The Throwing Shade VA program, offering discounts on native trees and shrubs, will return in 2025. Last year, the program was available at 10 locations and resulted in the sale of 5,500 native shrubs and trees being purchased at a discount and planted across the state.
The Virginia Department of Forestry is expanding the program to include 15 retail nurseries in 2025.
From March 1 through May 1, customers may visit a participating nursery, choose an eligible native tree or shrub, scan the QR code and receive a discount of $25 on purchases of $50 or more.
Funded through state water quality improvement dollars, DOF reimburses participating nurseries for the customer discounts. The program incentivizes customers to buy and plant native species in the Commonwealth that in turn provide numerous benefits to our ecosystem and watersheds.
“Throwing Shade VA has been such a successful program and positive tool to promote the importance of native trees and plants,” said Molly O’Liddy, DOF urban and community forestry partnership coordinator. “Another huge benefit of the program is working with nurseries across the state to help us measure progress towards the Commonwealth’s Chesapeake Bay watershed goals.”
Nursery applications
- The deadline to respond to the request for applications (RFA) is close of business on Friday, Nov. 29.
- Ensure your business is registered in the state procurement system (also known as EVA).
- Following application review from our state ranking team, nurseries will be notified with an application status update by mid-January.
For more information, visit dof.virginia.gov
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Crystal Graham
