Tri-County/City Soil & Water Conservation District

03/10/2022

Happy Thursday! Check out our Conservation Specialists, Logan Ellis and Dan Kessler, hard at work as they continue to send out the $530,000 allocated for cost share funds in the District for producers! 🎉

02/25/2022

Today is National Skip the Straw Day! Check out this article to discover more about this budding movement and what we can all do to reduce our waste 🌼

We can slurp more down by just going straight for the glass’s edge anyway!

02/23/2022

"This was the first time the disease has been found in Virginia and poultry owners and industry members alike need to take precautions to protect their flocks from the incurable disease, says Michael Persia, an associate professor and Virginia Cooperative Extension specialist of poultry nutrition and management in the Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences."

The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has identified a case of Avian Flu in Virginia.

02/17/2022

to September 2019 when we had this fantastic training with NRCS to see a cattle farm operation! Today is another beautiful day for good weather - spend some time outside when you can!



02/16/2022

Educators agree, and view the park as an “outdoor laboratory” filled with natural resources and wildlife to help students experience science, physics and environmental studies in nature.

“We look at Widewater [State Park] as truly a gemstone in our neighborhood that is just an incredible place to bring those different grade levels,” Mike Pratte said.

Pratte, who serves as Stafford schools’ science facilitator, said the park can contribute to many areas of study, including oceanography, geology and physics.

“There’s so much possibility,” Pratte said. “As [the park] grows, it’s amazing the possibilities for opportunities for all students.”



https://fredericksburg.com/news/local/stafford-peninsula-park-is-a-gemstone-for-regional-science-students/article_83842441-f6e8-58c6-be0b-415b7c269f28.html?utm_campaign=snd-autopilot&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook_fredericksburg.com&fbclid=IwAR1biOa2u5p0eUNuia7bnFtHjzR0enckKcYN9BQ22ZCPUrKWYrxlrnN1lic

Phil Hornung said the natural treasures that lie within Stafford County’s Widewater State Park are abundant, unique and worth sharing for generations to come.

02/11/2022

Nature loves it when you...
🌹 Don't toss cigarette butts out your window. Did you know cigarette butts are the most common form of litter found on Virginia beaches?

🌹 Pick up after your dog. Your neighbors will appreciate you as well!

🌹 Stop throwing used diapers into the woods. That plastic diaper won't compost on its own.

🌹 Open up that trash bin to properly dispose your trash. And then be sure to close it so that litter doesn't fly away.

🌹 Share these tips with loved ones to keep our planet litter-free together!

💕 Celebrate Valentine's Day this year with your love for the planet! 💕

02/11/2022

There has been a significant increase in the number of fires that occur in landscaping mulch. These fires are particularly dangerous due to their proximity to homes and structures. The fire starts in the landscaping mulch, spreads into the shrubbery and then to the home or building. Other factors, such as below average rainfall, extremely dry conditions, warm temperatures and abnormal winds, increase the risk of serious damage from mulch fires.

Mulches are commonly applied after shrubs are planted in the landscape. Mulches are chosen for a variety of reasons including aesthetic appeal, color, price, organic content, nutrient content, reduction in w**d competition, dust abatement and soil moisture retention. Regardless of choice, proper care must be taken to prevent mulch fires.

Visit the Virginia Department of Forestry website to learn more about mulch fires and what WE can do to prevent them! 🔥https://dof.virginia.gov/wildland-prescribed-fire/wildfire-prevention/before-you-burn/

02/10/2022

‼🔥 February 15 - April 30, 2022 🔥‼ Apologies for the incorrect year - I guess we are all still stuck in 2020 😅

Burning yard trimmings or leaves is a common practice, but a dangerous one. Winds can blow burning yard waste and embers far off site and ignite combustible vegetation. Fall and spring are ideal times to reduce excess vegetation around your home that could pose an escaped fire threat. Escaped debris burns are the leading human cause of wildfire in Virginia. However, you can burn safely and legally, if you follow safe burning practices.

Check out Virginia Department of Forestry website on how you can safely burn and be mindful of the Virginia 4 PM Burn Law that is in effect starting next week! 🌳🔥 https://dof.virginia.gov/wildland-prescribed-fire/wildfire-prevention/before-you-burn/

02/09/2022

Check out this viral forager that shares the wonder of fungi with the internet! 🍄

02/09/2022

We were so thrilled to be part of the annual Master Gardener Seed Swap again this year! The Annual Seed Swap is a great place to find fantastic gardening information and seeds to prepare for the Spring season. And as always, we loved seeing our agency partner friends such as the MGACRA - Master Gardener Association of Central Rappahannock Area and Virginia Cooperative Extension 🌻

While also making some new friends at Gateway Beekeepers Association 🐝

02/05/2022

📣 Spread the word! 📣
The L. Gordon "Link" Linkous Scholarship deadline is 30 days away! Open to Fredericksburg, King George, Spotsylvania, and Stafford high school seniors and college students that are pursuing any major with an environmental-focus! Link to apply: https://tinyurl.com/2022linkscholarship

📣 Deadline: March 4, 2022 📣