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# Wild Virginia

Protecting and connecting Virginia's wild lands and waters. Join us!

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://wildvirginia.org/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Blog](https://wildvirginia.org/blog/)
- [Observance of National Pollinator Month in June](https://wildvirginia.org/observance-of-national-pollinator-month-in-june/) - National Pollinator Month is observed every June. It is a month devoted to celebrating our pollinators such as butterflies, bees, birds, and other species that maintain our ecosystems. All pollinators have faced declines because of habitat loss, disease, pesticide and herbicide use. This month is dedicated to raising awareness about pollinators, restoring their habitats, and
- [Out in the Field: Inclusivity in Wildlife Biology](https://wildvirginia.org/out-in-the-field-inclusivity-in-wildlife-biology/) - Andrew Tri, PhD, CWB, joined Wild Virginia last week to celebrate Pride Month with a webinar on The Wildlife Society’s Out in the Field Initiative. Tri serves as both the Bear Project Leader for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and as an organizer for the Initiative, which works to build a network of support
- [The Roadside Rescue of Two Bobcat Kittens Highlights a Larger Challenge for Virginia Wildlife](https://wildvirginia.org/the-roadside-rescue-of-two-bobcat-kittens-highlights-a-larger-challenge-for-virginia-wildlife/) - Two bobcat kittens were recently found sitting beside their mother on a roadside in Russell County. Their mother had been struck and killed by a vehicle. The kittens were fortunate. They were rescued and taken to the Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center, where they are now receiving the care they will need before they can eventually
- [A New Tool for Accessing DEQ Records](https://wildvirginia.org/a-new-tool-for-accessing-deq-records/) - Wild Virginia has prompted a significant improvement in public access to records from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). On May 12th, Water Quality Program Director, David Sligh recommended that DEQ create a database containing Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests that have been made to the agency and to make available the documents
- [Protecting Clean Water Starts with Informed Voices](https://wildvirginia.org/protecting-clean-water-starts-with-informed-voices/) - Applications Open May 15 for Wild Virginia’s Clean Water Advocates Program Clean water is a human right, but the decisions that shape what ends up in our rivers and what flows through our communities are often complex, and not everyone who wants to advocate has the knowledge or skills to influence the outcome. Wild Virginia’s
- [Wild Virginia Supports Launch of New Virginia Safe Wildlife Corridors Collaborative Website](https://wildvirginia.org/wild-virginia-supports-launch-of-new-virginia-safe-wildlife-corridors-collaborative-website/) - Wild Virginia is proud to share the launch of the redesigned Virginia Safe Wildlife Corridors Collaborative (VSWCC) website, designed to connect partners and highlight projects and programs, with a stronger focus on making key data easier to access and use. Through VSWCC, organizations across transportation, public safety, and wildlife conservation are working together to reduce
- [Groups Ask D.C. Circuit to Set Aside FERC Certificate for MVP Southgate Gas Pipeline](https://wildvirginia.org/groups-ask-d-c-circuit-to-set-aside-ferc-certificate-for-mvp-southgate-gas-pipeline/) - Today, seven conservation and community groups filed a court challenge to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC) authorization for Mountain Valley Pipeline, LLC, to construct the MVP Southgate gas pipeline. The petition for review, filed by the Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC), Appalachian Mountain Advocates, and Sierra Club in the United States Court of Appeals
- [Environmental Groups File Challenge to Controversial SSEP Pipeline](https://wildvirginia.org/environmental-groups-file-challenge-to-controversial-ssep-pipeline/) - Today, several environmental groups filed a lawsuit challenging the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Clean Water Act permit for the controversial Southeast Supply Enhancement Project, or SSEP pipeline.In response, the Sierra Club, Wild Virginia, 7 Directions of Service, Haw River Assembly, and Appalachian Voices released the following statements: “SSEP would trench across streams and wetlands,
- [Virginia Governor Signs Pipeline Safety Bill Into Law](https://wildvirginia.org/virginia-governor-signs-pipeline-safety-bill-into-law/) - Richmond, VA – (Wednesday, April 8, 2026) – Governor Spanberger has signed HB1073, a bill that strengthens leak detection and repair standards for certain intrastate natural gas pipelines across Virginia. Introduced by Delegate Sam Rasoul and supported by Wild Virginia and partners across the Commonwealth, HB1073 requires the State Corporation Commission to establish regulations that
- [5 Ways to Start Something New This Earth Day](https://wildvirginia.org/5-ways-to-start-something-new-this-earth-day/) - Earth Day started in 1970 as a call to pay attention to what is happening around us and to take responsibility for the places we call home. More than 50 years later, that idea still holds up. It is not about doing everything at once. It is about choosing to start somewhere. If you are
- [Virginia Governor Signs First Wildlife Corridor Funding Bill Into Law](https://wildvirginia.org/virginia-governor-signs-first-wildlife-corridor-funding-bill-into-law/) - Richmond, VA – (Tuesday, April 14, 2026) - Virginia Governor Spanberger has just signed HB597, a bipartisan bill that will promote safer roadways for both motorists and wildlife. “HB597: the creation of the Wildlife Corridor Grant Fund will help reduce the $533 million Virginians currently shoulder in costs annually associated with wildlife-vehicle collisions, said Trapper
- [You Did It! Two Conservation Bills Pass the Virginia General Assembly](https://wildvirginia.org/you-did-it-two-conservation-bills-pass-the-virginia-general-assembly/) - Thanks to the voices of Wild Virginia supporters and partners across the Commonwealth, two important conservation bills have passed the Virginia General Assembly. HB 597 and HB 1073 represent significant progress for both wildlife protection and public safety. These bills will help improve habitat connectivity, reduce wildlife vehicle collisions, and strengthen oversight of natural gas
- [World Water Day: Protecting Freshwater in a Time of Scarcity](https://wildvirginia.org/world-water-day-protecting-freshwater-in-a-time-of-scarcity/) - Each year on March 22, the United Nations recognizes World Water Day, a global observance focused on the importance of freshwater and the need to protect it. The day traces back to the UN’s Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species and broader global efforts to safeguard natural resources. World Water Day is intended to
- [Virginia Takes Action to Protect Wildlife and Drivers with HB 597](https://wildvirginia.org/virginia-takes-action-to-protect-wildlife-and-drivers-with-hb-597/) - Every year in Virginia, thousands of drivers collide with wildlife. These crashes cause serious injuries and deaths, and cost millions in property damage and emergency response. Virginia ranks among the top ten states for wildlife-vehicle collisions, yet proven solutions exist. Properly designed wildlife crossings can reduce collisions by up to 96%, protecting both drivers and
- [HB 597 Passes House Appropriations Committees, Advancing Wildlife Crossings in Virginia](https://wildvirginia.org/hb-597-passes-house-appropriations-committees-advancing-wildlife-crossings-in-virginia/) - Virginia has taken an important step towards safer roads. The Virginia House Appropriations Subcommittee: Commerce, Agriculture & Natural Resources and full House Appropriations Committee passed HB 597, legislation that creates the Wildlife Corridor Grant Fund to support wildlife crossings and corridor infrastructure across the Commonwealth. Next the bill will go before the full House of
- [Environmental Groups Sue Over "Forever Chemicals" at Fort Belvoir](https://wildvirginia.org/environmental-groups-sue-over-forever-chemicals-at-fort-belvoir/) - Virginia organizations fight to protect the Potomac River from PFAS contamination Wild Virginia and Potomac Riverkeeper Network filed a lawsuit this week challenging a state water pollution permit that they say fails to protect public health and wildlife from dangerous "forever chemicals" at Fort Belvoir, one of the Army's largest installations. The Problem: PFAS Without
- [Breathing Easy? The Truth About Air Pollution in Virginia](https://wildvirginia.org/breathing-easy-the-truth-about-air-pollution-in-virginia/) - Air pollution might not always be visible, but it affects every breath we take — and it’s a serious issue in Virginia. From busy highways to power plants, air quality across the Commonwealth is shaped by a mix of natural and human-made sources. And while progress has been made over the years, pollution still poses
- [Rewilding, Wildlife Crossings, and Conservation Planning](https://wildvirginia.org/rewilding-wildlife-crossings-and-conservation-planning/) - Join renowned conservation biologist Dr. Reed Noss—a leading voice in rewilding, conservation planning, and ecology—for a special interview hosted by Wild Virginia, an organization dedicated to protecting and connecting Virginia’s wild lands and waters. Dr. Reed F. Noss is one of the most influential voices in modern conservation. Born in 1952, Noss has dedicated more
- [Sustainable Holiday Gift Giving: Thoughtful, Local, and Wildly Generous](https://wildvirginia.org/sustainable-holiday-gift-giving-thoughtful-local-and-wildly-generous/) - As the holiday season approaches, many of us seek gifts that convey care—not just for family and friends, but also for our planet. Choosing sustainable gifts supports meaningful values like environmental stewardship, small businesses, and mindful consumption. Here’s your guide to giving with intention, featuring local favorites offering exclusive discounts through Wild Virginia membership. Why
- [Why Dam Removal is Necessary in Virginia](https://wildvirginia.org/why-dam-removal-is-necessary-in-virginia/) - Dam removal can significantly benefit the environment by restoring natural river flows, improving water quality, and enhancing aquatic habitats. Removing dams allows fish to migrate freely for spawning and feeding, and it can also reduce the negative impacts of stagnant water, like excessive algae growth. In Virginia, at least 46 dam removals have been documented through 2021; recent
- [Why You Should Join Wild Virginia: A Love Letter to the Wild](https://wildvirginia.org/why-you-should-join-wild-virginia-a-love-letter-to-the-wild/) - Imagine standing at the edge of a cold, clear mountain stream, the kind that tumbles over mossy rocks and cuts through ancient forest. You hear nothing but the sound of water and wind, maybe the rustle of a deer in the underbrush. This is Virginia’s wild heart — and it needs people like you. Becoming
- [Hidden Hazards: Household Items That Harm Wildlife](https://wildvirginia.org/hidden-hazards-household-items-that-harm-wildlife/) - Many everyday household items seem harmless — until they end up in nature. Whether tossed in the trash, washed down the drain, or left outside, certain products can seriously harm wildlife in Virginia and beyond. Being aware of these items is the first step to protecting the animals we share our environment with. Plastic waste
- [Winter Adventures: Outdoor Activities in Virginia’s Cold Season](https://wildvirginia.org/winter-adventures-outdoor-activities-in-virginias-cold-season/) - Don’t let chilly temperatures keep you indoors — winter in Virginia is full of outdoor adventure. From snow-dusted mountains to quiet coastal trails, the colder months offer a fresh and peaceful way to experience the outdoors. Hiking doesn’t stop when the leaves fall. In fact, many trails become more scenic in winter, offering long-range views
- [Virginia’s Cutest Critters: Small Wildlife That Will Steal Your Heart](https://wildvirginia.org/virginias-cutest-critters-small-wildlife-that-will-steal-your-heart/) - Virginia is home to an incredible array of wildlife, from soaring eagles to elusive black bears. But some of the most charming creatures are the smallest ones — the ones that make you say “aww” without even trying. Here are a few of the cutest critters you might spot in the Old Dominion. Eastern Cottontail
- [A Troubled Past: Pesticide Pollution and the James River](https://wildvirginia.org/a-troubled-past-pesticide-pollution-and-the-james-river/) - The James River, one of Virginia’s most iconic waterways, has a rich history — but also a troubled one when it comes to pesticide pollution. Flowing more than 340 miles from the Appalachian Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay, the river has long been vital to Virginia’s economy, ecology, and culture. Unfortunately, it also became a
- [Preventing Burnout as an Environmental Activist](https://wildvirginia.org/preventing-burnout-as-an-environmental-activist/) - Fighting for the planet can be deeply fulfilling — and deeply exhausting. Whether you're advocating for clean water, organizing communities, or battling bureaucracy, the emotional and physical toll of environmental activism is real. Burnout is common, but it doesn't have to be inevitable. Taking care of yourself is just as vital as protecting the earth.
- [Watch for Wildlife: Virginia Animals on the Move This Fall](https://wildvirginia.org/watch-for-wildlife-virginia-animals-on-the-move-this-fall/) - As summer fades and the crisp air of fall settles in, Virginia’s wildlife gets busy — and that means more animals are crossing roads. Whether you’re commuting to work or heading out to enjoy fall foliage, it’s important to stay alert behind the wheel. Fall is a peak season for wildlife-vehicle collisions in Virginia, and
- [Wildlife Crossings: A Win for Animals and Drivers in Virginia](https://wildvirginia.org/wildlife-crossings-a-win-for-animals-and-drivers-in-virginia/) - Wildlife crossings improve connectivity and reduce dangerous and costly wildlife-vehicle collisions. Every year, thousands of animals are killed on Virginia’s roads, and countless vehicle accidents result from wildlife collisions. Deer, black bears, turtles, and other species face increasing danger as highways cut through their habitats.That’s why the recent decision to allocate $450,000 in state funding for
- [Climate Change in the Commonwealth: Virginia’s Coastal Resilience Crisis](https://wildvirginia.org/climate-change-in-the-commonwealth-virginias-coastal-resilience-crisis/) - Virginia’s coast is experiencing the fastest rate of sea level rise on the East Coast. Nowhere is this more evident than in Hampton Roads, where frequent flooding, saltwater intrusion, and infrastructure vulnerability have become part of daily life. Virginia's coastal areas face a growing crisis due to climate change, primarily driven by sea-level rise and
- [The Fight to Stop the Mountain Valley Pipeline](https://wildvirginia.org/the-fight-to-stop-the-mountain-valley-pipeline/) - The Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP) is a 303-mile natural gas pipeline stretching from West Virginia to Virginia. The company also proposes to construct and operate the Southgate Project, which includes 73.7 miles of underground natural gas transmission pipeline and associated aboveground facilities in Virginia and North Carolina. It's designed to transport natural gas from the Marcellus and
- [Why Clean Rivers Mean Healthy Communities: Protecting the James River](https://wildvirginia.org/why-clean-rivers-mean-healthy-communities-protecting-the-james-river/) - The James River, once one of the most polluted rivers in the United States, has become a symbol of environmental recovery. Stretching over 340 miles, it runs through the heart of Virginia, touching the lives of millions and supporting diverse ecosystems. The James River offers a variety of outdoor activities, including kayaking, canoeing, tubing, and rafting,
- [A Wild Comeback: Virginia Sneezeweed’s Journey from the Brink](https://wildvirginia.org/a-wild-comeback-virginia-sneezeweeds-journey-from-the-brink/) - The Virginia sneezeweed was first discovered in 1936. After decades of conservation work, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing to remove the Virginia sneezeweed from the federal list of Endangered and Threatened Plants — a milestone in the recovery of this once-imperiled species. The Virginia sneezeweed, a perennial herb with bright yellow blooms,
- [How Environmentalists Use GIS](https://wildvirginia.org/how-environmentalists-use-gis/) - Environmentalists use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) as a powerful tool to analyze, visualize, and manage spatial and environmental data. Environmental Applications of GIS 1. Habitat and Biodiversity Conservation Mapping habitats for endangered species to identify critical zones for protection. Tracking species migration patterns and habitat changes over time. Creating corridors for wildlife movement and reducing
- [Why Dirt, Bugs, and Sunshine Are Exactly What Kids Need](https://wildvirginia.org/why-dirt-bugs-and-sunshine-are-exactly-what-kids-need/) - In today’s world of screens, busy schedules, and urban sprawl, many children are growing up without regular access to nature. But getting kids into nature isn’t just a fun way to spend a Saturday—it’s essential for their physical, emotional, and mental development. We're joined by Jessie Purtell from Trail Kids RVA, an organization that is
- [What Wild Virginia Does to Protect the Wild Places You Love](https://wildvirginia.org/what-wild-virginia-does-to-protect-the-wild-places-you-love/) - In the heart of Virginia’s forests, rivers, and mountains, a quiet but powerful force is at work—Wild Virginia: we're a nonprofit organization devoted to protecting and connecting wild lands and waters through advocacy, education, and citizen engagement. If you cherish clean water, thriving wildlife, and unspoiled landscapes, now is the time to support the work
- [Water, Wildlife, and the Powhatan Algonquian Tribal Nations](https://wildvirginia.org/water-wildlife-and-the-powhatan-algonquian-tribal-nations/) - The Chickahominy Indian Tribe is a federally recognized tribe based in eastern Virginia. The people have lived in the region for centuries, primarily along the Chickahominy River. Historically, they were farmers, hunters, and fishers, and they played a significant role during early English colonization, including interactions with the Jamestown settlers. Today, the tribe is centered
- [Habitat Connectivity for the Spineless: Fragmentation Hurts Invertebrates Too](https://wildvirginia.org/habitat-connectivity-for-the-spineless-fragmentation-hurts-invertebrates-too/) - When we talk about habitat connectivity and wildlife corridors, the spotlight often falls on large, charismatic animals like bears, deer, or bobcats. But what about the countless small, spineless creatures that keep ecosystems functioning? Invertebrates—such as insects, spiders, worms, and crustaceans—make up the majority of Earth’s species and are the unsung heroes of pollination, decomposition,
- [Why the Hike is About the Experience and Not the Vista at the End](https://wildvirginia.org/why-the-hike-is-about-the-experience-and-not-the-vista-at-the-end/) - Hiking is often romanticized as a journey to a breathtaking vista, a majestic waterfall, or some iconic natural landmark—but for many, the true value of hiking lies in the experience itself, not just the destination. Virginia Outdoor Adventures Podcast is the ultimate guide for local outdoor recreation, including hiking, camping, kayaking, and so much more.
