The Understory – Oct. 9
October 9, 2024 8:00 am
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 to Helene’s Aftermath
Hurricane Helene caused devastating flooding, widespread power and network outages, and thousands of downed trees in multiple Southwest Virginia counties. Local DOF staff immediately mobilized to join a significant response effort to address the basic needs of residents. Approximately 70 DOF personnel crews from across Virginia deployed to support efforts to clear roads of trees and other debris so emergency responders could access hard-hit communities. To date, DOF chainsaw crews have opened approximately 2,900 miles of roadways in impacted areas.
If you were affected by Hurricane Helene, FEMA has resources to help.
More information from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management.
Hey Blacksburg: Remove Callery Pears, Get a Free Tree
Remove invasive Callery pear trees from your property, snap a picture, and we’ll give you free, native replacement trees at our next exchange event on Nov. 2 in Blacksburg! After the success of our first Callery pear exchange event in Charlottesville, it’s clear these events are an effective way to remove this invasive tree from Virginia’s landscape. Registration is required for this FREE event.
Fall is a great time to remove and chemically treat invasive plants as they move nutrients (and herbicides) into their roots, preventing resprouts. Fall is also a great time to plant your native replacements. Please note: DOF is happy to help you identify invasive species on your property and recommend removal methods, but cannot remove trees for you or assist with any associated costs. More exchange events in other Virginia cities are in the works for next year.
DOF Online Seedling Store Now Open!
Choose from 57 species of trees and shrubs for your next planting project from our online seedling store! Orders will be accepted through April next year, but order soon. Supplies are limited and some species sell out quickly! BuyVATrees.com
Our seedlings are grown at our two self-sustaining nurseries in Augusta and Sussex counties. This means your purchase goes right back into covering the costs of planting more trees! It also means you’re buying plants that are ready to thrive in Virginia’s soils and climates. Orders are fulfilled Feb. 18 – April 30 and can be shipped to your doorstep or picked up from our Augusta Nursery during business hours.
Tags: Emergency Response, Invasive Species, Native Species, The Understory, Tree Planting
Category: Education, Public Information