Upcoming Events
SAVE THE DATE!
What is the Yard Doing to Save Bees?
A Chat with a Butterfly Specialist
Sam Droege, USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center
Sunday, January 30, 2022
4 pm
Address of Zoom meeting will be sent to all who RSVP the week before January 30.
Register at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FriendsBees
Did you know that there are over 450 different kinds of native bees in our area? Given that wealth of species, it will be no surprise that they divide up the environment much more than birds do. Sam Droege, a native bee specialist, will illuminate some of those patterns and, more importantly, provide simple things you can do in your yard to support as well as attract native bees.
Speaker Bio
Sam Droege grew up in Hyattsville, MD, received an undergraduate degree at the University of Maryland and a Master’s at the State University of New York – Syracuse. Most of his career has been spent at the USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center. He has coordinated the North American Breeding Bird Survey Program, developed the North American Amphibian Monitoring Program, the Bioblitz, Cricket Crawl, and FrogwatchUSA programs and worked on the design and evaluation of monitoring programs. Currently he is developing an inventory and monitoring program for native bees, online identification guides for North American bees at www.discoverlife.org, and, with Jessica Zelt, reviving the North American Bird Phenology Program. As an aside, he is looking for volunteers interested in helping photoshop hi-resolution photographs of insects…see http://www.flickr.com/photos/usgsbiml/ and can be contacted at sdroege@usgs.gov
What is the Yard Doing to Save Bees?
A Chat with a Butterfly Specialist
Sam Droege, USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center
Sunday, January 30, 2022
4 pm
Address of Zoom meeting will be sent to all who RSVP the week before January 30.
Register at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FriendsBees
Did you know that there are over 450 different kinds of native bees in our area? Given that wealth of species, it will be no surprise that they divide up the environment much more than birds do. Sam Droege, a native bee specialist, will illuminate some of those patterns and, more importantly, provide simple things you can do in your yard to support as well as attract native bees.
Speaker Bio
Sam Droege grew up in Hyattsville, MD, received an undergraduate degree at the University of Maryland and a Master’s at the State University of New York – Syracuse. Most of his career has been spent at the USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center. He has coordinated the North American Breeding Bird Survey Program, developed the North American Amphibian Monitoring Program, the Bioblitz, Cricket Crawl, and FrogwatchUSA programs and worked on the design and evaluation of monitoring programs. Currently he is developing an inventory and monitoring program for native bees, online identification guides for North American bees at www.discoverlife.org, and, with Jessica Zelt, reviving the North American Bird Phenology Program. As an aside, he is looking for volunteers interested in helping photoshop hi-resolution photographs of insects…see http://www.flickr.com/photos/usgsbiml/ and can be contacted at sdroege@usgs.gov
Past Events
Hollin Hills in Context: From Frank Lloyd Wright to Mid Century Modern
Friends of Hollin Hills presented Hollin Hills in Context: From Frank Lloyd Wright to Mid Century Modern on Sunday, September 19, 2021, from 5 to 6 pm via Zoom.
Panelists Peter Christensen, House Guide for Frank Lloyd Wright’s Pope-Leighey House, and Bill Keene, lecturer in architecture and urban studies for Smithsonian Associates, explored Frank Lloyd Wright and his influence on mid century modern architecture around the country, from Hollin Hills, VA to Denver, CO, to Palm Springs, CA. A moderated Q&A was led by John Nolan, Hollin Hiller and architect.
A recording of the event is available on our YouTube channel where you can also access previous Friends of Hollin Hills educational events. Please like and/or subscribe!
Native Trees and Shrubs for the Hollin Hills Landscape:
Part II - Native Shrubs
On Sunday, May 23, 2021 Friends of Hollin Hills presented part two of our virtual educational program on native trees and shrubs. Renowned landscape architect and Hollin Hiller Dennis Carmichael gave a presentation on native shrubs that work well in our unique landscape. Rather than a comprehensive (and overwhelming) presentation of all native shrubs, Dennis provided a focused “greatest hits” of shrubs that are likely to work well in the conditions prevalent in Hollin Hills, such as shade, marine clay soil, and damp or wet areas.
