Resources for Natural Resources

Title Available As Summary Date ID Author
Guide to Threatened and Endangered Species on Private Lands In Virginia Sep 6, 2018 420-039
Exotic Invasive Plants
Invasive exotic species are plants that are not native to a given area and have the ability to out-compete indigenous plant species. Invasive exotics are often brought into their non-native surroundings by humans with good intentions.
Apr 29, 2020 420-320 (CNRE-105NP)
Sustaining America's Aquatic Biodiversity - Freshwater Snail Biodiversity and Conservation
Six hundred fifty different species of snails are widely distributed across the streams, rivers, and lakes of North America. There are unique species associated with every type of aquatic habitat from the Canadian Arctic to the Everglades of Florida.
Nov 5, 2019 420-530 (CNRE-76P)
What Is a Watershed? Aug 29, 2018 426-041 (SPES-2P)
Poison Ivy: Leaves of three? Let it be! May 9, 2018 426-109 (HORT-292P)
Using Compost in Your Landscape Mar 13, 2021 426-704 (SPES-304P)
Water Reuse: Using Reclaimed Water for Irrigation
Water reuse can be defined as the use of reclaimed water for a direct beneficial purpose.
Aug 29, 2018 452-014 (SPES-1)
Options for Clearing Land: Pasture Establishment Mar 2, 2022 465-341 (CNRE-136P)
Enterprise Budgets for Trout Production in Idaho Feb 8, 2021 AAEC-276NP
The Effects of Regulations on the U.S. Shellfish Industry: Pacific Coast Findings Jun 16, 2021 AAEC-285NP
The Effects of Regulations on the U.S. Shellfish Industry: California Findings Jun 16, 2021 AAEC-286NP
The Effects of Regulations on the U.S. Shellfish Industry: Washington Findings Jun 16, 2021 AAEC-288NP
Consider Logging Residue Needs for BMP Implementation When Harvesting Biomass for Energy
Utilization of woody biomass for energy has increased substantially in Virginia. While there are a number of definitions for biomass, woody biomass from forest harvesting operations typically refers to logging residues such as limbs, tops, and other unmerchantable material that would otherwise be left behind on-site after the logging operation is complete. Logging residues are typically chipped and then transported to facilities where they are used for fuel. Biomass harvesting in Virginia most commonly occurs on integrated harvesting operations where roundwood and biomass are harvested and utilized at the same time in a single operation.
Dec 13, 2019 ANR-108NP
Virginia Citizen’s Guide to Environmental Credit Trading Programs: An Overview Apr 22, 2022 ANR-173P (AAEC-291P)
New market idea: Selling woody materials from landscaping projects to craft industry Jun 30, 2021 ANR-215NP
What is a Virginia Master Naturalist? Jun 8, 2022 ANR-242NP
Whitethorne Agroforestry Research and Demonstration Site at Virginia Tech’s Kentland Farm Jul 17, 2017 ANR-277
A characterization of large-scale swine production and manure generation in Virginia counties and cities located within or outside of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Feb 14, 2023 APSC-182P
Mitigation of Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Agriculture
In this publication, information is presented on how to increase farm productivity while potentially reducing greenhouse gas* (GHG) contributions from agricultural production. Some of the practices may be familiar to many producers, such as building soil organic matter (SOM) or increasing nitrogen fertilization efficiency, but many producers may not know that these same productivity-boosting activities also help to reduce GHG emissions and their impact on climate change. While informative to the producer, this publication will also inform those with an interest in both agriculture and the environmental impact of GHG emissions on the atmosphere.
Apr 3, 2019 BSE-105 (BSE-251P)
Greywater Reuse
Greywater is any household wastewater other than that used for toilet flushing. This water could be reused around the home (for purposes other than drinking water). An example of greywater use is landscape irrigation. Wastewater that comes in contact with human waste is referred to as blackwater. However, the definition of greywater varies according to state regulations.
Jul 23, 2019 BSE-114NP (BSE-267NP)
Using Reclaimed Water
Reclaimed water, sometimes referred to as “water reuse” or “recycled water,” is water recovered from domestic, municipal, or industrial wastewater treatment plants that has been treated to standards that allow it to be safely used for designated purposes. Reclaimed water should not be confused with “wastewater,” untreated liquid industrial waste or domestic sewage. However, “gray water,” untreated water from bathing or washing, is considered one form of wastewater (Water Reuse, VCE Publication 452-014). The level of treatment and disinfection reclaimed water receives is dictated by its intended (and permitted) use. Many states encourage and promote the use of reclaimed water to conserve freshwater supplies and preserve rivers, streams, lakes, and aquifers.
