newsleaf
archives: 2020 posts
december 2020
Letter from the Executive Director
Other Stories
October 15, 2020
COREworks Environmental Fellow
It’s true. In midst of a pandemic we’re working on an exciting new initiative and have a new colleague. Still in its planning stages, this project is called COREworks. As envisioned, COREworks is an educational program that promotes community learning and conservation action through a unique mechanism: a locally-operated carbon offset marketplace. Read More >>>
October 15, 2020
Family Photo Op at Boxerwood
Fall is here in all its glory, and that means it’s time to start thinking about holiday greetings and gifts. This year you can have great family photos taken, get full-service printing on holiday cards, gift photos, or albums, and support Boxerwood all at the same time! Read More >>>
October 15, 2020
A Little Hope Goes A Long Way
Remember our Boxerwood Summer Stories Series? We’re happy to report four of those stories have been picked up by the Blue Sky Funders Forum, a national collaborative that advocates for greater investment in outdoor learning. This means that what we have shared from the heart Boxerwood is now lighting other hearts coast to coast. Read More >>>
October 15, 2020
Partners in the Picture: Rockbridge Bird Club
From sponsorship of our schools-based Birds for Thirds nest-monitoring program, “Birding at Boxerwood” guided walks, and the annual Seed & Suet fundraiser (now in progress!), our go-to partner is the Rockbridge Bird Club Read More >>>
October 15, 2020
Happening Now: Annual Seed & Suet Benefit Sale
We’re delighted to announce the much anticipated Bird Seed and Suet Sale is now underway! Read More >>>
October 15, 2020
Make New Boxerwood Friends (the Feathered Kind)
Been wondering about our bird friends but not sure how to get acquainted? Starting in November the Rockbridge Bird Club members will lead Bird Walks for Beginning Birders. The Club has a plan in place to promote covid-safe venturing, and Boxerwood is site for the first bird-friendly trek on Saturday, Nov. 14 at 9 am. Read More >>>
October 15, 2020
Making the World More Beautiful
After reading the inspiring children’s story of Miss Rumphius by Barbara Clooeny, a group of 3rd graders at Enderly Heights ES made their list.Their plan is to host a pop-up outdoor art show to bring happiness to their classmates during this challenging time. In that spirit, we thought these images might bring you happiness too. Read More >>>
november 2020
Whoo’s Lurking in our Woods?
Other Stories
November 20, 2020
Creating Way Forward: The Community Foundation for Rockbridge, Bath, and Alleghany
The Foundation has provided essential support for many local non-profits this pandemic year. This summer the Foundation led the way by raising community funds for pandemic response. This fall, all three local jurisdictions turned to the Foundation for help reallocating federal CARES earmarked for non-profits. These allocations helped protect and nourish people across the County, both literally and figuratively. And they kept afloat non-profits like Boxerwood too. Read More >>>
November 20, 2020
Teens Tackle Trail
Do you know many teenagers who would willingly wake up and go to school on their day off? Well, you have not met the Parry McCluer Middle School Girls Trailblazers Hiking Club, led by Boxerwood. For seven Fridays this fall, ten Buena Vista girls woke up early to meet at school for their day’s adventure. Hikes became more challenging as the weeks went on, culminating in a day-long trek on the Appalachian Trail. Read More >>>
November 20, 2020
Outdoor PALS and the making of Stick City
When you were a kid did you have a special place in the woods? A place where you could be anybody? A place where you could build a town out of sticks and leaves became money, and time flew by? A place that only a few friends (or your siblings) knew about? A world that was full of possibilities? Read More >>>
November 20, 2020
Slowing the Flow
Boxerwood endures mini-floods when it rains hard, sending sediment into our waterways and the Bay. New slow-the-flow measures are working! With the help of the Rockbridge Area Master Gardeners, we recently planted about two dozen new trees at a new catchment site and around the other catchment basins also. They bring benefits to Boxerwood, and all the way downstream. Read More >>>
october 2020
Letter from the Executive Director
Other Stories
October 15, 2020
COREworks Environmental Fellow
It’s true. In midst of a pandemic we’re working on an exciting new initiative and have a new colleague. Still in its planning stages, this project is called COREworks. As envisioned, COREworks is an educational program that promotes community learning and conservation action through a unique mechanism: a locally-operated carbon offset marketplace. Read More >>>
October 15, 2020
Family Photo Op at Boxerwood
Fall is here in all its glory, and that means it’s time to start thinking about holiday greetings and gifts. This year you can have great family photos taken, get full-service printing on holiday cards, gift photos, or albums, and support Boxerwood all at the same time! Read More >>>
