Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) is a locally well-known shrub native to NoVA, usually found along stream banks and in woodlands. It provides late-season nectar for pollinators, flowering in the fall when few other plants bloom. Its dense growth offers cover for small birds and mammals, while its seeds serve as essential food for wildlife. By stabilizing soil near waterways, witch hazel also helps prevent erosion, and in turn, promotes healthy forest ecosystems.

In the fall, leaf redistribution is usually done manually by gardeners to create a natural layer of organic matter on your landscape (or gardens) floor. This leaf litter enriches the soil as it decomposes, returning essential nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus back into your local ecosystem. It also provides critical habitat and insulation for our native insects, amphibians, and small mammals during colder months. Additionally, this evened out leaf layer helps retain soil moisture and reduces erosion, supporting the overall health of our native forests.

Wintercreeper (Euonymus fortunei) is an invasive vine in NoVA that spreads aggressively through forests, fields, and gardens. It forms dense mats that smother native wildflowers and groundcover, reducing our local biodiversity. As it climbs trees, it can girdle trunks and add weight, making our native trees more vulnerable to disease and storm damage. Its rapid spread through our local area disrupts the natural regeneration of our native habitats, and threatens the balance of our native ecosystems.