James Madison’s Montpelier Receives Recognition for Forestry Work By: Stephanie DeNicola, Education/Information Coordinator, Culpeper Soil and Water Conservation District
very year, the Culpeper Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Directors selects an outstanding forestry landowner. The award is given based on the owner’s accomplishments and commitment to land stewardship and woodland management. The recipient of the 2025 Forestry Award is James Madison’s Montpelier. Over the last 20+ years the Montpelier Foundation has demonstrated forest stewardship via silviculturally sound forest harvesting to regenerate mature forest stands. Additionally, this demonstration
Culpeper SWCD Directors Robert Bradford & Robert Brame; Montpelier Horticulturist Robert Myers; Cooperative Extension Forestry Agent Adam Downing; Virginia Department of Forestry Forester Griffin Robeson and Culpeper SWCD Associate Director Molly Elgin McWilliams
has “been made public” with the development of a “working woods trail” open to the public where signage is placed describing various stewardship practices to include: invasive species control, crop tree management, meadow establishment, restoration of diminished forest types/tree species, best management practices for water quality and wildlife habitat improvement. Additionally, beyond where the public routinely visits, additional acreage is under active management to increase wildlife and timber value. The staff at James Madison’s Montpelier, and in particular, the Horticulture Department, are valued cooperators for well over 20 years as an outdoor classroom, a research laboratory and example of forest stewardship unlike any other. James Madison’s Montpelier was recognized at the Culpeper SWCD Annual Awards banquet.
Youth Council Snuffs Out Tobacco Waste Once More! By: Orange County Communications Department
Each year, the Orange County Youth Council partners with the Orange HCAT and Orange County Litter Control to host a pair of tobacco litter cleanups, one in the Town of Gordonsville, and one in the Town of Orange. their Gordonsville cleanup. With four youth volunteers and two adult helpers, the team collected approximately 1,630 cigarette butts (based on average weight), and two bags of general litter. Recently, they conducted
Cigarette butts are recognized as one of the most littered items in the world. Their papery appearance makes them seem harmless, but they leach significant waste chemicals into the environment. Always be sure to throw cigarette butts in appropriate receptacles, and help keep Orange green by properly disposing of trash. As a reminder, Orange County Litter Control offers free supplies to groups interested in conducting cleanups, and even has fundraising opportunities. Call (540) 672-9600 for details. OCI January 2026
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