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State Arboretum of Virginia

@blandyexperimental.bsky.social
57 followers 18 following 109 posts

A public arboretum and environmental science field station for the University of Virginia Our mission is to increase understanding of the natural environment through research and education.

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State Arboretum of Virginia @blandyexperimental.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
You never know what you might discover blooming at Blandy, like this 𝐿𝑦𝑐𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑠 𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑎𝑡𝑎, sprouting all on its own along Blandy’s entrance walkway, or these lovely 𝐵𝑒𝑔𝑜𝑛𝑖𝑎 𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑠, right outside the iconic archway of the Quarters Building.
SIngle 𝐿𝑦𝑐𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑠 𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑎𝑡𝑎 flower𝐵𝑒𝑔𝑜𝑛𝑖𝑎 𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑠 plant blooming
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State Arboretum of Virginia @blandyexperimental.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Bird enthusiasts participating in Blandy’s monthly Bird Walk last week recorded 42 species of birds in just two hours, including the American golden plover, a super rare bird to see in this area, & several species of warblers, the iconic birds of the fall migration season.
A group of people in wooded area looking though binoculars at migrating bird species. A group of people in fielded area looking though binoculars at migrating bird species.
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State Arboretum of Virginia @blandyexperimental.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Celebrating Blandy volunteers last night at the annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner! Last year, 153 individual volunteers contributed more than 2000 hours, supporting arboretum events, Blandy educational programs and working in the gardens and on the Native Plant Trail.
Large group of volunteers posing for a photo with arboretum trees in background.
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State Arboretum of Virginia @blandyexperimental.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
What a fun time we had on Sunday at our second SOLD OUT Pawpaws & Pints event, learning about pawpaws, tasting pawpaws, and supporting trial improvements at Blandy. Hope you can join us next year way down yonder in the pawpaw patch!
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State Arboretum of Virginia @blandyexperimental.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
It’s pawpaw time at Blandy! Come learn all about our pawpaw history, taste some pawpaws, sip some pawpaw beer and try a little pawpaw popcorn, all while supporting Blandy trail improvements! Pawpaw & Pints 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭 𝟏𝟑𝐭𝐡. $𝟐𝟎 𝐆𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐰 before sold out. www.eventbrite.com/e/tales-on-t...
Pawpaw trees
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State Arboretum of Virginia @blandyexperimental.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Leave the Seeds! Goldfinches and other birds in our Pollination Garden are already visiting coneflowers, bergamot, anise hyssop, and other plants for seeds. Leaving seed heads turns your garden into a natural birdfeeder you can enjoy until next spring. #NationalWildlifeDay
yellow finch in garden eating flower seeds
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State Arboretum of Virginia @blandyexperimental.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Listen in to today's Valley Today podcast to get all the deets on Blandy's upcoming Pawpaws & Pints event, then purchase your ticket, before the event sells out! thevalleytoday.libsyn.com/way-down-yon...
Pawpaw and Pints event information poster. Date September 13th, time 1-3 pm cost $20 a ticket, more
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State Arboretum of Virginia @blandyexperimental.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
Granddaughter of former Blandy Director, Dr. Ralph Singleton, makes a visit to the arboretum and remembers 1970s family gatherings in the courtyard and playing in nature on Blandy's sprawling grounds. Read the full story. blandy.virginia.edu/bridging-bla...
Family gathering in Blandy's courtyard in 1970s.
Child with flowers running on Blandy grounds in 1970s.Woman poses with photgraph of grandfather in background.
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State Arboretum of Virginia @blandyexperimental.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
Listen in as Anne Marie Chirieleison, director of the FOSA, talks with The Valley Today 's Janet Michael to unpack a century of research, discovery, and community stewardship at Blandy and how you can be a part of the next 100 years. thevalleytoday.libsyn.com/100-years-of...
Valley Today podcast graphic
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State Arboretum of Virginia @blandyexperimental.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
Have you seen this interesting Trumpet creeper, 𝐶𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑠𝑖𝑠 𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑛𝑠, sitting solo at the corner of Blandy's event field? There are 5 more located on arboretum grounds, but not so easy to spot. Check out our tree finder tool to find the others. tinyurl.com/Blandytreefi...
Trumpet creeper, 𝐶𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑠𝑖𝑠 𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑛𝑠 tree with twisty branches and trumpet yellow flowers
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State Arboretum of Virginia @blandyexperimental.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
Blandy is celebrating 100 years of scientific research, environmental education, conservation, growing collections and the preservation of this treasured public landscape. Support the Centennial Endowment Campaign. blandy.virginia.edu/centennial-c...
