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
Wilderness Week is a designated period, often organized by environmental groups, schools, or community organizations, dedicated to celebrating and raising awareness about the importance of natural environments. During this week, participants engage in various activities aimed at promoting conservation, education, and appreciation of nature. These activities can include guided hikes, camping trips, wildlife observation, clean-up… Read more
Wild Virginia announced that it has selected participants for its Fall 2024 class of Clean Water Advocates. This free online environmental education initiative empowers and equips individuals, communities, and organizations to protect Virginia’s water quality. Wild Virginia launched a successful pilot version of the program last year and saw more than 40 applications to the program… Read more
Fill Happy VA is just that. You’re happy about the product. Happy about your carbon footprint. And very happy meeting the owner, Jana. She joins the Wild Virginia podcast to talk about her store and composting. Growing up in a rural area has deeply ingrained a love for nature in Jana’s heart. Witnessing her 2-year-old… Read more
Global warming and climate justice are intricately linked, and understanding their intersection is crucial for addressing both effectively. Global Warming Global warming refers to the long-term increase in Earth’s average surface temperature due to human activities, primarily the burning of fossil fuels which increases levels of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere…. Read more