Soldier beetles: the small, often unnoticed helpers your garden needs. They pollinate flowers and prey on pest insects and they are beneficial in both life stages. Read more about why they matter to your ecosystem. Photograph (c) Judy Gallagher wix.to/TvrA2zE #BeneficialBugs #SoldierBeetles

Students in the CSWCD are invited to enter the 2026 National Association of Conservation Districts Poster Contest with the theme: “Soil. Where It All Begins.” 📅 Deadline: Sep. 15, 2026 📍 Send to: [email protected] Get the application: www.colonialswcd.org/nacd-poster-contest

Camp Woods & Wildlife is back! 📍 Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest 📅 June 15–19, 2026 ⏰ Deadline to apply: April 15, 2026 Open to Virginia residents ages 13–16 with an interest in conservation. Cost: $95 registration 🔗 www.colonialswcd.org/woods-and-wildlife-camp

⛺️ Applications are OPEN for the 48th Annual Youth Conservation Camp! 📍 Virginia Tech | 📅 July 12–18, 2026 ⏰ Apply by April 13, 2026 Calling all high school students (grades 9–12)! Full scholarships available for eligible local students. www.colonialswcd.org/youth-conservation-camp

February Schedule 2/3 | 5pm - Urban Committee - CSWCD Office 2/10 | 5pm - Outreach & Ed Committee - CSWCD Office 2/17 | 4pm - Personnel Committee - CSWCD Office 5pm - Operations Committee 2/24 | 4pm - Ag Committee - JCC Library 5:30pm - Board Meeting colonialswcd.org

The winning 2025 Colonial Photography Contest photo selected for February. Summer Tanager taken on the Jamestown sector butterfly count. Image from off Colonial Parkway. Photograph by Barbara Creel. Submit yours to be included in the 2026 Photo Contest! colonialswcd.org/colonialphoto

Stormwater 101 📅 March 9 & May 18 ⏰ 7:00 PM 📍 Poquoson Public Library Learn how to tackle stormwater issues on your property using practical, eco-friendly solutions like rain gardens, native plant habitats, permeable pavement, living shorelines, and more.

Colonial SWCD is accepting applications for VASWCD Educational Foundation scholarships! Deadline to apply: 4/6/26 Four $2000 scholarships will be granted state-wide. If that is, you! Head on to our website for more information! www.colonialswcd.org/student-scholarships

Jan Schedule 1/6 | 5pm - Urban Committee - CSWCD Office 1/20 | 5pm - Operations Committee-CSWCD Office 1/27 | 4pm - Ag Committee 1/27 | 5:30pm - Board Meeting JCC Library, Kitzinger Room Not meeting in January: Personnel Committee Outreach & Education Committee www.colonialswcd.org

Winner for Jan in 2025 photo contest In a quiet moment of their mating ritual, the smaller male & larger female Northern Watersnakes pause—entwined in a delicate dance that reveals both intimacy and instinct. Photo by Judy Jones. Submit yours to the '26 contest. www.colonialswcd.org/colonialphoto

Join the VA Forage and Grassland Council at the 2026 Forage Conference for a discussion about managing for healthy animals & healthy soil on grazing operations. Date/Location 1/27 Wytheville 1/28 Chatham 1/29 Warrenton 1/30 Weyers Cave www.vaforages.org

December Public Meeting Schedule 12/4 | 4pm - Personnel Committee 12/4 | 5pm - Operations Committee 12/15 | 5pm - Outreach and Education Committee 12/16 | 4pm - Agriculture Committee 12/16 | 5:30 pm - District Board Meeting Not meeting: Urban Programs See www.colonialswcd.org for more info

The Colonial Photo Contest photo selected for December 2025 "A Delta Flow Scarab (Trigonopeltastes delta) enjoying one of my Summersweet shrubs (Plethora alnifolia). This was my only sighting of this very picturesque insect, not just in my garden by anywhere." By Emilia Godwin

Join us this Thursday for an informational session on the Virginia Conservation Assistance Program (VCAP) November 20, 6pm King and Queen Public Library Register here: kingandqueen.libcal.com/event/15334800

Are you having issues with drainage in your yard or with erosion? Then come talk to us and learn how Best Management Practices can address your concerns and get you financial support. November 20, 6pm King and Queen Public Library Register here: kingandqueen.libeal.com

📅 This is the winning 2024 Colonial Photography Contest photo selected for the month of November. "A Red-spotted Purple butterfly (Limenitis Artemis astyanax) from my yard." Photograph by Jeanette Navia

November Schedule 11/10 | 4pm - Nominating Committee 11/17 | 3pm - Outreach & Edu Committee 11/18 | 4pm - Personnel Committee 11/18 | 5pm - Operations Committee Not meeting: Urban Programs, Agriculture Programs, District Board See www.colonialswcd.org for information about CSWCD.

