Resources

Here are links to other web pages that may be interesting for gardeners.

Virginia Master Gardener Intranet – Resources & Updates for Virginia Master Gardeners (vt.edu)

Extension Publications

Publications – Virginia Master Gardener Intranet (vt.edu)

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Eastern Shore of Virginia sites

Eastern Shore Natural Area Preserves (NAPs) | The Eastern Shore Chapter of Virginia Master Naturalists (masternaturalistesva.com)

The Virginia Master Naturalist program was developed to provide a corps of well-informed volunteers to provide education outreach and service dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas within our community for the commonwealth of Virginia.

Eastern Shore Agricultural Research and Extension Center | Virginia Agricultural Research and Extension Centers | Virginia Tech (vt.edu)

Located in Painter, Virginia, the Eastern Shore Agricultural Research and Extension Center is committed to supporting commercial vegetable and agronomic crop production.

University of Virginia’s Coastal Research Center | Providing facilities to support a wide variety of research activities in the coastal bays, salt marshes, and barrier islands of the Eastern Shore of Virginia.

Since 2006, the Coastal Research Center has supported environmental research, education, and outreach on the Atlantic Coast of Virginia’s Eastern Shore.

We specialize in supporting the study of long-term dynamics of the barrier islands, lagoons, marshes and watersheds on the coastal margin.

Eastern Shore Laboratory | Virginia Institute of Marine Science (vims.edu)

The Virginia Institute of Marine Science’s Eastern Shore Laboratory (ESL) serves as both a field station in support of research and teaching and as a site for resident research in coastal ecology and aquaculture.

Brownsville Preserve | The Nature Conservancy Virginia

A visit to Brownsville Preserve affords opportunities to explore wooded uplands, take in expansive marsh views and enjoy the variety of life all around you.

State and National Parks

General information (virginia.gov)

On Virginia’s beautiful Eastern Shore, explored by Capt. John Smith in 1608, Kiptopeke offers recreational access to the Chesapeake Bay. It’s also a great place to explore unique migratory bird habitat along the Atlantic flyway.

Fisherman Island National Wildlife Refuge | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (fws.gov)

Though Fisherman Island is closed to general visitation, you can still venture out to catch a glimpse of fall and winter wildlife by registering to join one of our guided tours.

Guided tours are offered on Saturdays from October through February of each year, and during special events.

Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (fws.gov)

Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay, the Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge serves as one of the country’s most valuable stopovers for migratory birds and insects. Established in 1984, we are a haven for monarch butterflies, birds of prey and songbirds as they rest and refuel along their arduous journeys. With woodlands, shrublands, grasslands, saltmarsh, beach, and both fresh and brackish ponds it’s no wonder that we host 34 mammal species and over 400 species of birds can be found in our area.

Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (fws.gov)

Located on the Indigenous homelands of the Pocomoke and Occohannock people, Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge protects beach, dune, marsh, and maritime forest habitats. Originally established in 1943 to protect migratory birds, this refuge is now one of the most visited in the United States. This gem of Eastern Virginia is a birder’s paradise, as well as the home of cultural treasures such as Assateague Lighthouse and the world famous Chincoteague ponies.

Coastal Habitat

NatGoldAwardSample (ucnj.org)

When selecting plants for the garden or yard, the major line of thought goes towards the ornamental appeal of the plant. Very little thought is paid to possible ecological consequences of introducing that plant into a new environment. Consequences like displacement, foreign diseases, and disproportionate competition are just some of the many outcomes of inadvertently planting an invasive plant species

Coastal Landscapes – North Carolina Sea Grant (ncsu.edu)

The Coastal Landscapes Initiative, or CLI, is a collaborative effort to address landscaping at every stage of the process, from planning and design to installation and management. The ultimate goal is to foster coastal landscapes that are beautiful, functional, cost-efficient and environmentally friendly.

Native Plants & Habitats | Virginia Institute of Marine Science (vims.edu)

Discover the most common native plants found in each coastal habitat. These plant lists and other resources can help guide native plant selection for living shorelines, waterfront gardens, and habitat restoration projects.

Virginia Cooperative Extension programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Virginia State University, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating. Edwin J. Jones, Director, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg; M. Ray McKinnie, Administrator, 1890 Extension Program, Virginia State University, Petersburg.