Despite this real review someone left on a state forest, snakes are not out to get you. Eastern ratsnakes use their climbing skills to find their next meal or a place to rest. This one was spotted sunning 12 feet up on the side of a tree at Cumberland State Forest. #WorldSnakeDay

Virginia Land Conservation Foundation funded project: Charlotte State Forest ForestryVA 🌳 Protects 5,004 acres: loblolly pine plantings, mature hardwood stands, native mixed-pine stands & forested wetlands. Story Map on 25 #VLCF projects over 25 years: storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/d7b40f…

Yesterday Governor Glenn Youngkin announced Speyside Bourbon Cooperage, Inc. will invest over $16 million to build a new stave mill in Pittsylvania County. The new mill will create 40 jobs and source 40% of its timber from Virginia's forest landowners. Read more: ow.ly/igkU50SFh4q

DOF recently joined Virginia DCR to treat dozens of blue, white and green ash trees at Natural Tunnel State Park, protecting them from emerald ash borer. Blue ash is a rarer species only found in a few places, these treatments ensure they remain part of our rich biodiversity.

Invasive spotted lanternflies are now in their adult stage–you can help stop the spread: 🔍 Check your gear and vehicle before travel 🥾 Crush any lanternflies you find 🪵 Don't move firewood 🪓 Remove tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima) Learn more: ow.ly/4gGn50SJ9sB

After 75 years of roadside reminders, DOF is retiring the 4 p.m. burning law signage along Virginia's roads. The law will still be a key measure in preventing wildfires as DOF moves to new tools for reminding citizens about fire law and safety. Learn more: youtu.be/H_ZiGeDKvIA

Even in jeans, Smokey Bear throws a mean curveball! ⚾👖🐻 Smokey and some DOF friends visited the Richmond Flying Squirrels last Thursday to throw the first pitch and remind baseball fans to practice wildfire prevention.

Riparian buffers are a win-win, providing aesthetic benefits for you and improving water quality for many downstream. We'll install a buffer on your property—and maintain it for a year—for FREE. Virginians with/along most water features qualify—apply now: ow.ly/4Fck50SPhTp

American chestnut dominated Virginia's forests until an imported fungal blight wiped them into virtual extinction. Watch how researchers from DOF and @Chestnut1904 use controlled pollination to breed chestnuts with greater blight resistance and restore this iconic species. 🌰🧪🌳

Happy Birthday, Smokey Bear! 🎉🐻🎂 Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Matt Lohr joined DOF to celebrate Smokey's 80 years of wildfire prevention. Join Smokey in celebrating his birthday by taking a few minutes learn how you can prevent wildfires: smokeybear.com

Every summer, several fields at Appomattox-Buckingham State Forests become a sea of green and gold as goldenrod, black-eyed Susans and sunflowers reach peak bloom. ✨🐝🌻 These fields are intentionally managed so these plants can thrive and benefit pollinators and other wildlife.

Our partner VirginiaForestOwners has many upcoming forestry programs. See how timberlands are managed on a tree farm tour, or learn how to grow Christmas trees—there's programs for all landowners to learn something. Programs can fill up fast, register now! ➡️ ow.ly/z3E850SYYSI

Are you as excited for these views as we are? 😍🍂🍁 Crunchy leaf season is just a few months away, bringing colorful foliage and cooler weather! Once the leaves start to change, we'll be reporting conditions weekly, so be sure you're following us to keep updated.

Please remember to leave no trace when visiting our forests. DOF staff recently came across this scene at a state forest. Not only is it a mess, but open air fires are never allowed on state forests. 🚫🔥

Paw paw season is upon us! 🍐😋 The fruits of this native tree ripen between late August and September. Look for paw paw trees in moist soils, typically along rivers. Ripe fruit is yellow to brown and comes off the tree easily. Tag your paw paw picking partners and get hunting!

Why are your trees changing color in August? When insects, disease or drought stress a tree, it may drop its leaves earlier than normal to conserve water. Some trees like black gum (first 📷) and black walnut (second 📷) are always early to the party.

Happy #NationalWildlifeDay! 🦅🐍🦝 DOF recently held an internal donation drive to collect supplies for Wildlife Center VA, which treats thousands of injured and sick wildlife patients annually. Visit WildlifeCenter.org to learn more about their work and how you can help wildlife.

You know what bugs us? Hitchhikers. 🪲🪵 One of the easiest and most common ways for invasive species to spread is through the transportation of firewood. Help our forests by getting your firewood locally. Find nearby firewood for sale: firewoodscout.org