Beetles released to save hemlocks

Virginia Department of Forestry used by permission from VDF Communication Specialist Cory Swift-Turner

Staff from the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) recently released hundreds of tiny beetles on eastern hemlock trees at Natural Tunnel State Park.

The beetles are natural predators of the invasive hemlock woolly adelgid, which threatens Virginia’s hemlock populations.

“These beetles feed exclusively on the adelgid, and once established, they can significantly reduce infestations,” DCR officials said.

The DCR and Virginia Department of Forestry have used the predatory beetles on state lands for several years.

Successful populations can be recaptured and relocated to help protect additional hemlock trees.

Some of the beetles released at Natural Tunnel were collected by Virginia Tech researchers from a previous release at Hungry Mother State Park.

State land managers hope the program will eventually help control invasive adelgids across Virginia.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here. 

DOF appreciates your help!

Virginia Department of Forestry used by permission from VDF Communication Specialist Cory Swift-Turner

Virginians collected a whopping 13 tons of acorns, chestnuts and walnuts for Department of Forestry’s (DOF) annual collection.

If you remember back in October they asked for help collecting the seeds.

The numbers are in and there is enough to grow 500,000 native trees!

Thank you for helping DOF grow the forests of tomorrow.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here. 

DOF offers free riparian buffer installations

Virginia Department of Forestry used by permission from VDF Communication Specialist Cory Swift-Turner

The Virginia Department of Forestry is offering Virginia landowners free riparian forest buffer installations and a year of maintenance through a new program.

Riparian forest buffers are specialized plantings that help protect water sources from harmful runoff by capturing sediment and pollutants in the soil.

The installations also support cleaner air, reduce erosion, and prevent flooding.

Nearly 200 acres of buffers were installed in the first year of the Riparian Forests for Landowners program and more than $1.15 million in funding is now available for the 2025-2027 contract year.

RFFL is open to all land owners, homeowners associations, or civic leagues and eligible projects are funded on a first come, first serve basis with planned buffer establishment from Fall 2025 – Spring 2026 and follow up maintenance through 2027.

A link to fill out the landowner interest form is available here.

Then a Department of Forestry representative will contact you for more information.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

Throwing Shade VA update

Virginia Department of Forestry used by permission from VDF Communication Specialist Cory Swift-Turner

The Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF) is proud to announce a successful Throwing Shade VA program!

Nearly 8,000 native trees and shrubs were planted across Virginia this spring through the DOF’s popular Throwing Shade VA program.

This year, 7,782 native trees and shrubs were planted, up from 5,500 last year and just over 1,500 in the program’s first year.

The program supports water quality and wildlife by promoting native species.

The program is funded through Virginia’s water quality improvement program.

The DOF reimburses participating nurseries.

Most of this year’s planting activity occurred near urban areas like Richmond, Northern Virginia, Hampton Roads, and the Shenandoah Valley.

Popular choices included Flowering Dogwood, Eastern Redbud, Sweet Bay Magnolia, and Highbush blueberry.

DOF’s Urban Forestry Coordinator Molly O’Liddy says the program is growing steadily, from just three nurseries in 2023 to 15 this year, and all plan to return in 2026.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here. 

Support biodiversity by planting native trees

Virginia Department of Forestry used by permission from VDF Communication Specialist Cory Swift-Turner

Join the Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF)in enhancing biodiversity and supporting wildlife across Virginia by planting native trees and shrubs.

Native species are crucial to our ecosystems, providing food and habitat for wildlife, especially important pollinators.

Unlike ornamental varieties, native trees have evolved to thrive in Virginia’s diverse environments, offering greater benefits to local ecosystems.

The Virginia DOF is teaming up with retail nurseries to promote the planting of native species through the “Throwing Shade VA” program.

This initiative offers a $25 discount on eligible native trees and shrubs valued at $50 or more.

Take advantage of this opportunity to make a positive environmental impact while beautifying your landscape with trees and shrubs that are naturally suited to Virginia’s climate.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

 

Virginia’s spring fire season has arrived

Virginia Department of Forestry used by permission from VDF Communication Specialist Cory Swift-Turner

The Virginia Department of Forestry joins fire departments across the Commonwealth to announce the start of the spring fire season.

