News Release distributed via e-mail

Department of Community and Recreation Services
12011 Government Center Parkway, Suite 1050
Fairfax, Virginia 22035
703-324-45641, TTY 711, Fax 703-222-9792
Patricia L. McClenic, Public Information Officer
DCRS@fairfaxcounty.gov
www.fairfaxcounty.gov/rec

February 27, 2008

Tending & Creating the Woods in Your Backyard

Do you have some woods or a few acres you’d like to be a natural area? While you may enjoy your woods for the privacy it offers or knowing that it gives a home to some wildlife, it can be much more! You can influence what happens in your natural area by better understanding what you have, what you want and available tools to help you accomplish your goals. For example, did you know that by selecting certain trees for firewood, you can improve wildlife habitat, scenic values and regenerate young trees, all at the same time?

Fairfax Virginia Cooperative Extension Office is offering two workshops to equip owners of 1-10 acres to learn how to manage existing natural areas and or create new natural areas. The workshops will use the newly published manual, The Woods in Your Backyard: Learning to Create and Enhance Natural Areas Around Your Home. This full-color 139-page manual helps you to identify your goals for your land, and walks you through the steps to achieve them. Whether you are interested in converting lawn to forest, creating wildlife habitat, or providing a useful outdoor space for your family, this book is for you.

Tuesday, March 4 and Tuesday, March 11, 2008 at 9 a.m.
Fairfax County Extension Office
12011 Government Center Parkway, 10th Floor
Fairfax, VA 22035
Cost: $15 per person or $20 per couple

The registration fees include manual, CD, and refreshments. Mail form along with payment fee payable to the Fairfax County Extension Office. For details on the The Woods in Your Backyard manual or to order a copy, go to: www.nraes.org. For more information about the workshops, please call 703-324-5369, TTY 711.