Get Outside for GivingTuesday!
Let this video show you a few of the MANY reasons to Get Outside for GivingTuesday!
The gardens on our Downtown Campus are open 365 days a year, sunrise to sunset and are a perfect place to get away from it all and soak in that sweet, sweet nature right here in Downtown Fredericksburg!
Looking for a bigger nature fix? Join us on one of the many land tours and classes coming up on our Belman Road campus!
Next Land Tour is tomorrow, Saturday November 18th, at 10am! No sign up required! 1360 Belman Road. (Once you turn on to Belman Road, just keep going striaght and you'll see the entrance on the right!)
Keep following us on social media or head over to our website where you can see all upcoming prgrams and sign up for our monthly newlsletter that will keep you up-to-date on all Downtown Greens happenings!
www.downtowngreens.org
Bees in the Plum Tree
The plum tree in our upper garden is the first to bloom each year which is good news for the native ground bees that are the first to emerge looking for food!
The plum tree was grand central station the other day, serving up nectar and pollen to our BeeFFs.
#plumblossom #plumtree #groundbees #nativebees #dtguppergarden #downtowngreens
Our native ground bees are emerging for food!
If you've been in the upper garden near the green shed, you may have noticed over 100 tiny holes in the ground! These are our native ground bees coming out of hibernation to find food!
DON'T WORRY! The bees emerging now mostly males and they are unable to sting. Even the few females that emerge are far too busy to sting even if you're walking on top of their homes!
We are fairly sure our bees are the 'Colletes inaequalis', otherwise known as Unequal Cellophane Bees or Polyester Bees.
Every March/April the males emerge from their underground dens and feed on nectar of the early blooming trees and hover around near the ground waiting for the females to emerge. Once the female emerges the males crowd around until one of them has...won her favors...at which point the male bees just kinda hang out, patting themselves on the back for a job well done until they die, usually the end of April to early May.
Once the dudes are gone, the female bee prepares her nest in the sandy soil with a few offshoot egg chambers from the main tunnel. She creates a solution by mixing her saliva and a secretion from her abdomen and uses her brush-like tongue to spread this concoction on the walls of the egg chamber. This solution makes the walls of the egg chamber waterproof and can actually last for years! This is how they got their common names like cellophane bee and polyester bee. Some scientists are actually studying this material as a replacement for plastic bags since it biodegrades in 5 years!
During the day the bee then gathers food and takes it to the egg chambers where she scrapes the pollen from her leg hairs and mixes it with gathered nectar making a "soup" in the bottom of the cell. Once there is enough soup in the cell she lays an egg on the ceiling or wall and then uses her "cellophane" to close off the cell.
Over the next week or so the female bee does this 5-7 times and then fills the nest's central shaft with dirt. If she has extra time she will make a secon
Mats knows what time it is!
When editing videos, timing is everything. That is why it is no surprise Mats from OddBox Studios knows exactly what time it is!
IT IS TIME FOR THE 3RD ANNUAL DOWNTOWN RUNAROUND which STARTS TOMORROW!!!!!
This virtual 5k helps raise funds to keep us doing our thing! (Which is a good thing.)
Since it's virtual that means you can complete your 5k at your own time and move in your own way! Run, walk, bike, skip, hop, jump, roller skate, it's all good for the Downtown Runaround!
You have from March 4th-18th to get the 5k complete!
Not sure what route to take? Check out the ice page for our suggested route that will take you by many fabulous downtown businesses including some of our sponsors!
Sign up now to secure your amazing swag bag and to for only $30!
Want to further your rewards? Refer friends to sign up using your unique link and earn an exclusive goodie basket.
Registrants who refer 5 or more friends get a basket containing a Downtown Greens beer glass, a limited edition "I Brake for Pollinators" sticker, a Downtown Greens magnet, and a pollinators bandana.
The person with the most referrals will also receive a jar of Downtown Greens' honey!
Make it sweeter: sign up as a race team and everyone on the team will receive a "I Brake for Pollinators" sticker.
