July 15, 2026 -
For nearly 30 years, the Virginia Forest Landowner Education Program (VFLEP) has helped Virginia woodland owners become better stewards of their land. Created by Virginia Cooperative Extension in 1996, VFLEP equips landowners with the knowledge, tools and confidence needed to make informed decisions about managing their forest for themselves and future generations. VFLEP is one of the Virginia Department of Forestry’s (DOF) longest-standing partners. This collaboration has helped many landowners... Read More
July 6, 2026 -
By Forest Landowner Outreach Coordinator Kendra Esparza-Harris and Communications Intern Ashley Falat From June 15-18, DOF partnered with the Friends of the Rappahannock (FOR), York River Steward (YRS), and Appalachian Sustainable Development (ASD) to host a four-day silvopasture training series for natural resource professionals, conservation partners and landowners. Silvopasture integrates trees, forage, and grazing livestock by planting trees in pastures or thinning existing tree stands. Through presentations, interactive discussions, and practical examples, attendees... Read More
June 29, 2026 -
By Conservation Education Coordinator Ellen Powell In May, DOF fielded a team of six to compete in the annual Virginia Birding Classic. The challenge was to spot as many birds as possible on public lands in one day. We chose the Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest as our venue. Avid birders all, our mission wasn’t winning a prize (though that would have been nice). Instead, we were out to document the value... Read More
May 30, 2026 -
Trees are the Answer, DOF’s unofficial slogan, represents the driving force behind our partnership with the Friends of the Rappahannock (FOR) and the York River Steward (YRS), non-profit organizations that advocate, restore, and educate for protecting the Rappahannock and York River watersheds. “FOR and YRS are proud to partner with DOF across the full spectrum of our forestry initiatives—from riparian buffers to crop-to-forest afforestation projects,” said FOR Deputy Director Bryan... Read More
May 27, 2026 -
During this past spring fire season, which ran from Feb. 15 to April 30, DOF responded to 411 wildfires that burned 4,558 acres and damaged 14 structures, including three homes. Though fire season has ended, the threat of wildfires persists. In May alone, DOF responded to 57 wildfires that burned more than 200 acres, well above the average. DOF wildland firefighters cite the increased fire activity to dry conditions and... Read More