- [The Fight for America's Public Lands](https://wildvirginia.org/the-fight-for-americas-public-lands/) - America’s public lands are more than scenic backdrops for vacation photos—they are sacred spaces, critical ecosystems, and shared treasures that belong to all of us. But right now, these lands are under constant threat from short-sighted policies, corporate interests, and environmental neglect. The fight to protect them isn’t just about wilderness. It’s about clean water,
- [Quieted and Dimmed: What’s at Stake if the Natural Sounds and Night Skies Division Is Cut](https://wildvirginia.org/quieted-and-dimmed-whats-at-stake-if-the-natural-sounds-and-night-skies-division-is-cut/) - 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),
- [What the $450,000 Virginia State Funding for Wildlife Crossings Will Do](https://wildvirginia.org/what-the-450000-virginia-state-funding-for-wildlife-crossings-will-do/) - 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
- [June is Pollinator Month: How We Can Help](https://wildvirginia.org/june-is-pollinator-month-how-we-can-help/) - 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
- [Honor Tribal Sovereignty in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed](https://wildvirginia.org/honor-tribal-sovereignty-in-the-chesapeake-bay-watershed/) - The Chesapeake Bay Program is currently revising the next version of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement. Yet despite the fact that Tribal Nations have stewarded these lands and waters for thousands of years, the current agreement includes zero signatories representing Tribal Nations. The program’s goals also lack the incorporation of Indigenous Knowledge and fail to
- [Toxic Threat: Wild Virginia Steps Up Push for PFAS Regulation](https://wildvirginia.org/toxic-threat-wild-virginia-steps-up-push-for-pfas-regulation/) - 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: Advocating that Virginia acknowledge serious PFAS contamination in the Chickahominy River watershed and begin the regulatory process to inform and protect the
- [Restoring Urban Forests: Reclaiming Green Spaces in Our Cities](https://wildvirginia.org/restoring-urban-forests-reclaiming-green-spaces-in-our-cities/) - 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
- [Environmental Nonprofits Struggle as Federal Shake-Up Freezes Key Climate Funds](https://wildvirginia.org/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
- [How Roadkill Data Can Save Wildlife: The Power of Wildlife-Vehicle Conflict Research](https://wildvirginia.org/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
- [The James River: A Sacred Artery in Native American History](https://wildvirginia.org/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
- [Battling Botanical Bullies: Virginia Invasive Plants and How to Fight Back](https://wildvirginia.org/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
- [How Roads Threaten Wildlife in Virginia](https://wildvirginia.org/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
- [Preventing Pipeline Harms: No New Fossil Fuel Infrastructure](https://wildvirginia.org/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
- [Your Guide to Responsible Recreation Along the James River](https://wildvirginia.org/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
- [The Public Wants DEQ to Stop Pollution from Fort Belvoir](https://wildvirginia.org/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
- [Wild Virginia Accepting Applications for Clean Water Advocates this May](https://wildvirginia.org/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
- [How to Write a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Request](https://wildvirginia.org/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
- [Polluted Stormwater from Fort Belvoir is Flowing to the Potomac River](https://wildvirginia.org/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
- [Trump Signs EO to Log Forests; Could Hurt Endangered Species and Increase Wildfires](https://wildvirginia.org/trump-signs-eo-to-log-forests-could-hurt-endangered-species-and-increase-wildfires/) - While Wild Virginia works to protect and connect our state’s wild places by improving habitat connectivity, preventing PFAS pollution, protecting water quality, and inspiring citizens to want to advocate for their natural spaces in Virginia, we started by fighting timber sales and logging projects via Virginia’s public land. This weekend, the White House Administration signed
- [Toxic PFAS in Nonstick Cookware: How to Choose Safer Options](https://wildvirginia.org/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
- [Wild Virginia Announces Selections for Fall 2024 Class of Clean Water Advocates](https://wildvirginia.org/wild-virginia-announces-selections-for-fall-2024-class-of-clean-water-advocates/) - 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
- [National Wilderness Week in Washington DC](https://wildvirginia.org/national-wilderness-week-in-washington-dc/) - 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
- [How Bulk Food Stores Help the Environment](https://wildvirginia.org/how-bulk-food-stores-help-the-environment/) - 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: Reduction of Packaging Waste:Bulk food
- [The Presence of Mussels Showcase a Healthy Ecosystem](https://wildvirginia.org/the-presence-of-mussels-showcase-a-healthy-ecosystem/) - 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
- [This Refill Store is Cheaper than Instacart! (and More Sustainable, too)](https://wildvirginia.org/this-refill-store-is-cheaper-than-instacart-and-more-sustainable-too/) - 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.
- [2025 Conservation Legislative Goals: Connecting Wildlife Habitats for Resilient Communities](https://wildvirginia.org/2025-conservation-legislative-goals-connecting-wildlife-habitats-for-resilient-communities/) - 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
- [Federal Agency Decisions and the Demise of the Chevron Doctrine ](https://wildvirginia.org/federal-agency-decisions-and-the-demise-of-the-chevron-doctrine/) - 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
- [Push to Protect Diamondback Terrapin as Endangered Species](https://wildvirginia.org/push-to-protect-diamondback-terrapin-as-endangered-species/) - 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
- [Rappahannock Tribal Constitution Recognizes the Rights of the Rappahannock River](https://wildvirginia.org/rappahannock-tribal-constitution-recognizes-the-rights-of-the-rappahannock-river/) - 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
- [Virginia Wildlife to Watch for While Driving this Fall](https://wildvirginia.org/virginia-wildlife-to-watch-for-while-driving-this-fall/) - 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 Peak Activity: October is the start of deer
- [Wild Virginia Graduated 24 Participants for the 2024 Clean Water Advocates Program](https://wildvirginia.org/wild-virginia-graduated-24-participants-for-the-2024-clean-water-advocates-program/) - On Saturday, November 9, 2024, Wild Virginia recognized volunteers who completed a nine-week course that is designed to empower and equip individuals, communities, and organizations to protect Virginia's water quality. Twenty-four participants were chosen for this year's program, which teaches graduates about legal and technical frameworks for water pollution control and gives them practical tools to advocate effectively.
- [National Day of Mourning and the Landback Initiative](https://wildvirginia.org/national-day-of-mourning-and-the-landback-initiative/) - The National Day of Mourning is an annual event observed in the United States on Thanksgiving Day. It serves as a time for reflection and remembrance of the historical and ongoing injustices faced by Native American communities. The National Day of Mourning is significant because it challenges the dominant narrative of Thanksgiving and highlights the
- [Creating Aquatic Crossings Beneficial for Wildlife](https://wildvirginia.org/creating-aquatic-crossings-beneficial-for-wildlife/) - Aquatic crossings, like culverts, play a crucial role in maintaining ecological connectivity and facilitating wildlife movement across landscapes fragmented by human infrastructure. Designing these crossings to be wildlife-friendly can significantly enhance biodiversity and support ecosystem health. Below are key considerations and strategies for creating effective aquatic crossings. What is the guidance for creating aquatic crossings?
- [Sustainable Holiday Gifts: Thoughtful Choices for a Greener Season](https://wildvirginia.org/sustainable-holiday-gifts-thoughtful-choices-for-a-greener-season/) - As the holiday season approaches, many of us are in search of the perfect gifts for our loved ones. However, with growing awareness of environmental issues, more people are considering the impact of their gift-giving choices. This year, why not embrace sustainability and give gifts that are thoughtful, meaningful, and kind to our planet? Here's
- [PFAS in Sewage Sludge and the Health Risks They Pose](https://wildvirginia.org/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 Wastewater from households and
- [Wildlife Species that Come Alive at Night in Virginia](https://wildvirginia.org/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
- [D.C. Circuit Hears Arguments on FERC’s MVP Southgate Pipeline](https://wildvirginia.org/d-c-circuit-hears-arguments-on-fercs-mvp-southgate-pipeline/) - Today, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit heard an oral argument challenging the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC) decision to extend the construction deadline for the Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP) Southgate project through Virginia and North Carolina. Environmental petitioners contend that FERC’s decision disregarded the pipeline developer’s admission that it actually intends
- [Exploring 'The Story of Plastic': Film Screening Recap](https://wildvirginia.org/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
- [The James River Chronicles: Exploring the Past and Present of Virginia's Iconic Waterway](https://wildvirginia.org/the-james-river-chronicles-exploring-the-past-and-present-of-virginias-iconic-waterway/) - The James River, a river in Virginia that begins in the Appalachian Mountains and flows from the confluence of the Cowpasture and Jackson Rivers, meanders through the heart of Virginia for approximately 348 miles before emptying into the Chesapeake Bay. Its origins trace back to the Appalachian Mountains, specifically in the Allegheny Mountains, where the
- [The Importance of Aquatic Wildlife Crossings](https://wildvirginia.org/terrestial-crossing-effects-on-aquatic-species/) - An aquatic wildlife crossing is a structure that allows aquatic organisms, such as fish, turtles, or amphibians, to pass through a barrier like a road or a dam. An aquatic wildlife crossing is a human-made structure that allows aquatic animals to safely cross under a road along a stream corridor and are designed to help animals
- [Climate Adaptive Wildlife Crossings](https://wildvirginia.org/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
- [The Environmental Impact and Water Issues of Cruise Ship Gambling](https://wildvirginia.org/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
- [Climate Change and Impacts on Freshwater Systems](https://wildvirginia.org/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
- [Why Road Widening is Not the Infrastructure Improvement We Need](https://wildvirginia.org/why-road-widening-is-not-the-infrastructure-improvement-we-need/) - Are highway widening projects really infrastructure improvements? State transportation agencies would want you to believe the answer is yes, but a closer look at the effects of road widenings and how these agencies defend them point to a different answer. The Freeway Fighters Network is an advocacy group committed to transportation infrastructure that focuses of the improvement
- [The Environmental Impacts of International Volunteer Day](https://wildvirginia.org/the-environmental-impacts-of-international-volunteer-day/) - Happy International Volunteer Day! December 5th is a day to celebrate the contributions of volunteers all over the world since 1985, when the UN designated this day to appreciate the impact of volunteerism in advancing peace and development. This day also highlights the transformative power of volunteering in addressing global challenges such climate change. The
- [Embracing Buy Nothing Day: A Step Towards Sustainable Living ](https://wildvirginia.org/embracing-buy-nothing-day-a-step-towards-sustainable-living/) - Buy Nothing Day started in 1992 by the Canadian artist Ted Dave as a protest consumerism that often overtook the holiday season. The day was placed after Black Friday, which is considered the busiest shopping day of the year, to highlight how consumerism has taken over the holidays. Since the start of Buy Nothing Day,
- [Celebrating National Hiking Day on Virginia Trails](https://wildvirginia.org/celebrating-national-hiking-day-on-virginia-trails/) - November 17th is National Take a Hike Day, or more commonly known as National Hiking Day, and Virginia is one of the best places to celebrate it! With over 160 miles of trails dedicated to hiking in the Virginia State Park system, there are plenty of opportunities to go for a hike with various levels
- [The Ultimate Guide to Recycling: Tips, Benefits, and Best Practices ](https://wildvirginia.org/the-ultimate-guide-to-recycling-tips-benefits-and-best-practices/) - Recycling is the process of repurposing waste materials so that new products can be created for consumption. It has emerged as a powerful way to make a positive impact on the environment. The process of recycling not only reduces the amount of waste that ends up in nature, such as landfills, ponds, and lakes, but
- [Recycling Centers Across Virginia](https://wildvirginia.org/recycling-centers-across-virginia/) - Recycling is a crucial practice to reduce waste, conserve resources, and protect the environment. Below is a list of various items that can be recycled, along with some brief information about each category. National Recycling Day is November 15! 1. Paper Products Newspapers: Easily recycled, often turned into new paper products. Office Paper: Includes printer
- [How Environmentalists Can Celebrate Native American Heritage Month](https://wildvirginia.org/how-environmentalists-can-celebrate-native-american-heritage-month/) - Native American Heritage Month is celebrated every November to honor the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of Native American peoples. This month provides an opportunity to learn about traditional arts and crafts such as jewelry making, rug and blanket weaving, quillwork, and beadwork. For environmentalists, this month offers a unique opportunity to deepen their understanding
- [Celebrating World Vegan Day and Its Impact on the Environment](https://wildvirginia.org/celebrating-world-vegan-day-and-its-impact-on-the-environment/) - The first of November is World Vegan Day! This is a day to celebrate veganism everywhere and raise awareness of the benefits of a vegan lifestyle. You don’t have to be vegan to celebrate; you only have to be open to the possibility of what a vegan lifestyle can bring to your life and the
- [Are State Pollution Discharge Permits Protecting Our Water?](https://wildvirginia.org/are-vpdes-permits-protecting-our-water/) - 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
- [Southwest Virginia Business Aims to Reduce Litter in Wild Spaces](https://wildvirginia.org/southwest-virginia-business-aims-to-reduce-litter-in-wild-spaces/) - 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
- [Want to Compost without the Yuck? This Williamsburg Virginia Store Offers It](https://wildvirginia.org/want-to-compost-without-the-yuck-this-williamsburg-virginia-store-offers-it/) - 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
- [Tackling Global Warming and Climate Justice Issues](https://wildvirginia.org/tackling-global-warming-and-climate-justice-issues/) - 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.
