Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation

UPDATE: Remember the experiment last spring to hand-pollinate the flowers of rare pondspice (Litsea aestivalis) shrubs? 7?? fruit have successfully matured! They were harvested in September to be handed off to the North Carolina Botanical Garden. Experts there will grow them into seedlings for planting back into the tiny source population. New efforts were necessary to prevent the globally rare species from going extinct at Grafton Ponds Natural Area Preserve, where there were only two female plants. Pollen was harvested from male spicebush flowers about 50 miles away. Read more on this here: https://lnkd.in/eSYTefpu Photo 1 from the spring, when Zach Bradford was hand pollinating. Photo 2 of the fruit, taken last month by Zach Bradford.

If you plan to go to the State Fair of Virginia (happening through Oct. 6) then come see us in the Farm Bureau Center's Natural Resources Area. We are here with Virginia State Parks and the Virginia Soil & Water Conservation Districts. Come ask us questions, learn and find out about DCR careers!

If you believe myths like, "I don't need flood insurance because I live in a low-risk area."; "Flood insurance is too expensive."; or "My homeowners or renters insurance policy covers flood damage.” We are here to give you the facts in this new article, Fact-checking 3 myths about flood insurance: https://lnkd.in/eVKrNaQa

?? Due to Hurricane Helene, numerous Virginia Natural Area Preserves and Virginia State Parks are closed or partially closed. Know before you go, find the most up to date information here: https://lnkd.in/eEUS4x_D For your safety as well as the safety of park staff and emergency response workers, please do not attempt to access areas or parks that have been closed.

We are continually working to expand access to all at Virginia State Parks!

Seven trail projects have been awarded grants through the Recreational Trails Program (RTP), selected by DCR and the Federal Highway Administration.? 7?? This federal, matching reimbursement program is established to construct and rehabilitate recreational trails and trail-related facilities. ? ?? Swipe to see selected projects.? The 2024 projects, representing non-motorized, motorized and diverse trail uses across the commonwealth, were selected from 29 applications. Counties, cities and towns, park and recreation authorities, tribal governments, state agencies, federal agencies and nonprofit organizations were eligible to compete for funding.? Information on future RTP grant rounds and other recreation oriented grants is available at?https://lnkd.in/ejyEGvcj.??

This week: 3?? opportunities to join a community meeting to learn about available resources and discuss flooding challenges. Two in-person meetings listed here, as well as a virtual meeting on Sept. 24 at noon. Become a part of the decision-making process for Virginia’s Coastal Resilience Master Plan. Your stories and input help create better solutions! Learn more about the upcoming events here: https://lnkd.in/efpZ-R2N ??? Note: Registration is not required for the in-person meetings, but is encouraged. However, you must register for the online meeting, to receive the link to join.

Happy First Day of Fall! ?? You've probably heard, fall is for planting. We agree! Make sure they are native plants you are planting, though. We have resources for you to plan your fall gardening with native plants, here: https://lnkd.in/e6jnAYZX

In celebration of the Virginia Land Conservation Foundation (VLCF) funding projects for 25 years, we’re featuring a funded project monthly to highlight land preservation accomplishments achieved by our state, local, tribal and nonprofit partners. ? VLCF project: Malvern Hill Farm, historic area preservation category A total of 757 acres has been preserved through multiple VLCF grants to protect Malvern Hill Battlefield in Henrico County. ?? A portion of the property was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1969 for the historic and architectural significance of the 18th century Malvern Hill House as well as for its association with events related to the Revolutionary War, War of 1812 and Civil War. ?? The property, which includes prime farmland and frontage on Turkey Island Creek and Crewes Channel, is adjacent to the Richmond National Battlefield Park and lands protected by the American Battlefield Trust. ?? Partners: Preservation Virginia, Henrico County, Capital Region Land Conservancy, National Park Service - American Battlefield Protection Program, Virginia Department of Historic Resources. Check out this Story Map for a look at 25 land conservation projects over 25 years: https://lnkd.in/gnnytfPm

If you care, be there on National Public Lands Day (Sept. 28) at one of your 43 Virginia State Parks – that total 80k acres. On this nationwide day of service, support and appreciate your public lands. Here are 5?? ways to get involved: https://lnkd.in/ekCPQqXt