News & Announcements

VCE Loudoun Master Gardeners Present: The ‘Awesome’ Health Benefits of Gardening

The physical health benefits of gardening are well known: exercise, strength building, and fresh air. What about the impact of nature and gardening on our emotional and mental health? How can plant care be ‘self-care’? How does the experience of ‘awe’ hel...

VCE Loudoun Offers Reduced Cost Water Testing for Wells, Cisterns, Springs

Do you have a well, cistern, or spring? Did you know that it is your responsibility to test your water to ensure that it is safe to drink for your family?

Registration for VCE Loudoun’s reduced cost water testing program is open this spring. The number of ...

VCE Loudoun Master Gardeners Present: Snakes Alive: An Introduction to the Snakes of Loudoun County

Snakes play an important role in maintaining the balance and diversity of native species. They keep rodent and insect populations in check and in turn are preyed upon by larger species. While they spend the cold months in hibernation, much of their summer...

VCE Loudoun 4-H Youth Engage with State Leaders at “4-H Day at the Capitol”

On Wednesday, January 18, 2023, Loudoun 4-H members traveled to Richmond, VA for 4-H Day at the Capitol, where they participated in a Town Hall, took part in the State 4-H Rally, and learned about civic engagement. These events emphasized the imp...

VCE Loudoun Master Gardeners Present: Native Plants vs. Cultivars: Which to Choose?

As native plants become more popular, many cultivars are being offered in the marketplace. But do these cultivars still benefit pollinators and wildlife, or are they just decorative items in the landscape? Learn about the results of several trials that ha...

VCE Loudoun Offers Sustainable Gardening Workshop in Spanish

Plant Nova Natives, in partnership with VCE Loudoun, is offering a free workshop for Spanish-speakers interested in sustainable gardening and landscaping. This program is offered in Spanish and is designed for landscaping and gardening professionals.&...

VCE Loudoun Master Gardeners Present: Hard to See, but the Spotted Lanternfly is Still Here

The Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) is still a threat, even despite the chill of winter. Knowing the SLF life cycle and understanding 200 Growing Degree Days (GDD) helps us determine how to proactively target the SLF. At this virtual event, we will train our eye...

VCE Loudoun Graduates Seventeen Volunteers into Master Gardener Program

VCE Loudoun is proud to announce seventeen new graduates into the Extension Master Gardener program. The graduates completed over 65 hours of instruction and 75 hours of their internship learning about best practices in horticulture. They join a county-wi...

VCE Loudoun 4-H Teaches Students about Life Sciences with Embryology & Poultry Production Programs

Virginia Cooperative Extension - Loudoun (VCE Loudoun) 4-H celebrates a banner year for its Embryology Program, an annual program that provides first-time agricultural experiences to youth who are far removed from the sources of the food they eat. Through...

Apply to be a VCE Loudoun Master Gardener Volunteer

Are you interested in becoming a VCE Loudoun Master Gardener? VCE Loudoun Master Gardeners (MGs) are accepting applications for the 2023 cohort of volunteer educators.

Working with Loudoun County communities, the VCE Loudoun Master Gardeners’ mis...

Spotted Lanternfly Found in Loudoun; Residents Encouraged to Help Slow Its Spread

Loudoun County officials say the invasive species of insect known as the spotted lanternfly has been found in Loudoun County, signaling a new stage in efforts to slow the spread of the pest that can damage agricultural crops and more than 100 other plants...