- [Conservation Photography in Virginia: How to Photograph Wildlife Responsibly](https://wildvirginia.org/conservation-photography-in-virginia-how-to-photograph-wildlife-responsibly/) - Calling all nature photographers (amateurs to pros!) and those that love to enjoy wildlife photos! Learn about the best practices of responsible wildlife photography from professional conservation photographers Lori Cash and Steven David Johnson. Improve your craft and photo knowledge as we discuss the do’s and don’ts of snapping photos that leave no trace and
- [Buy Nothing Groups and Keeping Trash Out of the Landfill](https://wildvirginia.org/buy-nothing-groups-and-keeping-trash-out-of-the-landfill/) - What are some initatives to keep Virginia wild and green? Refill stores and buy nothing community groups are both movements that help to keep plastic and other trash out of our landfills. For this episode of Wild Virginia Coffee Talk, we chat with the owner of Refill Renew, a local refill store in Staunton and
- [Dams and Culverts: Maintaining Aquatic Habitat Connectivity](https://wildvirginia.org/dams-and-culverts-maintaining-aquatic-habitat-connectivity/) - Aquatic habitat connectivity refers to the seamless linkages between different aquatic environments, such as rivers, lakes, and oceans, that allow for the movement of organisms. This connectivity is crucial for the health and sustainability of aquatic ecosystems. It enables fish and other aquatic species to access essential habitats for spawning, feeding, and shelter, promoting biodiversity
- [Beyond Plastics and Maintaining the Health of Your Family](https://wildvirginia.org/beyond-plastics-and-maintaining-the-health-of-your-family/) - Eryn from Eco Inspired joins the podcast to discuss her company, an organization that provides you with products, tools, and resources to help you live a healthier and lower waste lifestyle. They are located in Bon Air outside of Richmond VA, and have products that have been thoroughly vetted to ensure they are ethically and
- [Virginia Wildlife to Hear on World Listening Day](https://wildvirginia.org/virginia-wildlife-to-hear-on-world-listening-day/) - World Listening Day is celebrated annually on July 18th to encourage people to take time to listen to their surroundings. Virginia, with its diverse ecosystems ranging from coastal plains to mountainous regions, is home to a variety of wildlife. Here are five distinct animal sounds you might hear while exploring the natural beauty of this
- [Embracing Plastic Alternatives: A Guide for Plastic Free July](https://wildvirginia.org/embracing-plastic-alternatives-a-guide-for-plastic-free-july/) - Plastic Free July is a global movement that encourages individuals and communities to reduce their plastic usage for the entire month of July. As awareness of plastic pollution grows, many are seeking sustainable alternatives to everyday plastic items. Here are some practical and effective swaps that can help you reduce your plastic footprint this month
- [Fireworks Alternatives this Independence Day](https://wildvirginia.org/fireworks-alternatives-this-independence-day/) - As communities become increasingly aware of the impact of human activities on wildlife, many are seeking alternatives to traditional fireworks displays. Fireworks may be spectacular to watch, but they can also cause significant stress and harm to animals. Fireworks can have a negative impact on wildlife in many ways, including: Startling: The sudden sounds and lights
- [Virginia Pollinators to Look Out for this Summer](https://wildvirginia.org/virginia-pollinators-to-look-out-for-this-summer/) - Pollinators play a crucial role in Virginia's diverse ecosystems, contributing significantly to the state's agriculture and natural landscapes. From bees and butterflies to birds and bats, these industrious creatures facilitate the reproduction of flowering plants by transferring pollen from one blossom to another. This essential process not only supports the growth of fruits, vegetables, and
- [Indigenous Led Tribunal: The Rights of Rivers](https://wildvirginia.org/indigenous-led-tribunal-the-rights-of-rivers/) - The International Rights of Nature Tribunal held its 12th local hearing at the Haw River State Park in North Carolina this month. Led by our partners 7 Directions of Service with Movement Rights and the Global Alliance for the Rights of Nature, it was the first Indigenous-led tribunal of its kind in global history. The
- [FERC Again Fails the Public, Allows Risky MVP to Rush Forward](https://wildvirginia.org/ferc-again-fails-the-public-allows-risky-mvp-to-rush-forward/) - Yesterday, June 11, 2024, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) gave the go-ahead for the Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP) to begin transporting gas. This action threatens people and the environment along the entire pipeline path. Many questions remain unanswered about the safety of this dangerous project, as there has been a failure by responsible agencies
- [Groups Urge DEQ to Stop PFAS pollution in Issuing Permit to Danville, VA Treatment Plant](https://wildvirginia.org/groups-urge-deq-to-stop-pfas-pollution-in-issuing-permit-to-danville-va-treatment-plant/) - The Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC) along with the Dan River Basin Association (DRBA) and Wild Virginia submitted comments to the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) on DEQ’s failure to address pollution from PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” coming from the Northside Wastewater Treatment Plant in Danville, Virginia. Sampling from the plant shows
- [What's Going on with the Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP) in Virginia?](https://wildvirginia.org/whats-going-on-with-the-mountain-valley-pipeline-mvp-in-virginia/) - On May 23, 2024 Wild Virginia and allied groups held an online program to discuss the status of the Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP) and actions groups and individuals may take in the coming months to protect communities and the environment from further damage caused by the project. In early May, the Mountain Valley Pipeline initially
- [Toxic Chemicals Affecting Wildlife](https://wildvirginia.org/toxic-chemicals-affecting-wildlife/) - Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are toxic chemicals that pose significant health risks to wildlife. What will become of our waters, woods, and skies as these chemicals impact aquatic and terrestrial species, including fish, amphibians, and birds? Wild Virginia held a virtual panel of scientific experts to learn about the impacts of PFAS on wildlife.
- [Summer Activities for You and the Family to Enjoy in Virginia](https://wildvirginia.org/summer-activities-for-you-and-the-family-to-enjoy-in-virginia/) - In the warm embrace of summer, Virginia bursts into life with a plethora of outdoor activities that cater to every interest and energy level. Whether you're an adventure enthusiast, a nature lover, or someone who simply enjoys soaking in the scenic beauty, the Old Dominion has something special for you. For those drawn to water,
- [Virginia Driver Safety: 5 Wildlife Species to Watch Out for on the Roads this Summer](https://wildvirginia.org/virginia-driver-safety-5-wildlife-species-to-watch-out-for-on-the-roads-this-summer/) - As the warmth of early summer spreads across our state, it brings not only lush greenery but also a significant increase in wildlife activity. For drivers traveling along Virginia's roads, this means it is even more important to be on the lookout for unexpected encounters with various animal species. 5 Wildlife Species on the Roads
- [Environmental Justice Groups in Virginia](https://wildvirginia.org/environmental-justice-groups-in-virginia/) - Environmental justice is an important area of advocacy, and there are several organizations dedicated to environmental justice in Virginia. It focuses on ensuring that people, regardless of race, income, national origin, or disability, are involved in agency decisions affecting the environment. Involvement of all people in these decisions is crucial to ensuring that everyone (i)
- [Groups Petition DC Circuit to Review MVP Southgate Extension](https://wildvirginia.org/groups-petition-dc-circuit-to-review-mvp-southgate-extension/) - WASHINGTON, D.C. — Late yesterday, a number of conservation groups filed a petition in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit challenging a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission decision to extend the Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity for Mountain Valley Pipeline’s Southgate Project. MVP radically altered its plans for the project almost immediately after
- [Water Filter Company Featured on Shark Tank Shares Information on PFAS](https://wildvirginia.org/water-filter-company-featured-on-shark-tank-shares-information-on-pfas/) - In the spring of 2015, Dr. Eric Roy received word from a former Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) member regarding elevated lead levels in Flint, Michigan's water. At that time, the residents of Flint were unaware of the water's contents and long before the city faced a public health emergency. Roy, a chemist specializing in water
- [Black Bear Collisions on the Rise in Virginia](https://wildvirginia.org/black-bear-collisions-on-the-rise-in-virginia/) - Black bear collisions are on the rise in Virginia. Make sure to pay special attention to the road when there are any animal crossing warning signs. You may encounter a warning sign that is flashing and this indicates that the animal is close by. Always slow down in these areas. Here in Virginia, we are blessed to share
- [Prioritizing Your Mental Health Through Ecotherapy](https://wildvirginia.org/prioritizing-your-mental-health-through-ecotherapy/) - Have you ever spent a day outside and afterwards noticed how at peace you felt? Gone on a hike or sat outside for a while and noticed a positive change in your mood? Well, this is actually very common, and it is one of many amazing aspects of our planet’s natural world. As it turns
- [How Pipelines are Hurting Wildlife](https://wildvirginia.org/how-pipelines-are-hurting-wildlife/) - A pipeline undoubtedly has a significant effect on the areas which they cover, affecting the landscape as well as the people, animals, and natural environment around them. The Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP) construction over the past several years has raised a variety of unique and salient questions about its impacts, which have included river and
- [Environmental and Community Groups Challenge Effort to Throw Out Mountain Valley Pipeline Lawsuit](https://wildvirginia.org/environmental-and-community-groups-challenge-effort-to-throw-out-mountain-valley-pipeline-lawsuit/) - On June 26, 2023, environmental and community organizations filed a response opposing efforts by the U.S. Department of Justice and Mountain Valley Pipeline, LLC, to dismiss the environmental groups’ pending challenge to the latest biological opinion and incidental take statement under the Endangered Species Act. Also today, the Southern Environmental Law Center on behalf of
- [Connecting Wildlife Habitats for Virginia's Flora and Fauna](https://wildvirginia.org/connecting-wildlife-habitats-for-virginias-flora-and-fauna/) - Wildlife must be able to move through our landscapes to acquire resources, find genetically diverse mates, and adapt to a changing climate. Roads, development, and other infrastructure can impede wildlife movement and create dangerous scenarios on our roadways for both wildlife and people. Virginia continues to build a network of connected landscapes and reduce human-wildlife
- [The Ebb and Flow of Pollution in the James River](https://wildvirginia.org/the-ebb-and-flow-of-pollution-in-the-james-river/) - Known as America’s ‘founding river,’ the James River is the lifeblood for much of Virginia’s biodiversity, the provider of water to 2.7 million residents, and acts as an abundant source of recreation for many. Though the James has a tumultuous history of pollution, significant progress has been made over the last several decades to restore
- [How to Get Involved in Habitat Connectivity Preservation](https://wildvirginia.org/how-to-get-involved-in-habitat-connectivity-preservation/) - Virginia boasts a rich and diverse natural landscape, home to a wide array of wildlife. From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the waters of the Chesapeake Bay, the Commonwealth of Virginia is a haven for nature enthusiasts and animal lovers alike. However, as our state continues to grow and evolve, the delicate balance between human
- [Virginia Endangered Species Will Benefit from More Wildlife Crossings](https://wildvirginia.org/virginia-endangered-species-will-benefit-from-more-wildlife-crossings/) - Car accidents are a leading cause of death for many animals, including endangered species. Unfortunately, Virginia is no exception to this trend. In recent years, there have been several incidents of car accidents involving endangered species in the state. One of the most notable incidents occurred in 2019 when a red wolf was hit by
- [Managing the Effects of Tech or Population Growth: Examining Environmental Ethics](https://wildvirginia.org/managing-the-effects-of-tech-or-population-growth-examining-environmental-ethics/) - Growing awareness of human impact on the environment in the 1960’s and 1970’s propelled an important cultural shift in how we relate to nature and how we should be managing the effects of technology, industry, and population growth. Environmental ethics is a branch of philosophy that deals with the moral obligations that humans have towards
- [A Student Learns: Why Environmental Advocacy Matters](https://wildvirginia.org/a-student-learns-about-regulatory-processes-why-advocacy-matters/) - My name is Ellie Toler, and I’m a second year student at the University of Virginia, studying Global Sustainability and Public Policy. I’ve been interning with Wild Virginia throughout the past academic year, and I’m incredibly grateful for this experience, as it has impacted me both personally and professionally in a number of ways, and
- [FERC Grants Mountain Valley Pipeline Extension](https://wildvirginia.org/ferc-grants-mountain-valley-pipeline-extension/) - On August 23, 2022, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued an order granting a four-year extension of time to complete the Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP). This action by FERC is the latest in a long line of irresponsible decisions that this and other government bodies have issued over the last five years, to the
- [The Human and Environmental Costs of Pipelines](https://wildvirginia.org/the-human-and-environmental-costs-of-pipelines/) - UPDATE: On Dec. 5, more than 750 frontline communities, environmental justice groups, and allied organizations sent a letter to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) voicing their opposition to the permitting rider. The executive directors of more than 20 environmental organizations also sent a letter to President Biden, Speaker Pelosi, and
- [Washington's Corrupt Gift to the MVP: The Latest Failure of "Public Servants" to Protect Us](https://wildvirginia.org/washingtons-corrupt-gift-to-the-mvp-the-latest-failure-of-public-servants-to-protect-us/) - The U.S. Senate has followed the House of Representatives in approving the dirty deal hatched by Senator Joe Manchin and the Biden White House to force completion of the Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP) through legislative fiat. Manchin and his allies, including Senate Leader Schumer, extorted their colleagues by jamming this rancid measure into a must-pass
- [Preventing Pipeline Harms](https://wildvirginia.org/preventing-pipeline-harms/) - This blog is the first of a four-part series reprinting policy papers from "Our Common Agenda," an annual publication from the Virginia Conservation Network (VCN). This first installment, entitled "Preventing Pipeline Harms," builds on the hard lessons learned from the fight against the destructive Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP) but is designed to look forward, to
- [Celebrating one year of the Inflation Reduction Act: How Virginians Can Benefit](https://wildvirginia.org/celebrating-one-year-of-the-inflation-reduction-act-how-virginians-can-benefit/) - About a year ago, on August 16, 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) was passed by Congress and signed into law. This landmark legislation intended to tackle inflation, lower costs for Americans, accelerate the deployment of clean-energy technology, combat climate change, and advance environmental justice. As we mark the first anniversary of the IRA, let's
- [MVP Activist Says You Don’t Need a Technical Background to Be an Advocate](https://wildvirginia.org/mvp-activist-says-you-dont-need-a-technical-background-to-be-an-advocate/) - Environmental advocacy is a critical component of preserving the planet and mitigating the effects of climate change. Many people may be hesitant to participate in environmental advocacy because they feel that they lack the technical knowledge to make a meaningful contribution. However, it is important to recognize that anyone can be an environmental advocate, regardless
- [Former Research Engineer Says the Clean Water Act Isn’t Just Science](https://wildvirginia.org/former-research-engineer-says-the-clean-water-act-isnt-just-science/) - Clean water is a necessity of life, and while it is a physical resource, it also has a significant human aspect. Access to clean water is essential for the health and well-being of individuals and communities, and lack of access can lead to a range of problems, including illness, poverty, and social inequality. Grethe Lindemann,
- [Say NO to Dominion's application to release air pollution](https://wildvirginia.org/act-today-comment-deadline-approaching-atlantic-coast-pipeline-air-permit/) - There is still time for you to tell the Virginia Air Pollution Control Board to deny Dominion’s application for a permit to release air pollution that will threaten the health and well-being of residents in the Union Hill neighborhood and beyond. The public comment period has been extended to September 21, 2018, so don’t wait -
- [What is the MVP Southgate Extension?](https://wildvirginia.org/what-is-the-mvp-southgate-extension/) - Opponents of the Mountain Valley Pipeline have experienced a tumultuous few years. In the summer of 2022, Senator Joe Manchin made a deal with President Joe Biden and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. He agreed to vote for the Inflation Reduction Act in exchange for a commitment to pass a bill that would try to
- [Embracing a Queer Nature: How Mushrooms Show Us Our Environment Isn't Binary](https://wildvirginia.org/embracing-a-queer-nature-how-mushrooms-show-us-our-environment-isnt-binary/) - If we’re critically thinking about it - mushrooms have incredible properties and life saving attributes (umm, hello penicillin). Penicillin G was first made from a penicillium fungus that occurs in nature. Mushrooms show us that our environment is far from binary. Enter queer ecology: an emerging field that seeks to explore the connections between ecological
- [Sierra Club Says Don’t Be Mistaken: Taxpayers Are Paying for These Data Centers](https://wildvirginia.org/sierra-club-says-dont-be-mistaken-taxpayers-are-paying-for-these-data-centers/) - Don’t be mistaken: Taxpayers are paying for these big data centers “What we know historically about fossil fuel plants is they're placed in poor communities, and black and brown communities.” Virginia's data centers have raised environmental concerns as they consume significant energy to support their operations. The energy demand from these facilities results in carbon
- [Virginia DEQ Has Failed the James River](https://wildvirginia.org/virginia-deq-has-failed-the-james-river/) - This is the letter sent after the comment period on the PFAS discharges from a plant in Scottsville leaking PFAS into the James River. Dear Austin Galbraith: I am submitting these comments on behalf of Wild Virginia and our members and supporters across the state. We object to issuance of the referenced permit as currently
- [DEQ Must Stop Discharging Toxic Chemicals in Virginia Water](https://wildvirginia.org/deq-must-stop-discharging-toxic-chemicals-in-virginia-water/) - Wild Virginia is encouraging the public to let the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) know that we want it to prevent per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from being released to the James River in Scottsville. Tune in to this podcast on what the status is on PFAS bills from this legislative session, and how
- [Chloroform, Chromium 6 and How to Remove PFAS from Your Drinking Water](https://wildvirginia.org/chloroform-chromium-6-and-how-to-remove-pfas-from-your-drinking-water/) - Pollutants in drinking water can pose serious health risks if consumed in high concentrations. Common pollutants found in drinking water include heavy metals like lead, mercury, and arsenic, as well as chemicals like pesticides and industrial solvents. These contaminants can enter water sources through various means such as agricultural runoff, industrial discharge, and improper waste
- [PFAS "Forever Chemicals" in Scottsville Wastewater Discharge to James River](https://wildvirginia.org/pfas-forever-chemicals-in-scottsville-wastewater-discharge-to-james-river/) - The public has a chance to tell officials that we want them to enforce the law, to protect people and the environment from PFAS being discharged to the James River in Scottsville. PFAS are a class of dangerous contaminants commonly known as "forever chemicals" and samples collected at a treatment plant operated by the Rivanna
- [Citizens Ask State Water Control Board to Defend Them & Their Waters from MVP](https://wildvirginia.org/citizens-ask-state-water-control-board-to-defend-them-their-waters-from-mvp/) - At a meeting of the Virginia State Water Control Board on February 23, 2024, members of the public asked the Board to tell the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to enforce the law and to stop degradation of our streams, our properties, and our drinking water sources caused by Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP). Citizens presented
- [Environmental Issues Virginia is Facing](https://wildvirginia.org/environmental-issues-virginia-is-facing/) - Virginia, like many other states, faces a variety of environmental issues that require attention and action. One significant concern is water quality, particularly related to pollution from agricultural runoff, urban stormwater, and industrial sources. Efforts to protect and restore the health of waterways such as the Chesapeake Bay are ongoing, with initiatives aimed at reducing
- [PFAS Negative Impacts Amongst Virginia Species](https://wildvirginia.org/pfas-negative-impacts-amongst-virginia-species/) - Do you enjoy watching cottontail rabbits scurry through your yard, hearing red foxes bark in the woods at night, and even fishing for catfish in the creek? If so, you may be concerned to find out that the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the environment is negatively impacting these beloved Virginia species.
