Department of Conservation and Recreation

Media inquiries: Please contact Gary Waugh, gary.waugh@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5045.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: March 22, 2006
Contact: Bonnie Phillips, DCR Public Relations Coordinator, (804) 786-5056, bonnie.phillips@dcr.virginia.gov

Stewardship Virginia campaign kicks off April 1

RICHMOND - Stewardship Virginia, a statewide campaign to encourage and recognize voluntary activities with a tangible impact on Virginia’s natural resources, begins its fourth year April 1. The campaign features activities in the spring and fall. The spring portion of the campaign runs through May 31.

Last year, 381 projects were registered, and nearly 16,589 certificates of appreciation were awarded. Philip Morris USA, the Virginia Petroleum Council, the Virginia Poultry Federation, Dominion Virginia Power, Starbucks and the Alcoa Foundation donated to the campaign.

“We can all play a role in the stewardship of our Commonwealth’s natural and historic resources,” said Virginia Secretary of Natural Resources L. Preston Bryant Jr. “Stewardshp Virginia projects give our citizens – our friends and our neighbors – the tools, guidance and structure they often lack when trying to enhance these valuable resources.”

Citizens and groups may get help from the state’s natural resource agencies. Certificates of appreciation signed by Gov. Tim Kaine go to those who take part.

“Events will be held throughout Virginia with many opportunities for volunteerism in our parks and natural areas during Stewardship Virginia,” said Joseph H. Maroon, director of the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). “We appreciate the many Virginians who have participated to date and hope many others will join in.” DCR coordinates the campaign with help from other state natural and historical resources agencies.

Mountainview Elementary School in Alleghany County will visit Douthat State Park on April 3. Students will plant willow trees as a buffer along a shoreline, learn the importance of buffers and discuss characteristics of their watershed.

DCR and the Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF) will kick off Stewardship Virginia at the 17th Street Market in Richmond on April 6. Loblolly pine seedlings will be available for citizens to plant to start their own wildlife areas. The trees are native to Virginia and help protect larger hardwood trees when planted around them.

The Chesterfield 4-H, DCR, Starbucks and other volunteers will kick off Stewardship Virginia on April 10 at Pocahontas State Park. Volunteers will plant pine seedlings and a cover crop along an old logging road to help prevent erosion.

In Southside Virginia, students from Scottsburg Elementary School will assist natural resource staff on April 21. Students will help kick off Stewardship Virginia at Staunton River State Park by planting oak trees and other plants in wildlife habitat areas, and the students will learn about their watershed.

Stewardship Virginia promotes waterway adoption, trail improvement, the planting of riparian buffers, invasive species control, habitat improvement and landscaping for conservation. It encourages people to connect with land and water to better understand their value.

Individuals, businesses and organizations are encouraged to participate in Stewardship Virginia by registering events so that details are available to citizens who want to join in. For more information, including a registration packet, call

1-877-42-WATER; in Richmond call 786-5056. Information and a registration form are online at www.dcr.virginia.gov/stewardship.

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