News

Virginia Wildlife Society Meeting: February 7-8, 2012

“Invasive Species Management: Waste of Money or Sound Public Investment?” The 2012 annual meeting of the Virginia Wildlife Society will focus on the pros and cons of invasive species management. Researchers and resource managers will present their findings and views on invasive species impacts to wildlife and the economy. A call for papers has been announced. Find out more about the meeting and how to submit proposals.

Thousand Canker Disease Discovered in Virginia

On June 24, 2011, thousand canker disease was discovered on two black walnut trees in Chesterfield County. A fungal pathogen and an associated beetle together comprise the disease. Thousand canker disease kills native black walnut trees, while hickories, pecan, and English walnut appear to be resistant. Twig beetle (Pityophthorus juglandis) infects a host tree with a fungus (Geosmithia morbida) when the beetle forms galleries beneath the tree bark. Together, the beetle and the fungus girdle the lower trunk of a tree, cutting off the flow of nutrients to the upper trunk and branches. The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services began survey to determine the extent of the infestation and established a temporary quarantine to limit the spread. The quarantine includes Chesterfield and Henrico counties and the City of Richmond. For more information on the disease, follow these links:

• VDACS Thousand Canker Disease and Quarantine Information
• Virginia Tech Pest Alert (PDF)

New Native Plants for Conservation and Landscaping Brochures

In the fall of 2011, the Virginia Native Plant Society and the Department of Conservation and Recreation published newly revised brochures on the use of native plants in landscaping and restoration projects. The brochures provide lists of native species along with their uses, light and water requirements, and range information. Three brochures highlight species for specific regions of the state: Coastal Plain, Piedmont, and Mountains. The other two focus on specific habitats: grasslands and riparian buffers. The brochures are available as paper publications and in electronic formats from the Department of Conservation Division of Natural Heritage. To order or download, go to the DCR native plants webpages.

Emerald Ash Borer December 2011 Update

Get the latest information on frequently asked questions regarding emerald ash borer in Virginia from this new fact sheet (PDF) published by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The fact sheet includes maps of counties infested by EAB and counties included in the quarantine, articles regulated by the quarantine, and sources for more information.

Control and Uses of Tree-of-Heaven Guidebook Published by Department of Forestry

Not only does this new publication, the Control and Uses of Tree-of-Heaven Guidebook, (PDF) present a wide range of methods to control tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima), it also provides practical uses of this weed tree that may surprise you. Tree-of-heaven can become excellent firewood, charcoal, and lumber with none of the odor that gives this species its other common name: stinkweed. These uses were tested and favorably reviewed. Charts show how tree-of-heaven compares to other tree species for qualities like heating value, hardness, shear, and bending. The guide evaluates the potential for landowners to balance cost of control with some economic return.

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