- [29 Groups Call on DEQ for Stop Work Order to MVP](https://wildvirginia.org/29-groups-call-on-deq-for-stop-work-order-to-mvp/) - On February 8, 2024, twenty-nine organizations wrote Mike Rolband, Director of the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), insisting that he issue a stop work order for the Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP) due to repeated and widespread violations and damage to waterbodies and private property. The groups joining in this urgent call represent thousands of
- [Keeping Your Kitchen Sustainable This Winter](https://wildvirginia.org/keeping-your-kitchen-sustainable-this-winter/) - With winter in full swing, we have had to adapt many aspects of our lives to the cold temperatures and icy conditions. We bundle up, adjust our thermostats, and put ice-scrapers in our cars. However, in order to protect our well-being and the health of our planet, the foods we buy and eat should also
- [Virginia Conservation Network is Giving Citizens the Tools to Help Shape Policy](https://wildvirginia.org/virginia-conservation-network-is-giving-citizens-the-tools-to-help-shape-policy/) - Founded as the Conservation Council of Virginia in 1969, Virginia Conservation Network (VCN) began as a roundtable of major conservation groups and has grown to include over 150 Network Partners across the Commonwealth (including Wild Virginia). Their annual Conservation Lobby Day is coming up and it’s your chance to lobby with fellow advocates in your
- [Is Your Water Contaminated with PFAS?](https://wildvirginia.org/is-your-water-contaminated-with-pfas/) - Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of toxic man-made chemicals known for their non-stick, waterproof, stain-resistant characteristics that have been used in consumer products and industry for decades. Unfortunately, these chemicals are known as "forever chemicals" due to their persistence in the environment and human body. Even very low exposure to some PFAS
- [New Connectivity Hub Will Help Virginians See Wildlife Crash Hotspots](https://wildvirginia.org/new-connectivity-hub-will-help-virginians-see-wildlife-crash-hotspots/) - Jessica Roberts, Habitat Connectivity Director at Wild Virginia, joins the Wild Virginia Coffee Talk Podcast to discuss a new resource for Virginians to advocate for a more connected environment to help both wildlife and Virginia drivers avoid crashes. Wild Virginia, along with our partners from the Virginia Safe Wildlife Corridor Collaborative, is thrilled to announce
- [The Power of Public Commenting on Projects that Hurt the Environment](https://wildvirginia.org/the-power-of-public-commenting-on-projects-that-hurt-the-environment/) - Public commenting is a vital part of government decision-making processes. It allows citizens to give their input and voice their opinions on policies, regulations, and programs that the government is considering. Public commenting ensures that the government is aware of the needs and concerns of the citizens it serves. The public has a legal right
- [DEQ is Failing to Control Pollution from Construction Sites](https://wildvirginia.org/deq-is-failing-to-control-pollution-from-construction-sites/) - On December 6, 2023, thirty-two groups from around state sent comments to the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) opposing issuance of a new state discharge permit that allows excessive and harmful amounts of pollution to affect our waters. Joining the call was a former Director of the Department of Environmental Quality. The groups are
- [Nature Play Center Founder Wants to Take More Action to Protect the Environment](https://wildvirginia.org/nature-play-center-founder-wants-to-take-more-action-to-protect-the-environment/) - “Clean water is essential to the whole ecosystem. If you don't have clean water, of course, it affects all the life that's associated with that water.” Carolyn Schuyler is the founder of Wildrock, an organization that hopes to promote nature play for health with the idea that when children play in nature they become future
- [Are You Afraid of What Life Looks Like in a Drier World?](https://wildvirginia.org/are-you-afraid-of-what-life-looks-like-in-a-drier-world/) - Are you afraid of what life looks like in a drier world? Thomas Culligan says, “It’s a human health crisis waiting to happen.” Drought, potential boiling water advisories, agricultural runoff into our streams, or a drier world in general: Culligan says it’s a recipe for disaster, but it’s 100% avoidable. He references paddleboarding in the salt
- [Former Veterinarian Continues Environmental Advocacy by Protecting Water](https://wildvirginia.org/former-veterinarian-continues-environmental-advocacy-by-protecting-water/) - Alice is currently a student in the pilot class of 2023 for Wild Virginia's Water Advocates Program. She joins the podcast to discuss her passion for the environment, what issues she hopes to tackle after graduating the program, and why water is essential to life. Alice Frei is a retired veterinarian. During her veterinary career she
- [What Drivers Should Do if a Turtle is Crossing the Road](https://wildvirginia.org/what-drivers-should-do-if-a-turtle-is-crossing-the-road/) - You're driving, and you spot a turtle crossing the road. What should you do? Hey there turtle friend! What brings you to this busy road? As Virginia’s natural habitats become increasingly fragmented, many of our wildlife species are left with no choice but to venture onto roads, putting them at great risk of being injured
- [Meet the New Face of Habitat Connectivity in Virginia](https://wildvirginia.org/meet-the-new-face-of-habitat-connectivity-in-virginia/) - Wild Virginia is excited to welcome Jessica Roberts, the new face of habitat connectivity in our state! She has a background in endangered species population restoration and has many years of experience working in animal husbandry, community-based conservation initiatives, and environmental education program development. Her research with behavior-based management and conservation translocations has been developed
- [Stopping PFAS Pollution at its Source](https://wildvirginia.org/stopping-pfas-pollution-at-its-source/) - Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) - “forever chemicals” - threatens our health and our environment. Initial studies conducted by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) have confirmed PFAS contamination in surface waters, groundwater, and drinking water throughout the state. To address this pollution and public health problem,
- [Enforcing Virginia Water Quality Standards](https://wildvirginia.org/enforcing-virginia-water-quality-standards/) - This is the second in a series of four blogs including policy papers from the annual publication called "Our Common Agenda," which is organized by the Virginia Conservation Network (VCN) to bring together the many conservation partners from across the state, address pressing environmental concerns, and offer solutions. Wild Virginia led the development of the policy
- [The MVP is Far from Completion - Great Threats Remain for Virginia](https://wildvirginia.org/the-mvp-is-far-from-completion-great-threats-remain-for-virginia/) - The MVP is Far from Completion - Great Threats Remain for Virginia Decisions about the future of the Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP) must not rest on false claims that the pipeline is almost complete.[1] Virginia would incur a majority of the new damage if construction is allowed to resume. The table below, based on MVP's
- [DC Circuit Court Orders FERC To Evaluate Additional Environmental Review After MVP Erosion](https://wildvirginia.org/dc-circuit-court-orders-ferc-to-evaluate-additional-environmental-review-after-mvp-erosion/) - WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the D.C. Circuit Court ruled in favor of environmental and community groups in a case challenging the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC) extension of the certificate for the Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP) that was issued in 2020. FERC faced sharp questioning in court about its handling of the environmental review process – after failing to do a supplemental Environmental
- [Virginia MUST Improve Water Quality Standards to Fulfill its Responsibility in the Chesapeake Bay](https://wildvirginia.org/virginia-must-improve-water-quality-standards-to-fulfill-its-responsibility-the-chesapeake-bay/) - Picture of Chesapeake Bay bridge and water.
- [Virginia's First Wildlife Corridor Action Plan Has Been Released!](https://wildvirginia.org/virginias-first-wildlife-corridor-action-plan-has-been-released/) - What is in the Wildlife Corridor Action Plan (WCAP) and what happens next? In 2020, Wild Virginia, along with other partners of the Virginia Safe Wildlife Corridors Collaborative, Senator David Marsden, and Delegate David Bulova, supported Senate Bill 1004/House Bill 1695 (§ 29.1-578 and § 29.1-579), which directed the creation of a Wildlife Corridor Action
- [<strong>Groups File Legal Challenge to the Mountain Valley Pipeline’s Biological Opinion</strong>](https://wildvirginia.org/groups-file-legal-challenge-to-the-mountain-valley-pipelines-biological-opinion/) - Washington, DC — Yesterday, environmental organizations filed a petition for review in federal court challenging a recently issued new biological opinion (BiOp) and incidental take statement under the Endangered Species Act for the Mountain Valley Pipeline. A federal appeals court has already twice rejected the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s prior authorizations for the pipeline
- [Sierra Club v. Virginia State Water Control Board: What it Means for MVP](https://wildvirginia.org/sierra-club-v-virginia-state-water-control-board-what-it-means-for-mvp/) - Sierra Club v. Virginia State Water Control Board: What it Means for MVP In a decision released on March 29, 2023, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the Virginia State Water Control Board (Board) did not act arbitrarily and capriciously in issuing a Clean Water Act certification for Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP) waterbody
- [What to Do If You Hit an Animal With Your Vehicle](https://wildvirginia.org/what-to-do-if-you-hit-an-animal-with-your-vehicle/) - What do you do if you hit an animal with your vehicle? Despite all of our caution and care, there are times when accidents happen—and in areas of high animal activity, animal-vehicle collisions are sometimes unavoidable. But unavoidable does not have to mean tragic. After ensuring the safety of the people in your car, there
- [Mountain Valley Pipeline in Our Backyards Harm Our Waters and Communities](https://wildvirginia.org/mountain-valley-pipeline-in-our-backyards-harm-our-waters-and-communities/) - Since construction began in early 2018, the Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP) has resulted in nearly 1,500 pollution incidents and violations in Virginia alone. These include: • 113 times when Mountain Valley made measurable sediment deposits in waterbodies,• 684 times when sediment deposits were made on land off the right of way (ROW), and• 687 times
- [Top Environmental Nonprofits Working to Conserve Resources and Protect the Planet](https://wildvirginia.org/top-environmental-nonprofits-working-to-conserve-resources-and-protect-the-planet/) - Join Publicity and Outreach Director, Katie Keller, to hear about some of the top environmental nonprofits in Virginia, across the country and even those with a global impact. You'll also learn about some of the incredible conservation efforts they are working on and how those campaigns are helping to combat climate change. Piedmont Environmental Council
- [The Book Club of Hope: Jane Goodall and her Legacy](https://wildvirginia.org/the-book-club-of-hope-jane-goodall-and-her-legacy/) - This past week, Wild Virginia hosted a book club led by Bette Dzamba on Jane Goodall’s memoir The Book of Hope. While the event started as a general discussion on Goodall’s writing and legacy—spanning her long life, from a young, twenty-something activist with a passion for animals to a UN ambassador and global champion of
- [Groups Call on Forest Service to Protect VA Waters, Forests, and Communities from Pipelines](https://wildvirginia.org/groups-call-on-forest-service-to-protect-va-waters-forests-and-communities-from-pipelines/) - Wild Virginia’s fight against the Mountain Valley Pipeline continues, and we all have an immediate opportunity to use our voices to protect our waters, forests, and communities by calling on the Us Forest Service. Currently, the United States Forest Service (USFS) and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) are accepting public comments on their Draft
- [<strong>Recovering America’s Wildlife Act: A Missed Opportunity </strong>](https://wildvirginia.org/recovering-americas-wildlife-act-a-missed-opportunity/) - With the end of the year fast approaching, the federal government’s end-of-year spending bill has been a highly discussed topic. Many natural resource issues were wrapped into this “omnibus spending bill,” including a landmark wildlife package, but in the end Congress failed to pass a monumental piece of environmental legislation which had the capacity to
- [Another Agency Tries to Rush MVP and Shorts Public's Right to Speak](https://wildvirginia.org/another-agency-tries-to-rush-mvp-and-shorts-publics-right-to-speak/) - Another Agency Tries to Rush MVP Process: The Army Corps Shorts the Public's Right to Speak On December 12, 2022, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issued notice that it would allow the public just 30 days to comment on a huge body of "supplemental information" that Mountain Valley Pipeline, LLC has submitted to the
- [Small Business Diverts Almost 30,000 lbs of Waste Away from Landfill](https://wildvirginia.org/small-business-diverts-almost-30000-lbs-of-waste-away-from-landfill/) - The Scrappy Elephant is an arts and crafts storefront and community that has helped to divert almost 30,000 pounds of unwanted materials and waste away from the landfill. They are also a Wild Virginia business partner, offering our donors 10% off art supplies when they show their Wild Virginia member card. Wild Virginia intern and
- [Giving thanks for Wildlife: 10 Endangered Species to Support](https://wildvirginia.org/giving-thanks-for-wildlife-10-endangered-species-to-support/) - With Thanksgiving only just behind us and Giving Tuesday today, there are many opportunities to show your gratitude—particularly in regard to the wildlife that surrounds us. If you’re considering how you can best use your resources to bolster your home ecosystem, learning about several of the endangered species in Virginia might give you some ideas
- [<strong>Habitat Connectivity is for Lovers</strong>](https://wildvirginia.org/habitat-connectivity-is-for-lovers/) - Driving down the road, the metallic odor of blood suddenly fills the van from the air conditioner. It’s a summer morning, and I’m an outdoor guide transporting 12 eager campers up a narrow mountain pass to the New River to spend the day kayaking. Turkey vultures take off in all directions as I veer around
- [Top Five Mountain Valley Pipeline News Stories](https://wildvirginia.org/top-five-mountain-valley-pipeline-news-stories/) - Things have been fairly quiet over the last few weeks regarding the Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP) and breaking news, which is a big change from what we saw late August and September of this year. As we remain vigilant in planning and are taking this break to bolster our efforts for 2023, here are the
- [Ghost Stories: Virginia’s Rare Wildlife](https://wildvirginia.org/ghost-stories-virginias-rare-wildlife/) - Virginia wildlife is a thrilling sight before they hibernate in the coming winter months. As October comes to its end, we’ve all got ghosts on the mind. Between dressing up for Halloween, seeking out scares at haunted houses, or braving one of the many new horror movies on the big screen, we are all certain
- [The Decline of Pollinators from Habitat Loss and Pesticides](https://wildvirginia.org/the-decline-of-pollinators-from-habitat-loss-and-pesticides/) - A discouraging decline of our pollinators over the last several decades has been occurring due to factors that include habitat loss and the use of herbicides or pesticides. These very important pollinator species ensure that the pollen moves within flowers and transfers the pollen from flower to flower. In this pollination process, the pollinators keep
- [Finding Your Wild on UVA Grounds](https://wildvirginia.org/finding-your-wild-on-uva-grounds/) - What is your routine, and how can you rewild it, as you walk through the University of Virginia (UVA) grounds? Among students, it is no secret that it is difficult to commit to an overnight camping trip or weekend getaway into nature. Despite my best efforts, I even find it hard to carve out the
- [MVP Sweetheart Deal Pulled from Must-pass Senate Bill](https://wildvirginia.org/mvp-sweetheart-deal-pulled-from-must-pass-senate-bill/) - This evening, Senator Joe Manchin announced that he was asking that so-called "permitting reform" provisions be removed from the Continuing Resolution (CR), a budget bill that must be passed this week to avoid a government shutdown. The proposals Senator Manchin had offered were dangerous for the environment and disrespectful of the role members of the
- [What Are Wild Virginia Member Benefits?](https://wildvirginia.org/wild-virginia-member-benefits/) - When you become a member of Wild Virginia your voice is amplified and you make a difference for wild places. Wild Virginia members also enjoy a plethora of different benefits!! Just show your Wild Virginia Member Card. White's Wayside10% off books, t-shirts, aprons, cups, and hats Starr Hill Brewery10% off their merchandise for our members
- [Manchin's Side Deal, A Gift to Fossil Fuel Companies](https://wildvirginia.org/manchins-side-deal-a-gift-to-fossil-fuel-companies/) - On September 21, 2022, Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia released the text of a bill that would do grave harm to the people and natural resources of Virginia and West Virginia - and sided with the fossil fuels industry. A part of the bill would force completion of the Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP), even
- [Steps Citizens Can Take to Hold the Government Accountable ❗](https://wildvirginia.org/steps-citizens-can-take-to-hold-the-government-accountable-❗/) - Here you will learn steps citizens can take to hold their government accountable. Federal and state government administrative agencies play significant roles in environmental decisions. Every time an agency makes a decision, such as developing a regulation or issuing an environmental permit, the law requires the agency to follow a particular step-by-step process. If the
- [Meet the Face Behind Virginia Wildlife Corridors](https://wildvirginia.org/meet-the-face-behind-virginia-wildlife-corridors/) - For this episode of the Wild Virginia Coffee Talk Podcast we are joined by Courtney Hayes who is the new face behind preserving Virginia wildlife corridors. She is the Wild Virginia Habitat Connectivity Program Director and has worked as a zoologist and data scientist for the Office of Kentucky Nature Preserves and the Natural Resources
- [Favorite Places to Hike in Virginia this Early Fall](https://wildvirginia.org/favorite-places-to-hike-in-virginia-this-early-fall/) - As we enter early fall in Virginia, and the October months that tend to be very popular along the National Forests, National Parks, and Blue Ridge Parkway, here are some sights to see and places to hike in our breathtaking state. Virginia has one of the most gorgeous views – and being in a state
- [From Coal Ash to Pipelines: How an Activist Continues to Fight Climate Change](https://wildvirginia.org/from-coal-ash-to-pipelines-how-an-activist-continues-to-fight-climate-change/) - From coal ash to pipelines: here is how one activist continues to fight climate change. She is passionate about protecting Virginia's waterways, and what started in the fight against coal ash dumping, a known carcinogenic waste made by coal-burning power plants, led to a journey in fighting fossil fuel infrastructure like the Atlantic Coast and
