Tag: VDOF
New shrub, vine ID book hits the market
The Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF) has published a new identification guide called “Common Native Shrubs and Woody Vines of Virginia.”
Belfort Furniture donates 35,000 trees to Virginia schools, other organizations
Dulles-based Belfort Furniture has purchased 35,000 tree seedlings that will be donated for planting projects around the Commonwealth of Virginia in spring 2015.
Fall wildfire season begins Oct. 15 in Virginia
Daylight is getting shorter; nights are getting cooler. Sure, summer has officially ended, but more importantly, fall wildfire season is here! And officials with the Virginia Department of Forestry want to keep you and your family safe from the ravages of wildfire.
Tree seedling sales for the 2014-15 season
Officials with the Virginia Department of Forestry announced that demand for its loblolly pine seedlings is very high this season, and the agency anticipates that some or all families will sell out early.
Department of Forestry selects new forest conservation specialist
A 14-year-veteran of natural resources conservation projects will continue that work in Virginia.
Forestry tree nurseries seek public help with acorn, seed collection
Virginians can help preserve tree species by collecting acorns and seeds from 12 species and delivering them to the nearest office of the Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF). Acorns and seeds must be received by October 10.
Defoliation of white oak trees occurring in Northern Virginia counties
Homeowners in six Northern Virginia counties have kept the phone lines buzzing at Virginia Department of Forestry and Virginia Cooperative Extension offices expressing concern about defoliated white oak trees.
Forest trek goes high-tech
Visitors to the Conway Robinson State Forest can add a high-tech dimension to their outdoor experience. Informational signs on the forest have been updated to include QR codes.
Five ways to create bobwhite quail habitat: funding available to forest landowners
Bobwhite quail populations have plummeted in recent years due to loss of appropriate habitat, which includes fallow lands, field and forest edges, and brushy, weedy areas.
VDOF firefighters combat wildfires in Central Oregon
As wildfire activity increases in the Western United States, firefighters from the Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF) are assisting with suppression efforts in Oregon.
Wildfire risk assessment website now available for public use
Officials with the Virginia Department of Forestry have unveiled a new web portal that will help homeowners and communities determine their wildfire risk – and take measures to mitigate potential hazards.
Fire officials urge caution with fireworks, sparklers
While legal fireworks and sparklers are a popular part of July 4th celebrations, in most areas of Virginia they could become a cause of wildfires this year.
Virginia tree used to uncover largest genetic code sequenced to date
Using a Virginia Department of Forestry tree seedling, a team of scientists from across the nation has decoded the genome of a loblolly pine tree. With 22 Billion base pairs, this is the largest genome ever sequenced (in comparison, the human genome has 3 Billion base pairs).
VDOF awards nearly $200,000 to local fire departments
Through its Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) program, the Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF) awarded more than $199,000 in grants to 140 volunteer fire departments (VFDs) across the Commonwealth.
Virginia’s new state forester begins work
Bettina K. Ring began work this week as only the seventh State Forester of Virginia in the 100-year-history of the Virginia Department of Forestry. She was appointed by Gov. Terry McAuliffe just four weeks ago.
Weather forecast shows increased wildfire risk
Officials with the Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF) advise that upcoming weather patterns increase the risk of wildfire across Virginia.
Wildfire activity in Virginia intensifies Easter weekend
While many people were watching children hunt for Easter eggs, firefighters with the Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF) were busy over the weekend battling wildfire activity in the western portion of Virginia.
Forestry agency marks centennial with events and activities
To celebrate its centennial, the Virginia Department of Forestry has a number of events and activities scheduled throughout the year and across the Commonwealth.
No burning before 4 p.m. until April 30
The Commonwealth’s 4 p.m. Burning Law goes into effect Feb. 15th – the start of spring fire season in Virginia. The law prohibits burning before 4 p.m. each day until April 30th if the fire is in, or within 300 feet of, woodland, brushland or fields containing dry grass or other flammable materials.
Safe habits prevent wood ash fires
As smoke rises from chimneys, officials with the Virginia Department of Forestry are on the lookout for smoke from other sources. Household fires produce leftover ash; when improperly disposed of, this ash can cause a wildland fire.
Lack of acorns concerns state officials
Many reports from various parts of the Commonwealth indicate that the acorn crop this fall is very light, according to officials at the Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF) and the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (DGIF).
Wood ash disposal safety facts
The improper disposal of ashes from fireplaces and woodstoves can cause wildland and structural fires. Wood ashes retain enough heat to ignite other combustible materials for several days. High winds can uncover still-hot embers and start a wildfire.
