Policy on the #NNK

Natural Insect Predators May Serve as Allies in Spotted Lanternfly Battle is great news for those interested in protecting and preserving 56 Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) plant hosts in North America (172 worldwide) ( Source ). The SLF is predominantly drawn to the tree of heaven but the authors of Worldwide Feeding Host Plants of Spotted Lanternfly, With Significant Additions From North America write, “The 6 yr since its discovery in North America, SLF has been observed feeding on both Eurasian and native species (Barringer et al. 2015).” The Wikipedia article on the SLF states, “Its preferred host is the tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima), but it also feeds on other trees, and on crops including soybean, grapes, stone fruits, and Malus spp.” Maybe one day soon, the research will be available outside of a research lab for real-life use.

The state is taking the Spotted Lanternfly seriously, with VDACS , Department of Wildlife Resources , and Department of Forestry , with that from DWR the most engaging. Really, look at the artwork they are using (below)! According to the Spotted Lanternfly Virginia Map , the invasive species is present in Lancaster (Northern Neck) and Middlesex (Middle Peninsula) counties. To report a sighting in other parts of the NNK and MP, use the VDACS form and contact your local Virginia Cooperative Extension office .

If you are concerned about the direction the country is headed with Prez Trump at the helm, attend the Save our Democracy march Saturday, April 5. Part of the 50 protests, 50 states, 1 movement action , marchers will protest the Trump Administration’s actions against people across the country and the world. All who are interested in voicing their concerns about the current direction of the United States are encouraged to participate in the march, to make noise against the regular, deliberate, and ill-informed attacks on our democracy. Should you want to share information about the march on social (and you should!!!!), feel free to download the square images to the right (optimized for social) and use with the message: March like your life depends on it Saturday, April 5 at 2p in Kilmarnock at Save Our Democracy Kilmarnock. No matter your party affiliation or your vote in 2024, everyone is invited to show and shout our concerns about the Trump Administration’s active destructi...

From the Virginia Department of Elections , If you register to vote using the Citizen Portal after May 27, 2025, you will not be able to cast your ballot in the June 17, 2025, Primary Election. Same Day Registration begins May 28, 2025. Same Day registration is only available: * in-person at the general registrar’s office for your locality * at your satellite early voting site during the early voting period * at your precinct on Election Day.

Lancaster County’s Spring 2025 Household Hazardous & Electronic Waste (HHW/E-Waste) Collection event happens Saturday, March 22, 9:00 am - 2:00 pm at the Lancaster County Courthouse parking lot (8265 Mary Ball Rd, Lancaster). To participate, you must be a Lancaster County resident or property owner. Items to bring include spent fluorescent bulbs, unwanted pesticides, antifreeze, household chemicals, and all manner of electronics including computers, TVs, printers, and vape pens/batteries. Items not accepted are automotive batteries, tires, radioactive items, smoke detectors, medical waste, ammunition, and explosives. More information is available from the Northern Neck Soil and Water Conservation District (804-313-9102 ext. 105) and VCE Lancaster Office (804-462-5780).

Wild Virginia is discussing the outcomes of the 2025 Virginia General Assembly session Thursday, March 27 at 6:30 pm and the public is encouraged to join in. Dr. Jessica Roberts and David Sligh will lead 2025 General Assembly Session Recap , breaking down the conservation bills Wild Virginia supported and opposed, highlighting key victories and setbacks, and identifying the next steps in protecting Virginia’s wildlife and wild places. Attendees will learn how this year’s legislative decisions will impact habitat connectivity, water protections, and environmental policy—and how you can stay engaged in the fight for a healthier, more resilient Virginia. Registration is free.

The singular message at the Friday, March 14 meet and greet for several candidates for state office was straightforward: Elect democrats. Candidates Sen. Aaron Rouse ( Lt. Gov. ) and Mario Haggerty ( House of Delegates District 67 ) along with Mamie Locke , Chair, Senate Democratic Caucus agreed that a solid contingency of Dems is necessary to push back on President Trump’s hostile actions toward the state and its residents. Jim Hendrickson, chair of the Northumberland County Democratic Committee , encourages people to become active in their community: Lancaster County Democratic Committee , Westmoreland Democratic Committee , and Essex•Richmond County Democrats on Facebook, @ecrcvadems . Pictured from L to R: Jim Hendrickson, Chair NCDC; Sen. Aaron Rouse; Hon. Mamie Locke, Chair, Senate Democratic Caucus; Mario Haggerty; and Stacie Hendrickson, host of the event.

Summer will be here before we know it and now is the time to plan for the kids. Registration is open for the 4-H Junior Camp at the Jamestown 4-H Center for kids ages 9-13 who live in King and Queen, King William, Lancaster, Northumberland, Richmond, and Westmoreland counties. Camp takes place June 30 to July 4. Go to Northumberland and Lancaster 4-H Camp or 4-H Camp for more information and to register. Ys across the region have myriad camps this summer. At the moment, there are plenty of spaces in themed and sports camps .

More than 100 folks rocked the house at the Virginia Democratic Candidates Forum at the Masonic Lodge in Kilmarnock Saturday, March 1. Attendees were jazzed to meet candidates and talk about their concerns and priorities, sign petitions, connect with others around interests (such as postcarding), and making new friends. Eleven campaigns were invited and 10 attended. Campaigns present (listed in alpha order by candidate last name): Carl Eggleston for lieutenant governor - https://www.carlueggleston.com/ Mario Haggerty for delegate – https://www.haggertyforhouse67.org/ (updated March 19) Sen. Ghazala Hashmi for lieutenant governor - https://ghazalaforvirginia.com/ Jay Jones for attorney general - https://jayjones.com/ Dr. Babur Lateef for lieutenant governor - https://lateefforva.com/ Aaron Rouse for lieutenant governor - https://rouseforvirginia.com/ Victor Salgado for lieutena...

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