VMN olunteers planting wildlife habitat in Charlottesville, VA. Photo by Leslie Middleton, VMN-Rivanna Chapter
This article was submitted via press release from the Office of the Governor and the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.
Stewardship Virginia, a statewide campaign to encourage and recognize voluntary work that improves Virginia’s natural resources, continues this year with events across the state. The campaign features activities in both fall and spring, and the upcoming portion will run April 1 through May 31.
“Stewardship Virginia gives us all an opportunity to make real contributions to our natural and historic resources. Virginia’s landscapes and waterways are important for their ecological value, scenic beauty, and recreational opportunities,” said Governor Terry McAuliffe. “Stewardship Virginia projects give volunteers the tools, guidance and structure to continue to enhance these valuable resources. I encourage all Virginians to join in.”
Citizens and groups may get help from the state’s natural resource agencies. Participants in Stewardship Virginia events will receive certificates of appreciation signed by Governor McAuliffe. “During the campaign, events will be held throughout Virginia with many opportunities for volunteerism in our parks and natural areas,” said Clyde Cristman, Director of the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). “This year, we’re emphasizing the need to restore habitat for pollinators, which have suffered in recent years.”
DCR coordinates the campaign with help from other natural resource agencies. The 2015 Stewardship Virginia campaign resulted in more than 250 events across Virginia. About 5,000 volunteers conducted 107 waterway cleanups and water-quality monitoring programs, 75 plantings and restoration projects, 40 cleanup and recycling efforts and 28 educational programs.
“With all the great opportunities available, anyone can find a Stewardship Virginia event that’s rewarding both personally and environmentally,” said Secretary of Natural Resources Molly Ward. “Volunteering is a great way to get outside and make a difference at the same time.”
Stewardship Virginia promotes waterway adoption, trail improvement, riparian buffer plantings, invasive species control, habitat improvement and landscaping for conservation. Many businesses and groups across the state have already registered campaign events and provided support to promote conservation.
Individuals, businesses and organizations may register Stewardship Virginia projects with DCR’s Office of Environmental Education. Doing so makes event details available for others to join in. For more information, including a registration packet, call 804-786-5056.
Visit Stewardship Virginia for details about volunteer projects and a registration form.
Do you have some woods or a few acres you’d like to be a natural area? While you may enjoy your woods for the privacy it offers or knowing that it gives a home to some wildlife, it can be much more! You can influence what happens in your natural area by better understanding what you have, what you want and available tools to help you accomplish your goals. For example, did you know that by selecting certain trees for firewood, you can improve wildlife habitat, scenic values and regenerate young trees, all at the same time?
A full day workshop is being offered to equip owners of 1-10 acres to learn how to manage existing natural areas and or create new natural areas. The workshop will use the latest edition of the award winning manual, The Woods in Your Backyard: Learning to Create and Enhance Natural Areas Around Your Home. This full-color 108-page workbook helps woodland owners identify goals for their land, and walks through the steps to success. Whether you are interested in converting lawn to forest, creating wildlife habitat, or providing a useful outdoor space for your family, this program is for you.
The workshop will be held at the following locations and dates.
- Warrenton, VA,
May 6, 2016
9AM to 2PM - Winchester, VA
May 13, 2016
12PM to 5PM - Charlottesville, VA
May 20, 2016
9AM to 2PM - Harrisonburg, VA
June 10, 2016
12PM to 5PM
The cost of the training is $30 for individuals or $45 per couple, which includes lunch. Attendance is limited and pre-registration is required. To register, contact the Northern District Natural Resources Extension Program at 540-948-6881. A brochure with more information can be downloaded from https://forestupdate.frec.vt.edu/resources/woodlots/index.html. This program is sponsored by: Virginia Cooperative Extension, The Virginia Department of Forestry, Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries and the Forests for the Bay Program.
Virginia Cooperative Extension programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.
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