Management guides for Virginia landowners interested in increasing native biodiversity or the abundance of specific species on their property.
BURN MANAGEMENT
Prescribed burns are an ideal management tool for keeping grasslands and old fields in early successional states. These early successional states provide the right mixture of plant species diversity and plant density to support many grassland wildlife species such as quail and sparrow species.
INVASIVE PLANTS
Invasive species provide limited food and habitat for wildlife species. Invasive species frequently create monocultures by outcompeting valuable native plant species. Invasive species can dramatically reduce biodiversity in a manner similar to constructing a parking lot. The are numerous invasive species important to Virginia grasslands. The following PDFs cover invasive species important to Virginia and strategies for managing them.
NATIVE PLANTS AND GRASSLAND RESTORATION
This is a collection of PDFs which offer management suggestions for landowners wishing to learn more about native warm season grasses, forbs, and shrubs. Information on grassland restoration and invasive species management is available.
POLLINATORS
Roughly 80 percent of the world’s plant species require wildlife assisted pollination. Pollinated agricultural crops account for approximately 10 billion dollars annually in the United States. Pollinator decline is generally linked to habitat and forage loss and destruction of nectar corridors. Landowners can help by supporting and planting native plant species which are beneficial to pollinators.
WILDLIFE
Recent reports that can provide you with guidance on how to manage your land for native wildlife.
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VWL is supported 100% by grants and donations and our work is made possible by the generous contributions from our community.
The Smithsonian Institution is a 501(c)(3). All contributions are tax-deductible.
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Virginia Working Landscapes
Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute
1500 Remount Road, MRC 5537
Front Royal, Virginia 22630
SCBIVWL@si.edu
540-635-0035
