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


March 7, 2025

Polluted Stormwater from Fort Belvoir is Flowing to the Potomac River

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


February 25, 2025

Toxic PFAS in Nonstick Cookware: How to Choose Safer Options

Nonstick cookware has long been a kitchen staple, making cooking and cleanup easier. However, many nonstick pans contain harmful chemicals known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), which have been linked to health risks including cancer and hormonal disruptions, as well as environmental contamination. If you’re looking to make safer choices in the kitchen, here’s… Read more


plastic bottles
February 18, 2025

Exploring ‘The Story of Plastic’: Film Screening Recap

On Saturday, February 8th, Keep Norfolk Beautiful and Norfolk Environmental Commission co-hosted an event that included free screening of the 2019 documentary film,” The Story of Plastic” at the Naro Theater in Norfolk. The event included presentations and information from a panel comprised of speakers from the Sierra Club, Clean Virginia Waterways, and Old Dominion… Read more


February 8, 2025

Wildlife Species that Come Alive at Night in Virginia

Virginia’s diverse ecosystems provide a thriving habitat for a variety of nocturnal wildlife. As the sun sets, a new world of activity emerges in the forests, wetlands, and fields. Wild Virginia welcomed Leigh Ann Henion, author of Night Magic: Adventures Among Glowworms, Moon Gardens, and Other Marvels of the Dark, to share stories about the… Read more


January 28, 2025

PFAS in Sewage Sludge and the Health Risks They Pose

Sewage sludge contains per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are a class of chemicals that are toxic and persistent in the environment. PFAS are often called “forever chemicals”.  David Sligh, Conservation Director and water issue expert joins the podcast to discuss this issue and its implications. How PFAS get into sewage sludge How PFAS in sewage… Read more


January 15, 2025

Climate Adaptive Wildlife Crossings

Wildlife crossings are becoming more widely recognized for reducing wildlife-vehicle conflicts, habitat connectivity, and contributing toward driver safety. Even more notable is their role in supporting biodiversity during times of climate change. A recent paper on the impact of wildlife crossings for climate adaptation highlights how strategically designed wildlife crossings can help wildlife adapt to… Read more


January 6, 2025

The Environmental Impact and Water Issues of Cruise Ship Gambling

Cruise ships are often seen as luxurious floating resorts, offering a wide range of entertainment, including casinos. While these onboard casinos provide leisure and excitement to passengers, they also contribute to significant environmental issues. Josh Stanfield, Executive Director of Activate Virginia and a recent graduate of our Clean Water Advocates Program, joins our podcast to… Read more


January 2, 2025

Climate Change and Impacts on Freshwater Systems

Wild Virginia recently hosted Paul Angermeier, an expert in his field, for a webinar on climate change and impacts on freshwater systems. This lively discussion revolved around Paul Angermeier’s research on ecology and conservation of stream fishes, ecosystem services provided by watersheds, and the use of biotic communities to assess aquatic ecosystem health. With decades of experience… Read more