Back in 2020 we saw a larger than normal increase of puss caterpillars, Megalopyge opercularis. [1] These furry little bugs have a large range from Mexico to Maryland and all of the southern states in between. Sometimes these caterpillars are called ‘flannel moth’ or ‘Southern flannel moth,’ but most people know them as a ‘puss moth’ or a ‘furry puss moth.’

The American Chestnut is probably one of the most beloved trees native to North America. We all know (and sing!) that all-time favorite holiday song about roasting chestnuts on an open fire!

We are looking for 10–12 volunteers that live and have trees in Loudoun County to monitor for the Spotted Lantern Fly.

This month we wanted to highlight 4 non-native invasive species and how they can harm the native species of the area: the Spotted Lanternfly (SLF), the Tree of Heaven, Beech Leaf Disease, and Beech Bark Disease.

Northern Virginia is a hotbed for ticks and fleas. Not to mention grubs and gnats! Ticks alone are terrible in this region and carry dangerous diseases such as Lyme disease. Lyme disease can be hard to diagnose.

This month we are going to talk about the Virginia Round-Leaf Birch trees. They are an endangered tree species that is native to the Virginia area and is the only tree included on Virginia’s endangered species list.