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Photo of native plants installed in a public place in Fredericksburg by Downtown Greens

Downtown Greens Awarded $750 Green Grant

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Photo of native plants installed in a public place in Fredericksburg by Downtown GreensDowntown Greens in City of Fredericksburg is awarded a $750 Green Grant in the Community Beautification category as part of Keep Virginia Beautiful’s 15th Annual Green Grants program.

Every year, government, non-profit, civic, and service organizations in Virginia are invited to apply for grants ranging from $500 to $1,000 that will help address an environmental concern in their community. Grants must focus on one of the following priorities: Litter Prevention, Recycling & Waste Reduction, Cigarette Litter Prevention & Recycling, or Community Beautification.

Downtown Greens is a non-profit organization in downtown Fredericksburg with a mission of making the lives of their community members better by connecting people with nature. Downtown Greens achieved that mission through land conservation and environmental stewardship of that land. For the past 30 years, they have worked tirelessly to provide safe and accessible green space to the residents of their community.

Funds provided by the Green Grant will be used to purchase native plants, such as American Alumroot, Golden Ragwort, Spreading Woodrush, Cardinal Flower, Hearts-a-Burstin’, and
Virginia Sweetspire.  They will also create custom educational signage.  By installing signage, it creates a record of which plants are intentionally installed there, what purpose they serve, and explain on-going management practices and ecological stewardship goals.

The focus of the Green Grant project area is one that has been cleared of the most invasive species, with work being done to install native plant species in that area to fill the voids. Another vital part of the project is to provide educational signage in that area, as well as free educational walks. The signage will not only help Downtown Green’s community, neighbors, and visitors to understand Downtown Greens’ mission and enhance the educational aspect of the space, but will also provide a map of the lower garden property.

Newport News Green Foundation logo

Newport News Green Foundation Awarded $1,000 Green Grant

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Newport News Green Foundation logoNewport News Green Foundation in Newport News is awarded a $1,000 Green Grant in the Community Beautification category as part of Keep Virginia Beautiful’s 15th Annual Green Grants program.

Every year, government, non-profit, civic, and service organizations in Virginia are invited to apply for grants ranging from $500 to $1,000 that will help address an environmental concern in their community. Grants must focus on one of the following priorities: Litter Prevention, Recycling & Waste Reduction, Cigarette Litter Prevention & Recycling, or Community Beautification.

The Green Foundation enhances the quality of life in Newport News, by preserving, transforming, and promoting green spaces. Since 2001, it has protected over 50 acres across 22 properties, contributing to the city’s sustainability and beauty.

The Foundation, in collaboration with a certified Virginia Master Naturalist, is launching a native habitat restoration project at the Hilton Ravine, a pocket park in the historic Hilton Village neighborhood of Newport News. This initiative aims to enhance the ecological health of the ravine by removing invasive species, planting native flora, and engaging the local community in environmental stewardship.

The Green Grant award will be used to enhance the ecological health of the Hilton Ravine by removing invasive species, planting native flora, and engaging the local community in environmental stewardship. Funds will be used to purchase native plants, educational materials, and other supplies for volunteers. Educational opportunities, such as workshops and interpretive signage, will inform the public about the importance of native habitats and sustainable land management practices.

Newport News Green Foundation photo of the Hilton Ravine that will be restoredSuccessfully executing this project will showcase our organization’s dedication to ecological restoration and community enrichment. Demonstrating tangible environmental improvements can attract new supporters, volunteers, and funding opportunities, strengthening our capacity for future projects.

The success of the Hilton Ravine restoration can serve as a model for similar initiatives across our other properties. With stewardship over 50 acres across 22 properties, we have the opportunity to replicate this project’s strategies, thereby amplifying our environmental and community impact throughout Newport News.

People picking up litter along the Elizabeth River Trail

Elizabeth River Trail Foundation Awarded $1,000 Green Grant

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People picking up litter along the Elizabeth River TrailElizabeth River Trail Foundation in Norfolk is awarded a $1,000 Green Grant in the Community Beautification category as part of Keep Virginia Beautiful’s 15th Annual Green Grants program.    

Every year, government, non-profit, civic, and service organizations in Virginia are invited to apply for grants ranging from $500 to $1,000 that will help address environmental concerns in their community.  Grants must focus on one of the following priorities:   Litter Prevention, Recycling & Waste Reduction, Cigarette Litter Prevention & Recycling, or Community Beautification. 

