Virginia Department of Forestry

DOF staff recently teamed up with the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation to treat over two dozen ash trees at Natural Tunnel State Park in Scott County. In total, 28 blue, white and green ash trees received insecticide injections to protect them against the invasive emerald ash borer. Blue ash (Fraxinus quadrangulata) is a rarer species only found in certain locations. Although they have greater resistance to the emerald ash borer, treatment ensures they remain part of Virginia’s rich biodiversity.

Yesterday Governor Glenn Youngkin announced that Speyside Bourbon Cooperage, Inc. will invest over $16 million to build a new stave mill in Pittsylvania County, the company’s fourth facility in Virginia. The new mill will create 40 new jobs and source 40% of its timber—roughly $7 million annually—from Virginia forest landowners.

"The fact that Speyside Bourbon Cooperage is choosing Virginia for the fourth time shows that we have the business environment, economic opportunity, talented workforce and natural resources that are key to commercial success and serve as a testament to our top state for business ranking," said Governor Youngkin.

Read more: https://ow.ly/F5fH50SFh4p

Despite this real Google Maps review someone left on a state forest, snakes are not out to get you. Eastern ratsnakes use their impressive climbing skills to find their next meal or a safe place to rest. This one was spotted sunning 12 feet up on the side of a tree at Cumberland State Forest.

It's that time of year when a shaded parking spot is a must! 🚙🌳 Did you know trees can reduce urban daytime temperatures by up to 10 degrees? 🌡️😎 On top of that, trees also help reduce energy usage, heat-related health illnesses and air pollution!

From the Tidewater to the Blue Ridge Mountains, Virginia's ash trees are under attack from the invasive emerald ash borer. DOF's forest health team travels across the Commonwealth, wading through swamps and scaling mountains, to treat ash trees and protect this threatened resource. Most recently, staff treated Virginia's third-largest green ash tree, located at the Claytor Nature Center in Bedford County.

Happy Independence Day! As you prepare to set off fireworks in honor of the holiday, remember that Virginia is experiencing a drought, elevating the risk of wildfires. Several counties have implemented burn bans. To help prevent wildfires, attending a public, professionally organized fireworks show is highly recommended.

If you choose to light fireworks at home, ensure that you practice safe protocols to keep yourself and our forests safe:

🎇 Consider attending a public, professional fireworks display event.
🎇 Keep a bucket of water nearby to put used fireworks in.
🎇 Allow a designated adult to light all fireworks and keep children and pets at a safe distance.
🎇 Light fireworks one at a time in an open area, such as a parking lot or driveway.

As dry conditions persist increasing the potential for wildfires to spark, Orange, Hanover and New Kent counties have implemented burn bans.

To help prevent wildfires:

🔥 Postpone debris burning until your area receives a soaking rainfall
🔥 Avoid operating equipment or vehicles on dry fields
🔥 Dispose of ci******es properly
🔥 Use extra caution with campfires and grills
🔥 Check for local restrictions on burning and fireworks

National Wildland Firefighter Day recognizes the dedication of wildland firefighters and support personnel. Occurring during the Week of Remembrance, which is held annually from June 30 to July 6, this serves as an opportunity to renew our commitment to wildland firefighter safety as we remember those who have fallen in the line of duty.

If you know a wildland firefighter, thank them today or comment on our post to share your appreciation to these men and women who commit to keeping our communities safe.

This year — especially given the ongoing drought across much of Virginia — leaving fireworks to the pros is safer for you, your community and our forests. Our firefighters want to enjoy the holiday too!

If you own woodland, you have a legacy worth passing on. Legacy planning can seem daunting, so we've partnered with Virginia Cooperative Extension to give you a confident start. Join our Generation NEXT workshops in Staunton August 9 and 10 to gain advice from law and financial experts, tips and insights from fellow landowners, and a clear path forward.

Register by July 30 ➡️ https://ow.ly/ZbuU50SrzRQ

Within the last week, DOF has responded to 21 wildfires. In dry, hot weather, lawnmowers are another potential spark for wildfires.🌡️🔥 Before mowing, here are a few things to remember:

🌤️ Mow before 10 a.m. while humidity is still high and temperatures are cooler
💨 Avoid mowing dry grass or when it's windy
🔧 Keep your mower well-maintained to prevent overheating
💥 Scout for potential strike hazards - metal lawnmower blades can strike rocks, spark and start a fire

Longleaf pine savannahs once covered more than 90 million acres from Virginia to Texas. When English settlers realized the value of longleaf pine for shipbuilding, it was game over. Today, natural forests in Virginia containing longleaf pines are essentially gone. DOF is working to change that.

Virginia is a proud contributor and member of America's Longleaf Restoration Initiative, a collaboration of numerous partners working to restore longleaf pine to the southeast U.S. landscape. At DOF, this involves growing longleaf seedlings at our Sussex Nursery and working on longleaf tree improvement at our New Kent Forestry Center. DOF also works with other state and federal agencies, NGO's and private landowners to conserve land for longleaf establishment, plant seedlings, thin overstocked stands, and conduct regular prescribed burns, which longleaf requires to thrive. The Initiative just published its 2023 accomplishment report online at americaslongleaf.org

Last November, DOF joined forestry and conservation leaders from across the U.S. in Washington D.C. to recognize years of longleaf pine restoration accomplishments and to reaffirm the commitment to continue restoring longleaf pine ecosystems across federal, state, and privately managed lands.

