Virginia Tech School of Plant and Environmental Sciences

06/01/2026

Virginia Tech researchers are studying how light, energy, and controlled environments can make food production more efficient and resilient year-round in the greenhouses of the future 🌱

Learn more ➡️ https://go.vt.edu/unI4r

05/26/2026

Congratulations to Eric Beers on being named professor emeritus by the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors 🥳 With more than 32 years of service, groundbreaking research, and a lasting impact as a mentor and educator, his contributions continue to shape the future of plant science 🌱

Read more about his legacy⬇
https://news.vt.edu/articles/2026/05/emeritus-2026-beers.html

05/19/2026

Meet Reagan Riggs, a recent graduate of the Virginia Tech College of Agriculture and Life Sciences 🎓

"I’ve had several hands-on opportunities that have shaped my development in the agriculture industry," Riggs said. "I completed two internships with Nutrien Ag Solutions on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, where I learned the fundamentals of field scouting, plant tissue and soil sampling, and communicating recommendations to growers."

Learn more about Riggs and her plans to pursue a master’s degree in crop and soil environmental sciences at Virginia Tech ⬇️

Reagan Riggs used internships, field research, leadership roles, and experiential learning opportunities at Virginia Tech to prepare for a future in agronomy and agricultural consulting.

05/17/2026

Congratulations to the SPES Class of 2026 🎓

Our newest alumni celebrated with family, friends, and faculty at the Hahn Horticulture Garden ahead of the Virginia Tech College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Commencement Ceremony 🥳

05/16/2026

05/12/2026

Join us in celebrating Jacob Barney, professor at the Virginia Tech College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, on earning Virginia Tech’s Frontier Award 🥳

“The University Frontier Award honors faculty who redefine what is possible in research,” said David Haak and Mark Reiter, interim co-directors of SPES. “By bridging ecological science with policy, economics, and data analytics, Dr. Barney is not only advancing knowledge but also shaping the future of environmental stewardship and placing Virginia Tech at the center of this transformation.”

Barney studies the causes, impacts, spread, and management of invasive plant species. Over the course of his career, he has made a significant impact, including:

- More than 115 peer-reviewed articles, six book chapters, and numerous policy and Extension documents
- More than 5,900 citations
- Spearheaded the creation of the Invasive Species Collaborative at Virginia Tech
- Vice chair of the federal Invasive Species Advisory Committee
- Given talks in more than 10 countries, including at the 2024 World Biodiversity Forum in Davos, Switzerland
- Featured in major media outlets, including NPR and Popular Science

Each year, the Office of Research and Innovation and the Office of Faculty Affairs recognize exceptional faculty through the Frontier Award, Early Career Scholarly Impact Award, and Engaged Research Award. Supported by the Virginia Tech Alumni Association, recipients receive a plaque and $2,000.

Learn more about Barney and all 2026 award recipients ⬇️
https://news.vt.edu/articles/2026/04/research-2026-research-award-winners.html

05/07/2026

Great news! You still have time to participate in this conservation incentive program. We have funding remaining and will be accepting applications through June 15, 2026. Please visit https://www.allianceforcsa.org/virginia/ to learn more. If you have any questions or need additional resources, please contact us at [email protected] or 540-231-3990 extension 2 to reach a member of the Alliance team dedicated to supporting the program in Virginia. Accomack-Northampton Planning District Commission Virginia Cooperative Extension - Northampton County Accomack County Cooperative Extension - VA Eastern Shore Soil & Water Conservation District

05/07/2026

Use the new GROW Check My Herbicide Plan tool to see how many EFFECTIVE modes of action are in your tank this spring.

You might be surprised to learn how herbicide resistance, pre-mix product rates and other sneaky factors are undercutting your modes of action!

Learn more here: https://growiwm.org/use-this-grow-tool-to-learn-how-many-effective-herbicide-modes-of-action-you-actually-use/

05/05/2026

How can you help your lawn survive a drought? Professor and Extension Turfgrass Specialist Mike Goatley was recently featured in Southern Living, sharing his top lawn‑care strategies for the dry months ahead 🌿

“Simply staying off the lawn and ceasing standard maintenance activities will go a long way under extreme drought conditions,” Goatley explains. He also emphasizes watering “deep and infrequent,” irrigating early in the morning, and even accepting dormancy as a natural survival response.

If you want to protect your lawn the way the experts do, dive into the full story and learn all of Goatley’s drought‑season strategies. Your grass will thank you ⬇️

Protect your lawn during drought with expert tips on watering, mowing, and maintenance. Plus, learn why letting grass go dormant might actually help it survive.

05/04/2026

Meet Madeline Glanz, a Virginia Tech School of Plant and Environmental Sciences ! 🎓🧡

An Environmental Science major with minors in Environmental Policy & Planning and Wetland Sciences, Madeline found her passion in environmental permitting through internships with the National Association of State Energy Officials and Berkshire Hathaway Energy.

On campus, she has made an impact as a peer mentor, CALS Ambassador, and sustainability intern, where she launched “Greeks Go Green,” securing a $5,000 grant, and helping donate hundreds of clothing items to the community.

After graduation, Madeline will join Burns & McDonnell in Richmond as an Assistant Environmental Scientist, focusing on permitting for utilities and water treatment projects.

We can’t wait to see how you help build more sustainable communities. Congratulations, Madeline! 🌱