The Virginia Department of Forestry and the Virginia Cooperative Extension are working to help Virginia landowners with legacy planning to make plans for passing land on to the next generation.

To help landowners get started and shed light on the legacy planning process, the Generation NEXT Program will include in-person workshops this summer and fall.

The workshops, which will take place in three locations throughout Virginia, serve as opportunities for family members to ask difficult questions, receive useful information, and get on the same page about plans for the future.

Families pay a fee to participate which includes refreshments as well as all necessary materials. Registration opens eight weeks prior to each workshop.

Workshops will be offered in Charlottesville on Sept. 16; Chatham on Oct. 20-21; and Richmond on Nov. 9.

“Many landowners are overwhelmed by the legacy planning process and assume that it primarily involves complicated estate planning with attorneys and accountants,” said DOF Forestland conservation program manager Karl Didier. “The Generation NEXT program helps ease estate planning and demonstrates how it’s just one part of the legacy planning process. Much like a forest changes over time, your plans will evolve. As priorities change or family dynamics shift, so should plans for your land.”

A companion to the workshop series, the “Legacy Planning: A Guide for Virginia Landowners” publication, provides an overview of the nine major steps involved in developing a robust land legacy plan. It includes case studies from landowners throughout Virginia and guides landowners to tools and resources.

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The lower level of Crimora Park in Augusta County has now partially re-opened to the public. The lower portion of the park was closed for renovations on May 8.

At the time, the County reported the work would take approximately 60 days to complete planned work to the river access area.

The park, located at 1624 New Hope and Crimora Road, will fully re-open around Halloween. However, most of the larger improvements are now complete.

Throughout the construction, the playgrounds, shelters and walking trails remained open.

The $100,000 construction project was to improve the lower parking area and upgrade storm drainage, replace guard rails and provide new paving and striping for visitor parking. The project also included the installation of a hardened canoe launch, widening of the existing path to the river and extra picnic tables and trash receptacles were to be added.

The Crimora Park river access project is part of a planned initiative of Augusta County’s Parks and Recreation department to improve offerings for recreation, fishing, tubing and boating.

The opening of the river access point at Dooms Crossing, Augusta County’s first river access point, in April 2022 was the first project of the initiative to be completed. Crimora Park constitutes the second and final project.

Both the Dooms and Crimora projects are fully funded by grants as part of the Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration process.

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Albemarle County and the City of Charlottesville have launched Resilient Together, a project that seeks to identify opportunities and design strategies to build community resilience to climate change.

Scientific projections show challenges like hotter heat waves, more destructive storms, wildfire smoke and invasive pests will increase in the coming years and decades, with implications for our community’s health and well-being.

“Sometimes resilience means adapting systems and behaviors to climate change,” said Gabe Dayley, Albemarle’s climate protection program manager. “Other times it means strengthening community networks or emergency response.”

Emily Irvine, Charlottesville’s climate program manager says the impacts of climate change do not stop and start at the jurisdictional boundaries between Charlottesville and Albemarle County.

“Studies have shown that the jurisdictions have similar vulnerabilities and challenges,” Irvine said. “Collaborating will help produce better, stronger results.”

The planning effort will take approximately 18 months, resulting in two complementary plans that support each other and recognize the similarities, differences and unique needs of both jurisdictions.

The project team, made up of staff from Albemarle County, the City of Charlottesville and the University of Virginia, will partner with regional and local organizations and community members to identify how to adapt and build resilience to climate change.

The community is invited to participate in the process. An open house and project kickoff event will be held on Sept. 26 from 4-7 p.m. at Carver Recreation Center.

For more information on the project, visit https://engage.albemarle.org/resilient-together

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The Augusta County Board of Supervisors declared a state of drought warning at its regular meeting last night.

The issuance of the warning follows the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality’s drought warning advisory issued on Aug. 30.

Residents are also asked to conserve water.

The board also adopted a resolution asking the Virginia Farm Service Agency to designate the county a drought disaster area. If granted, this designation will allow producers who are impacted by the drought to apply for federal and state emergency loans and other assistance programs.

Most farmers in the area have been mitigating the effects of drought for many months.

John Benner, coordinating agent for the Augusta Extension Office, encourages producers with questions on qualifications for drought relief to contact the Augusta Extension Office at (540) 245-5750 or the Farm Service Agency in Verona at (540) 248-6218.

