September 30, 2026

 

Dear Friend,

 

Earlier this month, a busload of local 7th graders crossed the mountains and headed east to the Chesapeake Bay. By noon, they were riding a small ferry to Smith Island, beholding – many for the first time – a new world of sea and sky. 

 

In the spirit of the open horizon, this month’s Newsleaf shares stories about Boxerwood’s own special moment in time. Big, bright opportunities shine before us – thanks for being part of it all. 

 

Yours for a thriving Earth,

 

The Boxerwood Team

The sky was blue, the water sparkly, the surprise eel in the seine net particularly slimy. In other words, another perfect 3-day, 2-night student expedition to Smith Island. During their Sept. 14-16 stay, 25 seventh graders from PMMS and MRMS and their five teachers immersed themselves in wonder. Working together, they lived by tides, set crab pots, explored ecology, and discovered what makes the Chesapeake Bay an ecological, cultural, and economic treasure. For more than 20 years, Boxerwood has facilitated this life-changing experience with our partner, Chesapeake Bay Foundation. The marvel of it all lifts our hearts.

Wonderful support from many donors has brought us to within 30K of Boxerwood’s $500,000 capital campaign goal. Campaign contributions are already making an on-the-ground difference. The most exciting (and pressing) opportunity is still ahead: purchasing ten acres of neighboring land (photo above). This land is now for sale, and if a developer buys this tract, what gets built could impact Boxerwood forever. We urgently need to conserve this beautiful hillside – please help us secure our future (and expand Boxerwood!) with a gift of whatever size you find meaningful.

What: A community timber frame raising for The Meadowlark, Boxerwood's new covered stage and outdoor classroom 

When: Sunday, October 11, 2006, 10 am–4 pm 

Where: Boxerwood. Enter from Munger Lane and park in the field.

 

Can’t wait? Come watch the frame being cut. 

When: Friday & Saturday, October 9-10 · 9 am–noon and 1–5 pm

Where: Grigg and Cindy Mullen's workshop complex, 550 Adair Hill Drive, Rockbridge Baths

Free and open to the public. Stay for an hour or all day.

The memorable, yet localized, September 4 storm swept through Boxerwood, bringing down more than a dozen trees across the Garden. Several towering white pines fell in The Meadow Natural Burial Ground, while others came down in the wetland and across walking paths.

COREworks is Boxerwood’s way of advancing green community development. When customers like you secure a carbon offset from a verified local projects listed on the marketplace, 100% of the proceeds help fund the next green project where we live, like tree planting or school composting. Volunteer community review panels (zoomshot above) recently verified two more projects for listing on the marketplace, so now it’s your turn. Contribute to a healthier Rockbridge while also offsetting your travel. Help bring a better world forward.

Last week Boxerwood educators assisted gr. 7 teachers at Maury River Middle School in a bold plan to engage all 160 students in a day-long program to better connect the kids with their community. As scientists, the youths completed biotic and abiotic tests on their namesake river at Jordan’s Point. For civics, they also toured the water drinking plant and the wastewater facility, learning how these important places protect water quality. In remembrance of the past (yet with hearts to the future), the 7th graders also planted 3,800 crocus bulbs at the Park. The triple goal of this service-in-action: honor veterans, create more beauty, help early springtime bees. Thank you, next gen Earth stewards!

Winter birds are returning soon – time to stock your feeders. Rockbridge Bird Club and Rockbridge Farmers Co-op are once again holding a fall Seed & Suet fundraiser to support Boxerwood. The order window will open October 9 and close October 26. Info will soon be posted on the Boxerwood website, and orders can be submitted online or via snail mail. Feed feathered friends while also helping Boxerwood – win, win! Thanks, Rockbridge Bird Club!

This month we're recognizing the donor leadership of Anne and David Grizzle, whose roots in Rockbridge and care for Boxerwood both run deep.

The Grizzles first came to Boxerwood keen to support the garden work of the Rockbridge Master Gardeners. From those initial connections, new ideas sprung forth, including their gift of new garden beds around the Lodge – now enlivened by 300 native plants. If you've admired the plantings on your way around the Lodge, you've seen their generosity at work.

No surprise that when we began planning our capital campaign, Anne and David were among the first to step forward. Their leadership gift came long before the campaign went public, and it set Boxerwood on a course for success.

On behalf of the next generation – thank you, Anne and David. You are making a difference.

Boxerwood Education Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Federal Tax ID: 54-1937944

Sent by Boxerwood.

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