Fundriasing graphic showing  reaserchers, arboretum tours and children learning at Blandy
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State Arboretum of Virginia @blandyexperimental.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
Have you noticed our new signage? There are 73 new signs in all. We hope you enjoy and learn more about this Centennial Anniversary project meant to enhance your visit to Blandy. blandy.virginia.edu/blandy-upgra...
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State Arboretum of Virginia @blandyexperimental.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
Native Plant and Ecological Restoration Intern, Caitlin, is helping Blandy document the effectiveness of reforestation in the Canopy Restoration area, formally dominated by invasive buckthorn and autumn olive. Learn more about the project on our website blandy.virginia.edu/canopy-resto...
Woman in field measuring the height of growing native trees.
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State Arboretum of Virginia @blandyexperimental.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
Flies...the often overlooked pollinator!! Bees get a lot of credit when it comes to pollination and they certainly play a big role in pollination. Some research has shown that flies are the second most important pollinator group. Celebrating #Pollinatorweek
Fly on a yellow flower.
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State Arboretum of Virginia @blandyexperimental.bsky.social · 02/06/2026
October Greenfield, Wildlife Habitat Program Manager for The Piedmont Environmental Council, spoke about the conservation efforts to provide nesting habitat for American Kestrels. Learn more about our public programs blandy.virginia.edu/programs-wor...
American Kestrel chickGroup monitoring American Kestrel nesting habitat in open field at Blandy Experimental Farm.
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State Arboretum of Virginia @blandyexperimental.bsky.social · 29/05/2026
It's going to be a beautiful weekend to come take a stroll along the Native Plant Trail. On Sunday, you can catch our Virginia's Amazing Vultutres program with the Blue Ridge WIldlife Center. amazingvultures.eventbrite.com
Shaded path leading through a trail of native plants.
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State Arboretum of Virginia @blandyexperimental.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
School is out, but the discovery can continue. Check out Blandy's 𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐩 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝟔𝐭𝐡 -𝟖𝐭𝐡 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬. Learn more and register today. ecoexplorerscamp.eventbrite.com
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State Arboretum of Virginia @blandyexperimental.bsky.social · 09/05/2026
Garden Fair Preview Night was lovely. Don't miss the chance to visit Blandy today and tomorrow from 9 am - 4 pm for our annual Mother's Day Weekend Garden Fair. Tickets at the gate are $20 per car, or $12 prepaid online at tinyurl.com/gardenfai
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State Arboretum of Virginia @blandyexperimental.bsky.social · 05/05/2026
Listen in to get the details on this long running (36 years) Mother's Day Weekend tradition and buy your ticket today. Proceeds benefit Blandy Experimental Farm, your State Arboretum of Virginia. thevalleytodaypodcast.com/site/bring-y...
thevalleytodaypodcast.com
The Valley Today: Bring Your Wagon: A Guide to Blandy's Garden Fair
Host Janet Michael sits down with Melanie Mullinax, Communications and Event Manager at , to get all the details on the — one of the Shenandoah Valley's most beloved Mother's Day weekend traditions. ...
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State Arboretum of Virginia @blandyexperimental.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
The 𝐼𝑟𝑖𝑠 are blooming now in the Walter Flory Memorial Iris Garden. Come visit.
Purple Iris flowerLight purple and peach Iris flowers
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State Arboretum of Virginia @blandyexperimental.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
It's just a week away. 𝐆𝐄𝐓 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐆𝐀𝐑𝐃𝐄𝐍 𝐅𝐀𝐈𝐑 𝐓𝐈𝐂𝐊𝐄𝐓 𝐍𝐎𝐖 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐒𝐀𝐕𝐄! Tickets are $12 per car in online, or $20 per car at the gate. Don't miss one of the region's most anticipated garden fairs! tinyurl.com/gardenfai
Graphic text with garden vine
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State Arboretum of Virginia @blandyexperimental.bsky.social · 22/04/2026
It's National Volunteer Week and we are celebrating more than 200 volunteers who contributed more than 2,300 hours of their time and expertise last year, supporting programming, events, and collections management. Learn about volunteering at Blandy. blandy.virginia.edu/volunteer-us
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State Arboretum of Virginia @blandyexperimental.bsky.social · 17/04/2026
Garden Fair is coming. Can you volunteer? Learn more and sign up today. www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C4AA9...
signupgenius.com
Garden Fair 2026 Event Volunteers
Mother's Day Weekend Opportunities Available May 8 -10, 2026 The 36th Garden Fair is here! The Garden Fair is the biggest fundraising event of the year for the Foundation of the State Arboretum, the ...
