The Virginia Conservation Network released their Our Common Agenda, 2025 Environmental Briefing Book, including 170+ organizations, 99 environmental experts, 49 environmental priorities! Our Common Agenda is the most comprehensive overview of Virginia’s environmental policy landscape. Leading conservation experts provide the background for Virginia’s existing environmental policies that are in place, why the issue matters, and potential solutions. This year, Wild Virginia led and contributed to FIVE policy papers! 

Over the next few weeks we will describe each policy paper Wild Virginia co-authored and how you can use the information to join our advocacy efforts.

First up we will describe our connectivity contributions to VCN’s Our Commone Agenda: Connecting Wildlife Habitats for Resilient Communities.

Wild Virginia is working to protect and connect wildlife habitats across the state, creating safe passages for animals and reducing wildlife-vehicle collisions. By enhancing habitat connectivity, we can also improve climate resilience and support disadvantaged communities. Our efforts focus on building infrastructure that benefits both wildlife (aquatic and terrestrial!) and human communities, ensuring a healthier and safer environment for all Virginians.

Within this chapter, discover how habitat connectivity infrastructure could transform your area by exploring The VA Social Vulnerability, Flood Risk, and Connectivity Map created with Wildlands Network. Ever wonder if your area has high…

• Wildlife-vehicle conflict
• Social vulnerability (factors such as poverty, lack of access to transportation, and crowded housing that adversely affect communities that encounter hazards)
• Flooding risk 
• Biodiversity
• Or a combination of the above? 

By using the information provided in this chapter and map, you can advocate for better connectivity in your area from your local representatives. Together we can create a sustainable and safe Virginia for both wildlife and our communities.

Stay tuned this fall and winter to see how you can get involved in our advocacy efforts.