Why Do a County Flora?

WHY DO A COUNTY FLORA?

They provide species distribution data, which can improve upon existing records.

They provide useful information for educators, amateur botanists, county agents, and foresters, as well as legislators and other decision makers.

They document changes brought about by habitat destruction due to increased population demands (highways, homes, industrial and commercial properties).

They can be used in the production of a State Flora. According to the Flora of Virginia Project, “The absence of a Flora is not only a problem for the scientific and student community, it is a problem for all of the Commonwealth’s citizens. Without a modern Flora of Virginia, our comprehension of Virginia’s vegetation and its landscape is far from perfect, leading to less informed conservation, land use, and business decisions.”