Virginia Working Landscapes

09/01/2026

Meet the Johns. John Sessler and John Rice are both farmers working together toward a larger goal: increasing biodiversity – the variety of all living things and their interactions.

Unfolding on farms in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley are Smithsonian science-guided management practices that create, restore and connect habitat while keeping farms productive – and farmers and neighbors like Rice and Sessler are willing to work across fence lines to help keep then region home to bustling biodiversity.

In a new story written and photographed by VWL Conservation Storytelling Intern Emma Montgomery, follow the two Johns as they show what’s possible when private landowners work together to support biodiversity.

Read the full story and see all of Emma's photos here: https://nationalzoo.si.edu/conservation/news/meet-retirees-turning-their-farms-wildlife-corridors

08/29/2026

Virginia Working Landscapes’ Justin Proctor recently joined 4 The Soil: A Conversation for a two-part conversation about the connections between wildlife, working lands and the people who care for them. In both episodes he talks about the Virginia Grassland Bird Initiative (VGBI), a collaborative program Justin co-coordinates that works with farmers to create better habitat for grassland birds while supporting productive farms.

In Part I, Justin discusses Virginia’s grassland birds, the habitats they depend on, and how thoughtful forage and land management can support both agricultural production and wildlife.

In Part II, the conversation expands to a bigger question: How do we build resilient landscapes and communities together? Justin shares how partnerships, community engagement and working alongside landowners can help turn conservation science into practical solutions.

Listen to both episodes here: https://www.4thesoil.org/podcast/episode/79bee9e1/s6-e16-building-community-and-landscape-resiliency-with-justin-proctor-of-smithsonians-virginia-working-landscapes-part-ii

VGBI is a partnership between Smithsonian’s Virginia Working Landscapes, The Piedmont Environmental Council, American Farmland Trust, Quail Forever, and Shenandoah Valley Conservancy that is innovating new ways to reverse the declines of grassland birds on working lands in the Virginia Piedmont, Blue Ridge, and Shenandoah Valley.

08/27/2026

You're Invited to "Working Lands, Working Solutions," a fundraiser to benefit Virginia Working Landscapes.

Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating the people, partnerships, and working lands that make biodiversity conservation possible across Virginia.

Set against the scenic backdrop of Over Jordan Farm, Working Lands, Working Solutions will feature an outdoor photography exhibition showcasing the stories behind our research and conservation efforts. Through striking images and firsthand accounts, guests will discover how Virginia Working Landscapes works with the community to support farms that benefit both people and wildlife.

Enjoy an evening of hors d'oeuvres and beverages while connecting with fellow conservation supporters, agricultural leaders, Smithsonian researchers and members of the community who share a commitment to Virginia's working lands.

Tickets are limited, and advance registration is required. Purchase your tickets here:

Join Virginia Working Landscapes for an unforgettable evening celebrating the people, partnerships and working lands that make biodiversity conservation possible across Virginia. Set against the scenic backdrop of Over Jordan Farm, Working Lands, Working Solutions will feature an outdoor photography...

08/25/2026

Nick Garnhart spends much of their time studying biodiversity on Virginia’s working lands, but earlier this year, they went a little farther from home.

For two weeks, Nick joined scientists from Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute's Center for Species Survival and the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Gamboa, Panama, where they got an up-close look at efforts to conserve some of the country’s most endangered amphibians. From critically endangered frogs raised in pods to stream surveys and autonomous recording units that helped researchers rediscover species once thought extinct in that area, the experience offered a firsthand look at the many ways science, technology and community can come together for conservation.

And, of course, Nick brought along their camera and sketchbook!

In our latest Conservation blog, Nick shares their experience in Panama, the amphibian “jewels” they encountered along the way and the lessons they are bringing back to their conservation work in Virginia.

Read the full story: https://www.vaworkinglandscapes.org/conservation-stories/conserving-the-amphibian-jewels-of-panama/

08/20/2026

We are thrilled that VWL Research Fellow Allison Huysman was featured by WMRA Public Radio along with interns James Rodriguez and Arzu Pahl!

The piece highlights Allison’s research, the connection with working lands, and the potential impact. Listen to the story here: https://www.wmra.org/2026-08-12/researchers-examine-native-birds-as-natural-pest-control-on-farms

08/18/2026

Last week we said farewell to two of our summer interns-- Arzu Pahl and James Rodriguez. Mentored by VWL Research Fellow Allison Huysman and Research Technician Nick Garnhart, Arzu and James contributed to Allison’s PhD research on how cavity-nesting birds in agricultural landscapes provide valuable ecosystem services on working lands. Specifically, the project aims to understand the mutual benefits of installing nest boxes for both birds and farmers, particularly as a natural way to help control agricultural pests.

Beyond fieldwork, Arzu and James brought so much energy and creativity to our team. We’re so grateful for their contributions, curiosity, and enthusiasm for the natural world. We’ll miss you both!

08/18/2026

Since the 1970s, populations of Virginia’s native grassland birds have experienced dramatic declines. Species that once filled open fields with their songs are becoming increasingly rare as Virginia’s natural grasslands disappear. 🐦

The Virginia Grassland Bird Initiative (VGBI), is a partnership between Smithsonian’s Virginia Working Landscapes (VWL), The Piedmont Environmental Council, American Farmland Trust, Quail Forever, and Shenandoah Valley Conservancy.

This partnership aims to reverse the declines of grassland birds by collaborating to bring best land management practices to private and public land across the Commonwealth. 🌾

Read more about the work being done by VGBI at the link below.

https://shenandoah.org/from-fields-to-flight-protecting-grassland-birds/

Photo credit: Emma Montgomery / Smithsonian

08/13/2026

Healthy hayfields are essential to productive farms, and they can also provide important nesting habitat for Virginia's grassland birds.

Our researchers are working alongside producers to study how hay harvest timing influences both forage quality and bird nesting success. By pairing forage quality measurements with local grassland bird nesting data, we're quantifying the tradeoffs between livestock nutrition and wildlife conservation.

Our goal is to provide producers with region-specific, science-based information they can use to make informed hay management decisions that support both productive working lands and healthy grassland bird populations.

Photos by Brooke McDonough

08/10/2026

Despite the heat, our team spent July outside on site visits and meadow walks with partners as well as conducting our research!

Learn more about what we've been up to and other updates in conservation science from our newsletter! You can read the latest issue on our website.

08/06/2026

This season, VWL Research Fellow Allison Huysman led our barn owl research team in GPS tracking. For this research, adult male and female barn owls are captured and outfitted with GPS tags for approximately 3-4 weeks while they are raising their young. Each tag allows us to obtain nearly 2,000 GPS locations during a period when the parents at their maximum hunting rate to meet the energetic needs of their growing babies. These data help us better understand where barn owls hunt and brings us one step closer to understanding what they need to thrive.

This research is in partnership with the University of Maryland, the National Zoo’s Center for Conservation Genomics, Smithsonian Mason School of Conservation, and local biologist Alan Williams.

Note: All handling of wild birds for our studies are conducted by trained professionals under a federally authorized banding permit.