- [New Rusty Patched Bumblebee Populations found near the Path of the Atlantic Coast Pipeline](https://wildvirginia.org/new-rusty-patched-bumblebee-populations-found-near-path-atlantic-coast-pipeline/) - by Steven David Johnson I first became aware of the Rusty Patched Bumblebee through the enthusiastic advocacy of my good friend, conservation photographer Clay Bolt. Clay has worked tirelessly to raise awareness about the decline of this species through photography, film and even testimony before Congress. As a Virginia resident, I was excited to learn
- [Up in the Sky: Observing the Pipeline with David Sligh](https://wildvirginia.org/sky-observing-pipeline-david-sligh/) - by Megan Mason Dister In early October David Sligh, Wild Virginia’s conservation director, went up in the air with SouthWings to view the route of the Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP) and observe the construction currently being done. SouthWings is a non-profit that works for the protection and preservation of the environment through flying over natural
- [Wild Virginia Seeks Public Records from the Governor on Pipeline Maneuvers](https://wildvirginia.org/wild-virginia-seeks-public-records-governor-pipeline-maneuvers/) - Wild Virginia sent letters to the office of Governor Ralph Northam on November 21, 2018 asking for public records related to two vital issues in the State of Virginia's actions to regulate the Atlantic Coast Pipeline (ACP) and Mountain Valley pipeline projects. First, we asked for any documents describing a private meeting between Thomas Ferrell,
- [Governor Uses Loophole to Hide Documents in Responses to FOIAs on Air &Water Boards](https://wildvirginia.org/governor-uses-loophole-hide-documents-responses-foias-air-water-boards-meeting-dominion/) - In response to requests for documents about meetings and deliberations that may relate to Dominion Energy’s proposed Atlantic Coast Pipeline, the Governor’s office has supplied some records but has withheld other, crucial information. When faced with a choice between open government and concealment, Governor Northam made the wrong choice, relying on state law provisions that
- [Attorneys urge Board to revoke water quality certification for MVP](https://wildvirginia.org/attorneys-urge-board-revoke-water-quality-certification-mvp/) - Attorneys representing 10 local, state, and regional organizations sent a letter today to the members of the State Water Control Board, urging the Board quickly start a process to revoke the water quality certification issued for the Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP). At the same time, the attorneys strongly urge the Board to use enforcement tools
- [Sign the Petition](https://wildvirginia.org/sign-the-petition/)
- [MVP Opposition Continues Amid New Permits: A Chance for Public Action](https://wildvirginia.org/mvp-opposition-continues-amid-new-permits-a-chance-for-public-action/) - ***July 12 Update: The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has added 15 days to a public comment period for the proposal to allow four more years to complete the Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP). The new deadline is July 29, 2022. Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP) is again asking federal regulators for a slew of new permits
- [Biden and Manchin Make Deal to Advance Mountain Valley Pipeline](https://wildvirginia.org/biden-and-manchin-make-deal-to-advance-mountain-valley-pipeline/) - The White House has agreed to advance the Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP) as part of a permitting reform plan in Congress, Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) said yesterday. Nancy Pelosi and President Joe Biden agreed to pursue permitting reform legislation so Manchin would support a budget reconciliation package on climate change. Legislation would require federal agencies to
- [Tell Governor Northam NO MORE Fossil Fuel Projects in Virginia!](https://wildvirginia.org/tell-governor-northam-no-fossil-fuel-projects-virginia/) - by Hunter Frakes Wild Virginia needs your help in signing on to a letter addressed to Ralph Northam demanding no more fossil fuel projects in our state! WHAT THE LETTER SAYS: Over the past few years, we have seen the approval of multiple large-scale fossil fuel projects here in Virginia, such as the Mountain Valley
- [Outdoor Photographer Talks About Getting Closer to Nature](https://wildvirginia.org/outdoor-photographer-talks-about-getting-closer-to-nature/) - In her words, being in nature has helped Alison Thomas “look at the big picture”… An apt expression, since Thomas spends her days outside taking pictures of some of the most beautiful outdoor vistas and getting closer to nature through this work. Thomas is an outdoor photographer, and her photography, which includes black and white
- [VADEQ Stop Work Order to MVP is Not Enough](https://wildvirginia.org/vadeq-stop-work/) - The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) made an announcement yesterday, that the agency is issuing a stop work order (“instruction”) for a section of the Mountain Valley Pipeline, is welcome news. However, DEQ inspector's own reports, supplemented by hundreds of citizen complaints, show that in 2019 MVP has continued the pattern of repeated and
- [Bath County Atlantic Coast Pipeline Camping Trip](https://wildvirginia.org/bath-county-acp-camping-trip/) - by Riley Mitchell On Saturday, August 24th, Wild Virginia hosted an Atlantic Coast Pipeline camping trip in the mountains of Bath County, Virginia. While all 13 attendees enjoyed the beauty and serenity that one would expect from a weekend of camping, the trip was about much more than a weekend escape. The primary purpose of
- [Aerial View of the Mountain Valley Pipeline](https://wildvirginia.org/aerial-view-mountain-valley-pipeline/) - By Riley Mitchell On October 23rd, 2019, I drove to a breathtaking piece of land in Natural Bridge, Virginia for an unprecedented adventure (for me, at least). The property, which included a beautiful home, a barn, farmland and an airstrip, belongs to volunteer pilot Don Jeffer, a Southwings pilot that agreed to fly David Sligh,
- [Native Plants and Why Local Genotype Matters for Ecosystems](https://wildvirginia.org/native-plants-and-why-local-genotype-matters-for-ecosystems/) - Tune in to this episode of Wild Virginia Coffee Talk to learn more about native plants and why local genotype matters. A plant is considered native if it has grown naturally in a particular region, ecosystem, or habitat without human interference. Exotic plants that evolved in other parts of the world or were cultivated by humans
- [Wild Virginia Lawsuits: Status Updates and Your Help](https://wildvirginia.org/wild-virginia-lawsuits-status-updates-and-your-help/) - By Sarah Fromme Last week, Wild Virginia Conservation Director, David Sligh, held a virtual meeting to provide the Board of Directors and volunteers with updates on our ongoing Wild Virginia lawsuits. Wild Virginia is currently a party to four lawsuits alongside groups like the Sierra Club and Southern Environmental Law Center. Among these lawsuits are
- [Wild Virginia Film Festival logo contest!](https://wildvirginia.org/wild-virginia-film-festival-logo-contest/) - Wild Virginia is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to protecting and connecting Virginia’s wild places. This year, we are hosting our very own film festival showcasing environmental activists and exploring AMERICA'S RICHEST WATERS and wild spaces. Since we are holding our very own film festival for the first time, we thought it would be great to get the community involved
- [What is Conservation Lobby Day...](https://wildvirginia.org/what-is-conservation-lobby-day/) - By Riley Mitchell On January 28, 2020 the Virginia Conservation Network (VCN) will host Conservation Lobby Day in Richmond, Virginia. This annual event allows a myriad of environmental organizations and individuals to congregate and ensure that legislation is viewed through a conservation-minded lens in the upcoming year. Although the purpose of this day is significant
- [Wild Virginia's Fight to Help Wildlife Move Safely](https://wildvirginia.org/wild-virginias-fight-to-help-wildlife-move-safely/) - By Katie Keller A few weeks ago, Wild Virginia and partners of the Virginia Safe Wildlife Corridors Collaborative (VSWCC) met for the quarterly update. This group develops and implements projects intended to protect people and wildlife by reducing animal-vehicle conflicts and improving safe wildlife passage. They do this by working together to identify and implement innovative
- [Another Chance to Help Save Our Seabirds -                  Submit Comments to the Corps of Engineers before February 20th!](https://wildvirginia.org/another-chance-to-help-save-our-seabirds-submit-comments-to-the-corps-of-engineers-before-february-20th/) - Many of you responded to a previous alert to encourage Governor Ralph Northam to ensure that new nesting habitat is provided for more than 20,000 Royal Terns and other seabirds whose nesting sites were destroyed by construction for the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel (HRBT). Now, you have another opportunity to speak up and save our
- [Wild Virginia's Day at the Supreme Court](https://wildvirginia.org/our-day-at-the-supreme-court/) - by David Sligh On Monday, February 24th, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments from Wild Virginia and others to decide whether the Forest Service has the legal authority to allow the Atlantic Coast Pipeline (ACP) to cross the Appalachian Trail (AT) on National Forest land. In this blog, I aim to give you some
- [Wild Virginia's Photography Contest, Sponsored by Richmond Camera](https://wildvirginia.org/wild-virginia-hosts-photography-contest-sponsored-by-richmond-camera/) - Sponsored by Richmond Camera, Wild Virginia's first annual photography contest is now open for entries! Spring is just around the corner, even though it hasn't been the harshest of winters, what a great time to start capturing the beauty our Virginia landscapes and wildlife have to offer. Every person who enters not only honors their
- [Water Turbidity Standards in Virginia and West Virginia](https://wildvirginia.org/a-case-for-water-turbidity-standards-in-virginia-and-west-virginia/) - In a new report, Trout Unlimited (TU) and West Virginia Rivers Coalition (WVRC) have teamed up to put forth a set of recommendations for the creation and enforcement of effective numeric turbidity standards. Throughout recent years, Virginia and West Virginia wildlife and ecosystems have been seriously threatened by various pipeline projects, most notably, the Mountain
- [UPDATE: COVID-19 Recommended Activities](https://wildvirginia.org/covid-19-recommended-activities-update/) - Last month, we published a blog on some COVID-19 recommended activities you and your family can do while on lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic. While you can still read some rad environmental books, we have been urging our members to not hike and create traffic in natural places, in hopes of containing the virus, especially
- [COVID Lockdown Activities YOU Can Do Safely](https://wildvirginia.org/what-can-you-do-during-the-coronavirus-lockdown/) - By Katie Keller THE PERFECT TIME TO HIKE COVID-19 has many implications on our economy, business, work and family life. With schools closing and parents being encouraged to work remotely, it seems that everyday life will be impacted by the pandemic for the foreseeable future. Finding COVID lockdown activities to stay busy is thus more
- [Trump administration changes water protection authorities in Virginia](https://wildvirginia.org/trump-administration-changes-water-protection-authorities-in-virginia/) - Please call Attorney General Mark Herring today at 804-786-2071. Tell him to challenge an illegal regulation just finalized by the Trump administration to weaken state powers under the Clean Water Act. This regulation effectively changes water protection authorities in Virginia. Background:Trump's Environmental Protection Agency has now finalized a change to the regulation governing states' authorities under section 401
- [Guidelines for Getting Back Outdoors During the Pandemic](https://wildvirginia.org/wild-virginias-guidelines-for-getting-back-outside/) - As we become increasingly anxious to get back out and enjoy outdoor activities, it is imperative for individual and public health for us to remain conscious of national and state guidelines for outdoor engagement. Currently, the state of Virginia is under a set of regulations defined as “Phase Two” by Governor Northam, which encompasses restrictions
- [Help Protect our Water - Make your voice heard by July 9!](https://wildvirginia.org/help-protect-our-water-make-your-voice-heard-by-july-9/) - Have you seen streams like this one clogged with mud from the Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP)? If so, you have seen gross violations of Virginia’s water quality standards − rules that are supposed to protect all of our state waters. Knowing more about these issues can empower you to help protect our water in Virginia. And
- [<strong>PFAS and Other Pollutants in YOUR Water</strong>](https://wildvirginia.org/pfas-and-other-pollutants-in-your-water/) - The world’s freshwater resources are constantly threatened by a host of different pollutants. These pollutants enter our streams and drinking water from a plethora of sources. As we have produced more and more new materials and products, the numbers and types of contaminants in water have multiplied exponentially. In many cases the effects of particular pollutants and
- [Mountain Valley Pipeline Fight: More Determined than Ever](https://wildvirginia.org/more-determined-than-ever/) - A Water Control Board Approval on MVP is Not the End of the Story! Many of you will have heard the unfortunate news that the Virginia State Water Control Board voted 3 to 2 to approve a proposal for Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP) to cut and blast through hundreds of our valuable waters. MVP still
- [Climate Investor Who Challenged Warren Buffet Shares Call to Action on Pipelines](https://wildvirginia.org/climate-investor-who-challenged-warren-buffet-shares-call-to-action-on-pipelines/) - Freeda Cathcart is a climate investor who challenged Warren Buffet, and for decades, was a passive owner of utility company stocks, content with dividend checks and confident that regulators had her and the environment's best interest. In 2017, Trump rolled back federal oversight of the industry and changed everything. Cathcart believes pipelines and gas won’t be economically
- [Major Hurdles to Mountain Valley Pipeline Completion](https://wildvirginia.org/major-hurdles-to-mountain-valley-pipeline-completion/) - The Mountain Valley Pipeline is three years behind schedule, three billion dollars over budget, has crushing legal and regulatory challenges, and no competition date in sight. The project has major hurdles to overcome in order to be completed. NextEra Energy, a company with nearly one-third partnership in MVP states, “The continued legal and regulatory challenges
- [Toxic Chemicals You May Have in Your Home and Why You Need to Quit Plastic](https://wildvirginia.org/toxic-chemicals-you-may-have-in-your-home-and-why-you-need-to-quit-plastic/) - Alex, owner at Dogwood Refillery, joins the Wild Virginia Coffee Talk podcast to chat about the toxic chemicals associated with plastic, why you need to quit them, and simple (realistic) ways to weed plastic out of your life. Dogwood Refillery is a conscious market offering low-waste and bulk refill goods for you and your family
- [Senator Manchin Makes False Statements Mountain Valley Pipeline and the Gas Crisis](https://wildvirginia.org/senator-manchin-makes-false-statements-mountain-valley-pipeline-and-the-gas-crisis/) - Donate to Fight Pipelines Politicians continually side with fossil fuel companies and perpetuate false narratives about pipeline infrastructure. We saw this with Senator Joe Manchin’s recent statement on the Mountain Valley Pipeline. Wild Virginia hosted Lorne Stockman, Research Director at Oil Change International to bust some of these myths and misconceptions. General misconceptions about pipelines
- [CWA50: Water Quality Standards and Remedying Unhealthy Waters](https://wildvirginia.org/cwa50-water-quality-standards-impaired-waters-tmdls/) - Water quality is a primary focus of the Clean Water Act (CWA). The CWA protects water quality by regulating pollutant discharges into surface waters so as to maintain and restore unhealthy water. But how do you know whether a lake, stream, river, estuary, or other water body is healthy? And what happens when it is
- [CWA50: Cooperative Federalism, Section 401, and the MVP](https://wildvirginia.org/cwa50-cooperative-federalism-section-401-and-the-mvp/) - Wild Virginia’s ongoing fight to stop the Mountain Valley Pipeline has showcased a key feature of the Clean Water Act: cooperative federalism. This legal principle supports the statute’s regulatory and enforcement structure, establishing a framework founded on “collaboration between the federal and state governments to achieve a common goal.” Specifically, to restore and maintain the
- [What Are Wildlife Corridors and Crossings and Why Are they Important to Virginia](https://wildvirginia.org/what-are-wildlife-corridors-and-crossings-and-why-are-they-important-to-virginia/) - Photos and Text by Lori A Cash | February 05, 2022 Lori Cash is a partner photographer with Wild Virginia and generously donates her images to us. Imagine yourself driving along a dark highway at night. Suddenly, you see movement right in front of you on the road. An adult deer starts walking across the
- [Eyes on the Prize](https://wildvirginia.org/eyes-on-the-prize/) - Tune in to this podcast episode of Wild Virginia Virtual Coffee Talk, where BJ Lark, activist and talented vocalist, talks about her work in the environmental justice movement and what inspires her to keep fighting for equity through art. Bernadette "BJ" Lark is an activist with over 35 years of experience as an artist, vocalist,
- [Wildlife Rescue Director Discusses Importance of Crossings for Orphaned Virginia Species](https://wildvirginia.org/wildlife-rescue-director-discusses-importance-of-wildlife-crossings-for-virginia-native-wildlife/) - Tune in to this podcast episode of Wild Virginia Virtual Coffee Talk, where Brie Hashem, Director of Rockfish Wildlife Sanctuary, talks about wildlife rescue work and the importance of crossings for wildlife in Virginia. The Rockfish Wildlife Sanctuary is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to rescue, rehabilitate, and release native wildlife in Central Virginia. The
- [CWA50: Help Protect Virginia’s Waters!](https://wildvirginia.org/cwa50-help-protect-virginias-waters/) - This year marks the 50th Anniversary of the Clean Water Act ("CWA" or "the Act"), the key federal law protecting water quality throughout the United States. Our CWA50 blog series celebrates this milestone by offering opportunities to learn about the CWA as well as highlighting occasions to participate in environmental action. Excitingly, you have an
- [Citizen Enforcement of the Clean Water Act](https://wildvirginia.org/citizen-enforcement-of-the-clean-water-act/) - Our Clean Water Act (CWA50) blog series continues with a short overview of one of the Clean Water Act’s most powerful enforcement mechanisms: the citizen suit provision. Clean Water Act History Under the Clean Water Act (“CWA”), the states, the Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”), and citizens all have enforcement authority. This novel environmental enforcement framework
- [NEW LEGISLATION ALLOCATES $350 MILLION TO REDUCE WILDLIFE-VEHICLE COLLISIONS](https://wildvirginia.org/new-legislation-allocates-350-million-to-reduce-wildlife-vehicle-collisions/) - Wildlife crossing structures help to connect habitats, providing animals with safe passages they can use to avoid heavily trafficked roads and highways. On November 5th, 2021, Congress passed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which contains $350 million in federal funding for a "Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program" to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions. The new legislation creates
- [Conservation Photographer, Steven David Johnson: Vernal Pools and Salamanders](https://wildvirginia.org/conservation-photographer-steven-david-johnson-vernal-pools-and-salamanders/) - Tune in to this podcast episode of Wild Virginia Virtual Coffee Talk, where conservation photographer Steven David Johnson talks about his work photographing vernal pools, salamanders, jumping spiders, and other fun projects he's working on. He also reiterates the importance of ethical wildlife photography, an important initiative within the conservation community. Vernal pools are bodies