The Elizabeth River Trail Foundation (ERTF) plans, programs, and advocates for the 10.5-mile Elizabeth River Trail, a multi-modal urban trail that connects 28 neighborhoods along Norfolk’s historic waterfront. Their vision is to be a global model of waterfront trail resilience and education, advancing connected communities, inclusive infrastructure, and economic development across a regional trail system. Over the past eight years, ERTF transformed the trail with public art, play structures, kayak launches, picnic areas, bike repair stations, and more. They have installed over 500 wayfinding signs and planted native trees and pollinator gardens.  

Logo that includes green, blue, and orange rectangles with the words Elizabeth River TrailThe Elizabeth River Trail Foundation’s “Nature For All” project is a collaborative initiative focused on horticultural education and environmental stewardship along the Elizabeth River Trail. The project offers hands-on educational experiences to deepen the community’s connection with nature and local ecosystems and provides a wide range of programs on topics like plant science, native species, soil health, sustainable gardening, and pest management. The Managed Meadow revitalization project is a key initiative under this effort, with ERTF working alongside Norfolk Master Gardeners and local experts to enhance biodiversity along the trail. 

Funds from the Green Grant will be used to purchase Virginia native plants, gardening tools, an on-deck storage bin, and other equipment for the project.

Field trips, workshops, and gardening projects will take place along the trail. Participants will learn how to cultivate gardens, plant native species, and apply sustainable practices to enhance the environmental health of the trail and the surrounding community. Current programs include 6-8 botanical tours annually, led by Master Gardeners, which showcase the significant trees along the Elizabeth River Trail. With support from Keep Virginia Beautiful, Nature For All will advance sustainability, conservation, and environmental education, making the ERT a model for urban trail ecology and equitable public space development. 

Green Grants Logo

The Courts of St. Francis Homeowners Association Awarded $1,000

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Green Grants LogoCourts of St. Francis Homeowners Association in Loudoun County is awarded a $1,000 Green Grant in the Community Beautification category as part of Keep Virginia Beautiful’s 15th Annual Green Grants program.    

Every year, government, non-profit, civic, and service organizations in Virginia are invited to apply for grants ranging from $500 to $1,000 that will help address environmental concerns in their community.  Grants must focus on one of the following priorities:   Litter Prevention, Recycling & Waste Reduction, Cigarette Litter Prevention & Recycling, or Community Beautification. 

The Courts of St Francis is a 25-year-old urban-designed neighborhood community located in the heart of downtown Purcellville. Each summer, Courts of St Francis hosts an event called “A Night Out” where first responders enjoy a cookout with the community and children in their park. People of all ages and circumstances enjoy walking in the unique layout of the neighborhood, which facilitates social interactions with homeowners and visitors.  

Photo of entrance way to Courts of St. Francis neighborhood with wooden sign and landscaping in need of renovationThe Homeowners Association seeks to make an environmental impact by transitioning the plantings in its twelve common areas to include more native plants.  Working with Loudoun County Master Gardeners, Loudoun Invasive Removal Association, Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy, Piedmont Environmental Council, Blue Ridge Regional Invasive Species Management, and the Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District, they have evaluated the needs of the twelve common areas and completed a detailed list of appropriate native plants. 

Green Grant funds will be used to purchase native plants, bushes, and trees to enhance and rejuvenate the community. The current condition of the land is poor and deficient because the plantings were mainly dead, deemed invasive, and incorrect for the space that receives an abundance of sun. The plan includes installing boulders and steppingstones that will encourage people to sit in the garden. 

Installation of native plants that support pollinators and other wildlife will create a beautiful garden that the public can enjoy while walking their dog, pushing a stroller, going to church, or waiting to start their school day. 

Logo for Rocktown High School's Earth Club, including a dinosaur with a rake and garden hat.

Rocktown High School Earth Club Receives $750 Green Grant

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Logo for Rocktown High School's Earth Club, including a dinosaur with a rake and garden hat.Rocktown High School Earth Club in Harrisonburg City is awarded a $750 Green Grant in the Community Beautification category as part of Keep Virginia Beautiful’s 15th Annual Green Grants program.    

Every year, government, non-profit, civic, and service organizations in Virginia are invited to apply for grants ranging from $500 to $1,000 that will help address an environmental concern in their community.  Grants must focus on one of the following priorities:   Litter Prevention, Recycling & Waste Reduction, Cigarette Litter Prevention & Recycling, or Community Beautification. 

