PVBC Meeting Minutes: May 7, 2025
By Cory Swift, PVBC Communications Chair
President’s Introductory Comments – Welcome & Announcements
Club President, Myrlene Staten, opened the meeting promptly at 7:00 p.m., virtually on Zoom, with 19 people in attendance. Myrlene welcomed everyone and talked about recent sightings during the club’s latest birding before work walks.
Volunteers- Myrlene mentioned that the club is still looking for a new membership chair and also seeking general volunteers. If interested in volunteering, please use this form: https://forms.gle/UR22mMYFaUMnCEBU7
Membership Update
Membership Chair, Scott Connuck, encouraged attendees to become a member or renew their membership. Please email Scott at [email protected] with membership questions.
Upcoming Field Trips and Events:
Field Trip Chair, Alex Brubaker, reported on the following upcoming field trips:
There are two more Birding Before Work trips left: Azalea Park on Thursday, May 8, led by Cory Swift led and McIntire Park on Friday, May 9, led by Louis Sokolov. Both field trips are from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.
Birding for All (w/ Rivanna Master Naturalists), at Riverview Park, on Saturday, May 10, at 9 a.m. Meet in the parking lot at Riverview Park off Chesapeake Street.
Rockfish Gap Trail Field Trip in Nelson County, at 8 a.m. Meet at 662-698 Rockfish Valley Hwy, Roseland, VA 22967. Please RSVP to help organizers anticipate participation: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rockfish-valley-birding-tickets-1344187383649?aff=oddtdtcreator
PVBC Field Trip at Castle Rock Farm, on Saturday, May 17, at 8 a.m.
First Saturday Bird Walk at Ivy Creek Natural Area, on Saturday, June 7, at 7:30 a.m. Meet in the main parking lot at 1780 Earlysville Road, Charlottesville, VA 22903.
First Saturday Bird Walk at Ivy Creek Natural Area, on Saturday, July 5, at 7:30 a.m. Meet in the main parking lot at 1780 Earlysville Road, Charlottesville, VA 22903.
First Saturday Bird Walk at Ivy Creek Natural Area, on Saturday, August 2, at 7:30 a.m. Meet in the main parking lot at 1780 Earlysville Road, Charlottesville, VA 22903.
First Saturday Bird Walk at Ivy Creek Natural Area, on Saturday, September 6, at 7:30 a.m. Meet in the main parking lot at 1780 Earlysville Road, Charlottesville, VA 22903.
Alex also mentioned that PVBC is working to organize more field trips for the summer, including some in collaboration with Smithsonian Virginia Working Lands. More details to come!
More information about announced events can be found here: https://www.piedmontvirginiabirdclub.org/events/
Featured Presentation
Programs Chair, Joanna Vondrasek, introduced Dr. Ashley Peele, the Science Integration Coordinator for Appalachian Mountains Joint Venture of the American Bird Conservancy. Joanna went on to describe Ashley’s education, previous research and current projects. Dr. Peele presented about How Citizen Science-based Tools are Changing the Game for Appalachian Bird Conservation.
Dr. Peele’s presentation can be watched here: https://us06web.zoom.us/rec/share/J34w44oTSWjlfdFH1CZ5t4LyzFAqicoYV6UNeX86yKeBkN2LtygLzqFxncuZ-3DZ.ElHeCtyLl4O0eTHS
Passcode: !ak2#pF+
The meeting adjourned at 8:11 p.m.
PLEASE NOTE: The Club has no meetings June through August. Field trips and the first Saturday bird walks at Ivy Creek will continue through the summer. The Club meets next on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at 7 p.m. More details about this meeting will be shared in the coming months.