Ready to sign up? Use the link below...
https://runsignup.com/Race/VA/Fredericksburg/DowntownGreensFunRun
Or head to our website at www.downtowngreens.org!
Ted Schubel knows what time it is!
Who doesn’t love Ted Schubel? Between being the voice of Town Talk on 1230am and probably reading hundreds of fan letters a day, we are pleased to see that The Schubes knows what time it is!
IT IS TIME FOR THE 3RD ANNUAL DOWNTOWN RUNAROUND!!
This virtual 5k helps raise funds to keep us doing our thing! (Which is a good thing.)
Since it's virtual that means you can complete your 5k at your own time and move in your own way! Run, walk, bike, skip, hop, jump, roller skate, it's all good for the Downtown Runaround!
You have from March 4th-18th to get the 5k complete!
Not sure what route to take? Check out the ice page for our suggested route that will take you by many fabulous downtown businesses including some of our sponsors!
Sign up now to secure your amazing swag bag and to for only $30!
Want to further your rewards? Refer friends to sign up using your unique link and earn an exclusive goodie basket.
Registrants who refer 5 or more friends get a basket containing a Downtown Greens beer glass, a limited edition "I Brake for Pollinators" sticker, a Downtown Greens magnet, and a pollinators bandana.
The person with the most referrals will also receive a jar of Downtown Greens' honey!
Make it sweeter: sign up as a race team and everyone on the team will receive a "I Brake for Pollinators" sticker.
Ready to sign up? Use the link below...
https://runsignup.com/Race/VA/Fredericksburg/DowntownGreensFunRun
....or check out our website at www.downtowngreens.org
Amy and Lisa from Wren + Sparrow know it is TIME!
Amy and Lisa from Wren & Sparrow are always busy helping us take care of our fine feathered friends but even with their busy schedule they know it is TIME!
IT IS TIME FOR THE 3RD ANNUAL DOWNTOWN RUNAROUND!!
This virtual 5k helps raise funds to keep us doing our thing! (Which is a good thing.)
Since it's virtual that means you can complete your 5k at your own time and move in your own way! Run, walk, bike, skip, hop, jump, roller skate, it's all good for the Downtown Runaround!
You have from March 4th-18th to get the 5k complete!
Not sure what route to take? Stay tuned for our suggested route that will take you by many fabulous downtown businesses including some of our sponsors!
Sign up now to secure your amazing swag bag and to for only $30!
Want to further your rewards? Refer friends to sign up using your unique link and earn an exclusive goodie basket.
Registrants who refer 5 or more friends get a basket containing a Downtown Greens beer glass, a limited edition "I Brake for Pollinators" sticker, a Downtown Greens magnet, and a pollinators bandana.
The person with the most referrals will also receive a jar of Downtown Greens' honey!
Make it sweeter: sign up as a race team and everyone on the team will receive a "I Brake for Pollinators" sticker.
Ready to sign up? Use the link below!
https://runsignup.com/Race/VA/Fredericksburg/DowntownGreensFunRun
Sarah and Marianne know it is TIME!
Even immersed in office work, Executive Director, Sarah Perry, and Office Coordinator, Marianne Tokarz, knows what time it is!
IT IS TIME FOR THE 3RD ANNUAL DOWNTOWN RUNAROUND!!
This virtual 5k helps raise funds to keep us doing our thing! (Which is a good thing.)
Since it's virtual that means you can complete your 5k at your own time and move in your own way! Run, walk, bike, skip, hop, jump, roller skate, it's all good for the Downtown Runaround!
You have from March 4th-18th to get the 5k complete!
Not sure what route to take? Stay tuned for our suggested route that will take you by many fabulous downtown businesses including some of our sponsors!
Sign up early to secure your amazing swag bag and to lock in the early bird rate of only $25!
If signing up early is not in the stars for you, have no fear! Sign up will stay open through the last day of the race! Early bird pricing ends February 17th when the regular price of $30 kicks in.
Want to further your rewards? Refer friends to sign up using your unique link and earn an exclusive goodie basket.