Rocktown High School Earth Club is an after-school club dedicated to environmental advocacy, sustainability initiatives, and fostering appreciation for the natural world. Their mission includes creating and supporting student-led projects that promote environmental health and awareness from hands-on conservation. 

The Rocktown High School Earth Club’s primary focus has been the design and implementation of a school pollinator garden; a space aimed to support local biodiversity and educate the school’s community about native ecosystems. The club will create bird houses, pollinator habitats, and donate acorns to educational outreach.  Funds provided by the Green Grant award will be used to create educational signs for the garden, and to purchase native fall plants from a local greenhouse. The Natural Gardens sell “habitat packs” that are customized to fit specific environmental conditions suited to the high school’s garden area.

The addition of educational signage will allow the garden to serve as a year-round learning space for both students and staff, making environmental education more accessible beyond their club meetings. These signs will serve as a visual and informational anchor for the garden, enhancing its role as a teaching tool across communities.  By incorporating fall-blooming native plants, they will extend the ecological impact of the garden beyond spring and summer, ensuring critical support for pollinators into the later months of the school year. This year-round habitat not only benefits wildlife but also enables them to maintain momentum and student engagement through hands-on activities in the fall. Furthermore, it opens up educational opportunities for teachers to engage with the garden during the fall months, broadening the garden’s role as a living classroom across more of the academic year.

The increased awareness of native plants and their role in a sustainable garden is an important lesson for everyone.  Thank you, Rocktown High School Earth Club, for demonstrating this important message in your community!

Circle logo for The Flora of Virginia Project with a sketched flower in the center

Flora of Virginia Project is Awarded First 2025 Green Grant

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Circle logo for The Flora of Virginia Project with a sketched flower in the centerJune is one of our favorite months at Keep Virginia Beautiful!  Every year we announce our Green Grants awards, one each day through the month of June until all thirty selected organizations are recognized. This is our 15th Annual Green Grant awards program.

We’re exciting to announce that our first award goes to the Foundation of the Flora of Virginia Project! They applied for a $500 grant in the Community Beautification category.

Government, non-profit, civic, and other service organizations in Virginia are invited to apply for grants ranging from $500 to $1,000 that will help address an environmental concern in their community. Grants must focus on one of the following priorities: Litter Prevention, Recycling & Waste Reduction, Cigarette Litter Prevention & Recycling, or Community Beautification.

The Flora of Virginia Project inspires conservation of Virginia’s native flora through publication of the Flora of Virginia in electronic and print formats. This resource is critical to protecting the rich biodiversity in the Commonwealth and is necessary for the work of environmental professionals, educators and enthusiasts alike.

Globe-shaped purple-red flower called asclepias amplexicaulis (Common Milkweed)
asclepias syriaca (Common Milkweed), photo by Kenneth Lawless

Essential to their mission is education. They launched the Flora of Virginia Ambassador Program in 2024 to extend the reach and ability to educate individuals across the Commonwealth on how to identify, protect and support native flora.  The Ambassadors, through the Virginia Master Naturalists and Virginia Native Plant Society, provide education and offer programs in their communities to inform people of the value of including native plants in personal and community restoration projects.

The Flora of Virginia Ambassador Program teaches native plant enthusiasts how to use the Flora of Virginia App for native plant conservation, education and restoration. Funds provided by the Green Grant will be used to purchase supplies needed to conduct the training.  Interested members attend online classes, field labs, and lead or volunteer for a program in order to achieve Ambassador status. They predict that in two years they’ll expand their ability to provide education and guidance on native plants by more than 500% with 78 trained volunteers.

We thank you, Flora of Virginia Ambassadors, for the benefit you will provide to encourage beautiful and healthy native plants in our communities!

Wooden sign says Plants for Sale, with green herbs in pots

Springtime Means Plant Sales!

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Wooden sign says Plants for Sale, with green herbs in potsIf you’re anxious to get your hands in the soil as the weather warms up, it’s time to turn those January garden plans and list of plant “needs” and get into action!  To get the most value for the bloomin’ dollars you’ll spend, shop at local, reputable nurseries and plant sales.

Every year, the Virginia Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners hold plant sales each spring. It’s one of the best ways to get vegetable plants, house plants, as well as flowers that are annuals (showy for just one season) or perennials (plants that come back again next year).  Many of the plants that are for sale are grown or propagated by Extension Master Gardener volunteers.