- [Science and Technical Advisory Team](https://wildvirginia.org/science-technical-advisory-team/) - Wild Virginia's Science and Technical Advisory Committee (STAC) is composed of individuals with expertise in a variety of fields that are pertinent to the ecological health and preservation of Virginia's National Forests. The Committee members serve as valuable sources of timely and current knowledge in their fields. Committee members agree to periodically consult with the
- [CWA50: A Year of Clean Water Action to Celebrate the Clean Water Act](https://wildvirginia.org/cwa50-a-year-of-clean-water-action-to-celebrate-the-clean-water-act/) - The Clean Water Act (CWA) marks its 50th anniversary next year, an important milestone for an ambitious statute. Wild Virginia invites its members, as well as members of the public, to celebrate this occasion by getting their feet wet in protecting Virginia’s water resources. From October 2021 to October 2022, Wild Virginia will undertake a
- [Recently Released Conservation Briefing Highlights Environmental Policy Goals](https://wildvirginia.org/recently-released-conservation-briefing-highlights-environmental-policy-goals/) - Every year, the Virginia Conservation Network (VCN) publishes a briefing called Our Common Agenda, and this publication takes the policy goals of over 100 organizations across Virginia and compiles them into a single agenda of conservation goals. VCN is a collaborative network of over 150 conservation partners across the Commonwealth. The VCN was created to
- [Funding for Virginia Wildlife Corridor Crossings](https://wildvirginia.org/funding-for-virginia-wildlife-corridor-crossings/) - As the state of Virginia continues to develop with new roads and neighborhoods, animal habitats are becoming increasingly divided, cutting through wildlife crossings. Wildlife such as deer, foxes, raccoons, and even frogs and turtles, are constantly on the move. More often than not, these animals need to cross roads to find wider areas of suitable
- [How a Website Designer Turns Passion into Activism](https://wildvirginia.org/how-a-website-designer-turns-passion-into-activism/) - Wild Virginia website guru, David Flatley, has been a longtime volunteer with the organization, turning his passion for the environment into activism. From designing and managing our website, making it more accessible to others, to helping with other technology issues, Flatley is a treasured volunteer and a valuable member of our Wild Virginia community. Even
- [EPA Takes a Stand: A Powerful Letter Cautions Against Issuing a Clean Water Permit to the MVP](https://wildvirginia.org/epa-takes-a-stand-a-powerful-letter-cautions-against-issuing-a-clean-water-permit-to-the-mvp/) - The EPA recently released a letter with the recommendation to withhold a Clean Water Act permit for MVP. The current design of the pipeline threatens a variety of water bodies across Virginia and West Virginia, therefore the EPA does not recommend granting the permit. The Army Corps of Engineers has the power to decide the
- [Conservation Photography: The Role of Responsibility, Dignity, and Power](https://wildvirginia.org/conservation-photography/) - Conservation photography is the intentional use of photography to advocate and promote conservation. This includes being mindful of the impact of photography on wildlife. A photographer must be careful not to disrupt the natural habits of animals or their habitats. Loud sounds or an unfortunate misstep could have negative impacts on species. Lori Cash is
- [Springs, Caves, and the Underland: the Human Impact on our Planet](https://wildvirginia.org/springs-caves-and-the-underland-the-human-impact-on-our-planet/) - Macfarlane wrestles with the narcissism of the ‘Anthropocene’, the era of human impact on climate and environment, and pulls the reader on a wild voyage underground, where time slows down and the past is not so easily disentangled from the present.
- [Roanoke Logperch: How MVP will Affect It](https://wildvirginia.org/roanoke-logperch-how-mvp-will-affect-it/) - by Brooke Cormons, Mountaintop Montessori School, Charlottesville The Roanoke Logperch is an endangered fish that occurs in only five river systems throughout Virginia and North Carolina. It is very sensitive to pollution and sediment in the clear streams where it lives, which means that unnecessary projects like the Mountain Valley Pipeline cause major harm to
- [News Update on the Campaign for Virginia's Water Future](https://wildvirginia.org/news-update-on-the-campaign-for-virginias-water-future/) - Join Katie Keller, Wild Virginia’s Publicity and Outreach Director, and David Sligh, Conservation Director, in their chat about the Campaign for Virginia’s Water Future. In this podcast, they discuss the motivation behind the campaign, the changes it promotes for Virginia water, and the ways you can get involved. Wild Virginia · Clean Water in Our
- [Nature’s Best Hope: Contributing to Functional Ecosystems](https://wildvirginia.org/natures-best-hope-contributing-to-functional-ecosystems/) - By Jessica Wen Last spring, Wild Virginia featured Nature’s Best Hope by Doug Tallamy for our book club, and we learned a lot about what actions we as individuals can take to improve and support functional ecosystems. As the warm weather arrives at full force, we anticipate many of you will be dusting off your
- [Atlantic Coast Pipeline: CANCELED!](https://wildvirginia.org/energy-companies-cancel-atlantic-coast-pipeline/) - Wild Virginia applauds the decision by Dominion Energy and Duke Power to scrap its destructive and ill-conceived plan for the Atlantic Coast Pipeline (ACP). The pipeline would have damaged hundreds of waterbodies and ravaged communities all along its path. David Sligh, Wild Virginia's Conservation Director stated: "Citizens told Dominion and all of the government agencies
- [Help In Protecting Virginia's Water Future](https://wildvirginia.org/building-a-better-water-future-for-virginia/) - Wild Virginia is calling on all Virginians to join us in an exciting campaign to improve protections for our streams, and Virginia's Water Future! We saw serious flaws in the ways our state officials enforce water quality regulations, during the pipeline fights - and the results of those failures have become all too clear as
- ["The Blackalachian": Tales of the Appalachian Trail](https://wildvirginia.org/the-blackalachian-tales-of-the-appalachian-trail/) - Tall and lean, Daniel White looks like he belongs somewhere in the depths of nature. And most days that’s where you can find him. Daniel White, aka “The Blackalachian”, is an inspiration to hikers and outdoor enthusiasts everywhere. With almost no training or athletic background, White hiked the Appalachian trail in 190 days -- a
- [Hard Road of Hope: From Coal to Gas in WV](https://wildvirginia.org/hard-road-of-hope-from-coal-to-gas-in-wv/) - Eleanor is a creative radical, journalist and filmmaker who wanted to be a journalist that people can trust, and who would head to the source of the news instead of hearing about these environmental issues through third parties. That is where "Hard Road of Hope" was born, in the hills and hollers of a broken
- [Join Wild Virginia's Fight Against MVP!](https://wildvirginia.org/join-wild-virginias-fight-against-mvp/) - Interested in helping stop the construction of the Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP)? Join Wild Virginia's fight against MVP, and help in submitting comments before 5 p.m. on April 15th. What Is MVP Doing? MVP wants permission from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to drill under more than 180 waterbodies. YOU can join Wild Virginia in
- [ACP Impacts: The Limperts Retirement Retreat Bulldozed](https://wildvirginia.org/the-limperts-retirement-retreat-dream-bulldozed-by-the-acp/) - Bill and Lynn Limpert have been very active in the fight against the Atlantic Coast Pipeline, which was canceled a few weeks ago by the backers of the project. Throughout the course of its construction, the ACP impacts were felt far and wide. Wild Virginia Publicity and Outeach Director had a conversation with the couple
- [DEQ Wants More Time to Review MVP Water Crossings](https://wildvirginia.org/deq-wont-issue-stream-crossing-permit-for-mountain-valley-pipeline/) - The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) sent a letter to the Norfolk District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) requesting an extension of the period in which the state must act on a water quality certification request for Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP). Thus, DEQ is requesting more time to review MVP water
- [Former Wild Virginia President Reflects on ACP fight](https://wildvirginia.org/former-wild-virginia-president-reflects-on-acp-fight/) - By Deirdre Skogen "A civilization which destroys what little remains of the wild, the spare, the original, is cutting itself off from its origins and betraying the principle of civilization itself.” - Edward Abbey As I write this, I am sitting at our campsite in Ramsey’s Draft, in the George Washington National Forest, elevation 2320ft.
- [Wild Virginia Sues Trump Administration](https://wildvirginia.org/wild-virginia-sues-trump-administration/) - Through the case Wild Virginia et al. v. Council on Environmental Quality et al., filed in a Virginia federal court on July 29, 2020, we are standing up for your right to help decide the future of the nation’s environment.
- [Virginia Pollution: A Beautiful Landmark  Battles Pollution](https://wildvirginia.org/a-beautiful-virginia-landmark-and-its-battle-with-pollution/) - By Jessica Wen The James River is a prominent landmark in the state of Virginia. It serves drinking water to 2.7 million state residents, provides recreational and economic opportunities, and is home to countless species that make Virginia unique. However, this Virginia landmark often harbors trash and other pollutants. With an arduous history of pollution
- [Virginia Passes Second Bill to Protect Wildlife Corridors](https://wildvirginia.org/virginia-passes-second-bill-to-protect-wildlife-corridors/) - The Virginia General Assembly yesterday passed critical legislation to protect wildlife corridors and help keep drivers safer. This bill, SB 1274, builds on the wildlife corridor legislation that passed last year, creating a comprehensive program to identify wildlife corridors, protect motorists from collisions with animals, and address barriers to wildlife movement. The bill passed with
- [Suit Filed by Virginia AG Herring - Citizens’ Rights to Protect Our Waters at Stake](https://wildvirginia.org/suit-filed-by-virginia-ag-herring-citizens-rights-to-protect-our-waters-at-stake/) - On July 21, 2020, Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring announced he was suing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) over an attack on Clean Water Act protections. President Trump’s EPA recently changed a rule governing states’ powers to protect our waters and communities and this suit is an important action on behalf of all Virginians
- [Wild Virginia Challenges Mountain Valley Pipeline Approval](https://wildvirginia.org/wild-virginia-challenges-pipeline-approval/) - Today, Wild Virginia and other groups brought suit in the Federal Appeals Court for the District of Columbia Circuit to challenge the reckless actions of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in regard to the Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP) approval. FERC has repeatedly ignored common sense and legal requirements in allowing MVP to rush forward with
- [Free Wild Virginia Film Festival Highlights Artists & Activists](https://wildvirginia.org/free-online-film-festival-highlighting-wildlife-photographers-activists/) - Every year, for a decade, Wild Virginia hosted its biggest event of the year: a film festival that aimed to get individuals inspired to save the wild places in our state. This event was a ‘friend-raiser’ where we showed beautiful environmental films and guided people to the ways they can get involved in the much-needed
- [Help Stop The Mountain Valley Pipeline - Deadline March 22](https://wildvirginia.org/mvp-deadline-to-comment-march-22/)
- [New Campaign for Virginia's Water Future](https://wildvirginia.org/new-campaign-for-virginias-water-future/) - Wild Virginia is working to make important changes in the way state officials regulate polluting projects that can harm our streams through our campaign for Virginia's Water Future. The pollutants we are targeting can directly affect your ability to use streams and rivers as you wish and as you have a right to do. They
- [Big News on the Campaign for Virginia's Water Future](https://wildvirginia.org/big-news-on-the-campaign-for-virginias-water-future/) - Here’s some of what's happening with this exciting campaign for Virginia's Water Future. Please stay informed and involved. Highlights include the following, with details shown below: · A Platform to improve Virginia’s water protection policies · The SUN SING in Place Concert this Thursday at 7:00 p.m., featuring our Campaign! Platform Submitted to Water Board
- [Wildlife Corridor Bill Makes Final Steps through the Virginia House](https://wildvirginia.org/wildlife-corridor-bill-makes-final-steps-through-the-house/) - There is over $500 million in damages in Virginia for wildlife vehicle collisions. That's substantial. Yet, recently the wildlife corridor bill made its final steps through the Virginia house, signaling a brighter future. For this episode of Wild Virginia Virtual Coffee Talk, Wild Virginia Executive Director, Misty Boos, tells us about the concept behind connectivity
- [Apply To Be A Board Member!](https://wildvirginia.org/apply-to-be-a-board-member/) - Wild Virginia is looking for new board members!! Want to apply to be a board member but don't know where to start? Here’s what you need to know. Desired Skills: We are a small and growing organization with strong grassroots support. Our board is active and engaged in making Wild Virginia stronger and more effective
- [Rewards of being a Wild Virginia Board Member](https://wildvirginia.org/rewards-of-being-a-wild-virginia-board-member/) - Wild Virginia relies heavily on our members to further our goals, but we would be nothing without our board members. Our board is made up of a diverse and unique set of individuals who come together to protect Virginia’s wildlands. Being a board member for Wild Virginia means so much more than the average board
- [Biden's Environmental Reform: What Can We Expect?](https://wildvirginia.org/bidens-environmental-reform/) - By Jessica Wen Newly elected President Joe Biden took office a little over a month ago, and already, there have been many changes proposed in hopes of countering the policies of the Trump administration, especially with regards to improving our environment in the U.S. and internationally. Biden's environmental reform is likely to shift national goals
- [Success in the Senate and House - Protecting Virginia Waters from Pipelines](https://wildvirginia.org/success-in-the-senate-and-house-protecting-virginia-waters-from-pipelines/) - This week we made major advancements toward improving state law in protecting Virginia waters against huge gas pipelines. Two important bills have been approved by both the State Senate and the House of Delegates and will now be sent to the Governor for his signature. These bills are in line with our efforts to limit
- [Wild Virginia's MUST READ Environmental Books of 2021!](https://wildvirginia.org/wild-virginias-must-read-environmental-books-of-2021/) - Trying to find some good reads until the snowy weather is gone for good? Here are some of Wild Virginia’s must read books! World of Wonders: In Praise of Fireflies, Whale Sharks, and Other Astonishments by Aimee Nezhukumatathil In this beautiful collection of essays, Aimee talks of her childhood and the lessons she’s learned from
- [Campaign for Virginia's Water Future Update](https://wildvirginia.org/campaign-for-virginias-water-future-update/) - Water Quality and DEQ Reform in 2021! Wild Virginia, and you, have made some major strides in the newly-named Campaign for Virginia's Water Future during 2020, and we are excited to move into the new year! We will participate in decision-making processes the state has begun and also push our own initiatives to protect Virginia’s
- [Ecological Connectivity & it's Global Importance](https://wildvirginia.org/ecological-connectivity-connects-the-world/) - Ecological connectivity is gaining international attention as an important way to help humans and animals make connections. Ecological corridors act as a pathway so wildlife and plants can move and adapt. This ability to move is crucial to the survival of ecosystems. What is Ecological Connectivity? On July 7, 2020, the International Union for Conservation
- [Rebuilding Our Environment: Wild Virginia Leading Toward a Greener Future](https://wildvirginia.org/rebuilding-virginas-environment-through-our-common-agenda/) - Wild Virginia is leading the state of Virginia towards a greener future. Our dedication to wildlife and wild habitats is an instrumental piece of the fight for a healthier planet. The Virginia Conservation Networks recently published the Common Agenda, which included two articles co-authored by Wild Virginia. “Our Common Agenda” represents the policy agenda of more
- [Protecting the Rights of Nature: A Shift in Environmental Activism](https://wildvirginia.org/fighting-for-rights-of-nature-a-shift-in-environmental-activism/) - By Grace Tuttle Wild Virginia interviewed the Virginia Community Rights Network (VACRN) about their work in elevating the rights of Nature and Communities who value nature as a whole. VACRN represents a new paradigm in how to fight for the environment, as part of the environment. VACRN joins other grassroots groups protecting the Rights of
- [Wildlife Corridors and Habitat Connectivity](https://wildvirginia.org/wildlife-corridors-habitat-connectivity/) - by Allie Lowy "Is the deer crossing the road, or is the road crossing the forest?" - Freequill Αn insurance company analyst, Master Naturalist, Department of Transportation employee, and conservation biologist walk into a bar. What do they have in common? Now that I have your attention, it was not a bar, but, rather, the
- [Safety Tips for the Great Outdoors](https://wildvirginia.org/safety-tips-great-outdoors/) - by Donna Fitzgerald This summer, hike around in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests or do some wildlife watching and camping. Summertime in Virginia is one of the best times of year to get outdoors and enjoy some of the state’s most beautiful forests. Whether you spend as much time as you can outdoors,
- [The Importance of Brook Trout Conservation](https://wildvirginia.org/importance-brook-trout-conservation/) - by Allie Lowy “Once there were brook trout in the streams in the mountains. You could see them standing in the amber current where the white edges of their fins wimpled softly in the flow. They smelled of moss in your hand. Polished and muscular and torsional. On their backs were vermiculate patterns that were
- [Wild Virginia Aids the Common Agenda](https://wildvirginia.org/wild-virginia-aids-common-agenda/) - What is the Common Agenda? Every year the Virginia Conservation Network (VCN) releases a briefing book entitled Our Common Agenda. The briefing combines the policy agendas of over 100 organizations across Virginia to form one, concise compilation of conservation goals. The agenda aims to address the most pressing conversation issues with realistic statewide policies. The
- [Pipeline Updates: Where Do We Stand?](https://wildvirginia.org/pipeline-updates-stand/) - By Julia Travers The efforts to stop the proposed Atlantic Coast and Mountain Valley Pipelines (ACP and MVP) have made enormous progress over the last few years, with Wild Virginia and its allies playing central roles. These unneeded pipelines directly threaten local drinking water, homes, endangered species’ habitats, parks, economies and other vital interconnected systems
- [Sugar Hollow Hike June 23rd](https://wildvirginia.org/sugar-hollow-hike-june-23rd/) - by Cecile Trivigno On Sunday, June 23rd, a group of Wild Virginia members went on a hike to Sugar Hollow. It was a beautiful, sunny day and the weather was absolutely perfect for an afternoon hike. The Hike Begins! Seven Wild Virginians set off on a hike led by Misty Boos, Hunter Frakes, and I.
