The Winchester-Clarke Garden Club works alongside the Garden Club of America and the Garden Club of Virginia to promote responsible environmental stewardship and to aid in efforts to “restore, improve, and protect the quality of the environment” through engagement with the community and with legislators.
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Have you spotted the Spotted Lanternfly?​

This is a new invasive insect that should be collected, killed, and reported if seen.

Invasive Plant Alert!
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Giant hogweed

is an invasive species that can grow up 14 feet tall.  The bloom looks like Queen Anne's lace.  The plant produces a toxic sap that can cause serious blisters, third-degree burns, and permanent blindness.

Many plants have been found in Clarke County.  Plants should be handled with caution and any plant material disposed of on-site by composting or burning.

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Spotted knapweed
Spotted knapweed is a biennial herb in the aster family. Once established it leads to a decline in biodiversiy, because it chokes out native vegitation.

Control - Hand-pulling, grubbing or clipping are effective for light infestations.  Mowing or weed eating before seed head form may control spread.

Abrams Creek Wetland Preserve

Upcoming Events
  • Platform Design and Build 
  • Visitor brochure print and distribution
  • Fall cut and dedication
  • Audio tour of preserve
2019 WCGC was the recipient of the Garden Club of America's ​Founder's Fund Award and of Garden Club of Virginia Bessie Bocock Carter Conservation Award for its work on the Abrams Creek Wetlands Preserve. 
This 25-acre urban green space is an educational and recreational resource. Classified as a calcareous muck fen because of its limestone bedrock, low acidity, and high nutrient levels the ACWP is home to over 300 plant species and 20 state-rare native plants. ​​
WCGC donated a park bench to ACWP in honor of GCV's Centennial.  The October, 2019 dedication was well attended by club members, city dignitaries, Shenandoah University and Winchester Parks and Recreation officials.
In October 2020 WCGC held a  plaque dedication for the 2019 GCA Founders Fund Award.  Guests attending were Sally Anderson, VP of the Virginia Native Plant Society and James Smith, president of the Northern Shenandoah Valley Audubon Society. 

A Time for Restoration
The Big Cut 2019

​Club members worked alongside city park officials to cut back invasive trees in the upper marsh.  ​
The Big Cut 2020
The focus was on the lower marsh for this cut. 
Saving the Marsh

In and Around Abrams Creek Wetland Preserve​ - a special place for all seasons.