There has never been a greater choice of native plants at the Nature Foundation for both new and restorative efforts within the region.

Not only are several important environmental and safety issues not being unaddressed, but Virginia's reliance on using federal agency approvals for the Atlantic Coast Pipeline is "misplaced" both procedurally and technically. Those are some of the key conclusions found in the Wintergreen Property Owners Association's (WPOA) June 12th letter to Virginia's Department of Environmental Quality regarding the state agency's oversight of the upcoming ACP construction.

Virginia is in the top states for tick-borne diseases, reports the Center for Disease Control, saying illnesses from mosquito, tick and flea bites has tripled in the U.S. in recent years. Check out this “most emailed” article from The New York Times for practical suggestions.

On May 1 a group of five managers with the Atlantic Coast Pipeline spoke to Wintergreen residents in a broadcast via phone about the upcoming construction work to install the high-pressure gas line at our entryway.

The news Tuckahoe School would close down in May came as a surprise to the Wintergreen community.

The price on the Knox Box has dropped by $50, from $225 to $175, installed.

In 2017 the Wintergreen Fire Department created a new level of volunteer for the operation and the response was impressive. There are twelve new volunteers from the valley. There is an effort now to recruit mountain residents into the program.

Wintergreen Police has appointed Jeff Harris as its first Community Services Officer. "With over 28 years of experience and service to our community, CSO Harris brings a familiar face and a rich knowledge of our community’s history and traditions," said Dennis N. Russell, Chief of Wintergreen Police.

"The Wintergreen Property Owners Association (WPOA), while opposed to the location of the Atlantic Coast Pipeline, understands and abides by the legal process that has led to the commencement of tree removal on WPOA property. While disappointed, the beginning of construction only increases our resolve to hold Dominion accountable for the financial and non-financial implications placed on our community by the presence of the pipeline. WPOA is committed to the best possible outcome for our community; one that provides fair treatment and security for our owners, employees, and guests."

On Wednesday, a Federal Court in Lynchburg ruled in favor of the ACP and against landowners fighting the ACP’s early access to their property and Eminent Domain.  On the advice of legal counsel, WPOA did not participate and instead focused on pursuing mediation, a FERC rehearing and other legal/political options to protect our community.  

"Based on the law of eminent domain and the history of these cases in Federal Court, we expect that a court of law will grant the access necessary for the project to proceed." -Jay Roberts
 

Veterans and active-duty military members were breaking barriers here during the 14th annual Wintergreen Adaptive Sports Wounded Warrior weekend on February 3rd.

The details have been released on several new Wintergreen Resort membership levels, including a one-year trial family membership and two "Fitness-only" family memberships, including one offering access to the fitness centers, pools, and locker rooms at both the Wintergarden on the mountain and in Stoney Creek.

Reports in November indicated Wintergreen could see land clearing for the Atlantic Coast Pipeline at it entrance to the mountain before the end of 2017. That didn't happen.

The Chief of Wintergreen Fire & Rescue reports that new major financial support from state and local government is a result of the recognition of the vital services Wintergreen Rescue provides to the community and how the community supports the squad.

There were five reports of bears entering unlocked vehicles at Wintergreen in 2017, Jay Roberts reported at the WPOA annual meeting in November. Some bears remained inside the vehicle, consuming headrests, seats, dashboards, and steering wheels.

Wintergreen Police's new chief, Dennis Russell, salutes the work of Stan Olah.

The Central Blue Ridge chapter of the Virginia Master Naturalist program is offering training for becoming a Master Naturalist. The first class will be Wednesday, January 24th. Registration is required by January 19th.

Kessler arrives at Wintergreen from Granby Ranch, a mountain community in Colorado, where he had been the Chief Operating Officer responsible for summer and winter recreation.