the Pleasant Valley Ave. side of the park, affords birds, butterflies and other wildlife to live and forage for food. All donations are greatly appreciated. See our sign kiosk in the Park near the War Memorial Building. For further information, contact Jim Smith (662-5033), or Scott Kenny (722-9551).
Bird Counts	Two Christmas Bird Counts are sponsored by Shenandoah Audubon and held annually, identifying and counting resident winter birds in specified count circle locations in the Northern Shenandoah Valley, with data sent to National Audubon for tabulation and compilation with National and International CBC's of the Western Hemisphere for publication in "American Bird". This is a citizen science project of National Audubon and the data is available for all and may be used by scientists at organizations and Universities such as Cornell University.  Contact Rob Simpson at LFCC (540-869-2051) for the Northern Shenandoah CBC Contact Margaret Wester (margaretwester@hotmail.com) for the Calmes Neck CBC
Bluebird Trails	NSVAS members maintain a 110 nest box Bluebird Trail at Blandy Experimental Farm in Boyce, VA to encourage productivity of native cavity nesting birds and to conduct scientific research. For more information, contact Kaycee Lichliter (kayceelichliter@hotmail.com). NSVAS members also maintain smaller Bluebird Trails on private property (Charlie Clevenger and other NSVAS members), and at Andy Guest State Park.
Scholarships	NSVAS / Tim Melton Memorial Scholarship is presented to a student of Lord Fairfax Community College in the Environmental Science curriculum. Contact LFCC: Lord Fairfax Community College / 540-868-7000) for further information .
Birding Festival	Annual Birding Festival: Live birds and animals, talks, and bird and nature related slide presentations, conservation and environmental exhibits, crafts sales, activities, nature walks, and so much more is held on a Saturday in the fall in conjunction with the Bird Seed Sale. This is a family event for everyone in the area to come, enjoy and learn. Plan to bring your neighbors and friends as well as your whole family!
Bird Seed Sale	Held in conjunction with our Birding Festival, the Bird Seed Sale of bird seed, suet blocks, bird houses and other related material is a fundraiser for the programs and projects sponsored by NSVAS for conservation.
Student Bird Study Workshop	Scouts and 4Hers who attend are eligible for a bird badge; other youth enjoy the learning experience: how to identify birds by sight and sound using eyes, ears, and binoculars in conjunction with a free bird book, what habitat and conservation measures we can assist with, and building a birdfeeder. This is such a popular, free activity, early registration is advised. The Workshop is held in conjunction with our Birding Festival and adults are welcome to attend.
Other Projects	The chapter is currently working on several environmental activities/ projects.  Bird talks annually held at Frederick County school locations.  Shenandoah Audubon participates with an informational booth and sales of birdhouses, bird identification books and other related materials to encourage conservation at the State Arboretum/ Blandy Experimental Farm's Garden Festival in May and Arborfest in October. Be watching for these dates to be posted.
Web Site	www.audubon-nsvas.org - updated as additional information becomes available.
Field Trips	Birding and nature field trips led by experienced and knowledgeable naturalists and guides are scheduled throughout the year in our local chapter area plus some special trips farther afield. Please be watching for these field trip announcements.

Oak Leaf Newsletter

The Oak Leaf newsletter is published 4 times a year and contains meeting information, Audubon event announcements and reports, President's monthly message, articles by the Board and other members, and more of interest.