In addition to answering assistance questions, both offices may be able to help document crop yield losses for hay, corn for grain, corn silage, soybeans, etc. for future potential drought relief qualification.

Augusta County is putting several water-saving measures into place:

• Augusta Water has suspended hydrant flow testing as well as the unidirectional flushing program where hydrants are opened to flush accumulated mineral buildup from the lines.
• Fire-Rescue will reduce all non-emergency water usage and stop all non-certified fire and pump training where it requires the flow of water to help with the drought conditions.
• The facilities maintenance department has suspended irrigation service at the Government Center, minimized fleet vehicle washing and proactively installed automatic faucets in most county facilities to reduce water consumption.

For more suggestions on water conservation and drought management, visit https://www.augustawater.com/WaterConservation

Tips for residents

• Reduce lawn watering to no more than two times per week and water between the hours of 9 p.m. and 10 a.m.
• Reduce vegetable garden watering and water between the hours of 9 p.m. and 10 a.m.
• Avoid sprinkler use. Use soil-soakers or drip irrigation.
• Do not plant new landscaping or grass.
• Clothes washer – Purchase Energy Star rated washers that use 35-50% less water and 50% less energy per load. Only wash full loads of laundry.
• Dishwashers – Running a full load of dishes saves more water than washing dishes by hand.
• Hot water – To reduce the amount of water wasted while waiting for the water to get hot, wrap your hot water pipes with insulation material or install an under the sink instant water heater.
• Kiddy pool – Instead of using a sprinkler for hot weather fun, buy a kiddy pool.
• Running water – Do not use running water to thaw meat or other frozen foods. Defrost food overnight in the refrigerator or by using the defrost setting on your microwave.
• Showers – Save water by taking showers instead of baths.Consider placing a bucket in the shower to collect excess water that you can use to water plants.
• Softeners – Install water softeners only when necessary. Save water and salt by running the minimum amount of regenerations necessary to maintain water softness. Turn softeners off while on vacation.
• Toilets – Consider replacing your toilet if your house was built before 1992 and the toilet has never been replaced. It is very likely that you do not have an efficient 1.6 gallons per flush toilet. If you have an older toilet, fill a plastic bottle with water and add pebbles or sand for weight. When placed in the tank, the bottle will allow less water to fill the tank, which helps conserve water. Do not use a brick as it may flake and clog valves. Avoid flushing your toilet unnecessarily. Place tissues, bugs, and other such waste in the trash.

Tips for businesses

• Implement interior retrofit for all high-water use faucets and materials.
• Restrict washing of sidewalks, driveways, parking lots or any other paved surface except in the case of meeting health and safety standards.
• Prohibit operations of fountains at commercial sites.

Tips for farmers

• Check with crop insurance agent for eligible drought-related losses before harvest for insured crops
• Plant drought tolerant cover crops after cash crop harvest
• Inventory remaining grass and hay on hand to determine the number of days of available feed through the fall and winter. Make plans to purchase additional feed and/or reduce livestock numbers to make it to spring grass.
• Early wean and market spring-born calves to conserve forage for cows
• Use poly-wire, step in posts and portable fence charger to intensively graze pastures and extend grazing
• Cull open cows, ewes and does
• Routinely check livestock watering systems to ensure they are working properly without leaks

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Hurricane Lee is expected to deliver large breaking waves, life-threatening rip currents and coastal flooding in the Outer Banks through the weekend.

While the storm remains off the Coast, dangerous conditions are still expected, according to Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore warns visitors that ocean conditions this week are forecast to be dangerous along all beaches, and visitors are urged to avoid swimming in the ocean until conditions improve.

The remnants of Hurricane Idalia led to three drowning deaths in the Outer Banks over Labor Day weekend. There was also one death reported in North Topsail Beach.

Related stories

Virginia, East Coast likely to feel effects of Category 5 Hurricane Lee next week

Three days, three dead: Vacation to Outer Banks deadly due to rough waters, rip currents

Virginia Beach, Coast Guard issue warning of life-threatening rip currents

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Businesses are vulnerable to economic disasters, labor challenges and product costs.

But they are also vulnerable to hurricanes and other natural disasters, including closures or disruptions that may last for days or longer. Some businesses never reopen after a natural disaster and others may reopen but fail within one year of the disaster.

Virginians are reminded that advanced planning is critical.

“How you plan for and respond to disasters can determine whether your business survives,” Virginia Insurance Commissioner Scott A. White sad. “Protect yourself and your business financially by preparing for the unexpected and having the insurance coverage you need when you need it.”

