New to native plants and environmentalism? Not sure where to start? Want to learn more? Here are some resources that may be helpful!

Native/Gardening Podcasts + Youtube Channels I enjoy!

– A rated R18 channel about botany and geography, laden with profanity. (I just love Joey. Also check out his podcast!)

– A Youtube channel with fantastic information videos covering many common native plants, perfect for beginners and home growers!

– A podcast covering topics such as native plants, habitat restoration, consersation, etc.

– Master Gardeners of NoVA Youtube channel, with many Zoom presentations covering topics of native plants of our region. Great for beginners.

– Highly informative channel covering habitat restoration, usually short-form videos, based in Georgia and the southernmost states.

– A Youtube channel with information on natives of North America and the east coast US. Sometimes specific to North East but applicable to Virginia.

– A weekly native plant podcast run by the owners of Pinelands Nursery in NJ. Frequently hosts guests of native plant movements across the US.

– A list of VA native plant nurseries, maintained by VNPS. If I don't have what you're looking for, check out and support local RVA growers!!

– A cost-share program and best practices information for homeowners involving soil erosion and poor drainage.

– A list maintained by DCR of Virginia's top invasive plant species.

Plant Identification and Databases

– A resource for geographical data concerning specific known localities of native species. Referenced often by nurseries and databases.

– A plant database focused on ecology and ecoregions of North American native species. In depth information about some difficult to find species.

– A wiki of coastal plain species focused primarily on the southeastern states with a focus on Georgia and Florida.

– A comprehensive database of distributional and taxonomic information of vascular plants in the Commonwealth.

– Facilitates the Flora of Virginia Mobile App. A science and education initiative for documenting and promoting native and naturalized plant species of Virginia.

– A helpful database for at-a-glance searches of native species, plants and insects native down to your zip code. Includes insect-host species information.

– The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. A database dedicated to information on North American native plants.

Local Plant / Gardening Resources and Regional Groups

– A state-wide initiative whose mission is to increase the planting availability of native plants. Several location chapters. Great resource of information.

– A RVA Facebook community for all things gardening.

– A free giveaway group for strictly native straight-species plants and seeds.

– Virginia's native plant society Facebook group. Great community for information and questions on native plants.

– Another free giveaway group for strictly native straight-species plants and seeds.

– The Greater Richmond Wild Ones chapter; Wild Ones promote native landscapes through education, advocacy and collaborative action.

RVA Environmental Organizations and Volunteer Groups

– Based in Ashland, VA. A non-profit for creating home and habitat for injured, orphaned, and surrendered box turtles as well as education of the local species.

– A non-profit and RVA's land trust for conservation and protection of natural and historic resources. LandLab in Varina is one such conservation easement.

– Organization dedicated to protecting and restoring the James River and its surrounding ecosystems through advocacy, education, conservation, and community engagement.

– A community-based organization dedicated to promoting environmental justice and increasing green spaces in South Richmond, Virginia.

– Volunteer program educating, promoting and maintaining healthy urban trees. Partners with Urban Forestry Division and other local organizations.

– Volunteer-driven campaign focused on tracking and addressing the environmental and public health risks associated with municipal gas utilities in RVA.

– VCU student organization dedicated to promoting environmental advocacy and climate justice, fostering social, economic, political, and cultural change in RVA.

– Non-profit dedicated to enhancing urban green spaces through restoration efforts, sustainable landscaping and community engagement.

– Non-profit providing outdoor education experiences to Richmond area youth, aiming to develop environmental stewards and leaders.

Greater RVA Park Volunteer Groups

– The volunteer-run group for Bryan Park enhancement, restoration and cleanup efforts.

– The volunteer-run group for Forest Hill Park enhancement, restoration and cleanup efforts.

– The volunteer-run group for the James River Park system enhancement, restoration and cleanup efforts.

– The volunteer-run group for the Pump House Park enhancement, restoration and cleanup efforts.

– The volunteer-run group for the Fontiello Park enhancement, restoration and cleanup efforts.

Virginia Environmental Organizations

– Nonpartisan organization that advocates for strong environmental policies and works to elect pro-conservation candidates in Virginia.

– Advocacy organization dedicated to promoting clean energy, good governance, and reducing the influence of monopoly utilities in Virginia’s political system

– Organization focused on climate action at the local level by engaging businesses, local governments, and communities. Based in RVA and Charlottesville.

– Coalition of environmental organizations working to protect and enhance Virginia’s natural resources.

Virginia Native Seed Sources (packets, bulk and mixes)

Note: please do research before buying any native seed mix. Commonly available “native” or "wildflower" and “bee friendly” mixes often contain introduced species not native to Virginia or the states.

– We sell local ecotype seeds for part of the year! We're working on mixes of seed and will offer more species in the fall.

– Based in Pennsylvania, reputable seller of bulk seed mixes and single species of the mid-Atlantic region. Provides ecotype information. Customized and VA-specific mixes available.

– Based in Kentucky, reputable seller of native seed mixes and single species of the eastern United States.

– Virginia DWR native seed packs include 6 species of native plants for a pollinator garden.

– Common invasive plants and their commonly mistaken native counterparts. Very helpful resource for identifying.

– An ongoing program to create an industry of Virginia-ecotype native seeds for commercial sale, large-scale revegetation and restoration projects.

– A program funded by VA Dept of Forestry. Discounts for native trees and shrubs from many participating VA nurseries.

– A water quality improvement program that offers resources and financial assistance through reimbursement to homeowners.

– A DOF program providing landowners no-cost riparian forest buffer installation along waterways with one year of free maintenance.

Have any suggestions for additions? Email us @ ...

woollybearnatives@gmail.com