A lot of us would like to forget 2020 entirely. But for birders, the year featured some memorable sightings. Birders spotted several rare or unusual birds at Blandy, including the beautiful ring-necked pheasant pictured here. Read the article by Blandy Director Dave Carr here.
At the end of 2020, the State Arboretum of Virginia counted 29 Virginia State Champion trees among its collection, and eight more were in the top three. You can search the arboretum database at https://blandy.virginia.edu/find-our-trees and selecting State Champions Only. The Virginia Big Tree Registry is maintained by Virginia Tech. You can browse the database or nominate a tree at https://bigtree.cnre.vt.edu/
The steam distribution system in the Quarters building at Blandy probably dates back to 1941. As was often the case at the time, some of the steam pipes, primarily in the attic, were insulated with asbestos. A survey of the building in the 1980s did not recommend removal, but recent damage to the asbestos insulation in the attic caused the University to recommend its removal now. The removal project began on 11 January 2021 and was completed by the following week. Marlin Phillips, the University of Virginia’s Asbestos and Lead Safety Program Manager, was at Blandy to oversee the project
Your tax-deductible contribution supports the research, education, and engagement initiatives of the Foundation of the State Arboretum of Virginia.
Tomorrow
The Blandy Sketch Group is a dynamic group of artists who work in the visual arts and who all share a love of the natural world as inspiration for their artwork. The Blandy Sketch Group is open to any artist, beginner or professional. This month, we will be meeting at an alternate location. No meeting will be held at Blandy this month.Visit our website for more info- https://blandysketchgroup.wordpress.com/
Friday, December 13th
Scout for birds at Blandy! Visit our website for more information and to register: https://blandy.virginia.edu/content/programs-workshops-walks
Sunday, December 15th
Enjoy a mug of hot chocolate (or tea!) as you solve a conifer-themed mystery. Visit our website for more information and to register: https://blandy.virginia.edu/content/programs-workshops-walks
Monday, December 16th
Step-by-step presentation on how to start a native wildflower patch from seed. Visit our website for more information and to register: https://blandy.virginia.edu/content/programs-workshops-walks
Tuesday, December 17th
Enjoy a mug of hot chocolate (or tea!) as you solve a conifer-themed mystery. Visit our website for more information and to register: https://blandy.virginia.edu/content/programs-workshops-walks