No business is immune to natural disasters. Even disasters far away can impact your business by disrupting supply chains and communications. Small businesses are particularly vulnerable when it comes to disasters because they have fewer resources, locations and employees to overcome challenges.

The State Corporation Commission’s (SCC) Bureau of Insurance (Bureau) encourages businesses to review their insurance coverage regularly and adjust it, as needed, while considering the possibility of a natural disaster. Businesses should understand what their policies cover and how much they may need to make repairs, minimize disruptions, and pay business expenses, including payroll and payments to creditors in the event of a disaster.

The Bureau offers the following tips to help get your business running again as quickly as possible after a natural disaster:

• Assess your risk for certain types of disasters, such as fires or floods.
• Have emergency disaster and business continuity plans in place.
• Make sure your insurance coverage is up to-date by reviewing policies and making adjustments, as needed.
• Know how to respond if disaster strikes.

Educate yourself on what your insurance policies cover and consider the following:

• What are your deductibles, coverage limits and exclusions?
• Do you need additional or separate coverages such as coverage for damage related to floods or earthquakes, which are not usually covered by standard business insurance policies?
• Do you need separate automobile insurance for business vehicles?
• Are your business and its contents insured for current replacement cost?
• Will you need business interruption insurance to cover loss of income that your business may suffer after a disaster?

Additional steps businesses can take:

• Share business continuity plans with employees that include current employee contact information, backup vendors or suppliers and a temporary relocation site.
• Develop a communication plan and procedures for work processes and payroll during a disaster or business interruption.
• Keep preparedness items onsite at your workplace – including disaster provisions, maps with evacuation routes and access to a working radio and mobile apps for emergency instructions.
• Compile and safely store an inventory of assets and equipment (including computer hardware), and back up all personal and company data regularly in case information is lost during a disaster.
• Keep physical copies of important records (such as building plans, insurance policies, bank accounts and employee contact information) in a safe, waterproof and fireproof place.
• After a disaster strikes your business, contact your insurance agent or company immediately and ask what information is needed to file a claim.

The Bureau of Insurance offers free consumer guides specifically geared to businesses. To learn more, contact the Consumer Services Section of the Bureau of Insurance Property and Casualty Division toll-free at 1-877-310-6560 or in Richmond at 804-371-9185 or visit scc.virginia.gov/pages/Insurance.

Additional emergency preparedness information is available online.

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Autumn is right around the corner with the official start on Sept. 23. The change of seasons means it won’t be long before leaves begin to change color.

“We have such a great range of species which helps buffer us from weather effects,” said John Seiler, a Virginia Tech forestry professor and expert in tree physiology.

“Red colors come from blackgum, scarlet oak, northern red oak, sassafras, red maple, sourwood and white oak. Hickory, chestnut oak, red maple add yellow. So does yellow-poplar, which is dropping a bit early already. Sugar maple leaves turn yellow or red-orange. Black oak leaves bring golden brown,” Seiler said.

Planning a road trip? The best viewing, Seiler said, should be around the end of October.

“This year, I would suggest from Oct. 28 to Nov. 5. I always try to include two weekends for people to plan their fall foliage driving tours,” he said.

The drier conditions lately could shorten the season, but there is still time for more rain, he said.

“A lot also depends on the weather we get in September and early October. Good moisture and cooler temperatures are the ticket.”

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The Roanoke Redevelopment & Housing Authority received $2.3 million as part of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to evaluate and reduce residential health hazards in public housing.

Hazards may include lead-based paint, carbon monoxide, mold, radon, fire safety and asbestos.

In addition, the funds will help get Public Housing Authorities ready to comply with the National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate. NSPIRE improves HUD’s oversight by aligning and consolidating inspection regulations used to evaluate HUD housing across multiple programs. NSPIRE strengthens HUD’s physical condition standards, and fire safety, carbon monoxide, mold and moisture and lead-based paint are all standards that we enhanced with NSPIRE.

“American families deserve a safe and healthy place to call home. However, in many older homes, lead-based paint can be a serious threat to the health and well-being of children,” said HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge. “This funding effort will help us identify homes where occupants are at risk of lead exposure and other health hazards and build on our promise of a healthier, stronger country.”

“The $2.3 million grant from HUD is a significant investment in the health and safety of our public housing residents,” said HUD Regional Administrator Matthew Heckles.

