Events

Join us for an engaging conversation with the Virginia Department of Forestry (VDoF). VDoF officials from the local area will share the agency’s programs and opportunities for forestland owners. The following topics will be covered: 

• Technical services offered by VDoF. 

• Cost share availability from VDoF. 

• Timber management/water quality issues. 

• Timber harvest options. 

• Selecting a timber consultant. 

• Selecting a logger. 

• Post-harvest management. 

​Urban forestry is the care and management of single trees and tree populations in the urban setting to improve the urban environment. Learn about the importance of urban forestry and best management practices in Virginia. Discuss resources and tools developed by the USDA Southeast Climate Hub and various partners to manage climate-smart forestry in urban areas. 

Participants will meet with the owners and tour a farm in its third year of operation. This farm has incorporated high tunnels, field crops, an onsite meat processing facility and a roadside stand. They have partnered with DCR to receive assistance with fencing, water supply, and improved pasture/over-seeding. They have also arranged to sell their products to local restaurants and businesses. This tour is an excellent opportunity for new farmers and those contemplating expanding their operations.

Poultry and rabbits are great animals to raise in a small area and with limited resources. Like any business, cuniculture (rabbit) and fowl farming have risks to consider and minimize. We will cover different breeds of rabbits, turkeys, poultry, geese, ducks and guinea fowl, as well as housing, health, feed cost, marketing, predators, record keeping, personal goals, etc. This workshop will have a relaxed atmosphere, and you can bring your questions and related experiences about how you have solved high-risk situations associated with raising rabbits and poultry.

For more information, contact Tammy Holler at 804-229-2730 or tholler@vsu.edu; or Marilyn Estes at 804-481-0485 or mestes@vsu.edu.

Join the Petersburg High School Ag-Culture Club prepare their Crimson Garden at their Community Day and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony!

Virginia State University's Ag-Culture Club of Petersburg High is bringing the community together for an enjoyable social event. On Saturday, April 13th there will be a Ribbon Cutting and Groundbreaking for the "Crimson Garden" located at Petersburg High School. If you are interested in participating as a volunteer at the Ag-Culture Community Day or as a Vendor displaying your business, please click the link above and register. The event will begin at 10am and volunteers are welcome to arrive as early as 9:30am. Items are not allowed to be sold.

Four FREE events to help you improve your farm and the environment! These farm tours will demonstrate how you can improve the health of your soil, your grazing animals, and the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Hosted by the VSU Small Farm Outreach Program and Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, these private farms demonstrate conservation best practices such as nutrient management, cover crops, grazing-land management, continuous no-till, and nitrogen split applications. Access valuable resources. Discover major funding available to implement these effective practices.