Department of Conservation and Recreation
Conserve. Protect. Enjoy.
Department of Conservation and Recreation
results in following insights.
A recent donation from The Nature Conservancy expands the Pinnacle Natural Area Preserve, supporting the globally significant Clinch River. READ MORE
The Virginia Natural Heritage Program has contributed to a project led by NatureServe to develop a Map of Biodiversity Importance that offers an unprecedented, high-resolution view of where to protect the most imperiled plants and animals. We spoke with Anne Chazal, chief biologist at the Virginia Natural Heritage Program and a co-author of the study. READ MORE
The Northern Virginia Conservation Trust partnered with the Virginia DCRÂ and Stafford County for our Annual Great Blue Heron Nest Count on the Crow's Nest Natural Area Preserve Heron Rookery. Learn why it matters to do this count in this article. READ MORE
Tom Smith, retiring from DCR after 31 years, reflects on leading Virginia's Natural Heritage Program. 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
Here are some of the benefits of Virginia native plants, plus resources for identifying, buying and planting native species. READ MORE
You can make a difference for Virginia's natural areas by contributing a portion of your state tax refund to the Open Space Recreation and Conservation Fund. The fund is used to acquire natural areas for conservation and to develop recreational facilities for public outdoor recreation. READ MORE
Located between Wise and Dickenson counties is where 17 miles of varied landscape nestles the Pound River. On July 1, 2020, 17 miles of the Pound River was designated as a Virginia Scenic River. READ MORE
Earth Day 2020 will be different. Even though public gatherings are off the table, that doesn't mean we can't take meaningful action. In fact, the 50th anniversary of the first Earth Day on April 22 presents opportunities to do more than we've ever done before, right at home. 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