Jul 23, 2019 BSE-115NP (BSE-266NP)
Rainwater Harvesting Systems
Rainwater harvesting is the process of collecting, storing, and later reusing rainwater from surfaces such as roofs. Rainwater harvesting has long been used for agricultural irrigation and as a source of drinking water, and allowed ancient civilizations to flourish in semi-arid and arid regions. Rainwater harvesting systems are in use today in many water-limited locations, especially in several western US regions. As population growth increases pressure on water resources in the more humid eastern US, rainwater harvesting is being considered to reduce the demand for potable water.
Jul 23, 2019 BSE-116NP (BSE-265NP)
Hydrology Basics and the Hydrologic Cycle
This fact sheet presents and explains some common concepts in hydrology and the hydrologic cycle. The science or study of hydrology focuses on the distribution, occurrence, circulation, and properties of water in the environment.
Nov 4, 2020 BSE-191P
Soil and Soil Water Relationships
This publication presents and discusses concepts that are fundamental to understanding soil, water, and plant relationships and the soil water balance. Knowledge about soil water relationships can inform the decision-making process in agricultural operations or natural resource management, such as determining what crops to plant, when to plant them, and when various management practices should be scheduled. Understanding these concepts is useful for addressing both agronomic and policy issues related to agricultural water management.Zachary M. Easton, Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist, Biological Systems Engineering, Virginia Tech Emily Bock, Graduate Research Assistant, Biological Systems Engineering, Virginia Tech
Mar 1, 2021 BSE-194P
Soil Moisture Sensors for Agricultural Irrigation: An Overview on Sensor Types Jul 21, 2021 BSE-338P
Scheduling Agricultural Irrigation Based on Soil Moisture Content: Interpreting and Using Sensor Data Aug 10, 2021 BSE-339P
Best Management Practice Fact Sheet 16: Step Pool Stormwater Conveyance Sep 3, 2021 BSE-341P
Total Employment on Logging Operations Based on a Survey of Virginia Loggers Jan 30, 2022 CNRE-140NP
Virginia Master Naturalist Basic Training Course: Ichthyology Oct 8, 2019 CNRE-73P
Woodland Health Practices Handbook Dec 13, 2022 CNRE-109NP
Applications of PXRF for Pedology, Agronomy, and Enviromental Quality Assessment Oct 31, 2022 CSES-186V
Large and Unusual Insects Found in Virginia
Several different insects are found in Virginia that cause concern due to their large size and coloration. They are for the most part harmless and just curiosities of nature.
Mar 2, 2021 ENTO-148NP (ENTO-419NP)
Fall Cankerworm
Cankerworms are also known as inchworms, loop worms, and spanworms - this is credited to their distinctive way of moving. In order to travel, a cankerworm must grab leaves or branches with its front legs and then pull the rest of its body forward. This causes the abdomen area to contract and gives the worm the appearance of arching its back.
Feb 5, 2021 ENTO-223NP (ENTO-404NP)
Jumping Worms (Amynthas spp.) May 24, 2023 ENTO-427NP (ENTO-559NP)
Non-biting Midges Mar 3, 2021 ENTO-438NP
Buprestid Beetles and Flathead Borers Mar 4, 2021 ENTO-441NP
Red Imported Fire Ant Farmer Self-Inspection Checklist Mar 8, 2022 ENTO-493NP
Converting pastures to native warm season grasses: Summer forage and wildlife habitat in Caroline County Mar 5, 2021 SPES-308NP
2021 Virtual Eastern Shore Agricultural Conference and Trade Show Mar 12, 2021 SPES-312NP
How to Evaluate a Tree May 19, 2021 SPES-313P
Hurricane Preparedness for Turfgrass Systems Jul 20, 2021 SPES-340NP
2021 Eastern Shore AREC Interactive Research Field Day Oct 8, 2021 SPES-359NP
VCE Ag Today: Timber Market Update Jul 5, 2021 VCE-1027-50NP