Master Gardener plant sales are a great way to get unusual or hard-to-find varieties, or native plants for your area.  The Master Gardeners are also on hand to answer your gardening questions and give you advice for plant selection.  If you haven’t been to one in your county, you’re in for a treat.  And if you’re a regular visitor, here’s the information you need to get started:

Thursday/Friday, April 10-11
Norfolk: Norfolk Extension Master Gardeners will hold their annual plant sale Thursday, April 10, 9:00am-7:00pm and Friday, April 11, 9:00am – 3:00pm at the Hermitage Museum and Gardens Millstone Courtyard, 7637 North Shore Rd, Norfolk, VA 23505. For more information, see the Norfolk EMG website.

Friday/Saturday, April 11-12
Abingdon: Garden Faire 2025, Friday April 11, 9:30am – 6:00pm and Saturday April 12, 9:30am – 4:00pm, Higher Education Center, I-81, Exit 14, Abingdon, VA. The Abingdon Garden Faire features two days of garden lectures and workshops presented by outstanding horticulturists, artists, and others. The garden marketplace includes over 50 vendors (inside and outside) selling plants of every description (including natives and rare pollinator plants), gardening tools, yard art and furniture, and much more. Bring garden tools for sharpening. Spend the day and enjoy lunch in the cafe or grab a quick coffee and chocolate treat.

Saturday, April 19
Portsmouth: Portsmouth Master Gardeners are holding a special Early Bird Greenhouse Sale from 9:00-11:00am on April 19. The main plant sale will take place May 17. 105 Utah Street, Portsmouth.

Friday/Saturday, April 25-26
Chesapeake: Chesapeake EMG Plant Sale at Warren Farms 8:00-6:00 Fri, 8:00 – noon Sat1448 S. Battlefield Blvd, Chesapeake.

Saturday, April 26Wooden sign says Native Plants outside in a garden
Suffolk: Suffolk’s EMG plant sale is again part of the Suffolk Earth & Arts Festival. Volunteers will have an assortment of native perennials & shrubs, ready-to-plant vegetables, fruits, and herbs, and a variety of other perennials, annuals, and trees to add to your garden at reasonable prices. A free native tree giveaway is planned, along with an Ask a Master Gardener booth and recycled garden tools sale. Proceeds support VCE MG programming in the City of Suffolk. Suffolk Earth & Arts Festival 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Main Street Downtown, Suffolk.

Rapidan: Rapidan River Master Gardener Annual Plant & Yard Sale, 9:00am-4:00pm at the Carver Center 9432 North James Madison Hwy Rapidan, Virginia 22733. Join us for our annual plant sale, featuring a diverse selection of locally grown indoor and outdoor plants In addition to plants, browse our yard sale for gardening tools and decorative items.

Goochland: The 18th Annual Goochland Powhatan Master Gardener Associations Spring Garden Fest will be held 8:00am-3:00pm April 26, 2025 at Reynolds Community College, 1851 Dickinson Rd, Goochland, VA 23063. This is a free, family friendly event that is a celebration of all things related to gardening. For a small registration fee you can sign up for 3 of the 12 classes being offered on topics including invasive and native plants, year-round color in the landscape, attracting birds and pollinators, deterring pests and disease, gardening in the shade, and organic vegetable gardening. If you like to learn by doing you can take advantage of hands-on workshops on building a rain barrel, propagating plants, and solving problems with Orchids (bring yours). Online registration and a complete list of these educational opportunities is available at the garden fest website.

Saturday, May 3
Newport News: The Newport News Master Gardeners Plant Sale is Sat. May 3rd from 9:30am – 5:30pm at Brittingham – Midtown Community Center, 570 McLawhorne Dr., Newport News.

York: York/Poquoson Master Gardener plant sale, 8:00am-12:00pm at York Learning Garden 301 Goodwin Neck Road (adjacent to the York County Public Safety Building).Are you looking for new plants at great prices? If so, we have the sale for you! York/Poquoson Master Gardeners will hold their Annual Spring Plant Sale on Saturday, May 3rd from 8 a.m. to Noon at the York Learning Garden located at 301 Goodwin Neck Road (adjacent to the York County Public Safety Building). Annuals, perennials, native plants, shrubs, trees and Yorktown onions will be for sale. Come early as favorite plants run out fast! For more information, call the Extension Office at 757-890-4940.