“Lead poisoning is an entirely preventable tragedy that dramatically impacts a child’s health and ability to learn,” said HUD Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Richard Monocchio. “This funding opportunity will help families across the country protect their children from lead poisoning and exposure to other hazardous contaminants in their homes. Particularly in many of our neighborhoods with older housing stock, it is critical to identify and remediate housing units with potential lead-based paint to ensure our kids can grow up healthy.”

The total awarded to Roanoke was $2,316,269, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

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Dear EarthTalk: What can I do this fall to ensure my garden looks its best next spring? – Jane B., Boston, MA

Preparing your garden in the fall is an important step to ensure it’s in ideal condition for the next spring. Depending on the size and scope of your garden, you might have a lot to do…

Cleaning up and removing any dead plants, weeds and debris from your garden beds now helps prevent diseases and pests from overwintering. Prune any dead or overgrown branches from trees and shrubs. Also, trim back perennials and grasses to about 2-3 inches above the ground. Rather than discarding fallen leaves and garden debris, consider composting them to create nutrient-rich compost for future use.

If you have perennials that have become overcrowded, fall is a great time to divide and transplant them to rejuvenate the plants and improve their health. If you have tender perennials, shrubs or trees that are susceptible to winter damage, consider protecting them with burlap or other insulating materials.

Consider testing your soil to determine its nutrient and pH levels. This will help you know what soil amendments are needed. Based on results, add organic matter like compost, well-rotted manure or leaf mulch to improve soil structure and fertility. Incorporate these amendments into the top 6-8 inches of soil. And it’s never too late to apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch over your garden beds to help retain moisture, regulate soil and suppress weeds. Use organic mulch like wood chips, straw or shredded leaves.

Fall is the ideal time to plant spring-flowering bulbs like tulips, daffodils and crocuses. Follow planting depth and spacing guidelines for each type of bulb. Likewise, many perennial flowers and herbs—daylilies, peonies, lavender—can be planted in the fall so they have time to establish strong root systems before the growing season starts in the spring. Fall is also an excellent time to plant deciduous trees and shrubs because they can focus on root development without the energy demands of leaves. And if you’re growing food crops that like cooler temperatures—broccoli, cauliflower, kale, lettuce, spinach, carrots—get them in the ground this fall for an early spring harvest.

Also, continue regular lawn care, including mowing, fertilizing and aerating. Fall is a good time for overseeding if your lawn needs it. Keep watering your garden as needed until the ground freezes. Plants still need water even as the weather cools down.

Most important, use the fall season to plan your garden for the next spring. Consider what new plants you want to add, any changes in design and any additional improvements. Address any pest or disease issues before winter. Prune and dispose of affected plant material, and consider applying appropriate treatments. If you have bare garden beds, consider planting cover crops like clover or rye to improve soil health and prevent erosion over the winter.

By taking these steps in the fall, you’ll set the stage for a thriving garden in the spring. Proper preparation and care during the fall months will help your plants establish strong root systems and ensure they have the nutrients they need for vigorous growth when warmer weather arrives.

CONTACTS: Penn State Extension Fall Garden Tasks, extension.psu.edu/fall-garden-tasks; Fall Vegetable Garden Cleanup Checklist, almanac.com/fall-vegetable-garden-cleanup-11-things-do-now.

EarthTalk® is produced by Roddy Scheer & Doug Moss for the 501(c)3 nonprofit EarthTalk. See more at emagazine.com. To donate, visit earthtalk.org. Send questions to: question@earthtalk.org.

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Cooler weather is on the way throughout Virginia this weekend with showers and thunderstorms likely throughout much of the state.

AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Tom Kines said the state is headed into a “wetter weather pattern” with possible flooding downpours.

In western and northern parts of the state, storms may also contain hail.

However, while the temperatures forecast are a welcome change from the dog days of August, Kines said, he still expects temperatures to be above average for the next two months.

“We expect temperatures to average above the historical average during September and October and close to the historical average in November,” said Kines. “Rainfall is expected to be above normal during the three-month period.”

Kines said despite the dry conditions in August, he expects a colorful autumn in Virginia.

“The foliage color in the mountains is expected to be quite colorful this autumn,” he said. “Hopefully, there will not be any windstorms that knock the leaves off before they reach peak color.”

As far as the onset of winter, Kines predicts it will come later than previous years.

“We feel the first frost will be later than usual for most of Virginia,” he said.

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