Registrants who refer 5 or more friends get a basket containing a Downtown Greens beer glass, a limited edition "I Brake for Pollinators" sticker, a Downtown Greens magnet, and a pollinators bandana.
The person with the most referrals will also receive a jar of Downtown Greens' honey!
Make it sweeter: sign up as a race team and everyone on the team will receive a "I Brake for Pollinators" sticker.
Ready to sign up? Use the link below!
https://runsignup.com/Race/VA/Fredericksburg/DowntownGreensFunRun
Pete Morelewicz knows what time it is!
Pete knows his latest masterpiece can wait because it is TIME!
Time for the 3rd Annual Downtown Runaround!
This virtual 5k helps raise funds to keep us doing our thing! (Which is a good thing.)
Since it's virtual that means you can complete your 5k at your own time and move in your own way! Run, walk, bike, skip, hop, jump, roller skate, it's all good for the Downtown Runaround!
You have from March 4th-18th to get the 5k complete!
Not sure what route to take? Stay tuned for our suggested route that will take you by many fabulous downtown businesses including some of our sponsors!
Sign up early to secure your amazing swag bag and to lock in the early bird rate of only $25!
If signing up early is not in the stars for you, have no fear! Sign up will stay open through the last day of the race! Early bird pricing ends February 17th when the regular price of $30 kicks in.
Want to further your rewards? Refer friends to sign up using your unique link and earn an exclusive goodie basket.
Registrants who refer 5 or more friends get a basket containing a Downtown Greens beer glass, a limited edition "I Brake for Pollinators" sticker, a Downtown Greens magnet, and a pollinators bandana.
The person with the most referrals will also receive a jar of Downtown Greens' honey!
Make it sweeter: sign up as a race team and everyone on the team will receive a "I Brake for Pollinators" sticker.
Ready to sign up? Use the link below!
https://runsignup.com/.../Fredericks.../DowntownGreensFunRun
President of the Board, Brad Smith, knows what time it is!
It's okay to doze off, Brad, just don't forget to set your alarm because it is TIME!
Time for the 3rd Annual Downtown Runaround!
This virtual 5k helps raise funds to keep us doing our thing! (Which is a good thing.)
Since it's virtual that means you can complete your 5k at your own time and move in your own way! Run, walk, bike, skip, hop, jump, roller skate, it's all good for the Downtown Runaround!
You have from March 4th-18th to get the 5k complete!
Not sure what route to take? Stay tuned for our suggested route that will take you by many fabulous downtown businesses including some of our sponsors!
Sign up early to secure your amazing swag bag and to lock in the early bird rate of only $25!
If signing up early is not in the stars for you, have no fear! Sign up will stay open through the last day of the race! Early bird pricing ends February 17th when the regular price of $30 kicks in.
Want to further your rewards? Refer friends to sign up using your unique link and earn an exclusive goodie basket.
Registrants who refer 5 or more friends get a basket containing a Downtown Greens beer glass, a limited edition "I Brake for Pollinators" sticker, a Downtown Greens magnet, and a pollinators bandana.
The person with the most referrals will also receive a jar of Downtown Greens' honey!
Make it sweeter: sign up as a race team and everyone on the team will receive a "I Brake for Pollinators" sticker.
Ready to sign up? Use the link below!
https://runsignup.com/.../Fredericks.../DowntownGreensFunRun
Mayor Greenlaw knows what time it is!
Being mayor of Fredericksburg requires a tight schedule which is why Mayor Mary Katherine Greenlaw knows it is TIME!
Time for the 3rd Annual Downtown Runaround!
This virtual 5k helps raise funds to keep us doing our thing! (Which is a good thing.)
Since it's virtual that means you can complete your 5k at your own time and move in your own way! Run, walk, bike, skip, hop, jump, roller skate, it's all good for the Downtown Runaround!
You have from March 4th-18th to get the 5k complete!
Not sure what route to take? Stay tuned for our suggested route that will take you by many fabulous downtown businesses including some of our sponsors!
