Virginia Tech School of Plant and Environmental Sciences

Congratulations to Sara Klopf, research associate at the Virginia Tech School of Plant and Environmental Sciences, on receiving the Richard I. and Lela M. Barnhisel Reclamation Researcher of the Year Award from the American Society of Reclamation Sciences 🥳

This prestigious honor recognizes exceptional contributions to the advancement of reclamation science and technology through scientific research, highlighting Klopf's impact on the field and dedication to innovation.

Klopf specializes in plant ecology and land reclamation, and manages research projects related to the revegetation of mined landscapes, the use of native plant species for reclamation and restoration, community ecology, wetland ecology, water quality monitoring, American chestnut restoration, and forest genetics.

Faculty and staff at the Virginia Tech School of Plant and Environmental Sciences connected with future leaders in agriculture at the 100th Virginia FFA State Convention 🌱

Held at Virginia Tech, the convention brought together FFA members, advisors, alumni, and supporters to recognize FFA’s history as well as the students shaping its future. The event was filled with competitions, workshops, ceremonies, and opportunities for connection across the agricultural community.

The Virginia Cooperative Extension has launched a community-engaged science initiative to recommend vegetable cultivars for Virginia gardens. The project evaluates common crops for performance, plant vigor, and taste, and identifies varieties most suited to Virginia’s growing conditions 🌱

“Over time, we will build a statewide dataset that can be used to recommend the best varieties for different regions of Virginia and different growing conditions,” said Ed Olsen, consumer horticulture specialist and director of the Virginia Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Program program.

See how insights from backyard and community gardeners across Virginia are helping turn real-world experience into smarter, research-backed planting recommendations ⬇
https://news.vt.edu/articles/2026/05/ext-home-gardeners-shape-planting-recommendations-through-statewide-seed-trial.html

This week, the Virginia Tech School of Plant and Environmental Sciences leadership team hosted an ice cream social to bring faculty and staff together and celebrate the start of a meaningful summer ahead 🍦

“I am grateful for the warm welcome I have received and excited to work with all of you as we build a strong, connected, and sustainable path forward,” said Michelle Heck, director of SPES.

On June 3, the annual Berry Field Day was held at the Hampton Roads Agricultural Research and Extension Center, bringing together growers, industry representatives, Extension agents, and researchers to explore the latest advancements in berry production and innovation 🫐

Virginia Tech’s 11 Agricultural Research and Extension Centers (ARECs) host annual events that showcase the discoveries and practices shaping the future of Virginia agriculture.

Learn more about ARECs and upcoming events ⬇
https://www.arec.vaes.vt.edu/arec/field-days/calendar.html

From advancing turfgrass science and transforming golf course architecture to driving innovation in agriculture and building powerful industry partnerships, our 2026 SPES Alumni Award honorees embody the spirit of Ut Prosim every day 🙌

Join us in celebrating Andrew Green, Matthew Harris, Giff Breed, and Jordan Booth — leaders whose impact reaches far beyond campus and continues to elevate Virginia Tech’s land‑grant mission.

Discover how these Hokies are shaping the future ⬇
https://spes.vt.edu/news/2026-Alumni-Awards.html

During their “Connect and Serve” study abroad trip to South Africa, students delivered a tractor they spent two years fundraising for — a gift that Mama Vivian, founder of the Iliso Care Society and operator of a 75-acre farm, says will help her farm feed even more families 🚜

Learn more about how this Virginia Tech partnership is strengthening global food security ⬇️

Celebrating "The Link" Mama Vivian Zilo-Ncana, founder of the Iliso Care Society and operator of a 75-acre farm, talks about how her partnership with Virginia Tech is adding to food security in the South African township of Khayelitsha. On their recent "Connect and Serve" study abroad trip to Cape Town, Virginia Tech stud...

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

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

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 ⬇️

Class of 2026: Reagan Riggs grows her future in agronomy 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.