The Flora of Virginia Project inspires conservation of Virginia’s plants through education, outreach, and production of the Flora of Virginia, in print and electronic versions.

RICHMOND, Oct. 22, 2021—The Flora of Virginia Project is getting you even closer to Virginia’s beautiful—if sometimes daunting—array of plant species with seven new online video modules that make the Flora of Virginia easier to follow and understand. The Flora is now available as an app, which describes 3,360 plant species native to or naturalized in Virginia, providing current classifications and scientific names, habitat and status data, distribution maps, photographs, botanical illustrations, and keys for identification.

The modules, served from the Vimeo video platform, are suitable for a range of audiences wanting to learn more about the state’s plant life. The modules were created by the Flora Project’s education committee, and they’re free.

“These modules are a convenient way to provide information on using and enjoying the Flora of Virginia—to a much broader audience than we can reach at only in-person presentations,” said Marion Lobstein, who co-chaired the committee behind the videos.

Designed to demystify the Flora—which can be imposing even in-app form—the modules cover the following topics, each title linked to its online video presentation:

1. A Tour of the Flora
2. Using the Flora App
3. Basic Botany
4. Taxonomy (plant classification and nomenclature)
5. Keying (systematic ways of identifying plants)
6. Plant Families
7. Habitats

For Lobstein, a professor emeritus of biology at Northern Virginia Community College, Manassas, reaching such a broad audience via these videos is a dream come true. “The modules can be used by educators, Virginia Native Plant Society members, Master Naturalists, Master Gardeners—really anyone who’s interested in identifying and appreciating the beautiful and diverse plants of Virginia,” she said.

Committee co-chair Ann Regn, with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality and a well-known environmental educator in the state, worked to ensure alignment with the Virginia Standards of Learning and herself created the module on habitats.

“Each video stands alone,” Regn said, “but together they provide a comprehensive approach to understanding and using the Flora. Each one lasts about an hour and is divided into three or more sections. Time stamps and descriptions let viewers navigate to a specific topic or area of interest.” Each module also links to resource materials for deeper investigations.

The modules’ creators are also their presenters: Lobstein; Regn; Sally Anderson, Flora secretary and past president of the Virginia Native Plant Society; Michelle Prysby, adviser, former Flora board member, and director of the Virginia Master Naturalist program; and flora assistant and former recording secretary Jan Hodges, a biologist and marine educator. Instrumental was guest participant Linda Wilcox, Virginia native-plant enthusiast (and Lobstein’s former student), now living in Indiana. Volunteer Mark Murphy edited the videos for online presentation, including the use of closed captions, which will allow broader accessibility, and the addition of introductory and closing music.

The Flora of Virginia Project was formed in 2001 to produce the first plant manual for the state since 1762’s Flora Virginica—published in the Netherlands and in Latin. The Project published Flora of Virginia in 2012; it sold out in 10 months and was reprinted in 2013. In 2017, the Flora of Virginia Mobile App was launched for Android and iOS devices. A major update was released last December.

Science and Philosophy Seminar of the Eastern Shore of Virginia has returned, and has scheduled a seminar, “On the Home Front: A London Suburb and WW-II.”  The free 90-minute seminar will be held at 09:30 a.m. on Friday, October 15 in the Room 113 of the Academic Building of Eastern Shore Community College, 29300 Lankford Hwy, Melfa, VA 23410.

Terry Malarkey will kick off our new season with a look at the East London suburb where he was born and raised during and after WW-II.

Malarkey retired to the Shore after a career in the electronics industry.

These seminars are occasionally rescheduled on short notice. Prospective attendees are urged to check the Seminar’s website (www.SciPhi.org) shortly before a scheduled date.

Science and Philosophy Seminar is an informally organized group that meets more or less regularly to explore and discuss a wide array of topics, ranging from philosophical speculation to scientific research.  All Seminars are open to the public. Admission is free.

The Whimsical and Magical Musical of Seussical™ will be presented Saturday, July 17 at 1:30 pm and 5:30 pm Inside the Cape Charles Christian School auditorium. Everyone is invited to attend this special musical performance presented by the Cape Charles Christian Summer Theater Camp(a camp run by teens for kids)

Tickets will be available for $5 at the door before each performance.

These local performers will unlock the imaginations of all those that attend when they bring the Cat in the Hat, Horton the Elephant, Gertrude McFuzz, Mayzie LaBird, the Whos in Whoville and other Seuss favorites to life with their production of Seussical™ KIDS.  Seussical™ KIDS combines Dr. Seuss tales (…and tails!) using the plinker-plunker of many musical styles – ranging from Latin to pop, swing to gospel, and R&B to funk – as colorful as the classic books.   

This is the third year that a group of local teens made up of Emma Philpot, Autumn Higgins, JoJo Kohler, and Ella Eder have produced a musical. This group of young women have organized, choreographed, directed, and designed sets and props for kids in our community.  All ticket sales go back into their summer theater program. This is a kid friendly program so come and enjoy as this whimsical world comes to life.