Office for Sustainability

🐝 On your next stroll through the Eco-Corridor, witness pollination in action as the honeybees dip in and out of the wild hibiscus flowers blossoming in the pollinator meadow. 🆒 Also known as swamp rose mallow, wild hibiscus is in the same family as okra, cotton, and Althaea officinalis - the plant originally used to make marshmallows. Characterized by their white petals and vibrant maroon center, each bloom only lasts one day. 🌺...

We've been seeing some intense heat this June! !🥵 Luckily, Virginia Energy Sense (@vaenergysense) has some great tips for staying cool while saving energy: 💡 Let the light in: Natural daylight is free—your electricity isn’t. 🌬️ Feel the breeze: Ceiling fans use less energy than AC. 🧺 Delay the heavy lifting: Washers and dishwashers work best (and cost less) early or late in the day. 🕶️ Step outside: Longer days mean more...

🦋 The common milkweed, or Asclepias syriaca, is a species native to Virginia and can be found in the Eco-Corridor. Milkweed is extremely important to monarch butterflies, who lay their eggs on it and drink its nectar, which contains toxins that protect them from predators. 🛟 Fun fact: If you were wearing a life vest during World War II, you might've been floating with the help of the common milkweed! Milkweed seeds are attached to silky...

🌱 The potatoes are ready for harvesting! 🥔🥔🥔 Remember the potatoes we planted around St. Patrick's day last spring? They are now ready to be unearthed! Join us on Wednesday, July 2, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. in Abby's Garden to help us dig up the potatoes — and even grab some to take home with you. Cook up some french fries, mash some potatoes, or even make your own potato chips. For more information, reach out to Joseph Day at...