Swanfall is Back!
The Friends are delighted to announce the return of our traditional holiday program – Swanfall. We'll celebrate Swanfall at Gunston Hall's Ann Mason Room on Sunday, December 5.
We'll start with a great buffet at 2 PM.
At 3 PM, We'll enjoy "Wintering Waterbirds of the Potomac River."
A wide diversity of geese, ducks and other waterbirds spend the winter in Northern Virginia. Mason Neck, including both the state park and the wildlife refuge, play an important part in sustaining them through the winter. We'll learn about the lives of the birds, citizen science studies and the conservation needs for birds and people along the river.
Our presenter is Greg Butcher, the Migratory Species Coordinator for the U.S. Forest Service International Programs. He is a PhD. ornithologist who has worked for the National Audubon Society, American Birding Association, Partners in Flight, Birders World Magazine and Cornell Lab of Ornithology. He is also Vice President of Audubon Society of Northern Virginia. Greg is a recognized public speaker and interpreter for bird conservation and ecology worldwide.
We are taking special precautions this year because of the pandemic. The Ann Mason Room can hold 125 guests, but we’re limiting attendance to just 75 people so there is ample room for everyone to spread out. We’re also asking everyone to wear a mask except when actively eating or drinking. We’ll have hand sanitizer at numerous places around the room, and you'll be able to choose from a variety of pre-plated, delicious offerings from the buffet.
Swanfall is open to everyone. Members and one guest can register for a special price of $15 per person. Nonmembers the can register for $20 per person.
If you aren't a member or your membership has lapsed, you can join the Friends here.
