Local agencies issue firework safety reminder

The Virginia Department of Forestry and Warren County Fire and Rescue are reminding residents to leave the fireworks to the professionals and celebrate safely this holiday weekend.

Firework misuse caused more than 13,000 injuries and 15 civilian deaths nationwide in 2025, with ages 15 to 24 accounting for the largest share of injuries and fatalities.

Virginia law permits the sale and use of fireworks approved by the State Fire Marshall’s office and only allows fireworks that stay low to the ground like sparklers, fountains, and other novelties.

Authorities can prosecute the sale, possession, or use of illegal fireworks as a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $2,500 and up to one year in jail.

If you choose to use permissible fireworks, the Virginia Department of Forestry reminds residents to:

  • never allow children or those under the influence of alcohol or drugs to handle fireworks
  • ensure the area is clear of combustible materials
  • have a water source ready nearby

Warren County Fire and Rescue also urges residents to consider neighbors with pets and veterans who may be adversely affected by excessive fireworks.

For a guide to fireworks from the Virginia Department of Fire Programs, click here.

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.

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. 

VDF celebrates a conservation win!

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

The Virginia Department of Forestry is celebrating a major conservation effort near Shenandoah National Park.

Through the Shenandoah Borderlands Project, more than 5,000 acres of forestland in Albemarle and Nelson counties are being permanently protected.

The project is a partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, the Piedmont Environmental Council, and landowners.

This project is also supported by more than eight million dollars in federal funding through the Forest Legacy Program.

The newly protected land creates a buffer between I-64 and Shenandoah National Park, preserving scenic views, clean water, and critical wildlife habitat.

Officials say the project helps protect the region’s forests for future generations.

Fall fire season in Virginia

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

The Virginia Department of Forestry is urging you to use extreme caution now through November 30th.

Nine out of ten wildfires are started by people, and escaped yard debris burning is the number one cause.

It only takes dry leaves and a little wind for a small fire to become a disaster.

If you are burning, or using a campfire, never leave it unattended, and check your local government for any burn bans before you light up.

Protect your home and your community. Fall Fire Season is here

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here

Celebrate our country’s 250th with Virginia Legacy Oaks

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

In celebration of next year’s 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF) is also offering seedlings from some of the oldest white oaks in Virginia.

The Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF) has identified and is propagating ancient legacy white oaks from across the Commonwealth, with many trees being as old as the country’s founding.

To commemorate the trees’ historical significance and keep their stories alive, the DOF is propagating collected acorns.

A description and photo of the parent tree will be included with each seedling delivery.

DOF nurseries grow a variety of pine, spruce, and dozens of hardwood species for establishing timber stands, wildlife habitats, stream bank stabilization, and other uses.

They also offer several seedling packs tailored for specific characteristics, such as fall colors, pollinators, and wildlife.

Augusta Nursery Manager Josh McLaughlin noted that DOF has been growing quality seedlings for over a century, with proceeds from purchases reinvested directly into the nursery operations.

McLaughlin also expressed excitement about offering three new native species this year, with plans to expand inventory based on customer demand.

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.

Late summer caterpillars are out!

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

This time of year, several native caterpillar species, often called “late summer defoliators”; are actively feeding on trees across Virginia.

Here’s what you need to know:

  • Fall webworms are the most visible, forming large, silken webs on a variety of native trees.
  • Variable oakleaf caterpillars and orange-striped oakworms are also common but may be harder to spot.
  • Some species experience infrequent outbreaks, with sudden population booms causing noticeable tree defoliation across neighborhoods or even entire counties.

This summer, variable oakleaf caterpillar outbreaks have been confirmed in Middlesex and Mathews counties, the first seen there since 2017.

While their presence may look alarming, these caterpillars are native and play a role in the ecosystem.

Most healthy trees can recover from their feeding, and natural predators help keep populations in check.

Chemical treatments are rarely needed and should be considered only as a last resort, particularly if you’re trying to protect a prized yard tree.

Swipe through to get familiar with these late-summer feeders and remember, a little defoliation is usually nothing to worry about!

For more information, visit dof.virginia.gov.

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. 

VDF Enlists Goats to Combat Invasive Plants at Lesesne State Forest

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

In a creative and eco-friendly approach to land management, the Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF) has partnered with Goat Busters.

A well-known goat browsing service, to clear invasive plant species from a four-acre section of Lesesne State Forest.

Starting this week, a herd of goats is clearing dense undergrowth and invasive plants in the forest to protect native species.

The project serves as a test method to evaluate the effectiveness of targeted grazing as an alternative to herbicides or heavy machinery.

The goats are monitored daily and safely contained using solar-powered electric fencing.

The animals will browse on invasive plants such as multiflora rose, autumn olive, and kudzu.

These species known for crowding out native vegetation and degrading forest health.

By clearing unwanted undergrowth, the goats are helping to protect important habitats and make way for native species to thrive.

This trial run is part of VDOF’s broader effort to explore sustainable land management strategies.

If successful, similar goat-powered projects may be implemented in other state forests and natural areas.

The public are advised not to disturb the animals, but are welcome to visit from a distance as nature’s most determined weed eaters get to work.

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