Rebecca Wilson to address Longleaf Pine Restoration in Virginia at the NNNPS meeting on June 20

The Northern Neck Chapter (NNNPS) of the Virginia Native Plant Society (VNPS) is delighted to host Rebecca Wilson, a long-time friend of the chapter, who will be “Telling the Story of Longleaf Pine Restoration in Virginia,” at noon on June 20 in the Parish Hall of the Wicomico Parish Church (Episcopal) on Route 200 in Wicomico Church. 

The longleaf pine forest in Virginia is said to exemplify opportunity, hubris, loss, and hope. “Rebecca’s talk will describe how Virginia's Founding Forest went from widespread dominance to near extinction, and what will be required to bring it back,” said NNNPS president Ted Munns.

Rebecca Wilson is the Longleaf Pine Restoration Specialist, Eastern Fire Manager and a Regional Natural Area Stewardship Supervisor for the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation’s Natural Heritage Program (NHP). She has been with the NHP since 1999, having previously worked for nine years as a seasonal biologist and wildland fire fighter for the National Park Service. She is well-known in the Northern Neck, having collaborated with local groups in the early 2000s to create outreach educational materials at the state’s three Natural Area Preserves in Northumberland County.

She has lived in Westmoreland County, earned a B.S. in Environmental Science from Mary Washington College and a M.S. in Natural Resource Management from Virginia Tech. Rebecca Wilson and her husband live in Petersburg with their dog and, without using artificial chemicals, are currently removing invasive English Ivy from their home and property. 

The public is invited. Bring a brown bag lunch; some snacks and beverages will be available. The program may also feature our always-popular “native plant of the month.”

Photo of Rebecca Wilson