Each week, C-VILLE’s Green Scene page takes a look at local environmental news. The section’s bulletin board has information on local green events and keeps you up to date on statewide happenings. Got an event or a tip you’d like to see here and in the paper? Write us at news@c-ville.com.
Funds for farms: In the wake of the derecho that swept the state June 29, the U.S. Department of Agriculture is offering low-interest emergency loans to all qualified farm operators who need help rebuilding after the storm. According to the Daily Progress, Charlottesville and Albemarle were declared natural disaster areas last week, and affected farms have eight months to apply for an emergency loan. Each application will be reviewed by the Farm Service Agency.
Butterfly buddies: Monday, October 29, join the Piedmont Environmental Council at Middle River Farm in Hood, Virginia, for a session on native butterflies. The event is about 30 miles north of Charlottesville, but attendees will learn to count and identify native butterflies, and get up close and personal with the native plants that sustain them in their own backyards. For more information, go to the events page at pecva.org.
Walk in the woods: Plant walks at the Ivy Creek Foundation are done for the year, but you still have one more chance for the organization’s Toddler Time. Bring your 3- to 5-year-olds to the Ivy Creek Natural Area at 10am on Thursday, October 25, for a walk and talk through the trails. Rachel Bush will meet you and your kids in the Education Center for the short, free activity catered to little ones.