A research team of students, faculty and alumni at George Mason University, led by Andrea Weeks, associate professor, associate chair of research, Department of Biology, helped rediscover a population of Ozark milkvetch on Short Mountain in Shenandoah County. READ MORE
Pollinators are essential to ecosystems and habitats across the globe, but they are in decline. While the causes are complex, there are simple ways you can help them at home. READ MORE
In the United States, floods are the most common type of natural disaster, and they often cause extensive damage to homes. In Virginia, floods pose a risk to residents throughout the state, even if you live outside a mapped floodplain or traditional high risk zone. Common threats include storm surges, riverine and tidal flooding, and even snowmelt. READ MORE
Unfortunately, Virginia’s native environment is threatened by invasive species of plants, animals and insects. Thankfully, the Virginia Department of Conservation’s Natural Heritage Program and the Virginia Native Plant Society have been working together to assess the potential risks that come from these non-native interlopers. READ MORE
Fire has shaped development of Virginia’s forests and wildlands for thousands of years. In fact, the existence of many natural communities is closely tied to fire. Before the arrival of humans, natural fires ignited by flashes of lightning played a major role in shaping southeastern landscapes. READ MORE
From the highlands of the Blue Ridge to the windswept coast of the Atlantic Ocean, Virginia offers a bounty of opportunities for birders. The state is frequented by approximately 400 different bird species over the course of a year, including everything from raptors to warblers to shorebirds. READ MORE