October 15, 2020
A Little Hope Goes A Long Way
Remember our Boxerwood Summer Stories Series? We’re happy to report four of those stories have been picked up by the Blue Sky Funders Forum, a national collaborative that advocates for greater investment in outdoor learning. This means that what we have shared from the heart Boxerwood is now lighting other hearts coast to coast. Read More >>>
October 15, 2020
Partners in the Picture: Rockbridge Bird Club
From sponsorship of our schools-based Birds for Thirds nest-monitoring program, “Birding at Boxerwood” guided walks, and the annual Seed & Suet fundraiser (now in progress!), our go-to partner is the Rockbridge Bird Club Read More >>>
October 15, 2020
Happening Now: Annual Seed & Suet Benefit Sale
We’re delighted to announce the much anticipated Bird Seed and Suet Sale is now underway! Read More >>>
October 15, 2020
Make New Boxerwood Friends (the Feathered Kind)
Been wondering about our bird friends but not sure how to get acquainted? Starting in November the Rockbridge Bird Club members will lead Bird Walks for Beginning Birders. The Club has a plan in place to promote covid-safe venturing, and Boxerwood is site for the first bird-friendly trek on Saturday, Nov. 14 at 9 am. Read More >>>
October 15, 2020
Making the World More Beautiful
After reading the inspiring children’s story of Miss Rumphius by Barbara Clooeny, a group of 3rd graders at Enderly Heights ES made their list.Their plan is to host a pop-up outdoor art show to bring happiness to their classmates during this challenging time. In that spirit, we thought these images might bring you happiness too. Read More >>>
september 2020
FALL PROGRAMS: FOLLOW THE KIDS
Other Stories
September 24, 2020
stone soup
Where there’s a will there’s a way. With most schools closed, we had to find new ways to bring outdoor learning to children this year. With creativity, collaboration, and careful planning we have launched four new programs, with several more in the works. Read More >>>
September 24, 2020
MEET THE AMBASSADORS
Ambassadors volunteer for shifts to meander the Garden as a friendly resource. Maps, memberships, natural wonders? They’re ready. The program is in its pilot stage now, with sixteen volunteers recently completing their training. The connections are already happening. Read More >>>
September 24, 2020
PARTNERS IN THE PICTURE: Busy Bees… and Garden Partners
What keeps Boxerwood humming year round? It’s the ongoing spirit of giving, planting, tending, teaching, and growing brought to the garden by two wonderful allies, Rockbridge Area Master Gardeners Association (RAMGA), and the Upper James River Virginia Native Plant Society (UJRVNPS). We are so delighted (and relieved) that more than a dozen volunteers from these organizations have chosen Boxerwood as a site for sharing their expertise and hard work. We’re especially grateful that the love is reciprocal. Read More >>>
September 24, 2020
EDUCATION APPEAL 2020
The BEF is an independent entity specifically created to fund programs for low-income school children and their families. Read More >>>
august 2020
Boxerwood Blazes a Trail with a Big New Award
Other Stories
August 12, 2020
Halestone Recital
Please join us for Halestone’s recital concert which will be held at Boxerwood Nature Center’s field on Friday, Aug. 28th, 6:30 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 29th, 6:30 pm. Read More >>>
August 18, 2020
sit upons
Folks who can help craft simple, old-fashioned scout “sit upons” that we can use in our outdoor programs this fall. That way each child can safely social distance outside and have a dry bum. Plus they can be easily wiped down and disinfected. Read More >>>
August 19, 2020
partner in the picture – Devils Backbone
Devils Backbone Brewing Company has supported Boxerwood water stewardship and education efforts for a number of years. Read More >>>
August 19, 2020
Fall 2020: New Needs/New Programs
Boxerwood’s Play and Learning Season (PALS) is a cousin of summer camp, reimagined for pandemic times and needs. PALS is a 10-week, 2-day/week enrichment program at Boxerwood for children, ages 4 – 8. Read More >>>
June 2020
Summer Camp Reinventions
Other Stories
June 16, 2020
Mohawk: Our Friend in Glasgow
Mohawk has been helping Boxerwood advance its earth care mission for several years now. The help ranges from the material (kits, trees, banners, t-shirts), to the programmatic. Read More >>>
June 17, 2020
Music in the Garden 2020
These Friday evening events are known for their family friendly, care-free feel. It is a highlight for us to see children frolic through the garden while families gather to enjoy each other and our community’s talented musicians. Read More >>>
June 17, 2020
Still Stirring the Pot
We may not have been out in the field this spring, but thanks to your support, Boxerwood leadership is alive and well. Read More >>>
June 18, 2020
Common Mullein: should it stay or should it go?
