Conservationists are hopeful the state will give more money into the Virginia Conservation Assistance Program for residents experiencing stormwater erosion.

The Transition Zone is a climatic region with generally hot summers and cold winters, both of which can stress warm and cool season species. To understand how and why both types of turf can struggle in this region, it’s important to know the basics of cool and warm season growth cycles. Read on to learn more about which grasses will be best for your lawn.

Since its launch nearly a decade ago, the Virginia Conservation Assistance Program has grown by 300%—quickly obligating over half of its $4 million biennial funding during the last budget cycle and prompting a waitlist system—leading the Virginia Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts to request $7–8 million in future funding to sustainably meet rising conservation demand.

CSWCD Winter 2026 Newsletter published

The Colonial Soil and Water Conservation District Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2025 is now available for download on our website.

Did you know that pruning a pepper plant can maximize your yield by up to 50% per plant! Whether you’re growing bell peppers, hot chili varieties, or sweet banana peppers, pruning can improve airflow, reduce disease, and encourage stronger, more productive plants. Learn more about the dos and don'ts right here to help you ensure that you get as many peppers as you can from your plants.

If your soil is too acidic, applying lime will tend to neutralize soil acidity, but how do you ensure that you’re not applying too much or too little? read this article to learn all about lime application.

The Colonial SWCD is excited to announce that landowners within the City of Newport News are now eligible to participate in the Virginia Conservation Assistance Program (VCAP).

Virginia is home to an incredible variety of native plants. If you're considering a shade bed, we have some suggested options to plant in place of some of the nonnative / invasive species that are used frequently in home gardens.

CSWCD Summer 2025 Newsletter published

Riparian buffers are vegetated areas intentionally planted or preserved along the shorelines of water bodies or wetlands. They play a crucial role in protecting water quality and the surrounding environment as they serve as the transition between the upland land use and the waterbody or wetland. Science has confirmed that it is much easier (less costly) to control and manage pollutants in the upland setting than to physically remove pollutants from the water. Learn more about

Permeable pavement is one of the most popular best management practices in the Colonial SWCD service area with landowners who are considering applying for the Virginia Conservation Assistance Program. Learn more about this popular option from CSWCD staff member, Robyn Woolsey.

Virginia is home to an incredible variety of native plants. Maybe it’s time to try adding some edible native species to your garden and enjoy the fruits (and leaves) of your labor for many years to come!

Several ladybug species are useful as biological control agents and you can benefit from their voracious appetites for the pests in your gar

CSWCD Spring 2025 Newsletter published

Read about a unique VCAP project that allowed us to cover the entire conservation landscaping costs for a church's parking lot.

A "rain garden in a box” is a rain garden that is installed in an above-ground container, eliminating the need for any excavation.

CSWCD Winter 2024 Newsletter published

CSWCD Strategic Plan for the 2025-2028 period is now available on our website.

The Colonial Soil and Water Conservation District Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2024 is now available for download on our website.