So, alas, the groundhog apparently saw his shadow and dashed back underground for 6 more weeks of winter. Now before you pull the covers up over your head, let’s take stock of what opportunities these next 6 weeks provide, for it’s not all that bad. Here are 6 things to do in the next 6 weeks to make the winter go by faster. When you're done, Spring will be here:

1. That’s 6 more weeks for groundwater recharge to occur – and the snow – though we find it troublesome at times – is an important player in that recharge. So let it fall and replenish the groundwater, feed our roots and make them strong for this summer’s growing season.
2. More time to research irrigation systems, contractors and controllers. Are you planning to have one installed this spring? If you are – there’s more to it than just price. Use our Preferred Irrigation Contractors as a starting point and consider that while “set it and forget it” is great philosophy for rotisserie chicken – it’s absolutely disastrous for irrigation systems.
3. Take a drive through Loudoun and peer into a beautiful slice of American history. Are you aware of the natural and historic beauty and resources within our County boundaries? You’re not a true Loudouner until you have taken your family on the scavenger hunt at Mosby Heritage Area, explored the Civil War graves at Mount Zion Church, milked a cow at the Heritage Farm Museum, or walked among the “safe houses” of Waterford Village.
4. Plan your landscape. How will you manage your yard this year to be gentler on water use, pesticides and other chemicals outdoors? Contact us for a comprehensive Wise Water Landscape guide to show you how to use shade and slope to your advantage, install a rain barrel to collect downspout water for gardens or create a rain garden to slow the seepage of water into your soil, keeping pollutants from running into the storm drain to our sources of drinking water.
5. Go "loco for local" - meaning go crazy for the incredibly bounty of fresh produce, meats and poultry available right here in Loudoun. Whether it's certified organic you want or just the desire to support a local farmer, everything you need is less than 30 minutes away, right here in Loudoun. Check out the directory of local farms provided by the Piedmont Environmental Council.
6. Visit the Loudoun Water Aquiary with your kids. It’s open usually one Saturday per month (February 20 is the next one), it’s free and it’s best for kids aged 9 and up. Find out how the treatment process happens, what you can (or shouldn’t) pour down your drains, how much water was used to make the clothes on your back, and much more! Open during the work week as well.