The statewide burning law prohibits outdoor burning between midnight and 4 pm from February 15th through April 30th.

This time of year is prone to wildfires due to the weather conditions and abundant sources of fuel like dead vegetation and leaves.

Violation of the burning law is a class 3 misdemeanor and punishable with a fine of up to $500 as well as costs associated with fire suppression and property damage.

The law applies to outdoor burning within 300 feet of woods or grass including campfires, and open air charcoal grills like those found in a park.

This does not apply to personal charcoal or gas fired barbecue grills.

Virginia experiences approximately 700 wildfires per year and has already lost over 500 acres this year.

The Department of Forestry asked residents to keep in mind:

  • The 4 p.m. burn law applies to any fires not contained within a fireproof device (e.g., campfires, brush piles, bonfires, warming fires, etc.)
  • Burning is allowed between 4 p.m. and midnight if proper precautions are taken
  • No fire may be started, and no fuels can be added to a fire after midnight
  • Avoid burning during dry and windy conditions
  • Fires should never be left unattended
  • Have a shovel, rake and a charged hose on hand for controlling the fire
  • Call 911 immediately if a fire escapes your control

For more information on burning law, click here.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

Spring burning restrictions in state parks

Virginia Department of Forestry used by permission from VDF Communication Specialist Cory Swift-Turner

Virginia State Parks are subject to spring burning restrictions by law from February 15 to April 30 each year.

The Department of Forestry explains that late winter and early spring bring higher winds, lower humidity, and dry forest floors, increasing the risk of fires.

Winds typically calm and humidity rises after 4 p.m., reducing the chance of debris or open-air fires getting out of control.

Open fires, including charcoal and wood fires, are not allowed from midnight to 4:00 p.m. each year between February 15 and April 30 in all Virginia State Parks.

Fires are permitted after 4 p.m. until midnight.

These restrictions apply park-wide, including picnic and cabin areas (even if cabins have grills or fire rings).

Gas grills and propane stoves are allowed during this period, and visitors are encouraged to bring them for camping or picnicking.

Personal grills can only be used in designated picnic areas, campgrounds, or at your reserved cabin.

Outside of the restricted time, some parks have additional grill restrictions, so be sure to check with the park before bringing one.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here. 

VDOF provides tips on recycling Christmas trees

Virginia Department of Forestry used by permission from VDF Communication Specialist Cory Swift-Turner

Virginia Department of Forestry reminds the public to recycle your real Christmas tree and cardboard gift packaging.

If you’re not sure how, check your local government website for recycling efforts in your area.

Depending on where you live, Christmas trees can be recycled for beach erosion control, wildlife habitat, mulch and more.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

Forest Restoration Program

Virginia Department of Forestry used by permission from VDF Communication Specialist Cory Swift-Turner

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Virginia’s forests have suffered extensive
damage.

The Virginia Department of Forestry has partnered with state and federal
agencies to provide support to affected landowners.

One of the key resources available is the Emergency Forest Restoration Program, which offers cost-sharing for forest restoration efforts.

If your forestland was impacted by the storm, reach out to your local forester for more information on the resources available to help you recover.

For further details, visit this link.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here

VDOF announces Throwing Shade program returns

Virginia Department of Forestry used by permission from VDF Communication Specialist Cory Swift-Turner

The Virginia Department of Forestry announced that the Throwing Shade VA program, which offers discounts on native trees and shrubs, will be back in 2025.

Next spring, DOF will expand participation to 15 retail nurseries.

Last year, Throwing Shade VA was available at 10 locations and resulted in the sale of 5,500 native shrubs and trees being purchased (all at a discount, of course) and planted across Virginia.

From March 1 through May 1, customers can visit a participating nursery, choose an eligible native tree or shrub, and receive a discount of $25 on purchases of $50 or more.

Funded through state water quality improvement dollars, DOF reimburses participating nurseries for the customer discounts.

The program incentivizes customers to buy and plant native species in the Commonwealth that in turn provide numerous benefits to our ecosystem and watersheds.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.