Video of the presentation can be found on the Friends of Hollin Hills YouTube channel, here.
Native Trees for the Hollin Hills Landscape
On Sunday, April 25, 2021, renowned landscape architect and Hollin Hiller Dennis Carmichael gave a presentation on native trees that work well in our unique landscape. Rather than a comprehensive (and overwhelming) presentation of all native trees, Dennis provided a focused “greatest hits” of trees that are likely to work well in the conditions prevalent in Hollin Hills, such as shade, marine clay soil, and damp or wet areas. Dennis' presentation was accompanied by a lovely power point with full photos and important facts about each tree. Video of the event can be viewed on the Friends of Hollin Hills YouTube channel, here.
Chat With An Architect
On February 21, 2021, Friends of Hollin Hills hosted a discussion with local architects who have experience working in Hollin Hills. Hollin Hills homes offer a number of design challenges that are best handled by an architect who understands the nuances of Charles Goodman's designs. Whether you are contemplating a renovation or an addition, for a project to be successful, the detailing and general approach to construction must be handled with great care. Each panelist gave a brief presentation of their work in Hollin Hills and their general approach to their process. FOHH then lead a brief discussion period to cover topics of interest relating to Hollin Hills projects, concluding with a question and answer session.
A video of the Zoom discussion is now available on the Friends of Hollin Hills YouTube channel.
Stories of Hollin Hills: The Early Years
On Sunday, February 23, 2020 Friends of Hollin Hills hosted a program on the early history of Hollin Hills. Following a social hour from 4:00-4:45 pm, a panel of early residents, including both original purchasers and those who grew up in the neighborhood, shared stories about the early days of the neighborhood and what has changed - or stayed the same - over the years.
All About Invasives
Why should we care about invasive plants? At the first of 2020’s three educational panels sponsored by the Friends of Hollin Hills, Renee Grebe, Northern Virginia Conservation Advocate for the Audubon Naturalist Society, gave one reason for caring: the amazing number of caterpillars a single chickadee needs to feed its young over 16 days until they fledge is about 8,000! Where do these caterpillers come from? The best caterpillar trees are oaks (537), willow (456), cherry (456), birch (413), and hickory (200), all native trees and shrubs, matched to our local native birds and insects. She reminded us that our vegetation choices can have a profound and positive impact on the wildlife around us, from the most basic leveL on through the whole food chain. And these choices can be beautiful and special—such as gardens of blooming native wildflowers. Renee also shared her fascination with Virginia creeper, her 'gateway' to native plants. It has beautiful fall color, provides food for local creatures, and is a great alternative for English ivy.
Rentz Hilyer, of the Northern Virginia Conservation Trust (NVCT), described working with private landowners, some whose property is part of a conservation easement. With limited resources, they focus on a specific area, perhaps bounded by markers, or a specific species such as bush honeysuckle. The preferred treatment method is mechanical. Clipping vines from tree trunks is one of the most effective in freeing our landscape from porcelain berry, kudzu, or English ivy. However, some invasive plants are so stubborn, carefully applied chemical treatments are necessary. Rentz reminded us to focus on choosing sites where invasive eradication is achievable and to map infestations so we can better target our actions.
Our thanks to former Hollin Hiller, Katy Densmore, Chair of the NVCT, who connected us with Rentz Hilyer.
Suggested References
• Bringing Nature Home by Douglas Tallamy (book)
• Plant Invaders of Mid-Atlantic Natural Areas, Natl. Park Service, US Fish & Wildlife Service (available as book or PDF)
• Weeds Gone Wild, fact sheets, www.nps.gov/plants/alien
• Plant NoVa Natives - website with lots of resources
• Virginia Invasive Plant Species List, www.dcr.virginia.gov
Friends of Hollin Hills presented Hollin Hills in Context: From Frank Lloyd Wright to Mid Century Modern on Sunday, September 19, 2021, from 5 to 6 pm via Zoom.
