The Understory – Sept. 26
September 26, 2024 11:47 am
*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 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.
You Collect ‘Em, We Plant ‘Em!
You’ve probably noticed by now: acorns, black walnuts and chestnuts are falling in yards, sidewalks and parks across Virginia. Left alone, many will never grow into trees, especially in urban areas. Please help us by collecting acorns and nuts and dropping them off at your local DOF office. This statewide effort helps our nurseries grow tree seedlings with genetics that thrive when planted in Virginia’s forests and communities. Your donations also help our nurseries grow species that are harder to find, or only grow in certain areas. Find your local DOF office and read the full news release on our website.
You Know What “Bugs” Us? Hitchhikers! 🪲🪵
Don’t give hitchhikers lurking in firewood a ride. One of the easiest ways for invasive species, such as the destructive emerald ash borer, is by bringing firewood across state or even county lines. Whether you’re going camping or stocking up for winter, do our forests a favor and buy firewood near where you’ll burn it. There’s even a website where you can find firewood vendors near you: https://firewoodscout.org/
Enjoy the Best of Virginia’s Fall Foliage 🍁
Want to get out and enjoy Virginia’s fall colors? To help you get started, DOF tracks and report foliage conditions on our website and social media. And, so you know when to start packing the car, we’ve also got you covered with scenic driving tour suggestions that consistently deliver stunning fall foliage.
Our fall scenic driving tours include routes (based on past years and staff suggestions) that cover parts of northern, western and central Virginia. Explore on our website: https://dof.virginia.gov/education-and-recreation/fall-foliage-driving-tours/.
For weekly updates on Virginia’s fall foliage progress, follow us on Facebook, Instagram or X and bookmark our fall foliage page: https://dof.virginia.gov/education-and-recreation/fall-foliage-in-virginia/.
Tags: Acorn collection, Fall Foliage, Firewood, The Understory
Category: Education, Public Information