25 Ornamental Natives That Are Better Than Bradford Pear!
Carl Absher was born and raised in the North Fork Valley near McDonalds Mill. After graduating from Virginia Tech with a Forestry Degree he had a 40-year career in Arboriculture. He became one of the first people in the nation to achieve the Board Certified Master Arborist designation from the International Society of Arboriculture. He…
Read MoreMushrooms Abound
Skip Taliaferro considers himself an “amateur mycologist” — which means he likes roaming the woods in search of wild mushrooms. He is so well-known; he has taught classes about mushrooms across the state for a decade. He is obviously passionate and knowledgeable about the subject, and has in fact traveled around the world to learn…
Read MoreSmooth Coneflower: A Rare Species In Our Midst
Dr. Rachel Collins is a community ecologist broadly interested in the control of biodiversity in forest communities. Rachel holds a BS in Fisheries and Wildlife Management from North Carolina State University, a MS in Zoology from Miami University, and a Ph.D.in the Ecology and Evolution Program within the Biology Department at the University of Pittsburgh.…
Read MoreWhat Does An Arborist See?
Adam Braaten will share some of the common tree health problems in the Roanoke Valley and how they can be treated. He will also share some recommendations on which trees to avoid and which trees to choose when landscaping. Adam is a ISA Board-Certified Master Arborist. He graduated from the University of Massachusetts with a…
Read MoreWildflower Garden Maintenance
Please join us for weeding, mulching and checking the plant signage to celebrate the arrival of spring at ‘our’ garden in Roanoke. Bring water, gloves, clippers, loppers, and any of your favorite tools. Some tools and snacks will be provided. This is a fun opportunity to learn more about native plants and to meet some…
Read MorePlants as Pupper Master: How Plants Highjack Animal Physiology to Rule the World
Plants are the behind-the-scenes rulers of the animal kingdom. Through some frankly amazing manipulations of our biochemistry, plants have evolved the ability to turn potential predators into servants. In this talk Jason Davis will discuss how plants can control what, when, and where we eat, make us carry their baggage, kill their competitors and generally…
Read MoreSpring Break Walk for Parents, Teachers, Scout Leaders, and Kids!
Green Hill Park in Salem offers the most spectacular show of floral splendor of anywhere in our area. Look forward to seeing large flowered trillium, Canada violet, toothwort, wild ginger, Virginia blue bells and many more. This is a great opportunity for parents, teachers, and scout leaders to introduce children to the world of wildflowers.…
Read MoreCascades Hike
All are welcome on this Hike to the Cascades in the Jefferson National Forest in Giles County.This is an all-day event. Pack a lunch and bring plenty of water, sturdy hiking boots and a walking stick would be helpful. Trail length is 4 miles round trip. This is not a walk for the timid. The…
Read MoreSpring Wildflowers at Explore Park!
Come with us as we seek out pockets of wildflowers at Explore Park, walking a bit along the river trail and a short way into the forest. This is part of Explore Park’s Grand Opening weekend, and it looks like fun. There are also a bird walk with the RVBC at 9:00 am, and two…
Read MoreEarth Day at Grandin Village
A grand day at Grandin Park – please come out to enjoy the many activities planned and talk with us at our Chapter’s booth. Learn about native plants and get some gardening advice. We will offer handouts and a children’s activity. Chapter members – we need your volunteer efforts to support this activity! Meet: Grandin…
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