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. 

Fun Facts March 3, 2022.

The days are getting longer, but the nights are still cold. Too cold for new plants to survive outside, but not inside.  Lots of people are starting their spring planting in their house gardens.  Getting plants a head start on the growing season.  According to Evergreen OJC dot com, there are number of vegetables that you can start seeding indoors in March.  Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, spinach, squash and perennial herbs, all under cover, chili and sweet peppers and celery.  The Old Farmers Almanac suggest planting peas starting in March and planting them about two weeks apart so you have a steady supply of peas, and other vegetables, throughout the growing season, some to eat fresh and others to preserve.  Listen to the podcast here; https://theriver953.com/lonnies-fun-fact/