Sign up early to secure your amazing swag bag and to lock in the early bird rate of only $25!
If signing up early is not in the stars for you, have no fear! Sign up will stay open through the last day of the race! Early bird pricing ends February 17th when the regular price of $30 kicks in.
Want to further your rewards? Refer friends to sign up using your unique link and earn an exclusive goodie basket.
Registrants who refer 5 or more friends get a basket containing a Downtown Greens beer glass, a limited edition "I Brake for Pollinators" sticker, a Downtown Greens magnet, and a pollinators bandana.
The person with the most referrals will also receive a jar of Downtown Greens' honey!
Make it sweeter: sign up as a race team and everyone on the team will receive a "I Brake for Pollinators" sticker.
Ready to sign up? Use the link below!
https://runsignup.com/.../Fredericks.../DowntownGreensFunRun
Gaye Adegbalola knows what time it is!
Leave it to a blues musician to know all about timing!
Gaye Adegbalola knows it is TIME for the Downtown Runaround!
This virtual 5k helps raise funds to keep us doing our thing! (Which is a good thing.)
Since it's virtual that means you can complete your 5k at your own time and move in your own way! Run, walk, bike, skip, hop, jump, roller skate, it's all good for the Downtown Runaround!
You have from March 4th-18th to get the 5k complete!
Not sure what route to take? Stay tuned for our suggested route that will take you by many fabulous downtown businesses including some of our sponsors!
Sign up early to secure your amazing swag bag and to lock in the early bird rate of only $25!
If signing up early is not in the stars for you, have no fear! Sign up will stay open through the last day of the race! Early bird pricing ends February 17th when the regular price of $30 kicks in.
Want to further your rewards? Refer friends to sign up using your unique link and earn an exclusive goodie basket.
Registrants who refer 5 or more friends get a basket containing a Downtown Greens beer glass, a limited edition "I Brake for Pollinators" sticker, a Downtown Greens magnet, and a pollinators bandana.
Make it sweeter: sign up as a race team and everyone on the team will receive a "I Brake for Pollinators" sticker.
The person with the most referrals will also receive a jar of Downtown Greens' honey!
Ready to sign up? Use the link below!
https://runsignup.com/.../Fredericks.../DowntownGreensFunRun
You can also just head to our website for info and sign and to find out how you can be even more involved in the race by being a race sponsor!
Em Ford Knows What Time It Is!
Not even pretending to rake leaves will keep Em Ford from knowing that it is TIME!
Time to sign up for the 3rd annual Downtown Runaround!
This virtual 5k helps raise funds to keep us doing our thing! (Which is a good thing.)
Since it's virtual that means you can complete your 5k at your own time and move in your own way! Run, walk, bike, skip, hop, jump, roller skate, it's all good for the Downtown Runaround!
You have from March 4th-18th to get the 5k complete!
Not sure what route to take? Stay tuned for our suggested route that will take you by many fabulous downtown businesses including some of our sponsors!
Sign up early to secure your amazing swag bag and to lock in the early bird rate of only $25!
If signing up early is not in the stars for you, have no fear! Sign up will stay open through the last day of the race! Early bird pricing ends February 17th when the regular price of $30 kicks in.
Want to further your rewards? Refer friends to sign up using your unique link and earn an exclusive goodie basket.
Registrants who refer 5 or more friends get a basket containing a Downtown Greens beer glass, a limited edition "I Brake for Pollinators" sticker, a Downtown Greens magnet, and a pollinators bandana.
Make it sweeter: sign up as a race team and everyone on the team will receive a "I Brake for Pollinators" sticker.
The person with the most referrals will also receive a jar of Downtown Greens' honey!
Ready to sign up? Use the link below!
https://runsignup.com/.../Fredericks.../DowntownGreensFunRun
You can also just head to our website for info and sign and to find out how you can be even more involved in the race by being a race sponsor!
www.downtowngreens.org
Emerald Payton knows what time it is!
Board Member Emerald Payton pries her nose from a book when she realizes it is TIME!
Time to sign up for the 3rd annual Downtown Runaround!
