
Department of Conservation and Recreation

By Guest AuthorPosted June 22, 2021
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 MOREBy Julie BuchananPosted April 29, 2021
2021 is the International Year of Caves and Karst, and Virginia is joining the celebration with a free virtual program on Saturday, May 8. READ MOREBy Janel FullerPosted April 05, 2021
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 MOREBy Julie BuchananPosted March 19, 2021
The barking treefrog and oak toad are two species tracked by the Virginia Natural Heritage Program. READ MOREBy Julie BuchananPosted October 26, 2020
Bat Week falls around Halloween, but bats are not to be feared. The 1,400 species of bat around the world provide a wealth of ecosystem services. READ MOREBy Julie BuchananPosted April 21, 2020
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 MOREBy Guest AuthorPosted April 15, 2020
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 MOREBy Guest AuthorPosted February 12, 2020
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