November 17th is National Take a Hike Day, or more commonly known as National Hiking Day, and Virginia is one of the best places to celebrate it! With over 160 miles of trails dedicated to hiking in the Virginia State Park system, there are plenty of opportunities to go for a hike with various levels… Read more
Recycling is the process of repurposing waste materials so that new products can be created for consumption. It has emerged as a powerful way to make a positive impact on the environment. The process of recycling not only reduces the amount of waste that ends up in nature, such as landfills, ponds, and lakes, but… Read more
Native American Heritage Month is celebrated every November to honor the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of Native American peoples. This month provides an opportunity to learn about traditional arts and crafts such as jewelry making, rug and blanket weaving, quillwork, and beadwork. For environmentalists, this month offers a unique opportunity to deepen their understanding… Read more
On Saturday, November 9, 2024, Wild Virginia recognized volunteers who completed a nine-week course that is designed to empower and equip individuals, communities, and organizations to protect Virginia’s water quality. Twenty-four participants were chosen for this year’s program, which teaches graduates about legal and technical frameworks for water pollution control and gives them practical tools to advocate effectively…. Read more
The first of November is World Vegan Day! This is a day to celebrate veganism everywhere and raise awareness of the benefits of a vegan lifestyle. You don’t have to be vegan to celebrate; you only have to be open to the possibility of what a vegan lifestyle can bring to your life and the… Read more
It is evident from recent weather events, particularly a devastating hurricane season, that severe storms are happening more often in Virginia and around the nation. Impervious surfaces, surfaces that do not allow for water absorption into the ground, increase stormwater runoff, which can increase the spread of pollution to Virginia’s waters. Stormwater Impacts are Increasing… Read more
Driving through the scenic routes of Virginia in October and November can be a breathtaking experience with the fall foliage. However, it’s also a time to be vigilant about wildlife that may unexpectedly cross your path. Here are some animals to be on the lookout for: Deer Black Bears Wild Turkeys Foxes Raccoons Safety Tips… Read more
Through a tribal-wide vote, the Rappahannock Tribe in Virginia has become the first Tribal Nation in the U.S. to adopt a Tribal Constitution that recognizes the constitutional rights of nature. The new Rappahannock Constitution recognizes the legally enforceable rights of the Rappahannock River to “exist, flourish, regenerate, and evolve.” The Constitution also recognizes that the… Read more
Neither Anita Fontaine nor owner, Jill Fees, had any experience in the sustainability field but knew that their town needed this store. Anita has wanted to have a store for as long as she can remember, and really wanted access to the plastic-free products she was seeing online. She was thinking about starting a refillery-style… Read more
The diamondback terrapin was once so closely associated with Maryland that the state’s leading university adopted the terp as its mascot, and it holds the title of the official state reptile. In Virginia, it is illegal to collect diamondback terrapins for commercial or personal use. However, this species has encountered significant challenges, initially from overharvesting for food and… Read more