Blog - Wild Virginia

Katie

May 21, 2025

Environmental Nonprofits Struggle as Federal Shake-Up Freezes Key Climate Funds

While Wild Virginia does not receive federal funding, other environmental nonprofits are navigating significant challenges amid recent federal government shifts under the Trump administration. These changes have disrupted funding streams, prompted legal battles, and forced organizational restructuring. Sierra Club joins the Wild Virginia podcast [Old Dominion Eco Buzz] to discuss their path forward and offer… Read more

Katie

May 12, 2025

How Roadkill Data Can Save Wildlife: The Power of Wildlife-Vehicle Conflict Research

Each year, millions of animals are killed on roads, and countless drivers experience dangerous—and sometimes deadly—collisions with wildlife. Virginia has one of the highest deer-vehicle collisions reported rates annually. These collisions cost the state and its citizens a lot of money each year. Virginia is consistently ranked among the top 10 states with the highest… Read more

Katie

May 5, 2025

The James River: A Sacred Artery in Native American History

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

Katie

April 25, 2025

Battling Botanical Bullies: Virginia Invasive Plants and How to Fight Back

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

Kate Rasmussen

BrianEKushner from Getty Images - Terrapin crossing the road

April 17, 2025

How Roads Threaten Wildlife in Virginia

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

David Sligh

April 12, 2025

Preventing Pipeline Harms: No New Fossil Fuel Infrastructure

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

Kate Rasmussen

April 1, 2025

Your Guide to Responsible Recreation Along the James River

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

David Sligh

March 25, 2025

The Public Wants DEQ to Stop Pollution from Fort Belvoir

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

Katie

March 19, 2025

Wild Virginia Accepting Applications for Clean Water Advocates this May

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

Katie

March 11, 2025

How to Write a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Request

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