In the quiet of a national park, the distant call of a bird, the soft rustle of wind through leaves, or the brilliance of a starlit sky can be just as powerful as the vistas. But those experiences—so central to our natural heritage—could be at risk. The U.S. Natural Sounds and Night Skies Division (NSNSD),… Read more
You may have seen the exciting news over the last month or so — Virginia’s final state budget includes $450,000 in funding for wildlife crossings! This is a major step forward in protecting both wildlife and people on our roads. Thanks to the leadership of Senator David Marsden and the tireless advocacy of many partners… Read more
The month of June is Pollinator Month with a special focus on Pollinator Week being from June 16–22. June is the beginning of summer when flowers bloom and crops grow. Pollinator Week is a time to think about and celebrate pollinators that play a vital role in our ecosystems and food supply for both humans and… Read more
Wild Virginia is taking several actions to insist that government officials properly use their authorities to identify sources of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and prevent their release to the environment. These include: The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Must Act Now PFAS, commonly called “forever chemicals,” are a group of dangerous substances connected to… Read more
Urban forests are more than just patches of green in a sea of concrete—they are essential lifelines for healthy, sustainable cities. As urban populations swell and land use shifts toward development, the decline of natural green spaces has become a pressing concern. Restoring urban forests is not just an environmental imperative; it’s a critical step… Read more
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
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
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