The Understory – Feb. 27, 2025
February 27, 2025 9:45 am
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 burning law is a Class-3 misdemeanor and punishable with a fine of up to $500. Those who allow a fire to escape may be liable for suppression costs and resulting property damage. Learn before you burn by visiting DOF’s website.
“Even with the recent winter weather across much of the state, current forecasts predict higher-than-normal temperatures through April with normal to below-normal precipitation,” said State Forester Rob Farrell. “Already this year, wildfires have burned more than 500 acres across Virginia. While we hope for the best, we prepare for the worst.”
DOF is ready for fire season with more than 140 full-time first responders, 89 bulldozers, 160 4×4 engines, 14 wildland brush trucks and contracted aircraft staged across the Commonwealth.
Calling All Junior Lumberjacks
Applications are open for DOF’s annual Camp Woods & Wildlife, to be held June 16-20 near Appomattox. This isn’t your typical summer camp: Campers aged 13-16 are immersed in a “forest campus” for an action-packed week of outdoor recreation and learning about careers in natural resources.
In addition to offering summer camp staples including archery and kayaking, natural resource professionals guide exploratory classes in forestry, wildlife biology and management, arboriculture and more. The camp culminates in the camper-favorite “Lumberjack Field Day.” If your child enjoys climbing trees, catching frogs and generally being outdoors, they’ll love Camp Woods & Wildlife.
Get applications in soon, camp is limited to 60 campers. A non-relative adult, familiar with the student’s interests, must complete the nominator section and submit the application by April 11. Learn more on DOF’s website.
Get Discounted Plants with Throwing Shade VA
DOF’s popular Throwing Shade VA program is back for 2025, now at 15 participating nurseries with 20 locations! From March 1 through May 1, retail customers can get a $25 discount on eligible native trees and shrubs priced $50 or more.
The program gets more native plants in the ground, which is a win for everyone. Native plants can meet any landscaping goal, require less maintenance, have better survivability rates and support pollinators and wildlife. Find your nearest participating nursery on DOF’s website.
Tags: The Understory
Category: Education, Public Information