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.

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.

VSP urge caution as October marks deadliest month for drivers

VSP official patch and logo used by permission by Information Officer Brent Coffey

The Virginia State Police (VSP) is issuing a critical safety reminder to parents and teen drivers across the Commonwealth: October is statistically the most dangerous month on Virginia roadways for all crash fatalities, including those involving young, inexperienced drivers.

While the summer months are often referred to as the “100 Deadliest Days” for teens, VSP data support a focus on autumn, as environmental and seasonal factors make October an especially risky time for fatal crashes statewide.

Over the last decade, Virginia has recorded a higher percentage of crash fatalities in October than in any other month.

The increase in crashes during the fall is often linked to: Diminishing daylight, deer collisions, and inclement weather conditions.

The VSP stresses that inexperience, distraction, speeding, and failure to wear a seatbelt remain the top factors in crashes involving teenagers.

As many teen drivers are settling into new school-year routines, the Virginia State Police reminds parents to actively monitor their children’s driving habits and reinforce safe behaviors:

  • Limit Nighttime Driving: Restrict driving after sunset, especially on rural roads.
  • Mandate Seatbelt Use: Ensure all occupants are buckled up, every trip, every time.
  • Eliminate Distractions: Prohibit cell phone use and enforce passenger limits to reduce distraction.
  • Adjust for Conditions: Teach teens to slow down in fog, rain, or when leaves make the road slick, and to be hyper-vigilant for wildlife.

Parents are encouraged to use National Teen Driver Safety Week (held the third week in October) as a formal opportunity to review driving rules and sign a parent-teen safe driving agreement.

Working together, law enforcement and families can help reduce the alarming statistics for Virginia’s youngest drivers.

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.

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. 

Major shift in federal forest land use policy

News to know valley graphic created by Royal Broadcasting employee Brooke Greene used by permission

In a major shift in federal forest policy, the U.S. Department of Agriculture is preparing to roll back the 2001 Roadless Rule.

Virginia stands to be significantly impacted.

The state has more inventoried roadless areas than any other with 394,000 acres that would become accessible for development if the rule is rescinded.

Altogether, Virginia is home to more than 1.6 million acres of national forest.

The Roadless Rule, enacted nearly 25 years ago, restricts road construction and timber harvesting in some of the country’s most remote forest lands.

According to the USDA, the rule currently limits road development on about 30 percent of lands within the National Forest System.

The Trump Administration argues that the rule has stood in the way of effective forest management, including efforts to reduce wildfire risks.

Supporters of the rollback say the restrictions have hindered industries like logging and contributed to mill closures across the country.

Industry advocates claim that the lack of access has worsened wildfire risks by preventing proper forest thinning and fuel reduction.

However, environmental groups warn that rescinding the rule threatens clean water, wildlife habitats, and old-growth forests.

More than 500 miles of streams and rivers, in Virginia alone, are primarily protected under the rule.

While the rollback would lift federal protections, it would not immediately greenlight development.

Any new projects would still have to undergo formal application and environmental review under the National Environmental Policy Act.

Legal challenges are also expected.

Previous attempts to undo the rule, including under the Bush Administration, were tied up in court.

Undoing the protections will require a formal rulemaking process and could face strong public opposition.

Beyond logging, industries like oil and gas, hydropower, and mining could also benefit if the rule is rescinded.

But many conservation groups insist that the public overwhelmingly supports keeping these lands undeveloped, regardless of political affiliation or location.

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

DWR reports that a red fox was infected with avian influenza

The Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) reports that a red fox was infected with the highly pathogenic avian influenza or bird flu.

The fox arrived at the Blue Ridge Wildlife Center March 31st from Loudoun County.

The animal exhibited neurologic symptoms consistent with rabies.

Due to its condition the fox was humanely euthanized to test for the disease as well as other possibilities.

So far avian flu has been reported in mammals in more than 30 states.

Animals affected range from wild species, zoological collections, dairy cows, and outdoor domestic cats.

Wild mammals are likely infected by preying or scavenging on infected birds.

The infection can appear to be other diseases, notably rabies and canine distemper.

It is important to give any wild animal plenty of space and never interact with any of them.

Cats appear to be particularly susceptible to severe illness, often resulting in death.

Authorities recommend that you keep cats indoors.

For additional information on protecting pets and yourself go to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Webpage.

Should you find a wild animal exhibiting neurologic symptoms lack of fear, circling, or wobbly gait, or inability to stand contact your local animal control office or rehabilitator.

Do not attempt to handle or capture the animal.

Clusters of sick or dead wildlife should be avoided and reported to the Virginia Wildlife Conflict Helpline at 1-855-571-9003.

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 VA shade program

You spoke and they listened, the Throwing VA Shade Program has expanded their program for discounts on native trees with two local nurseries.

The Seven Bends Nurseries in Winchester and Strasburg are joining Woodstock Gardens from now through May 1, retail customers can
receive $25 discounts on select native trees and shrubs (valued at $50 or more) from the nurseries.

Throwing Shade VA Program incentivizes Virginians to plant native species of trees and shrubs, which provide water quality benefits and offer an important source of food and habitat for wildlife and pollinators.

Not only can native species meet any landscaping objective, they require less maintenance and little to no fertilizer.

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.