Long before it bore the name of an English king, the James River coursed through the heart of what is now Virginia, serving as a vital lifeline for Indigenous peoples. To the tribes who lived along its banks, the river was far more than a source of water and food—it was a spiritual, cultural, and… Read more
Virginia’s diverse ecosystems—stretching from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay—make it a stunning place to live, hike, and garden. But the very richness of our landscapes makes them vulnerable to one of the most persistent threats to native flora: invasive plants. These botanical bullies may seem harmless (some are even quite pretty), but… Read more
Roads have become an important part of modern life, helping people get around and connecting communities. Yet, their widespread presence comes with significant ecological costs, particularly impacting wildlife populations. Some recent studies have revealed how roads negatively affect native Virginia species like amphibians and salamanders. Amphibians are particularly susceptible to road mortality due to their… Read more
Wild Virginia helped lead statewide policy proposals by co-authoring papers in the 2025 version of the Virginia Conservation Network (VCN) publication Our Common Agenda. As explained by VCN, the Common Agenda is “the most comprehensive overview of Virginia’s environmental policy landscape. A collection of papers written by, vetted through, and voted on by VCN’s 170+ Network Partners, this briefing… Read more
The James River is a beloved natural gem in Virginia, offering beautiful views and endless opportunities for outdoor adventures. From kayaking and tubing to fishing and bird watching, there’s something for everyone. Wild Virginia encourages you to enjoy the river responsibly, protecting both yourself and its incredible ecosystem. Practicing responsible recreation is essential for maintaining… Read more
Dozens of people and several environmental groups have called on the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to prevent releases and threats to people and wildlife caused by “forever chemicals” at Fort Belvoir. Importantly, commenters are also calling on DEQ to hold a public hearing to inform the affected communities and amplify the voices of… Read more
Clean water is critical for protecting human health and the environment in local communities and across the Commonwealth. Wild Virginia’s Clean Water Advocates Program is entering its third year of empowering individuals, communities, and organizations to protect Virginia’s water resources. The application for the 2025 program will open on May 16th. This free online education program aims to equip Advocates with… Read more
Submitting a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request can be an empowering way to access important information held by government agencies. By understanding how to craft a clear and effective request, you can increase the likelihood of receiving the documents you seek. Learn how to exercise your rights via a FOIA request in the on-demand… Read more
Wild Virginia held a webinar this week to teach Virginia citizens on how to oppose permits drafted by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) that would allow releases of dangerous per- and polyfluoroalky substances (PFAS) to state waters. The organization is calling on DEQ to hold public hearings to give residents and water users… Read more
While Wild Virginia works to protect and connect our state’s wild places by improving habitat connectivity, preventing PFAS pollution, protecting water quality, and inspiring citizens to want to advocate for their natural spaces in Virginia, we started by fighting timber sales and logging projects via Virginia’s public land. This weekend, the White House Administration signed… Read more