James Madison University (JMU) has achieved the esteemed Virginia Pollinator-Smart Certification, making history as Virginia’s first university to do so. This distinction reflects the university’s commitment to sustainability and biodiversity conservation. The pivotal role played by Ali Sloop, JMU Stormwater Compliance Specialist and project coordinator for various HMN activities, was instrumental in securing this significant environmental milestone. [Read more for details.]

Know a young adult seeking a deep nature experience? There is a new adult program to be aware of in our region for young adults seeking an alternative to traditional college. Living Earth School’s (LES) new program in Albemarle County is called Deeper Roots Immersion and is designed for (approximately) college-age persons. It is a…

Thanks to HMN Elizabeth Pass, Cohort VI, for developing the connections that led to this project and letting us know about it! I read in the July newsletter about a volunteer opportunity for building bird boxes (kestrel and bluebird nest boxes) for Jill and Lance Morrow who coordinate the Kestrel Nest Box Monitoring project. I…