- [New Pipeline CSI Website Goes Live](https://wildvirginia.org/pipeline-csi-website-goes-live/) - Wild Virginia is excited to announce that the new website for Allegheny Blue Ridge Alliance's (ABRA) Compliance Surveillance Initiative (CSI) program is up and running! The purpose of the CSI is "to support citizen efforts to ensure strict application of environmental laws and regulations in the event the pipeline goes forward." Wild Virginia is a proud
- [Upcoming Events and Outings](https://wildvirginia.org/upcoming-events-outings/) - Click on any highlighted date below... Powered by Eventbrite
- [Tickets on Sale](https://wildvirginia.org/wild-and-scenic-film-festival/)
- [Pipeline Spotlight: Talking ACP and MVP With David Sligh, Wild Virginia Conservation Director](https://wildvirginia.org/pipeline-spotlight-talking-acp-mvp-david-sligh-wild-virginia-conservation-director/) - by: Julia Travers, volunteer writer with Wild Virginia If you need a refresher or are taking a first dive into learning about the proposed Atlantic Coast and Mountain Valley Pipelines, Wild Virginia Conservation Director David Sligh is here to help. He explains what’s going on with these projects and why they pose so many threats
- [Spending Time in the Path of a Proposed Pipeline](https://wildvirginia.org/path-of-proposed-pipeline/) - by Sierra Gladfelter As we turn onto the dirt lane leading to Spruce Creek Camp-Out up the hill, we run into a small group of folks walking down the road. My husband and I have driven out to Nelson County to join the last of three weekend campouts in October organized by activists on land
- [Oregon Wild's New Report Shows Importance of Forest Conservation](https://wildvirginia.org/oregonforestconservation/) - Morgan Kurst, University of Virginia Forest Conservation as Climate Protection The recent report Forest Defense is Climate Defense from Oregon Wild links the practice of logging forests with greenhouse carbon emissions. According to the report, logging old-growth forests releases a lot of carbon into the atmosphere, and planting new trees after logging still creates "carbon debt." It
- [Rusty Patch Bumble Bee Comments on Duncan Knob Proposal](https://wildvirginia.org/rusty-patch-bumblebee-comments-duncan-knob-proposal/) - by Megan Mason Dister Have you seen a more beautiful bee? This amazing bee, known as the rusty patched bumble bee (RPB) is unfortunately federally endangered. On October 15, 2018, Wild Virginia's David Sligh filed public comment to express concerns about how this bee will be effected by the Forest Service's Duncan Knob Gypsy Moth Proposal. These
- [Forest Service proposes two new rules, comment period ends soon](https://wildvirginia.org/6214-2/) - Comment period ends October 15, 2018 On September 13, 2018, the United States Forest Service published two advanced notices of proposed rulemakings (referred to as ANPRMs). The notices aim to streamline regulations regarding the exploration and development of oil, gas, and locatable minerals in national forests and grasslands. Locatable minerals are recognized as a mineral
- [Wild Virginia Provides Access to Public Comments Submitted to Water Control Board](https://wildvirginia.org/wild-virginia-provides-access-public-comments-submitted-water-control-board/) - Through a Freedom of Information Act request, David Sligh of Wild Virginia and the Dominion Pipeline Monitoring Coalition (DPMC) has acquired almost all of the comments citizens (around 10, 000 of them) submitted to State Water Control Board through the Virginia DEQ. Individuals and conservation groups explain why the Corps of Engineers' blanket permit is
- [Peakbagging for a Cause: Eric Gilchrist's Conservation Journey](https://wildvirginia.org/peakbagging-cause-eric-gilchrists-conservation-journey/) - by Allie Lowy On Wednesday, June 11th -- a beautiful, sunny morning -- at the top of Reddish Knob, I had the rare pleasure of meeting Eric Gilchrist. At 64 years old, Eric has spent the past two months ascending mountains on a mission: climb every peak in the George Washington National Forest (GWNF) over
- [Make Your Comments to DEQ](https://wildvirginia.org/suggestions-comments-response-deq-public-notice-impacts-waterbody-crossings-water-quality-standards/) - Wild Virginia offers the following to help citizens begin to frame their comments in response to DEQ’s public notice. We plan to provide additional help, including some examples of comments we develop for some specific stream crossing areas. We welcome any comments, questions, or examples of issues you plan to raise in comments but don’t
- [Wild Side Spring Fundraiser!](https://wildvirginia.org/wild-side-spring-fundraiser/) - You Can Make a Difference! With your gift, Wild Virginia will continue to oppose threats to Virginia’s mountains, forests, and streams. We will advocate to protect these environments through long-term changes in energy and forest resource management, while insisting on solutions to the overarching threat of global climate change. We need to reach our goal
- [Kaylor Knob Hike May 20th](https://wildvirginia.org/kaylor-knob-hike-may-20th/) - by Morgan Kurst On Sunday, May 20th, Wild Virginia members went on a hike to Kaylor Knob in the George Washington National Forest right outside of Elkton, Virginia. The hike was very successful last year, and so co-leaders Dave and Joseph have decided to make it an annual trek. After driving on dusty gravel roads
- [Wild Virginia Objects to Forest Closure Order for MVP](https://wildvirginia.org/wild-virginia-objects-forest-closure-order-mvp/) - Wild Virginia has sent the Forest Service a letter objecting to an outrageous order closing portions of the Jefferson National Forest for many months. In the letter to Joby Timm, Forest Supervisor of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest, Wild Virginia asserts the scope of the Emergency Closure order now in place far exceeds temporal
- [Make your Gift Today](https://wildvirginia.org/help-us-reach-our-goal/) - Wild Virginia needs your help to raise $25,000 by midnight Dec 31, 2017. Make your Gift Today Donate over $100 and get a brand new Wild Virginia water bottle! Provided by CoolFundraisingIdeas.net
- [Buy Tickets: Wild and Scenic Film Fest](https://wildvirginia.org/wild-scenic-film-fest/)
- [Forest Service Quietly Revises Closure Order:  Further Restricts Public Access Around Work Areas for Proposed Mountain Valley Pipeline](https://wildvirginia.org/forest-service-quietly-revises-closure-order-restricts-public-access-around-work-areas-proposed-mountain-valley-pipeline/) - Wild Virginia has learned, through a March 24, 2018 email from Forest Supervisor Joby Timm of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, that the U.S. Forest Service issued two revised Emergency Closure Orders for areas of the Jefferson National Forest, covering two roads and the proposed path of the Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP). New
- [Forest Service Must Clarify, Limit Scope of Closure for Pipeline](https://wildvirginia.org/forest-service-must-clarify-limit-scope-closure-pipeline/) - Wild Virginia wrote Jobi Timm, Forest Supervisor for the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests today, calling on him to clarify provisions in an Emergency Closure Order for the Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP). Wild Virginia seeks assurances that any restrictions on the people’s use of our public lands will be strictly limited and clearly defined. The
- [The Pipeline Fight Continues - No Time to Let Up Now!](https://wildvirginia.org/pipeline-fight-continues/) - Despite recent bad news, the future remains uncertain for two huge, destructive natural gas pipelines proposed to mar our precious mountains and forests. Approvals for the Atlantic Coast Pipeline and Mountain Valley Pipeline issued on Friday by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) are just one step in a continuing battle to determine the fates of these pipelines. The outcome
- [Explore with us](https://wildvirginia.org/recreationevent-calendar/)
- [Governor Northam Must Act to Protect Virginian’s and Our Waters](https://wildvirginia.org/governor-northam-must-act-protect-virginians-waters/) - By David Sligh, Conservation Director, Wild Virginia Let Your Voice Be Heard! Our new Governor has the authority and duty to protect our waters and communities from the Mountain Valley and Atlantic Coast Pipelines. Governor Northam must uphold the principles he has supported for many months and we ask that you let him know that you
- [What Did the State Water Control Board Do?](https://wildvirginia.org/mountain-valley-atlantic-coast-pipelines-happened-whats-next/) - by David Sligh for Wild Virginia and the Dominion Pipeline Monitoring Coalition After the Virginia State Water Control Board (Board) decisions about the Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP) and the Atlantic Coast Pipeline (ACP) uncertainties and confusion remain. We thought we’d give you our best explanation as to what happened and what might come next. Before
- [Frequently Asked Questions](https://wildvirginia.org/frequently-asked-questions/) - Making Comments at the Virginia State Water Control Board Meetings The Virginia State Water Control Board, a citizen board that has authority over certain permits affecting Virginia's waterways, will hold meetings this month on permit applications for the proposed Mountain Valley and Atlantic Coast fracked-gas pipelines. Citizens who previously submitted comments to the State Water
- [Forest Service Clears the Way for ACP](https://wildvirginia.org/forest-service-clears-way-acp/) - Guest Post by our partners at the Allegheny-Blue Ridge Alliance (ABRA) A response to objections raised to the U.S. Forest Service’s (USFS) Draft Record of Decision (ROD) about whether the proposed amendments to the Forest Plans of the Monongahela and George Washington National Forests to accommodate the Atlantic Coast Pipeline (ACP) has been issued by the
- [Contact your representative about H.R. 2936](https://wildvirginia.org/contact-representative-h-r-2936/) - The House yesterday passed The "Resilient Federal Forests Act," H.R. 2936 encouraging and allowing more logging on national forests framed as a way to curtail wildfires. The vote was 232-188. The Virginia delegation voted in a straight party line with all Republicans (Whitman, Taylor, Garrett, Goodlatte, Griffith, Brat and Comstock) voting in favor of the
- [Westerman Bill Creates Loophole to Allow Exploitation of National Forests](https://wildvirginia.org/westerman-bill-creates-loophole-allow-exploitation-national-forests/) - by Susannah Gilmore The H.R. 2936 “Westerman Bill” has just entered the process of amendment and discussion in Congress. Proposed last June, it seeks to “improve forest management” by essentially allowing industry to bypass environmental assessment as mandated in the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 in order to expedite industrial progress. The bill
- [Wild Virginia Response to VOF's Failure to Defend Conservation Easements](https://wildvirginia.org/wild-virginia-response-vofs-failure-defend-conservation-easements/) - We are very disappointed in yesterday’s decision by the Virginia Outdoors Foundation (VOF) to decline to defend easements on 13 Virginia properties and approve a conversion that will allow the Atlantic Coast and Mountain Valley pipelines to violate standing conservation easement agreements with VOF. We cannot emphasize how important conservation and trust agreements are in protecting
- [FERC’s Analysis of Pipeline Impacts Insufficient and Unacceptable](https://wildvirginia.org/fercs-analysis-impacts-pipeline-insufficient-unacceptable/) - Today, the Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP) was released. What's in it - or more importantly - what is not? The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has again failed to adequately address many of the most important impacts and issues related to the Mountain Valley Pipeline. The Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) had
- [Suggested Comments - Virginia  Water Quality Certifications for the ACP and MVP](https://wildvirginia.org/suggested-comments-virginia-water-quality-certifications-acp-mvp/) - The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is accepting comments through Aug. 22, 2017. Comments for ACP should be submitted to: comment-acp@deq.virginia.gov See ACP Public Notice Comments for MVP should be submitted to: comment-mvp@deq.virginia.gov See MVP Public Notice Describe ways you use waterbodies that would be directly affected by pipeline work or are downstream of those areas.