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State Arboretum of Virginia @blandyexperimental.bsky.social · 13/04/2026
More than 100 dogwoods, 𝐶𝑜𝑟𝑛𝑢𝑠 𝑓𝑙𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑑𝑎 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑐𝑢𝑙𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑎𝑟𝑠, line Dogwood Lane at the Arboretum, creating a beautiful tunnel of bright white blooms? More dogwoods can also be found in the Dogwood Collection and the Native Plant Trail Woodland. Enjoy spring at Blandy!
Blooming white Dogwod Trees lining path at State Arboretum of Virginia.
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State Arboretum of Virginia @blandyexperimental.bsky.social · 02/04/2026
T𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐲'𝐬 𝟑𝟔𝐭𝐡 𝐆𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐅𝐚𝐢𝐫 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐨𝐧 𝐬𝐚𝐥𝐞! Advanced online tickets are just $12 per car. Tickets at the gate will be $20 per car. Purchase Now tinyurl.com/gardenfai Mother's Day Weekend Garden Fair, May 9th and 10th, 2026
Garden Fair graphic logo with flower vine
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State Arboretum of Virginia @blandyexperimental.bsky.social · 19/03/2026
Tomorrow is the first day of spring. Blandy is ready, are you?
State Arboretum of Virginia front entrance sign with spring flowers blooming.
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State Arboretum of Virginia @blandyexperimental.bsky.social · 17/03/2026
On this St. Patrick's Day, a few of our Garden and Native Plant Trail volunteers gathered for a Potluck Lunch today to celebrate the green of the coming garden season. Some of these faces are new, others have volunteered for more than 25 years! Learn more blandy.virginia.edu/volunteer-us
Group photo of Blandy Volunteers
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State Arboretum of Virginia @blandyexperimental.bsky.social · 19/02/2026
Our Native Plant and Ecological Restoration Internship is returning for another year! This 8-week internship provides hands-on experience with native plant gardening, ecological data collection, ecosystem management, and more! Learn more & apply blandy.virginia.edu/native-plant...
Native Plant Meadow
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State Arboretum of Virginia @blandyexperimental.bsky.social · 18/02/2026
Vendor applications for the 2026 Mother's Day Weekend Garden Fair are due March 15th. Spots are filling up fast. We only have 14 vendor booths still available. At this time, we are not accepting any additional food vendor applications. Apply today to secure a booth space. blandy.virginia.edu/vendors
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State Arboretum of Virginia @blandyexperimental.bsky.social · 18/02/2026
At Blandy, we just recycled another 35 lbs of plastic film with NexTrex! Trex turns plastic film into new materials like decking and other outdoor products. You can also recycle your plastic at participating drop-off locations in the community. Learn more: nextrex.com/view/findadr...
Blandy employee holding 4 filled bags of plastic film for recycling in front of Quarters building
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State Arboretum of Virginia @blandyexperimental.bsky.social · 06/02/2026
The annual master gardener seed exchange will be held at the Clarke County Fairgrounds this Saturday from 9AM - 2PM! We'll have a table there as usual to handout seeds from several species of lovely native plants, all of which were collected from right here at Blandy. Details: nsvmga.org
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State Arboretum of Virginia @blandyexperimental.bsky.social · 30/01/2026
A winter Friday, at Blandy.
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State Arboretum of Virginia @blandyexperimental.bsky.social · 27/01/2026
The Foundation of the State Arboretum seeks a public horticulture intern for spring 2026. This 9-week paid internship internship offers hands-on working experience in greenhouse growing, public garden maintenance, & plant care. Deadline Feb13th Apply now blandy.virginia.edu/job-opportun...
Woman in greenhouse watering rows and rows of plants.
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State Arboretum of Virginia @blandyexperimental.bsky.social · 26/01/2026
A cold, snow covered morning at Blandy. While we are sure you are eager to enjoy the quiet winter beauty, we encourage you to delay your visit a bit to give our hard working team time to continue clearing the roads and parking lots.
Snow covered entrance to Blandy. Quarters building in the snow January 26, 2026.
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State Arboretum of Virginia @blandyexperimental.bsky.social · 22/01/2026
A lovely afternoon, for a walk at Blandy.
