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
Chevron doctrine has played a critical role in how the Endangered Species Act (ESA) is interpreted and enforced, particularly concerning the incidental take and critical habitat provisions. Incidental take refers to unintentional harm or harassment of endangered species, while critical habitat designates specific geographic areas essential for the conservation of a species. Under the Chevron… Read more
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… Read more
Fillagreen is an eco-friendly store located in Manassas, Virginia. It specializes in providing sustainable and environmentally conscious products to the community. The store offers a variety of items, including reusable household goods, zero-waste personal care products, and natural cleaning supplies. Fillagreen aims to reduce the environmental footprint by encouraging customers to adopt more sustainable lifestyles…. Read more
Mussels are an intriguing and valuable part of Virginia’s aquatic ecosystem. Found in both freshwater and marine environments, these bivalve mollusks play a crucial role in maintaining water quality and supporting biodiversity. Hear from Alissa Ganser, an expert on freshwater mussels and learn about the fascinating life cycles of these valuable species, who can live… Read more
Bulk food stores play a significant role in helping the environment through several impactful practices. We chat with the Trace – The Zero Waste Store on the Wild Virginia Old Dominion Eco Buzz podcast. They are Fairfax County’s only zero waste and bulk refill store. Here are a few key ways they contribute: Through these practices, bulk food… Read more