The Harrison Street Weed Warriors have volunteered a total of ~38 hours on both May 29 and 31 to maintain the meadow by the W&OD trail. We are taking a break constantly cutting back all of the non-native grasses and other "weeds". Laying down cardboard or thick layers of newspaper and mulch slows the growth and deprives them of light for the summer. This material will break down and add organic material to the soil and allows us to focus on tending to the ~115 plants in that area. Now we focus on 2 tasks - Keep trimming the "unwanted non-native" grasses and other unwelcome plants around the native plants. - Water the plants during dry periods (courtesy of Loco Tri @ 400 Madison Trade Plz). Michelle and Max volunteered watering the plants yesterday! Natives you will notice: - Blooming now - Beardtongue (Penstemon), purple and white blooms, Primrose (Oenothera) gorgeous yellow flowers, Coneflower (Echinacea) not exactly native to here but a pollinator favorite, seeding Cranesbill (Geranium) - Bee Balm (Monarda), Golden Alexander, Liatris, Common milkweed Stay tuned for more blooms and updates. We are so grateful that we have this caring volunteer group supporting the project this year. (fb)

Loudoun Wildlife needs your help to protect our JK Black Oak Wildlife Sanctuary! Join us on Wednesday, June 4, 6 pm at Smarts Mill Middle School for a Public Input Session on the Route 15 Lucketts Bypass Project. The county will be presenting route options for the bypass, some of which may cut through our JK Black Oak Sanctuary, an 89-acre, globally rare wetlands protected by conservation easement. Please come out and tell the county not to consider these options! Learn more at https://loudounwildlife.org/2025/05/route-15-lucketts-bypass/. (fb)