- [Comment to the BLM Today](https://wildvirginia.org/comment-blm-today/) - Tell the BLM “No Pipeline through our National Forests". The BLM is accepting comments on the Mountain Valley Pipeline about the impacts to National Forest Lands. We know that our national forests will be impacted by the Mountain Valley Pipeline. Please take time to contact the BLM by mail or email by the comment deadline
- [Mountain Valley Pipeline Record of Decision](https://wildvirginia.org/mountain-valley-pipeline/) - -The MVP will result in permanent forest fragmentation, impacts to the Appalachian National Scenic Trail Scenic Corridor, and harm to Endangered Species -The Record of Decision (ROD) includes 11 exceptions to the existing Jefferson National Forest Plan that would allow: ----destruction of 51 acres of national forest for creation of the pipeline corridor and access roads
- [Specific points of concern about the Atlantic Coast Pipeline](https://wildvirginia.org/specific-points-concern-atlantic-coast-pipeline/) - - The Atlantic Coast Pipeline will destroy 214 acres of National Forests and construction will eliminate a total of 4,892 acres of critical interior forest habitat. -The Pipeline will cross 2.4 miles of porous and unstable karst areas on Forest Service lands and two cave systems of high significance:
- [MVP & ACP Draft Record of Decision](https://wildvirginia.org/mvpacp-rod-action-alert/) - The Forest Service has decided to allow pipelines to harm watersheds, old growth, and endangered species in our National Forests. Raise your Objection Today! The USFS recently issued the Record of Decision (ROD) for the Atlantic Coast Pipeline and the ROD for the Mountain Valley Pipeline. These terrible decisions authorize the pipeline companies to
- [Forest Service Decision Gives Priority to Private Profit](https://wildvirginia.org/forest-service-decision-gives-priority-private-profit/) - Today, the Forest Service released a Draft Record of Decision (ROD) for the Atlantic Coast Pipeline This terrible decision would authorize the Atlantic Coast Pipeline to construct 21 miles of pipeline on lands managed by the George Washington (GWNF) and Monongahela National Forests (MNF). The proposed pipeline route would also cross both the Appalachian National
- [An Assault on Public Lands and Democracy: H.R. 2936](https://wildvirginia.org/h-r-2936-destroys-environmental-judicial-protections/) - H.R. 2936, The Resilient Federal Forests Act of 2017 (more commonly called the Westerman Bill) is currently being discussed in the House of Representatives. This bill is intended to “expedite environmental analysis and availability of categorical exclusions to expedite forest management activities.” Apart from being destructive to forest ecosystems, the Westerman Bill is designed to
- [Help us Find the Rusty Patched Bumble Bee!!](https://wildvirginia.org/help-us-find-rusty-patched-bumble-bee/) - Thank you for your interest in helping to search for the Rusty Patched Bumble Bee along the proposed Atlantic Coast Pipeline route. One of the bees was found by an ACP surveyor in Bath County. We would like to find more anywhere along the route, if possible. We are welcome to search on public Forest
- [Wild Virginia Youth Program](https://wildvirginia.org/4877-2/) - Last week was packed with fun adventures in the youth program! On Monday, Wild Virginia met a group of students from Monroe High School at Ivy Creek Natural Preserve, where all the trees and flowers were in bloom and beautiful. We found a patch of grass surrounded by walking paths, colorful flowers, and some
- [How to Object to the Forest Service on their Record of Decision](https://wildvirginia.org/object-forest-service-record-decision/) - usfs-objection-process-blm-comments
- [Atlantic Coast Pipeline: Status, Prospects, and Actions](https://wildvirginia.org/atlantic-coast-pipeline-status-prospects-actions/) - What’s the status of the FERC Review? FERC is scheduled to release the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for the Atlantic Coast Pipeline on July 21, 2017. The FEIS will apply to the entire project, including permits to cross the Monongahela and George Washington National Forest. All comments on the Draft EIS are part of
- [US Forest Service Allows Exceptions for Mountain Valley Pipeline](https://wildvirginia.org/us-forest-service-allows-exceptions-mountain-valley-pipeline/) - The US Forest Service (USFS) just released their Draft Record of Decision (ROD) for the Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP). This document would allow 11 exceptions to the Jefferson National Forest Plan and adopt an amendment that would allow the destruction of old growth forests, rare species, and wetlands by the proposed Mountain Valley Pipeline. In
- [Sample Comments](https://wildvirginia.org/sample-comments/) - What’s at stake for our national forest lands? Water Pollution: Sedimentation caused by construction could threaten the water quality especially those of special concern such as native brook trout streams and the headwater streams that supply the water used by the Shenandoah Valley. Habitat and Natural Processes Destruction: Construction of the pipeline would fragment habitat,
- [Little Valley Case Study: High-Hazard Pipeline Construction](https://wildvirginia.org/little-valley-case-study-high-hazard-pipeline-construction/) - DPMC has published a new report on construction of the proposed Atlantic Coast Pipeline across Little Valley in Virginia's Bath County. Little Valley: High-Hazard Pipeline Construction The Little Valley area, like much of the proposed ACP route through the mountains, presents extreme challenges for pipeline construction due to steep slopes, high-excavation requirements, erodible and slip-prone soil
- [WILD VIRGINIA'S CONSERVATION DIRECTOR DAVID SLIGH WINS RIVER HERO AWARD](https://wildvirginia.org/wild-virginias-conservation-director-david-sligh-wins-river-hero-award/) - David Sligh, Wild Virginia's very own Conservation Director, was recently named a winner of the River Hero Award through the River Network! One of only five awardees across the United States, David was nominated for his environmental enthusiasm and commitment to preserving water bodies and water quality. Over the last thirty-five years he has made a
- [FAQ: How the Atlantic Coast Pipeline is Connected to Mountaintop Removal](https://wildvirginia.org/faq-atlantic-coast-pipeline-will-require-38-miles-mountaintop-removal/) - Dominion has stated that the proposed 600 mile Atlantic Coast Pipeline will require ‘extensive’ mountaintop removal along the Appalachian ridge lines in Virginia and West Virginia. What exactly does this mean? How much mountaintop will need to be removed? Dominion has said that 10-60 feet of mountaintops will be “reduced” in
- [National Forests & the Great Appalachian Carbon Commons](https://wildvirginia.org/national-forests-great-appalachian-carbon-commons/) - Just over a century ago, the mountains from West Virginia to Georgia were being clearcut, burned, and eroded in one of the worst logging rampages in history. Flooding from the denuded mountains was so destructive to the lowlands that in 1911, Congress was pressured to pass the Weeks Act. This law authorized the Forest Service
- [5 Things You Didn’t Know About Trees and Climate Change](https://wildvirginia.org/5-things-didnt-know-trees-climate-change/) - Besides providing beautiful sites for hikers, habitats for wildlife, and lush natural scenery, forests play an invaluable part in protecting our planet from climate change. Read on to learn some fascinating, often-overlooked functions of forests and to understand why it’s especially important to look out for their welfare. 1. Forests regulate rainfall When it comes
- [Oakland School Education Outing!](https://wildvirginia.org/oakland-school-education-outing/) - We drove into the Oakland School on a crisp Wednesday morning. The campus was beautiful— rolling hills littered with white paneled, barn-house style buildings. I was there with Bette and Lilly, two other Wild Virginia volunteers, to teach a youth group about the importance of different habitat types for animals. There were about 20 students
- [Our First Youth Outdoor Education Outing!](https://wildvirginia.org/first-youth-outdoor-education-outing/) - On Monday, February 13th, Wild Virginia’s youth outdoor education team held our first outing with the Charlottesville Parkside and Post-High School Parks and Recreation group! The unseasonably warm and sunny weather held out, and everyone was excited to get outside and play some games. We kicked off the activities with a camouflage scavenger hunt. Volunteers
- [Scheme to Hide Info. About Dangerous Fracking Chemicals](https://wildvirginia.org/scheme-to-hide-info-about-dangerous-fracking-chemicals/) - Speak Up Today! Bills currently being considered in the Virginia General Assembly would prevent area residents and local governments from discovering which specific fracking chemicals are being released into their communities. Tell state senators to oppose SB 1291 and SB 1292! Background Drilling operations for oil and natural gas in Virginia pose a serious threat
- [3.3 million acres of our public land at risk](https://wildvirginia.org/3-3-million-acres-public-land-risk/) - by Lillian Anderson 2-2-2017 UPDATE: Rep. Jason Chaffetz announced this morning that he is withdrawing this bill. Thanks to everyone who called and made comments. Last Tuesday, Congressman Jason Chaffetz proposed HR 621. This bill will drastically impact our public lands if passed. It builds on the Disposal of Excess Federal Lands Act and aims to sell
- [What can you do?](https://wildvirginia.org/join-the-fight-against-the-atlantic-coast-pipeline/)
- [Threats to National Monuments and Endangered Species Under Trump Administration](https://wildvirginia.org/national-monuments/) - As the Trump administration officially takes control of the White House on Friday, there are a number of environmental policy changes and appointments that already have environmentalists pushing back. With media focus on the upcoming inauguration, it's easy to miss some of these new developments. Luckily, Wild Virginia is here to keep you informed and up to
- [ACP Sample Comments](https://wildvirginia.org/acp-sample-comments/) - What should I talk about in my comments to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)? Do you like to visit our national forests? The construction of the pipeline would degrade the exceptional scenic and recreation value of our national forests and make them more desirable for natural gas drilling. Are you concerned about our drinking water? The
- [Our Federal Lands At Risk](https://wildvirginia.org/our-federal-lands-at-risk/) - by Lillian Anderson This week, the House of Representatives passed a new rules package that places our federal lands at risk. In the past, it has been difficult to transfer federal lands to the control of state governments because the lands hold clear value and generate revenue. If lands were taken out of federal control,
- [Sample Comments on Mountian Valley Pipeline DEIS](https://wildvirginia.org/sample-comments-mountian-valley-pipeline-deis/) - Suggested Comments for the Public: -I strongly oppose the application for a Special Use Permit to cross the Jefferson National Forest and the requests for amendments to the Forest Plan. I believe the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Forest Service must reject these proposals and I urge you to do so. -The Draft
- [Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains Recommended as Future Priority Conservation Area](https://wildvirginia.org/4478-2/) - by Julia Travers A study in the journal, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, (PNAS) identifies our very own Blue Ridge Mountains as a recommended priority area for future conservation, along with eight other areas. The study also states that much of the protected lands in the U.S. are
- [Become a Member Today](https://wildvirginia.org/why-become-a-member/)
- [Dangerous “Biomass Neutrality” Proposal in Senate Energy Bill.](https://wildvirginia.org/dangerous-biomass-neutrality-proposal-in-senate-energy-bill/) - The Energy Policy Modernization Act of 2015, which has passed the Senate and House, seeks to update the US power grid and the transportation systems for oil and gas. However, it was recently amended to include a clause that seeks to promote the use of timber for biomass energy production as a carbon neutral source
- [Wild Virginia Leads Tour of the Pipeline Route](https://wildvirginia.org/wild-virginia-leads-tour-of-the-pipeline-route/) - By Jessie Thuma On September 9th, Wild Virginia's President, Ernie Reed, and Conservation Director, David Sligh, led a group of hikers on a tour of the proposed route of the Atlantic Coast Pipeline (ACP). Participants gathered at Shenandoah Joe's for some coffee, snacks, and small talk before piling into vans and hitting the road to Nelson County.
- [Wild Virginia Supports Standing Rock Sioux Tribe in Opposing Dakota Pipeline](https://wildvirginia.org/wild-virginia-supports-standing-rock-sioux-tribe-in-opposing-dakota-pipeline/) - Wild Virginia sent the following letter to the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe today: Re: Letter of Support for Standing Rock Sioux Tribe Dear Mr. Sitting Bear: Wild Virginia supports the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and joins the tribe in opposing the Dakota Access Pipeline. We join you and many thousands of others who are
- [Tell us your story](https://wildvirginia.org/tell-us-your-story/) - Help Stop the ACP by telling us why you don't want a pipeline. Click on the map below to show us the places that matter to you.
- [Wood Turtles Need Our Help](https://wildvirginia.org/wood-turtles-need-our-help/) - The Wood Turtle inhabits only the northernmost region of Virginia, from the counties of Arlington and Fairfax west through Frederick County and Shenandoah County. A protected species, given a Virginia Wildlife Action Plan rating of Tier 1 - Critical Conservation Need - Glyptemys insculpta faces many threats. Due to continual urbanization and intense habitat destruction,
- [What is The True Economic Costs of the Mountain Valley Pipeline?](https://wildvirginia.org/4286-2/) - A study released on May 18 examines effects on areas close to the Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP) right-of-way during and after construction. Some of the external costs described would be: lost property value along the right-of-way: $779,400 to $2.4 million reduced tax revenues a decrease in economic development ecosystem damage and loss: $119.1 - $130.8
- [Outdoor First Aid Training!](https://wildvirginia.org/outdoor-first-aid-training/) - On July 9th and 10th, learn first aid for outdoor excursions alongside Wild Virginia's President, Ernie Reed, in a two-day Outdoor First Aid learning program, taught by Matt Rosefsky. With 10% of the course proceeds going to Wild Virginia, this is a great event to not only support us, but to learn how to take
- [Three steps to fight the Atlantic Coast Pipeline - Make Sure to Comment Before June 2nd!](https://wildvirginia.org/three-steps-for-fighting-the-atlantic-coast-pipeline-make-sure-to-comment-before-june-2nd/) - It is not too late to become a FERC Intervenor!! The deadline to sign up and comment is June 2nd. Wild Virginia works to keep you informed about when and how you can best make your voice heard. One of those moments is now. 1) Make Comments: The Forest Service is calling for comments on
- [Sample Comments - USFS - 05/17/16](https://wildvirginia.org/sample-comments-usfs-051716/) - SAMPLE COMMENTS USFS - 5-17-2016
- [Our national forests are no place for pipelines](https://wildvirginia.org/our-national-forests-are-no-place-for-pipelines/)
- [Sample Scoping Comments - ACP](https://wildvirginia.org/sample-scoping-comments-acp/) - Scoping Comment Ideas: There are so many reasons to reject this new pipeline route through Virginia's national forests. Here are just a few to help you get started. Please contact us if you need more. A right of way for the pipeline should be rejected because.... Harm to Special Biological Areas: The new proposed route
- [Wild Ways: Building Natural Highways for Animals](https://wildvirginia.org/wild-ways-building-natural-highways-for-animals/) - Large mammals have roamed the Earth for millions of years. From the lions and elephants of the Serengeti, to the bison and grizzly bears of North America, these animals are essential to their surrounding ecosystems. Many are indicator species that signal the health of their ecosystem simply through their presence. These large organisms often control
- [Wrenched explores civil disobedience and the defense of wilderness](https://wildvirginia.org/movie-screening-wrenched/) - Join us on April 27th at 7pm in the Gallery Room at Newcomb Hall, UVA where Wild Virginia will be screening the documentary, Wrenched. The film describes the impact writer and environmental activist Edward Abbey had on the emerging environmental movement of the 1970s and 80s and the lasting impression he had on the young activists of
- [Protection for Two Appalachian Crayfishes under the Endangered Species Act](https://wildvirginia.org/protection-for-two-appalachian-crayfishes-under-the-endangered-species-act/) - On April 6th, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service protected two species of crayfish in Kentucky, Virginia, and West Virginia under the Endangered Species Act. This listing comes in response to a petition from the Center for Biological Diversity. The Big Sandy crayfish and the Guyandotte River crayfish have lost more than half of their
- [Wild and Scenic Film Festival - Harrisonburg is Tomorrow!](https://wildvirginia.org/wild-and-scenic-film-festival-harrisonburg-is-tomorrow/) - With the Harrisonburg show a day away, we are quickly approaching the Wild and Scenic Film Festival in Virginia. With 3 shows hosted by Wild Virginia, we hope to utilize the different selections of films to convey a story about our planet, our beautiful and precious wild lands, and the people of the communities who
- [Staunton Wild and Scenic Film Festival Schedule](https://wildvirginia.org/staunton-wild-and-scenic-film-festival-schedule/) - This series of short films will be shown in Staunton on April 10th 7pm at the Visulite Cinema Spaceship Earth Passenger Safety Briefing - Dave Gardner, Lynsey Jones, GrowthBusters | 2014 The Last Dragons - Jeremy Monroe, David Herasimtschuk | 2015 Mile for Mile - James Q Martin | 2015 In Current - Ryan Heffernan, Grayson
- [Harrisonburg Wild and Scenic Film Festival Schedule](https://wildvirginia.org/harrisonburg-wild-and-scenic-film-festival-schedule/) - This series of short films will be shown in Harrisonburg on March 30th, 2016 at 7pm at the Court Square Theater. Bringing Back the Brooks - Jeremy Monroe, David Herasimtschuk 2015 Defined by the Line - Rebecca Cahall, Alex Lowther, Jimmy Hooper | 2015 Bounce, this is not a freestyle movie - Guillaume Blanchet | 2014 Emerald
- [Charlottesville Wild and Scenic Film Festival Schedule](https://wildvirginia.org/charlottesville-wild-and-scenic-film-festival-schedule/) - This series of short films will be shown in Charlottesville on April 5th, 2016 at 6:30pm at the Violet Crown Cinema. Bringing Back the Brooks – Jeremy Monroe, David Herasimtschuk 2015 An Education, A Father-Daughter Trip of Discovery - Mike Libecki, Mike Schirf, Fitz Cahall | 2014 Comes with Baggage - Dominic Gill, Nadia Boctor | 2015
- [New interactive map shows risks of the ACP on soils, water and sensitive species](https://wildvirginia.org/new-interactive-map-shows-the-impacts-of-the-acp/) - In an effort to demonstrate the profound impacts of the proposed Atlantic Coast Pipeline (ACP), the Dominion Pipeline Monitoring Coalition (DPMC) has published an online interactive mapping system detailing the environmental risks and sensitivities associated with the proposed route. As the User Guide points out, this program hopes to “organize and provide access to environmental information and
- [GWNF 6 proposed on steep, highly erodible, unsuitable terrain](https://wildvirginia.org/3995-2/) - