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“Many of these champion trees, they’re not out in the wilderness,” Wiseman said. “They’re in places that are right around the corner, and oftentimes these trees are located at places that have either cultural or historical significance.”

“Many of these champion trees, they’re not out in the wilderness,” Wiseman said. “They’re in places that are right around the corner, and oftentimes these trees are located at places that have either cultural or historical significance.”

Students squinting along a sunny stretch of sidewalk outside the Roanoke College library find a moment of cool refuge beneath the leafy shade of an old, but steady-growing champion.

At Virginia Tech, professor Eric Wiseman coordinates the Virginia Big Trees program, and maintains a list of state champions for more than 300 species. Trees receive a ranking based on height, crown spread and trunk girth.

At Virginia Tech, professor Eric Wiseman coordinates the Virginia Big Trees program, and maintains a list of state champions for more than 300 species. Trees receive a ranking based on height, crown spread and trunk girth.

Colleges are a large part of monitoring and adding to the tree canopy.

Bedford County Supervisors were loath to be seen as “enforcers” of a federal COVID vaccine mandate for employees at the county-owned facility. So, they tried to sell it to a

Business groups say they’re looking forward to what some say will be a warmer reception in Richmond after Republican gains in the November election. Labor leaders, meanwhile, say some of the changes would come at the expense of workers.

Feb. 13, 2010, is a red-letter day for this humble column. That was the Texas Tavern’s 80th birthday. And in a column promoting that, I disparaged the diner’s food. The reader reaction was astonishing. Half praised me to telling an uncomfortable truth they felt reluctant to utter. The other half lobbed accusations like “scurrilous liar,” and acted as if I’d hand-butchered a live cow in the middle of Church Avenue. I never thought that column would get a run for its mone...