Common mullein is a non-native plant in Virginia, and as with many non-natives, we’ve had to make a decision at Boxerwood: should it stay or should it go? Read More >>>
June 19, 2020
Recycling City: bringing forth a more just and honorable society
What is Boxerwood’s role in bringing forth a more just and honorable society? Our role is small, yet valuable. We use environmental learning as a way to create conditions where all local children–whatever their family income, race, background, or ability–have an opportunity to rise and flourish: to feel their innate capacity to become the kind of people the world needs. Right here and right now. Read More >>>
may 2020
Online Auction: Success!
Other Stories
May 7, 2020
Welcome to New Board Members
We are thrilled to have welcomed three new members in recent months to our hard-working Boxerwood Board of Trustees. You may already know these folks if you have been around Boxerwood, as they have already been volunteering in other capacities. Read More >>>
May 13, 2020
A School Year Reckoning: Good News
Although Boxerwood’s school outreach ended earlier than we anticipated, there’s still plenty to crow about. It was a fine year for Project NEST (Nurturing Environmental Stewardship Together). Within six busy months. Read More >>>
May 15, 2020
Boxerwood Partner: Charles Barger & Son
Starting with this month’s NewsLeaf, we’ll be sharing stories about partners who help sustain Boxerwood’s environmental mission, and first up is…Charles Barger & Son Read More >>>
May 19, 2020
Stimulus Bill Benefits for Donors
The recently passed stimulus bill “contains a one-time, above-the-line deduction for cash contributions of up to $300 made to qualifying charities. Read More >>>
april 2020
nest fest
Other Stories
March 16, 2020
health related news
The health and safety of the Boxerwood community is our highest priority. We are closely monitoring the Corona virus (COVID-19) situation as it continues to unfold globally and locally. Read More >>>
March 20, 2020
summer camps 2020
Summer Camp 2020 registration is now open. As of March 31, 2020, we have cancelled our June 1-5 & June 8-12 camps. All other camps are scheduled to go on at this time. Read More >>>
March 24, 2020
connect with nature
For twenty years, Boxerwood has been promoting ecological well-being across our community. In midst of this coronavirus season, I am writing to let you know Boxerwood is carrying on with that commitment. Read More >>>
March 26, 2020
stop the slop
Funded by the Clean Valley Council (CVC), the Boxerwood-created project followed a school-based unit on climate change. Its goal was to link climate change to local realities and to provide baseline information for future actions Read More >>>
March 31, 2020
spring blooms 2020
As nature carries on its merry way these days, with spring bursting in all directions, we wanted to share with you a particular woodland treasure each week to entice you out into the Gardens. Read More >>>
March 31, 2020
board updates
March 2020 is a significant month for Boxerwood in that it brings to a close the incredible service and dedication of two long-serving Board members. Read More >>>
february 2020
Woodland Walkabout Grant
Other Stories
February 14, 2020
Awesome Opossum Reads “Over and Under the Snow”
This winter seems like the winter that wasn’t, 60-degree days and rain instead of snow. Read More >>>
February 14, 2020
New Office Manager
We are thrilled that Natalie has joined the Boxerwood staff as our Office Manager. Read More >>>
january 2020
Devils Backbone Season of Giving to Benefit Boxerwood
Other Stories
January 27, 2020
Benefits of Membership
A Boxerwood membership benefit you might not be aware of….Going on vacation sometime soon? Be sure to take along your Boxerwood membership card! Boxerwood happens to be a participant in the American Horticultural Society’s Reciprocal Admissions Program. What this means is that Boxerwood members are entitled to admission privileges and discounts at over 330 ornamental gardens and arboretums spread all Read More >>>