In the photo: A longleaf pine seedling grown at DOF's Sussex Nursery is featured as the Honorable Brendan Owens, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations, and Environment, USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment Meryl Harrell, and DOI Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks Shannon Estenoz sign a Memorandum of Understanding to continue restoration efforts. USDA photo by Tom Witham.

Pollinators of all kinds play a crucial role in healthy forests, gardens and grasslands. 🐝🪲🐜🦇🦋🐦

First pic: Flies and beetles pollinate pawpaw flowers so we can enjoy their delicious fruit in late summer.
Second pic: Common milkweed attracts a long list of native insects.
Last pic: The orange flowers of jewelweed are a favorite of hummingbirds.

Chesterfield Area Forester Rich Reuse knows the importance of shared learning and collaboration with our county fire partners. 🤝 Over the last several months, Rich has shared his vast wildland fire experience with Chesterfield County Fire and EMS:

Those fluffy pink blooms are pretty, but this tree's a bully to native ecosystems! Mimosa or silk trees (Albizia julibrissin) grow and spread quickly, invading natural areas and displacing native species. They're also messy and often short-lived. But don't worry, we've got you covered in the comments with "alter-natives" that are just as pretty! 🌿👇

Do you know a waterway in need of a glow-up? ✨🌳 Planting a riparian buffer of native trees and shrubs along waterways improves water quality, prevents erosion and creates wildlife habitat.

With DOF's new Riparian Forests for Landowners program, landowners get a buffer installed—plus a year of maintenance—for FREE. Learn more: https://ow.ly/nLoK50SbcAK

Last week at Longwood University, DOF's annual interagency wildland fire academy brought together hundreds of emergency responders from various federal, state and municipal departments to gain national-level training in wildland fire suppression and emergency incident management. The week-long academy is one of the largest and longest-running of its kind in the nation.

🍒Time to get pickin'! 🍒

Ripening now across Virginia are the fruits of mulberry trees. The edible berries are enjoyed by wildlife and people alike in jams, drinks and baked goods. 😋🥧

Want some of these delicious berries growing on your property? Be sure to plant our native red mulberry. And maybe don't plant one near your driveway or deck– the berries can be messy!

Have recent storms taken a toll on your yard trees? Here's how to tackle clean-up safely:

⚡ If you find sagging or downed powerlines, keep away and call your utility company
🌳 Walk around trees inspecting for leaning trunks, cracks and broken, hanging branches
🪚 Always wear personal protective equipment when using a chainsaw
👷 If there's extensive damage, contact an ISA-certified arborist to get professional advice: https://ow.ly/uxRx50QpK0C

Going camping this holiday weekend? Do our forests a favor and get your firewood when you arrive. Transporting firewood across counties can spread invasive forest pests. Learn more at dontmovefirewood.org

Learn how to conduct safe and effective prescribed burns on your land through our upcoming certified burn manager course Sept. 23 - Oct. 4: https://ow.ly/PvZH50RN1WY

This free online course will cover fire benefits, burn planning and implementation, smoke management and more.

Caterpillars of the spongy moth (previously known as gypsy moth) are now emerging in Virginia to feed on the foliage of various hardwood species. Reports of spongy moth have been confirmed in the Northern Shenandoah Valley. This invasive moth has been in Virginia for a while, with populations fluctuating from year to year.

DOF monitors spongy moth populations and impacts to address outbreaks on state lands and help inform suppression efforts on other lands in cooperation with Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, U.S. Forest Service - George Washington and Jefferson National Forest and localities. You can also help us track spongy moth populations by reporting sightings on iNaturalist.org

Most trees can withstand a year or two of defoliation from spongy moth caterpillar feeding, but there are additional measures landowners can take to protect their trees. Learn more on DOF's website: https://ow.ly/hsOe50RK0Ne

Do you lie awake at night wondering how to get a riparian forest buffer for your property? 🤔🌳💧With DOF's new Riparian Forests for Landowners program, landowners get a buffer installed—plus a year of maintenance—for FREE. Apply today for sound sleep: https://ow.ly/QhKb50RGWsK

It's ! This American bullfrog was photographed among the bald cypress swamps of Crawfords State Forest in New Kent County. 🐸📸

Visit a state forest and see what amphibians you can find: https://dof.virginia.gov/education-and-recreation/state-forests/virginia-state-forests/

"You dare interrupt my breakfast?!" – this owlet, probably🦉

While preparing for a prescribed burn in Accomack County, DOF staff encountered a great-horned owlet feeding on the remains of a fox. Carefully avoiding its sharp talons, Area Forester Robbie Lewis gently moved the owlet to safety.

It's Wednesday, which means it's almost Thursday, with Friday right after that, and then it's the weekend!

Unwind and immerse yourself in nature this weekend by exploring one of Virginia's 26 state forests: https://dof.virginia.gov/education-and-recreation/state-forests/before-you-visit/

While patrolling the firelines at the Quaker Run Fire in Madison County last fall, it got so cold one night that firefighters observed snow flurries! In our latest blog, a DOF wildland firefighter shares his experiences working the night shift at the Quaker Run Fire: https://ow.ly/661150QojRc