Agriculture and Forestry News
VDOF Forester and Bloodhound Track Arsonists
As part of an interagency investigation team, VDOF forester William Neff and his bloodhound Roxy helped track and arrest 10 people suspected of setting multiple arson fires in Georgia during a two-week period in May.
Neff and Roxy were featured in a cover story and photo in the Times-Union newspaper, which is based in Jacksonville, Fla. The pair have since returned to Georgia for an additional two-week assignment to conduct investigations on another 20 arson fires.
EAB Awareness Week
In observance of Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Awareness Week May 20 – 26, 2007, Secretary Bloxom tied Caution tape around an ash tree on the grounds of the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond. The accompanying sign explains that the small bright green emerald ash borer beetle has destroyed 20 million ash trees (only 287 in Virginia so far) and that billions more are at risk.
According to the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, EAB and other pests can be transported easily in firewood so one way to limit their spread is to buy firewood at your destination instead of taking it with you when you are camping, hiking or enjoying favorite outdoor activities. For additional information, go to www.StopTheBeetle.info.
7th Annual Wildland Fire Academy
The Virginia Department of Forestry trained nearly 400 firefighters from Virginia and 10 other states at its 7th Annual Wildland Fire Academy, May 7 – 12 at Fort Pickett in Blackstone, Va. A total of 14 nationally certified courses were taught during the week-long program.
Firefighters from dozens of suburban, rural and urban fire departments from across the Commonwealth joined employees of VDOF, Virginia Department of Conservation & Recreation, Virginia National Guard, Virginia Department of Emergency Management, US Air Force, US Army, US Fish & Wildlife Service, National Park Service, and the US Forest Service for this training.
Boulevard Flower Gardens Nursery/Greenhouse Celebrates Grand Opening
Secretary Bloxom was the keynote speaker at the ribbon-cutting of Boulevard Flower Gardens on Wednesday, March 28, 2007. The event marked the grand opening of a $2.5 million expansion on Ruffin Mill Road which showcases several production greenhouses, a full service floral department, and on-site fields for pick-your-own strawberries and pumpkins.
In his speech, the Secretary traced the history of this family business. The owners of the Landa Esso station and market, Maybelle and George Landa, had a knack with plants and began selling them from the Route 1 location. A business was born that now employs 29 full-time and 18 part-time employees year-round, adding an additional 20 part-time staff members during the busy seasons. Staff includes ten certified horticulturists and eight Master Gardeners.
For additional information, please visit their website at www.boulevardflowergardens.com.