Farmville: Heart of Virginia plant sale, 8:00am till sold out – Prince Edward Extension Office, 100 Dominion Dr., Farmville, VA -Rain or shine! Come shop our selection of plants. There will be a nice selection of native plants as well as house plants, trees, shrubs, bulbs, etc. We look forward to seeing you there!

Prince William: Prince William County Master Gardeners spring plant sale will be May 3, 2025, 9:00am – noon. They will also offer a second plant sale this Fall, September 6, 2025. The sales take place at our Teaching Garden, on the grounds of the Benedictine, Sisters of Virginia, 9535 Linton Hall Rd., Bristow, VA 20136.

Virginia Beach: Virginia Beach Master Gardener Plant Sale 9:00am – 3:00pm Sat, 10:00am – 2:00pm Sun at the Hampton Roads AREC 1444 Diamond Springs Rd, Virginia Beach.

Nelson: Nelson County EMG Plant Sale 9:00am – 1:00pm at the Rockfish Vallley Community Center. More info at the Nelson website.

Charlottesville: Piedmont Master Gardeners’ Spring Plant Sale, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Saturday, May 3, 2025 Albemarle Square Shopping Center, Charlottesville: The Piedmont Master Gardeners’ Spring Plant Sale will once again offer thousands of annuals, perennials, vegetables, fruit-bearing plants, trees, shrubs, herbs, and houseplants, including a large assortment of native plants. In addition, shoppers can purchase gently used garden implements, yard décor, and other “Green Elephants.” Bags of locally produced compost will also be available. The sale will feature a Help Desk for answering gardening questions and an array of educational displays, demonstrations, and information tables. Cash, checks, and credit cards will be accepted.

Sunday, May 4
Fredericksburg: The Master Gardener Association of the Central Rappahannock Area (MGACRA) is working with Northern Neck Native Plant Co for a Native Plant Sale to be held on Sunday, May 4, 2025 from 1:00-5:00 pm at Cossey Park, 1601 Kenmore Ave, Fredericksburg, VA 22401. In case of inclement weather the venue will change to the Rowser Bld gymnasium 1739 Richmond Hwy, Stafford 22555. For more detailed information see the MGACRA website here.

Lynchburg: Hill City Master Gardener Festival of Gardening Plant Sale – May 3, 2025 – E.C. Glass High School Lawn – Lynchburg, VA: The Hill City Master Gardeners are excited to invite the community to our annual Festival of Gardening, set to take place on Saturday, May 3, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. This beloved event will be held on the scenic lawn of E.C. Glass High School, offering a perfect setting to celebrate the joys of gardening. The Festival of Gardening is a one-stop shop for plant enthusiasts of all levels.

Carrollton: Western Tidewater Master Gardener Spring Plant Sale, May 3rd, 9:00 am – 1:00pm at the Blackwater Regional Library, 14362 New Town Haven Lane, Carrollton. Rain or Shine! Our Spring plant sale will offer a variety of plants from our local volunteers and gardeners: annuals, perennials, native plants, shrubs, house plants and trees for sale. This year we have an amazing collection of donated gardening books available for purchase.

Saturday May, 10
Hampton: Hampton Master Gardeners will hold a plant sale (with opportunities to learn about pollinator plants and spring bugs) at Bluebird Gap Farm 9:00 am-Noon. 1260 Pine Chapel Rd, Hampton, VA. Read more on the Hampton EMG website here.

Montgomery County: New River Valley Master Gardeners will hold their annual plant sale 9:00 am-2:00 pm on May 10 at the Montgomery County Government Center, 755 Roanoke St, Christiansburg, VA 24073.

Williamsburg: James City County Williamsburg Master Gardener Association (JCCWMGA) invites you to our plant sale on Saturday, May 10, from 9:00 a.m. to noon. at the Williamsburg Botanical Garden (WBG) located within Freedom Park at 5537 Centerville Road, Williamsburg, VA 23188. The sale offers a broad selection of plants, including annuals, perennials, vegetables, herbs, trees, and shrubs. Much of the plant stock has been raised by our local Master Gardeners. In addition to plants, visitors can shop the Green Thumb sale for gently used garden tools, equipment, and specialty items, including artwork and garden sculptures. Visit our website for more information about our plant sale.

