Carnegie Institution For Science

The National Academy of Sciences was signed into being by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863, at the height of the Civil War. The Academy is a private, nonprofit, self-perpetuating society of distinguished scholars engaged in scientific and engineering research that is dedicated to the furtherance of science and technology and to their use for the general welfare. Upon the authority of the charter granted to it by the Congress in 1863, the Academy has a mandate that requires it to advise the federal government on scientific and technical matters. The National Academy of Sciences is governed by a council comprised of 12 members and five officers elected from among its membership. The council is responsible to the membership for the activities undertaken by the organization and for the corporate management of the National Academy of Sciences. The Academy membership is comprised of approximately 2,000 members and nearly 350 foreign associates, of whom more than 190 have won Nobel Prizes.

Bull Run Mountains Conservancy, Inc (BRMC ) is a nonprofit 501 (c ) (3 ) organization founded in 1995 to protect the Bull Run Mountains through education, research, and stewardship. As the most easterly chain in the Piedmont, the Bull Run Mountains include unique ecosystems and the headwaters of the Occoquan and Goose Creek watersheds. The Bull Run Mountains are also rich in Virginia and Civil War history. BRMC is headquartered on the southern 800 acres of the 2, 500-acre Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve just 15 minutes from Manassas, Middleburg, and Warrenton, Virginia.BRMC offers educational programs to adults and children, a strong link to local history, and the simple pleasure of walking trails in the Piedmont. At BRMC preservation does not mean a hands-off policy, but rather a focus on drawing people to appreciate the resources at hand and the completion of research to better understand and protect those resources. Our Youth Outdoors Program shows children that the outdoors is fun and exciting, and teaches them that we all have a responsibility to protect and to enhance our public lands and nature.In addition to the natural area's many resources, our relationships with Virginia Division of Natural Heritage (DNH ) and Environmental Studies on the Piedmont allow us to offer a wide variety of public education programs. BRMC works in partnership with local schools and George Mason University to provide experiential learning through field trips, internships, and research opportunities for students.Our public programs include our popular week-long and day-long nature camps, day hikes, Family Series, and other programs related to nature, geology, or history. Our most anticipated event of the year, Halloween Safari, is held on the Friday and Saturday nights before Halloween. It is a fun, educational, and non-scary event for adults and children alike. Another popular fall program is Old Home Sites.BRMC averages two public programs per month year-round, so be sure to check this site, or better yet, become a member and receive our program calendar with our quarterly newsletter. Our membership is vital to the organization. We keep membership dues nominal, in order to make membership accessible. Your contribution demonstrates to the foundations and corporations that support us, as well as the state, that our programs and stewardship is valued. Please consider joining today. We do not share mailing information.Aside from supporting our efforts, members are entitled to substantial discounts on programs. BRMC also offers several different, and birthday adventures.BRMC has a talented staff which includes our Executive Director Michael Kieffer, our Research Director Michele Thieme, and our Resource Manager Andrew Fisher. BRMC is guided by a board of directors consisting of 13 individuals with diverse backgrounds who generously donate their time and insights. Volunteers are critical to our operations. Currently we log over 3, 000 volunteer hours per year. For volunteer opportunities, click here.