Outside With a Guide

05/18/2026

https://www.indigogirls.com/blog/bnjasxuusxhyfhyynob5oiko8om81a?fbclid=IwdGRjcAR38qVleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEejxHsDWx4e4mICErfAWMMzLuUikS6ByBnF5TjJQOvtlDqebQwOfQWFmy5k9A_aem_YWdncwBCQrlQJiYYxK8EHFwvIp5n&brid=YWdncwF4aqcC4WiCLw2digk-NHrh

We’ve experienced many wonderful things in our career and we’ve had a number of beautiful new experiences on our Summer 2025 tour, but receiving the news that several new species of lichen had been identified and named after us was a unique and awesome thing. We are honored and inspired to know ...

05/16/2026

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DW49kamhhWz/?igsh=MXc5eHk2NDVqczd5NA== Mayapples need box turtles, and box turtles love Mayapples!

05/10/2026

05/06/2026

RESTORING NATURE: While mosquitoes are annoying and can carry disease, spraying insecticides is not particularly effective and kills pollinators and many other beneficial insects as well. A better strategy for protecting ourselves from these insects is to manage habitat, especially the standing water in which female mosquitoes lay their eggs.
To do this any outside water should be dumped at least every seven days. This includes water in anything that collects rain, such as bird baths, buckets, potted plant saucers, leaky hoses, clogged gutters, corrugated drainpipes, upturned lids, kiddie pools and toys left outside, and pet water bowls.

04/23/2026

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One challenge in managing invasive pythons is their elusive behavior, compounded by the difficult-to-access terrain and their nocturnal tendencies.

04/16/2026

When planning gardens with pollinators in mind, it’s critical to provide a continuous succession of native flowering plants from early spring through fall, so there is always something for them to forage. You can use this Google doc as a reference for blooming times in Virginia:

04/11/2026

A lot of hummingbirds arrived in Hampton Roads yesterday! Be sure your feeders are clean, and full of UN-colored nectar: just 1 part regular sugar + 4 parts water.

04/11/2026

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❗Attention: Spotted Lanternfly, an invasive and problematic insect has been confirmed in Chesapeake, Norfolk, and Newport News by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. If you think you have found spotted lanternfly, you can take a photo and/or collect a specimen and contact your nearest Virginia Cooperative Extension office. Here is a link with additional resources and information:

https://ext.vt.edu/agriculture/commercial-horticulture/spotted-lanternfly.html

04/09/2026

Watch out for Box Turtles on the move!

Vehicle collisions remain one of the leading causes of admission at the Wildlife Center, affecting species like the Eastern Box Turtle. In recent weeks, staff have noted an increase in turtles crossing roadways, making this an important time for drivers to stay alert.

If you encounter a turtle on the road and can safely assist, move it in the direction it was already heading. This helps the animal continue its natural movement pattern.

If you find an injured turtle, place it in a secure box and contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or veterinarian as soon as possible. Be sure to note the exact rescue location so the turtle can be returned to its home range after treatment.

https://wildlifecenter.org/help-advice/wildlife-issues/tips-helping-wild-turtles