Harrisonburg: Central Shenandoah Valley Extension Master Gardeners Spring Plant Sale! Find plants for your every need: nifty natives, made-in-the shade, terrific trees, fantastic flowers, shrubs, fruit, vegetables and more! All Things Garden will have gently used tools, books, pots, and garden decor. 4-H will be selling food. May 10th 9:00am-2:00pm at Rockingham County Administration Building Parking Lot, 20 East Gay Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22801.

Hanover: Hanover Master Gardeners Annual Plant Sale – May 10, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm Location: Hanover Evangelical Friends Church, 6420 Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville, VA 23111. Rain or shine! Join us for the Hanover Master Gardeners Annual Plant Sale! Discover a wide variety of annuals, perennials, tomatoes, herbs, and veggies to enhance your landscape. Enjoy tasty treats and handmade crafts from our vendors.

Stuart: Patrick Co. Master Gardener’s Annual Plant Sale – May 10, 2025 8:00am – noon – StuarRotary, main building 264 Woodland Dr. Stuart, VA 24171.

Saturday, May 17
Portsmouth: Portsmouth Master Gardeners Spring Plant Sale & Open Garden. 105 Utah Street, Portsmouth, VA.

June 7
Henrico: HMGA Plant Sale and Pollinator Festival June 7th, 2025, 9:00am – 1:00pm at Deep Run Community Center – 9900 Ridgefield Parkway, Henrico, VA 23233.

Frederick County: Northern Shenandoah Valley Master Gardeners (NSVMGA) will hold the annual GardenFest event, including their plant sale June 7th. Belle Grove Plantation, 336 Belle Grove Rd., Middletown, VA 22645. Read more on the NSVMGA website here.

If you have questions about any of these plant sales, please reach out to the local Extension Master Gardener group!  Happy planting!

Volunteers install native plants in the pollinator garden at Canoe Run Park

Volunteers LOVE VA at Canoe Run Park

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Volunteers install native plants in the pollinator garden at Canoe Run ParkNovember 15th wrapped up our LOVE VA Fall cleanup campaign!  And we had the perfect project to complete before the campaign ended.

We spent a gorgeous Autumn Saturday at Canoe Run Park implementing the next phase of a plan that we had started last Fall.  Volunteers from CoStar, Capital Trees, the Richmond Chapter of Young Men’s Service League, as well as staff from Keep Virginia Beautiful and Richmond Parks and Rec got to work once again with shovels, mulch, and native trees and plants.

Canoe Run Park is a 300-acre park located near West 22nd Street in South Richmond that opened in 1990.  There’s a large, open grass area for football and other games that’s surrounded by a large, oval jogging trail.  During hot, humid Summer days, it was too sunny and hot to comfortably enjoy the park.

Men building wooden park benchesThat began to change in October, 2023, when CoStar’s sponsorship supported an effort to partner with Capital Trees, the City of Richmond’s Parks, Recreation, and Community Facilities (PRCF) and volunteers planted 50 mature native trees!  A Spring maintenance workday provided inspection of the trees, the addition of mulch where needed, and planning for the next steps to make Canoe Run Park even more green and inviting.

The group of partners gathered again in November with forty volunteers to put this year’s plans into action.  Even though the trees were outfitted with Tree Diapers, with the drought our area had at the end of the growing season, some of the trees did not survive – but only five native plants needed to be replaced.  Mountains of mulch were spread, and eight park benches were built and set in place (in concrete) near the children’s playground for visitors to enjoy.

New too was a large area that was prepped and planted to be no mow pollinator garden! Native plants, 160 of them, were planted to invite pollinator butterflies and other insect wildlife to the area.  If you’d like to learn more about the value of native plants, visit the Virginia Native Plant Society.  And here’s a list of the native plants that were installed at Canoe Run Park if you’re interested in planting some in your yard or community garden.  Maybe you’ll get a chance to visit the pollinator garden in Springtime to see what’s blooming:

Eupatorium fistulosumSmall native plant with roots being installed in a pollinator garden
Eupatorium maculatum
Solidago Graminfolia
Hibiscus mochutoes
Amsonia hubrichtii
Baptisia tinctoria
Chelone glabra
Rudbeckia fulgida v. dreamii
Pycnanthemum muticum
Pycnanthemum tenuifolium
Veronia noveboracensis
Aster laevis
Aster o. ‘Raydon’s Favorite’
Helenium autumnale
Helenium flexuosum
Penstemon digitalis

It’s helpful to know the Latin plant names so that you can be sure you’re getting the correct variety when ordering or purchasing the plants, to be certain the native variety is being purchased.

