While gathering boxwood to make my Christmas wreath, I found a beautiful bird's nest. Tucked in the crotch and protected by thick English boxwood, Mother Bird had crafted her home. Closer examination showed me that the nest itself contained not only twigs but also plastic. Mother Bird had found a way to recycle and reuse bubble wrap and plastic bags. I love to think that the bubble wrap was protecting her eggs.  I become outraged when I see litter along the roads. Plastic bags billowing in open fields or begging an escape from trees whose branches try to contain them. Ugh. I try to do my part and recycle and reuse. What more can we do to Keep Virginia Beautiful? 

 

Participate in Legislative Day. Coming up on January 24-25th, the Conservation and Beautification Committee, along with the Virginia Conservation Network, have educational sessions and speakers planned to inform members of topics concerning protection of natural resources and the environment. The GCV will host a legislative reception on Sunday evening at the Kent-Valentine House. Join us and encourage your representatives to RSVP 'yes'.  Come to Richmond to help continue the strong environmental legacy that is the GCV. Click here for tickets. The password is GCVlobbyday.

Visiting Richmond? Linden Row Inn has special rates for GCV members.  Go to www.reservations.lindenrowinn.com and type GCVA into the access code box and this will bring up the rates available on selected dates. 

 

Looking ahead, March heralds several deadlines. March 1st is the deadline to apply for the Bessie Bocock Carter Conservation Award, Common Wealth Award and the Horticulture Award of Merit. Find a worthy project and deserving club members to recognize.

 

Journal entries are accepted through January 15th for the March issue. 

2016 puts us ever closer to our 2020 Centennial Celebration. Remember that the Centennial Committee Exhibit Chairman, Joanna Catron, is looking for objects to tell our story. Please send a note to her at jcatron@umw.edu of any documents, artifacts or quotes.

Sycamore and Tanager Mark Catesby

Seventeen 18th-century, hand-colored engravings from GCV's Catesby collection are included in an exhibit at Jamestown Settlement. Learn about this interesting exhibit and associated lectures.  
 

Are you going out on a Hike today? I will be hiking at Caledon State Park with friends - come join us - as we resolve to support nature in the coming year, dedicating ourselves to the principles of our Mission, "to celebrate the beauty of the land, to conserve the gifts of nature and to challenge future generations to build on this heritage."

Historic Garden Week has been named a 'Best of the South' 2016 event not-to-be missed by VisitSouth. This is but one piece of important publicity for our signature event. After this warm December, who knows what our spring gardens will hold. 

 

My heart is full with the joys of the season and I send my sincere wishes to all for a Happy New Year!