Late season / fall-blooming flowers are so vital to our pollinators. If you are thinking about cutting back the flowers in your garden because they are looking a bit sad, please remember our pollinators, (including our straggler migrating monarchs) are still searching for food!

Learn how to address common yard problems like drainage issues, poor vegetation, or erosion with Best Management Practices and financial support. October 22 6:00 – 8:00 PM Essex Public Library Space is limited, so please register in advance to secure your spot! bit.ly/4haLPUR

Discover the World of Dragonflies & Damselflies! October 7, 2025 King of Glory Church (correction) 4897 Longhill Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23188 This talk is packed with stunning photos and videos to bring these fascinating insects to life. If you love dragonflies—you won't want to miss it!

The winning 2024 Colonial Photo Contest photo for October. "I snapped this photo of a juvenile Brown Pelican (Pelicanus occidentalis) and a few Double-crested Cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus) while they rested on a column at the Jamestown Ferry Terminal. Photo by Ty Smith.

October Schedule 10/7 | CSWCD Office 5pm - Urban Committee 10/21 | CSWCD Office 4pm - Personnel Committee 5pm - Operations Committee 10/22 | CSWCD Office 3pm - Outreach & Edu Committee 10/28 | JCC Library 4pm - Ag Committee 5:30 pm - Board Meeting www.colonialswcd.org

🌱Are you a high school student passionate about protecting our planet? The YCLI is your chance to take action, grow your leadership skills, and work alongside local environmental experts! Dates: October 2025 – June 2026 Apply by: October 2, 2025 www.colonialswcd.org/youth-conservation-leadership

Make sure you don't go cleaning up your leaves and dead flower stalks yet. Pollinators and other beneficial insects are using them (or will use them) as nurseries and homes where they can overwinter. #savenativebees #nativepollinators #savenativepollinators

Researchers at Xerces & @unevadareno.bsky.social tested the plants butterflies use in two major cities—nearly all had pesticides, many at lethal levels. Every step to reduce pesticide use is a win. Learn more ➡️ xerces.org/news/organiz... Find safer alternatives to pesticides ➡️ xerces.org/pesticides

Hear Doug Tallamy talk about inviting nature into ur backyard on Sep. 11 @ Jamestown HS. Doors at 6pm so you can visit w/ local conservation orgs hosting tables b/4 the talk. Talk @ 7pm. www.eventbrite.com/e/invite-nature-back-into-your-yard-a-special-evening-with-doug-tallamy-tickets-1293033892179

Insects are more than just bugs in the garden—they’re essential workers that pollinate, recycle nutrients, and keep pests in check. In this workshop, I will uncover the hidden world of insects! Tomorrow, September 6, 2025 10am - 11:30am Williamsburg Community Growers

September Schedule 9/2 Urban Programs - 5pm - CSWCD Office 9/6 Free Beneficial Bugs Workshop - 10 am - WCG 9/9 Outreach & Edu - 5pm - CSWCD Office 9/16 Ops Meeting - 5pm - CSWCD Office 9/23 - JCC Library - Ag Programs - 4pm - Board Meeting - 5:30 pm

The #CSWCD's 3rd Annual Colonial Photo Contest is only accepting entries for five more days, until August 31. If your photo is selected as a winner you will win a 2026 calendar that includes your photograph! For rules and directions on how to enter: colonialswcd.org/colonialphoto

In this workshop, Amanda will uncover the hidden world of insects as she discusses their life cycles, diets, and the essential ecosystem services they provide in your garden. September 6, 2025 10am - 11:30am Williamsburg Community Growers

Are you a high school student (9–12 grade) passionate about protecting our planet? The Youth Conservation Leadership Institute is your chance to take action, grow your leadership skills, & work with local environmental experts! Apply by: 10/2/25 www.colonialswcd.org/youth-conservation-leadership

The Alliance to Advance Climate-Smart Agriculture Grant is open now through August 15, 2025. You can receive $100/acre to implement climate-smart practices. Apply here: allianceforcsa.smapply.us Contact Samantha Pereira with questions: [email protected] or (757) 759-0528

🌲Got woods?! Got wildlife?! Learn more about your woodlands by attending the Landowner Woods & Wildlife Conference. September 20, 2025 8:30 am–4:00 pm Northampton County Cultural Center 9536 NC-305, Jackson, NC 27845 Learn more here: forestupdate.frec.vt.edu/landownerpro...