This virtual 5k helps raise funds to keep us doing our thing! (Which is a good thing.)
Since it's virtual that means you can complete your 5k at your own time and doing your own thing! Run, walk, bike, skip, hop, jump, roller skate, it's all good for the Downtown Runaround! You have from March 4th-18th to do your thing!
Not sure what route to take? Stay tuned for our suggested route that will take you by many fabulous downtown businesses including some of our sponsors!
Sign up early to secure your amazing swag bag and to lock in the early bird rate of only $25!
If signing up early is not in the stars for you, have no fear! Sign up will stay open through the last day of the race! Early bird pricing ends February 17th when the regular price of $30 kicks in.
Want to further your rewards? Refer friends to sign up using your unique link and earn an exclusive goodie basket.
Registrants who refer 5 or more friends get a basket containing a Downtown Greens beer glass, a limited edition "I Brake for Pollinators" sticker, a Downtown Greens magnet, and a pollinators bandana.
Make it sweeter: sign up as a race team and everyone on the team will receive a "I Brake for Pollinators" sticker.
The person with the most referrals will also receive a jar of Downtown Greens' honey!
Ready to sign up? Use the link below!
https://runsignup.com/.../Fredericks.../DowntownGreensFunRun
Javonne is ready for the Downtown Runaround!
Board member, Javonne Kirby knows what time it is!
It's that time of year again! Time to sign up for the 3rd annual Downtown Runaround!
This virtual 5k helps raise funds to keep us doing our thing! (Which is a good thing.)
Since it's virtual that means you can complete your 5k at your own time and doing your own thing! Run, walk, bike, skip, hop, jump, roller skate, it's all good for the Downtown Runaround! You have from March 4th-18th to do your thing!
Not sure what route to take? Stay tuned for our suggested route that will take you by many fabulous downtown businesses including some of our sponsors!
Sign up early to secure your amazing swag bag and to lock in the early bird rate of only $25!
If signing up early is not in the stars for you, have no fear! Sign up will stay open through the last day of the race! Early bird pricing ends February 17th when the regular price of $30 kicks in.
Ready to sign up? Use the link below!
https://runsignup.com/.../Fredericks.../DowntownGreensFunRun
Pumpkin Bowling
We are having such a good time sending your pumpkins to their new home that we have decided to extend pumpkin collection until the end of December!
That's right, bring your old pumpkins and jack-o-lanterns to the wheelbarrow beside our office door and we will keep it out of the landfill and give it a good home in a compost pile that will go towards nourishing the soil for more plants in the future!
#pumpkinbowling #pumpkincollecting #composting #downtowngreens
It's Giving Tuesday!! What's that you ask? It's a movement that began in 2011 for folks to donate to their favorite non-profts the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. (For example: Us! Your favorite non-profit community greenspace!) We are able to do what we do here at Downtown Greens because of the radical generosity of our community and people like you.
Things like free educational and youth programs, supporting food security in our community, and maintaining 2.8 acres of community greenspace in Fredericksburg are all made possible by our donors. We rely on these donations 365 days a year, but we wanted to add some incentive with a special gift from us for this Giving Tuesday.
For donations $25 and up, we have a brand new Downtown Greens Pollinator bumper sticker! Donations $100 and up will receive the bumper sticker and our exclusive honey from our very own Downtown Greens bees. (Our honey is never for sale - so act now!) And for donations $250 and up you will receive our awesome new bumper sticker, a jar of honey, AND you're able to schedule a 1 hour food or native plant garden consultation with one of our gardening experts! Remember, these thank you gifts are for donations made on Giving Tuesday only!
There are several ways to donate and we've listed a few on our page already to guide you through the process! Ways to donate include: Paypal - @DowntownGreensInc, Venmo @downtowngreens, the form on our website at http://www.downtowngreens.org/donate or setting up a Facebook Fundraiser.
If you donate $25-$250 through a Facebook fundraiser send us a screenshot of your donation with your name and email so we can make sure you get your thank you gift from us!
And thank you so much!
