Once any of us becomes aware of the threat to our community’s trees from invasive vines, walking through our own neighborhoods can be a little frustrating. What if you could help those trees in a friendly, neighborly way?
Upcoming Workshops and Classes
Here’s Another Reason to Get Rid of Your Invasive Japanese Barberry
Save the date for the annual Migratory Bird Count at Occoquan Bay NWR
Letter to Our Members: Right Now Is a Great Time to Get Rid of Your Invasive Plants
The Virginia Legislature has passed legislation, now awaiting the Governor’s signature, which will help combat the spread of invasive plants. But the new laws don’t do anything about the invasive plants in your own, or your neighbors’, yards. Here are a few that are at the top of my Enemies List, along with some suggestions on what to replace them with.
Thompson Wildlife Management Area in Spring
Spring in Virginia: Some Birders’ Thoughts
Why I Keep Coming Back: Birding and Photography Along Marumsco Creek
It's Time for Birdathon!
The Birds Are Coming! It’s Time to Turn Off Your Lights at Night
Judging a Plant by its Label
Finding natives in commercial garden centers can be challenging. Plant labels, excepting those that Plant NOVA Native volunteers have already tagged in red as “Native,” rarely offer much information and use terms that can be confusing. Here are some definitions and tips to help you find exactly what the biodiversity of the region needs.
A Closer Look: Nature All Around Us, April 2026
Wildlife Sanctuary Almanac: Plant a Butterfly Nursery in the Shade
Letter to Our Members: Handling the Cold
I expect that many of you have wondered during the past frigid, snowy, and icy weeks, “How can birds survive the winter here?” That question has had me thinking too, and the answer seems to boil down (pun intended, see below) to two types of responses, i.e., behavioral and physiological, or a combination of the two.
Tundra Swans
The Latest on Avian Influenza
Spring migration is about to bring millions of birds north along the Atlantic Flyway, a welcome sight for Virginia bird-lovers emerging from a season of persistent cold and stubborn snowbanks. With these birds, concern is also returning about a bird flu outbreak that has been active in the U.S. since early 2022.
Their Time to Sleep
Invasive Plant Legislation Moves Forward in the Virginia Legislature
The Virginia legislature appears to be intent on taking steps to slow the environmental and economic harm that invasive plants are causing. State legislators introduced seven bills relating to invasive plants in the 2026 legislative session, and all of them are proceeding through the legislative process.
