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. 

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.

 

Throwing shade VA program

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

The Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF) is partnering with three Virginia nurseries to launch a new pilot program featuring discounts on native trees and shrubs.

“Throwing Shade VA” helps nurseries promote native trees through customer discounts of $25 on eligible trees valued at $50 or more.

Incentives to purchase native species of trees and shrubs, which are adapted to their natural environment and thus more likely to thrive.

Native plants offer environmental benefits than ornamental species and provide food and habitat for wildlife, especially essential pollinators.

Three nurseries responded to DOF’s request for participation in the pilot program.

Burke Nursery & Garden Centre (Burke), Woodstock Gardens (Woodstock) and Coastal Landscapes & Nursery (Virginia Beach) all volunteered to participate.

The program is funded through state water quality improvement funds, the DOF is using to reimburse the participating nurseries for the
discounts.

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