It won’t be long before those 50 trees will provide shade to those visiting the park and sitting on the new benches.  Thanks to all for the great partnerships, support, and volunteer effort!

Photo of outdoor garden, with a path, greenery, and a bench.

2024 Green Grants Award #29 for $1,000 Goes to Culpepper Garden

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Photo of outdoor garden, with a path, greenery, and a bench. Congratulations to Culpepper Garden for being the Green Grants award #29!  They will receive a grant of $1,000 to create their Bird Watching Native Garden!

Culpepper Garden is an affordable senior living facility located on four + acres of vibrant gardens and grounds in Arlington. They provide affordable independent and assisted living apartments and care for over 400 low-income older adults.  Owned by the nonprofit Arlington Retirement Housing Corporation, Culpepper Garden was founded over 50 years ago with a mission is to provide and advocate for high-quality, affordable housing, services and programs that allow older adults living on fixed and very low incomes to age in place with dignity.

The Bird Watching Native Garden aims to enhance the quality of life for residents through the creation of a captivating migratory bird habitat. This project not only serves as a means of connecting the residents with nature, but also provides an enriching birdwatching program that fosters community engagement and promotes mental and physical well-being.  The habitat will incorporate native plant species known to attract birds, such as berry-producing shrubs, nectar-rich flowers, and diverse tree varieties, that will provide essential food sources and shelter for these avian visitors.  There will be a series of educational workshops and guided birdwatching tours led by experienced naturalists, as well as a comprehensive monitoring program to track bird species diversity and population dynamics within the habitat.

Time spent in nature can be therapeutic in many ways for older adults and has many health benefits. Getting exercise, stress relief, maintaining motor skills, and lowering blood pressure are some of the health benefits that can come from gardening. It is also a great way to bring people of all ages, ethnicities, and backgrounds together to enjoy these beautiful outdoor spaces.

Funds from the Green Grants award will be used to purchase Native plants and trees for habitat, such as Eastern Redbud, Eastern Columbine, Cardinal flower, Elderberry, Native Milkweed, Wisteria, Viburnums; a solar bird bath and bird seed; Garden supplies such as shovels, planting bags, gloves, tree stakes; printing materials to be used at bird watching events.

Volunteers from the community, including local scout troops and Virginia Master Gardeners, will assist with removing invasive species and replacing them with native plants.  Master Gardeners will lead the education sessions and provide consultation on creating a garden setting that will have the best results in attracting migratory birds.

Culpepper Garden is committed to ensuring that all older persons will have access to affordable housing and services that foster autonomy, dignity, and well-being, regardless of their financial circumstances.  The Bird Watching Native Garden is sure to be a valued green space for the residents, staff, and visitors!

Gloucester Logo

2024 Green Grants Award #18: Gloucester County Clean Community

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Congratulations to Gloucester County Clean Community for their Green Grants award of $750 for their Community Beautification plans!

Gloucester County Clean Community strives to help keep Gloucester County clean and green. Clean Community promotes recycling and proper disposal of solid waste, facilitates group cleanups and beautification projects, conducts community outreach and education programs in schools and for groups, and applies for and manages grants that fund local cleanup and green-up projects.

Photo of a half-pike skateboard rampGloucester County has a small skatepark called Brown Park. The skating elements were installed in 2010 and 2018. At the time local skaters and families helped to paint “Virginia Is for Skaters” on the then new-to-Gloucester half-pike. As the years have passed, the weather has worn out the plywood that was painted and some touches of graffiti here and there have made the skatepark look less attractive.  Clean Community will spruce up the park and make it an inviting and fun place to be again.

With funds provided by the Green Grants award, they will repaint the half-pike, and replace the plywood.  Supplies such as paint, brushes, trays, and other items will be purchased, along with soil and native plants.  A flowerbed with some native plants to attract local pollinators will be added to further beautify the area, as well as planting wildflower seeds around the edge of the park.  High school students, National Art Society members, and other youth groups will assist with this project.

Gloucester County Clean Community believes that this will encourage families, groups and individuals to use the park again, after a period of decline. Kids can use skateboards, skates, and scooters, walk around the park, or have a picnic. It is a great place to enjoy the fresh air, get some exercise, and enjoy the flowers that will be installed.

What a beautiful community improvement!  Thank you Gloucester County Clean Community for caring about our natural and scenic environment!

 

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