the-understory-march-21-2025

Category: Public Information

The Understory – March 21, 2025

March 21, 2025 - DOF Plays Defense in Southwest Virginia When not responding to wildfires during the last week of February, DOF’s Western Region conducted two wildfire mitigation projects in Southwest Virginia. By proactively removing vegetation, dead leaves and woody debris, communities are better protected against wildfires. The first project was conducted in a community within Claytor Lake State Park in Pulaski County. Surrounded by woodlands with a highly trafficked campground nearby, the community... Read More

The Understory – Feb. 27, 2025

February 27, 2025 - Spring Fire Season Arrives Virginia’s spring fire season is here. The statewide 4 p.m. burning law is now in effect through April 30. The law restricts outdoor burning until after 4 p.m. when wildfire risk is generally lower. The law applies to outdoor burning within 300 feet of the woods or dry grass. This includes debris burning, campfires and open-air charcoal grills like those found in park settings. Violating the... Read More

The Understory – Jan. 31, 2025

January 31, 2025 - Improve Your Home’s Wildfire Defenses Our thoughts remain with Southern California residents and first responders as they continue to battle catastrophic wildfires. To date, California fire officials are estimating more than 55,000 acres burned and 16,000 structures destroyed. This ongoing emergency serves as a dire reminder of the danger wildfires pose to any community, even cities. Virginia faced a similar threat last year, when high winds and dry conditions led... Read More

The Understory – Dec. 11, 2024

December 11, 2024 - Fire Activity Continues Into December While Virginia’s official fall fire season (Oct. 15 – Nov. 30) has ended, continued dry and windy conditions have brought us increased fire activity well into December. Over the last week, DOF suppressed 47 wildfires that burned 171 acres, making it firefighters’ third-busiest week of 2024 by suppressed wildfires. The U.S. Forest Service (USFS), with support from DOF and many local fire departments, is currently... Read More

The Understory – Nov. 22, 2024

November 22, 2024 - The Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF) launched this newsletter to connect with forest landowners and all who love forests. Here we’ll share news, services, assistance programs and more. You’re receiving this newsletter because you previously signed up for DOF announcements. Help us spread the word by encouraging others interested in Virginia’s forests — and forestry — to sign up below. Interested in a specific forestry topic? Contact us. Virginia Celebrates... Read More

The Understory – Nov. 1, 2024

November 1, 2024 - The Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF) launched this newsletter to connect with forest landowners and all who love forests. Here we’ll share news, services, assistance programs and more. You’re receiving this newsletter because you previously signed up for DOF announcements. Help us spread the word by encouraging others interested in Virginia’s forests — and forestry — to sign up below. Interested in a specific forestry topic? Contact us. Landowner Disaster... Read More

The Understory – Oct. 9, 2024

October 9, 2024 - The Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF) launched this newsletter to connect with forest landowners and all who love forests. Here we’ll share news, services, assistance programs and more. You’re receiving this newsletter because you previously signed up for DOF announcements. Help us spread the word by encouraging others interested in Virginia’s forests — and forestry — to sign up below. Interested in a specific forestry topic? Contact us. DOF Response... Read More

The Understory – Sept. 26, 2024

September 26, 2024 - *This is the web version of our first “The Understory” newsletter which was mailed out on Sept. 26. Get future editions of The Understory delivered to your inbox here. Welcome to “The Understory!” The Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF) is launching this newsletter to connect with forest landowners and all who love forests. Here we’ll share news, services, assistance programs and more. You’re receiving this newsletter because you previously signed... Read More

Holiday DIY from the Yard

December 2, 2022 - By Ellen Powell, DOF Conservation Education Coordinator Want to save some money during the spending season? With a little creativity, you can get a lot of holiday décor from your own yard. Decorating with what I have on hand gives me a sense of efficiency, as well as a connection with my paternal grandmother. Growing up in the rural South, she often foraged for wild foods like “creasy greens” (winter... Read More

A Natural Partnership

January 25, 2022 - By Ellen Powell, DOF Conservation Education Coordinator This is a tale of partnership, program creation, and a great idea brought to life. Early in 2004, Dr. Jeff Kirwan of Virginia Tech heard about a new volunteer program that had taken root in several states – one with enormous potential benefit for Virginia’s natural resources. In a matter of weeks, he pulled together a group of seven motivated worker bees and... Read More

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Virginia Department
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