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State Arboretum of Virginia @blandyexperimental.bsky.social · 20/01/2026
Now accepting vendor applications for Garden Fair 2026. Learn more and apply today. blandy.virginia.edu/vendors
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State Arboretum of Virginia @blandyexperimental.bsky.social · 16/01/2026
We have an exciting opportunity to JOIN THE BLANDY TEAM! We are hiring a Research Technician to assist with plant and pollinator surveys at Monocacy National Battlefield and to process samples at Blandy Experimental Farm. Learn more and apply today! blandy.virginia.edu/job-opportun...
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State Arboretum of Virginia @blandyexperimental.bsky.social · 14/01/2026
We are thrilled to announce that the Foundation of the State Arboretum of Virginia has been awarded a $10,000 grant from the Oak Hill Fund in Charlottesville to expand our efforts in butternut conservation. Read more and find out how you can help. blandy.virginia.edu/10000-grant-...
Butternuts
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State Arboretum of Virginia @blandyexperimental.bsky.social · 09/01/2026
In honor of National Bird Day earlier this week on January 5th, check out some of birds that visit Blandy this time of year, then visit our website to read more! blandy.virginia.edu/enjoy-winter...
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State Arboretum of Virginia @blandyexperimental.bsky.social · 08/01/2026
A Wilson’s Snipe, Eastern Screech-owls, a Great Horned Owl, a Barred Owl, a Short-eared Owl, Red-breasted Nuthatch, American Tree Sparrows & 23 Bald Eagles were among the 60 species of birds recorded at Blandy last month during the annual @audubonsociety Christmas Bird Count.
Bald EagleBarred Owl in treeAmerican Tree Sparrow on branch
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State Arboretum of Virginia @blandyexperimental.bsky.social · 22/12/2025
Hope you our enjoy our festive video, The 12 Months of of Blandy, and recall the year round fun and educational opportunities at your State Arboretum! youtu.be/-sUa7OTqD48?... via @YouTube
youtu.be
12 months of 2025 at Blandy
YouTube video by Blandy Experimental Farm
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State Arboretum of Virginia @blandyexperimental.bsky.social · 07/12/2025
So much Holiday Wreath Workshop fun this weekend. More to come tomorrow!
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State Arboretum of Virginia @blandyexperimental.bsky.social · 02/12/2025
Today is #GivingTuesday. Learn more about how your support is making profound strides in conservation and education at Blandy, then make your year-end-donation today! blandy.virginia.edu/2025-annual-...
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State Arboretum of Virginia @blandyexperimental.bsky.social · 12/11/2025
Tickets are selling out for Blandy's beloved Holiday Wreath Workshops. There are only 20 tickets left, 8 on Saturday morning Dec. 6th and 12 on Monday December 8th. Purchase your tickets before they are gone! www.eventbrite.com/e/2025-holid...
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State Arboretum of Virginia @blandyexperimental.bsky.social · 11/11/2025
The ginkgo leaves have fallen, but a golden carpet of leaves, blue skies and a crisp winter air welcomes visitors to Blandy's Ginkgo Grove this Veterans Day.
A grove of ginkgo trees with leaves fallen set against a blue sky .
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State Arboretum of Virginia @blandyexperimental.bsky.social · 06/11/2025
Tickets are now on sale for Holiday Wreath Workshops December 6th - 8th. Get your tickets now before they sell out! www.eventbrite.com/e/2025-holid...
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State Arboretum of Virginia @blandyexperimental.bsky.social · 30/10/2025
Welcome to the Spooky Arboretum. Happy Halloween!
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State Arboretum of Virginia @blandyexperimental.bsky.social · 30/10/2025
If you are an active FOSA member, 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗹 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗪𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽𝘀. Registration will open to everyone on Nov 6th! blandy.virginia.edu/holiday-wrea...
A group of 8 people making holiday wreaths at Blandy.
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State Arboretum of Virginia @blandyexperimental.bsky.social · 30/10/2025
This bald cypress is getting into the spirit of spooky season with its orange fall color. Bald cypress is a conifer that loses its needles every year. Happy Halloween!
Picture of orange bald cypress with Jack-o-lantern face imposed on top.
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State Arboretum of Virginia @blandyexperimental.bsky.social · 29/10/2025
The University of Virginia seeks a Lecturer to serve as the Coordinator for the Research Experiences for Undergraduates Site Program at Blandy Experimental Farm summer 2026. Learn more and apply today. blandy.virginia.edu/job-opportun...
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