The Alliance to Advance Climate-Smart Agriculture Grant is open through August 15, 2025. You can receive $100/acre to implement climate-smart practices. Apply Now: allianceforcsa.smapply.us Contact Samantha Pereira with ?s: [email protected] or (757) 759-0528

August Schedule 8/5 Urban Programs - 5pm - CSWCD Office 8/12 Outreach & Education - 5pm - CSWCD Office 8/16 Dragonflies & Damselflies - 10am JCC Rec Center 8/19 Operations Meeting - 5pm - CSWCD Office 8/26 - JCC Library - Agricultural Programs- 4pm - Board Meeting - 5:30 pm colonialswcd.org

The winning Photo Contest photo for August. A baby White-tailed Deer resting in a dry spot in the marsh at the Greensprings Interpretive Trail. - John Bond Submit photos to the 2025 Colonial Photo Contest now to get your photos in the 2026 calendar! colonialswcd.org/colonialphoto

CSWCD's 3rd annual Colonial Photo Contest is accepting entries through August 31. If your photo is selected you win a 2026 calendar that includes your photo! 🗓 Visit the contest page for rules and directions on how to enter: www.colonialswcd.org/colonialphoto We can't wait to see your photos!

This #NationalMothWeek, help the pollinators on the night shift! 🦋Avoid pesticide use in your garden 🌸Plant a diversity of native plants 💡Reduce artificial lighting at night 🍂Leave a little wild space for moths to shelter and grow Get started at xerces.org/resources

The Virginia Beginning Farmer & Rancher Cert Program It is a 12-month educational program offered through the VA Beginning Farmer & Rancher Coalition Accepting applications through 8/18 for the cohort that will run from 10/2025 to 10/2026. www.vabeginningfarmer.alce.vt.edu/news/Certification.html

The Virginia Envirothon team is hard at work at the International #Envirothon Competition in Calgary, where they are learning about Alberta during the training sessions and then showcasing their expertise during the station testing.

The Virginia State Champion Envirothon team from Jamestown High School has traveled across the country to Alberta, Canada. They will spend the next week competing for the International title. Watch out for updates! #abenvirothon2025 #ncfenvirothon #ncfenvirothon2025

🌶 Did you know that pruning your pepper plants can boost your yield by up to 50%? Pruning can improve airflow, reduce disease, and encourage stronger, more productive plants. ✂️ Get the tips on how to properly prune and care for your plants: wix.to/hLnRwCA

The Alliance to Advance Climate-Smart Agriculture Grant is open now through August 15, 2025. You can receive $100/acre to implement climate-smart practices. Apply Now! allianceforcsa.smapply.us Contact Samantha Pereira with questions: [email protected] or (757) 759-0528

To lime or not to lime, that IS the question! Wondering if you need to lime your soil? If it's too acidic, applying lime can help! But how do you know the right amount to use? Find out in our latest blog post! www.colonialswcd.org/post/to-lime-or-not-to-lime

📣 We are thrilled to announce that landowners within the City of Newport News are now eligible to participate in the Virginia Conservation Assistance Program (VCAP)! 🌱 Take advantage of this opportunity to contribute to a sustainable future. Learn more about how you can participate: wix.to/rI32xPS

Looking for a natural way to protect your garden? Say hello to assassin bugs! Learn more about adding these allies to your beneficial insect army: wix.to/RYc4V0e *Photograph: Wheel Bug (Arilus cristatus) nymph. Photograph © Lisa Brown. (www.flickr.com/photos/meanandpinchy/2623127550/)

Virginia is home to a treasure trove of native plants! If you're creating a shade bed, check out our latest blog for fantastic alternatives to commonly used non-native and invasive species. Read more : wix.to/4QiA9c8 Photo: Heart-leaved Foamflower, © BlueRidgeKitties.

The winning 2024 Colonial Photo Contest photo for the month of July. "Spring day in our Toano pasture filled with buttercups." Photograph by Peggy Krapf. You can submit your own photos to be included in the 2025 Colonial Photography Contest now! colonialswcd.org/colonialphoto

July Schedule: July 1 - Urban Meeting - 5 pm CSWCD Office July 8 - Operations Meeting - 5 pm CSWCD Office July 22 - Agriculture Meeting - 4 pm July 22 - Board Meeting - 5:30 pm Both: Kitzinger Room, JCC Library See colonialswcd.org for info

Hot off the press — the CSWCD summer news & updates are here! We've packed it with event info, helpful tips, & great gardening wisdom. Whether you're into beneficial insects, native plants, or just want to see what we’re up to, there’s something for you! wix.to/uytarr0