Panelists Peter Christensen, House Guide for Frank Lloyd Wright’s Pope-Leighey House, and Bill Keene, lecturer in architecture and urban studies for Smithsonian Associates, explored Frank Lloyd Wright and his influence on mid century modern architecture around the country, from Hollin Hills, VA to Denver, CO, to Palm Springs, CA. A moderated Q&A was led by John Nolan, Hollin Hiller and architect.
A recording of the event is available on our YouTube channel where you can also access previous Friends of Hollin Hills educational events. Please like and/or subscribe!
Native Trees and Shrubs for the Hollin Hills Landscape:
Part II - Native Shrubs
On Sunday, May 23, 2021 Friends of Hollin Hills presented part two of our virtual educational program on native trees and shrubs. Renowned landscape architect and Hollin Hiller Dennis Carmichael gave a presentation on native shrubs that work well in our unique landscape. Rather than a comprehensive (and overwhelming) presentation of all native shrubs, Dennis provided a focused “greatest hits” of shrubs that are likely to work well in the conditions prevalent in Hollin Hills, such as shade, marine clay soil, and damp or wet areas.
Video of the presentation can be found on the Friends of Hollin Hills YouTube channel, here.
Native Trees for the Hollin Hills Landscape
On Sunday, April 25, 2021, renowned landscape architect and Hollin Hiller Dennis Carmichael gave a presentation on native trees that work well in our unique landscape. Rather than a comprehensive (and overwhelming) presentation of all native trees, Dennis provided a focused “greatest hits” of trees that are likely to work well in the conditions prevalent in Hollin Hills, such as shade, marine clay soil, and damp or wet areas. Dennis' presentation was accompanied by a lovely power point with full photos and important facts about each tree. Video of the event can be viewed on the Friends of Hollin Hills YouTube channel, here.
Chat With An Architect
On February 21, 2021, Friends of Hollin Hills hosted a discussion with local architects who have experience working in Hollin Hills. Hollin Hills homes offer a number of design challenges that are best handled by an architect who understands the nuances of Charles Goodman's designs. Whether you are contemplating a renovation or an addition, for a project to be successful, the detailing and general approach to construction must be handled with great care. Each panelist gave a brief presentation of their work in Hollin Hills and their general approach to their process. FOHH then lead a brief discussion period to cover topics of interest relating to Hollin Hills projects, concluding with a question and answer session.
A video of the Zoom discussion is now available on the Friends of Hollin Hills YouTube channel.
Stories of Hollin Hills: The Early Years
On Sunday, February 23, 2020 Friends of Hollin Hills hosted a program on the early history of Hollin Hills. Following a social hour from 4:00-4:45 pm, a panel of early residents, including both original purchasers and those who grew up in the neighborhood, shared stories about the early days of the neighborhood and what has changed - or stayed the same - over the years.
All About Invasives
Why should we care about invasive plants? At the first of 2020’s three educational panels sponsored by the Friends of Hollin Hills, Renee Grebe, Northern Virginia Conservation Advocate for the Audubon Naturalist Society, gave one reason for caring: the amazing number of caterpillars a single chickadee needs to feed its young over 16 days until they fledge is about 8,000! Where do these caterpillers come from? The best caterpillar trees are oaks (537), willow (456), cherry (456), birch (413), and hickory (200), all native trees and shrubs, matched to our local native birds and insects. She reminded us that our vegetation choices can have a profound and positive impact on the wildlife around us, from the most basic leveL on through the whole food chain. And these choices can be beautiful and special—such as gardens of blooming native wildflowers. Renee also shared her fascination with Virginia creeper, her 'gateway' to native plants. It has beautiful fall color, provides food for local creatures, and is a great alternative for English ivy.
