JMU First VA University to earn Pollinator-Smart Certification

JMU James Madison University

James Madison University has become the first university in Virginia to earn certification through the Virginia Pollinator-Smart Program.

The recognition highlights JMU’s East Campus Hillside.

Where an expanded solar array and a native pollinator meadow now work together to produce clean energy.

The project began in 2022 when the university replaced its older 10-kilowatt solar array with a new 310-kilowatt system.

During construction, the surrounding landscape was redesigned with native plants selected to benefit pollinators while remaining low enough to avoid shading the solar panels.

The site supports bees and butterflies and other pollinators.

It will do so by using birdhouses, native bee nesting shelters, educational signage, and a long-term vegetation management plan.

The Virginia Pollinator-Smart Program is administered by the Virginia Departments of Conservation and Recreation and Environmental Quality.

It recognizes solar energy projects that incorporate pollinator-friendly habitat through strict environmental standards.

University officials say the East Campus Hillside will continue serving as an outdoor classroom and living laboratory, giving students hands-on opportunities to study renewable energy, conservation, and native ecosystems.

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

VDF says Throwing Shade was a success!

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

The Virginia Department of Forestry says its Throwing Shade VA program continues to grow in popularity.

This spring, approximately 3,500 customers purchased more than 10,500 native trees and shrubs at 31 participating nursery locations across Virginia.

This was an increase of nearly 3,000 plants over last year.

Now in its fourth year, the program offers a $25 discount on eligible native trees valued at $50 or more, encouraging homeowners to incorporate native species into their landscapes.

Native plants are better adapted to Virginia’s environment and provide important food and habitat for wildlife and pollinators.

Four new nurseries joined the program this year, expanding participation to new regions across the Commonwealth.

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

Throwing Shade Program

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

It’s planting season, and there’s never been a better time to grow native trees and shrubs!

The Throwing Shade VA program is back, offering retail customers $25 off eligible native plants valued at $50 or more.

The program runs through May 1 at participating nurseries across Virginia.

This year, the program has doubled in size to 31 locations, reaching more communities, that didn’t have access before.

Don’t miss your chance to bring more Virginia natives into your yard this spring!

Local participating nurseries include:

  • Meadows Farms in Winchester
  • Seven Bends Nursery in Berryville
  • The Woodstock Gardens

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. 

VDOF expands “Throwing Shade Virginia” program to local nurseries

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

The Virginia Department of Forestry is expanding their “Throwing Shade Virginia” program to partner with more nurseries including a few in our area.

From now until May 1st, retail customers can receive $25 discounts on select native trees and shrubs valued of $50 or more from participating nurseries.

The goal is to incentivize Virginians to choose native plants that provide water quality benefits and offer a source of food or habitat to local wildlife and pollinators.

Native plants also require less maintenance and little to no fertilizer since they are already adapted to the climate and environment.

Last year, the program helped three nurseries sell over 1,500 native plants.

After positive feedback from nurseries and customers, the program will expand to 13 nurseries across the Commonwealth.

This program is supported by the state’s water quality improvement funds to reimburse nurseries for the discount.

Some of the closest participating nurseries include:

  • Woodstock Gardens
  • Burke Nursery and Garden Center
  • Seven Bends in Strasburg and Winchester

For more information on the program or a full list of participating locations, click here.

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

33rd Annual Garden Fair returns to Blandy Farm

Photo by Janet Michael

Blandy Experimental Farm is hosting their 33rd Annual Garden Fair for Mother’s Day weekend.

Visitors are welcome from 9 am to 5 pm to their location in Boyce on Saturday and Sunday.

Garden fair vendors will have an incredible variety of native plants, shrubs, trees, and other decorative items for your garden.

This is the first year the event has returned to the State Arboretum since before coronavirus so make sure to enjoy the scenery around the farm including the Ginkgo Grove, Virginia Native Plant Trail, and the Pollination Garden.

Admission is $10 per car and you can reserve your spot by clicking here. 

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