Natural Area Inventory

DCR's natural heritage inventory is the most comprehensive, statewide inventory documenting the location and conservation status of rare plant and animal species, unique geological features and outstanding native ecosystems. This ongoing inventory is led by a team of ecologists, botanists, karst scientists, and zoologists who assess the status and condition of these natural heritage resources, and prioritize their conservation needs. Field inventories focus on globally rare species, karst features and caves, and natural communities. These data provide the basis for analysis and data products used to set land and biodiversity conservation priorities in Virginia. All work on private land is conducted with the permission of the landowner.

Natural Heritage scientists collect information on approximately 436 natural community types, 377 significant caves, 189 vertebrates, 619 invertebrates, and 728 plants representing approximately 28% of the state's vertebrate species and 19% of the state's plants.

Over 2200 conservation sites, containing more than 6970 rare species populations, significant caves and natural communities have been found to date.

In addition to inventories for specific plants, animals and communities, inventories are conducted to assist private and public land managers. Inventories have included:

all National Park Service lands, the Appalachian Trail, all major Department of Defense facilities, selected National Forest lands, many State Park lands, and others.

The lead role in a multi-state, coastal migratory songbird study, which served as a model for follow-up projects in the northeast and gulf coast. The work led to the development of sound conservation measures for migratory songbirds on Virginia's eastern shore.

Click to see the staff of the Natural Heritage Inventory section.