All projects undertaken at JK Black Oak are done by volunteers. Work days take place each month from April to December, usually on the first Saturday of the month, and are listed on the Volunteer Opportunities page when registration opens. The photo galleries below show some of the habitat restoration activities taking place during those work days. Volunteer citizen scientists are also shown below.
Invasive Removal
Like many natural areas in Northern Virginia, the Sanctuary is overrun with invasive plants. Some of the worst offenders are Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus umbellata), Japanese Stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum), Multiflora Rose (Rosa multiflora) and Mile-a-Minute (Persicaria perfoliata). There is also a population of Wavyleaf Basketgrass (Oplismenus undulatifolius) that is spreading rapidly. Removing these invaders will give native plants a chance to recover and grow, dramatically improving habitat for wildlife.
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Protecting Trees from Deer
White-tailed Deer browse has had a major impact on the forest understory, all but eliminating emerging native trees and shrubs. Volunteers have installed four deer exclosures and individual cages to protect young trees. (Watch the video.) This work is funded by a generous grants from Microsoft in partnership with the Society for Ecological Restoration.
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Plant Rescue and Planting
In preparation for the wetlands mitigation project in the east meadow at JK Black Oak, native plants were relocated from the project area in 2021 and 2022 to similar meadows on the west side of the property. As part of restoration projects in 2024 and 2025, natives were planted in the meadow and the bank of the LeSabre vernal pool.
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Tree Planting
The first tree-planting project took place in 2019, with a additional plantings of native trees and shrubs taking place in 2022, 2024 and 2025. Additional plantings will take place in 2026 as part of the vernal pool restoration projects.
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Community Science
Community science projects taking place at JK Black Oak include amphibian and reptile monitoring, bat monitoring, native plant and insect surveys and stream monitoring. Bird and butterfly counts are also conducted.
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