VA Spring Fire Season arrives

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

The Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF) announces the start of spring fire season and reminds residents that the state’s annual 4 p.m. burning law takes effect February 15th through April 30th.

The law prohibits outdoor burning between midnight and 4 p.m. within 300 feet of woods or dry grass.

Violations are a Class 3 misdemeanor and can carry fines up to $500.

Violators can also be responsible for liability of damages if a fire escapes.

The law does not apply to charcoal or gas-fired barbecue grills.

To learn more about Virginia’s 4 p.m. burning law, visit DOF’s website.

Officials say despite recent winter storms, dry conditions have already led to dozens of wildfires this year.

Residents are urged to follow safety precautions, check for local burn bans, and call 911 immediately if a fire gets out of control.

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.

Need more buffers in your life?

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

The Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF) announced it successfully planted 170 acres of riparian forest buffers during the Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 seasons through its new Riparian Forests for Landowners (RFFL) program.

The program awarded $650,800 to 85 private landowners for projects that protect water quality across the state.

While it fell slightly short of its 200-acre goal, RFFL helped DOF reach a total of 856 acres of buffer planting in 2024.

Funded by the Virginia State Water Quality Improvement Act, RFFL supports a wide range of landowners, not just farmers, and covers both planting and one year of maintenance.

New Funding Now Available for the DOF is accepting proposals for the 2025–2027 RFFL cycle.

Deadline: July 29, 2025, at 2 p.m.

Apply via eVA.

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.

Peak foliage has arrived!

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

The Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF) has announced that peak foliage has officially arrived!

DOF spotters are reporting breathtaking colors in the Allegheny Mountains.

Expect the vibrant hues to spread to more areas throughout the weekend.

While lower elevations are experiencing more varied colors, they’re catching up, with more shades emerging each day.

Get out and enjoy the fall beauty across Virginia but be aware of increased traffic. 

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

Now dropping: acorns, chestnuts, walnuts

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

The Virginia Department of Forestry is aiming to plant as many trees as possible at their
nurseries, and they need your help!

Here’s how you can contribute:

  • Look for healthy oak, walnut, and chestnut trees.
  • Collect fallen nuts (please leave cracked ones for wildlife).
  • Sort by species into paper bags or cardboard boxes—no plastic bags, please!
  • Label each bag with the species, collection location, and date. If you’re unsure of the species, include a leaf from the tree.

Drop off your collection at any Department of Forestry (DOF) office by the end of the day on October 15th.
Species we’re looking for: Species List
Find your nearest DOF office: Office Locator

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

Wildfires update

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

The Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF) and Virginia firefighters have responded to over 100 wildfires within the last 48 hours.

While several fires in the region, including the Yeawood Fire in Culpeper have been contained.

The Coal Mine Fire in Shenandoah County is approximately 80% contained as of Friday evening.

Thankfully rain has began to fall in the area.

As fires become under control, crews are reallocated to wildfires in Page, Rockingham, and Shenandoah Counties.

Additionally, Federal, State, and local resources are aiding in the efforts to protect lives and property.

In Page County, several fires including the 211 West Fire will be combined into one incident named the “Luray Complex,” under a partnership between the Southern Area Gold Incident Management Team, the USDA Forest Service and DOF.

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