Rentz Hilyer, of the Northern Virginia Conservation Trust (NVCT), described working with private landowners, some whose property is part of a conservation easement. With limited resources, they focus on a specific area, perhaps bounded by markers, or a specific species such as bush honeysuckle. The preferred treatment method is mechanical. Clipping vines from tree trunks is one of the most effective in freeing our landscape from porcelain berry, kudzu, or English ivy. However, some invasive plants are so stubborn, carefully applied chemical treatments are necessary. Rentz reminded us to focus on choosing sites where invasive eradication is achievable and to map infestations so we can better target our actions.
Our thanks to former Hollin Hiller, Katy Densmore, Chair of the NVCT, who connected us with Rentz Hilyer.
Suggested References
• Bringing Nature Home by Douglas Tallamy (book)
• Plant Invaders of Mid-Atlantic Natural Areas, Natl. Park Service, US Fish & Wildlife Service (available as book or PDF)
• Weeds Gone Wild, fact sheets, www.nps.gov/plants/alien
• Plant NoVa Natives - website with lots of resources
• Virginia Invasive Plant Species List, www.dcr.virginia.gov
Understanding Our Covenants
On April 28, 2019, Friends hosted an informational session on the covenants that require Hollin Hills homeowners to seek approval for additions and other external changes to their homes. As part of a Civic Association of Hollin Hills initiative to explore options for strengthening architectural protections in the neighborhood, the community expressed interest in pursuing two recommendations simultaneously: to obtain legal advice on whether and how to amend the covenants, and to engage with Supervisor Storck’s office about becoming an Historic Overlay District.
Following up on the Civic Association’s initiative, Friends of Hollin Hills, in conjunction with the Civic Association, hired Scott Surovell to provide the recommended legal advice. Scott is an attorney (and Virginia State Senator) who has litigated cases involving covenants and the authority of Home Owners Associations, and he also led an effort to amend the covenants in his own mid century modern Davenport development, Tauxemont.
After a social hour with wine, beer, and snacks, Scott and his associate, Nathan Rozsa, discussed what our covenants are, how they are structured, what amendments might look like, and what the process for amendment would be if the community decided to move forward.
Working with the DRC
On March 31, 2019 Friends of Hollin Hills hosted representatives from the Civic Association's Design Review Committee, better known as the DRC. The DRC is a volunteer committee of the Civic Association of Hollin Hills tasked with interpreting Design Review Guidelines in conjunction with the needs of the individual homeowner. The committee is currently staffed by three architects and two non-architects, along with a liaison from the Civic Association. Then-chair Andy Hight introduced the committee members and provided a brief overview of the Design Review Guidelines. The discussion then opened up for Q&A. A lightly edited video of the discussion is available on our facebook page.
On April 28, 2019, Friends hosted an informational session on the covenants that require Hollin Hills homeowners to seek approval for additions and other external changes to their homes. As part of a Civic Association of Hollin Hills initiative to explore options for strengthening architectural protections in the neighborhood, the community expressed interest in pursuing two recommendations simultaneously: to obtain legal advice on whether and how to amend the covenants, and to engage with Supervisor Storck’s office about becoming an Historic Overlay District.
Following up on the Civic Association’s initiative, Friends of Hollin Hills, in conjunction with the Civic Association, hired Scott Surovell to provide the recommended legal advice. Scott is an attorney (and Virginia State Senator) who has litigated cases involving covenants and the authority of Home Owners Associations, and he also led an effort to amend the covenants in his own mid century modern Davenport development, Tauxemont.
After a social hour with wine, beer, and snacks, Scott and his associate, Nathan Rozsa, discussed what our covenants are, how they are structured, what amendments might look like, and what the process for amendment would be if the community decided to move forward.
Working with the DRC
On March 31, 2019 Friends of Hollin Hills hosted representatives from the Civic Association's Design Review Committee, better known as the DRC. The DRC is a volunteer committee of the Civic Association of Hollin Hills tasked with interpreting Design Review Guidelines in conjunction with the needs of the individual homeowner. The committee is currently staffed by three architects and two non-architects, along with a liaison from the Civic Association. Then-chair Andy Hight introduced the committee members and provided a brief overview of the Design Review Guidelines. The discussion then opened up for Q&A. A lightly edited video of the discussion is available on our facebook page.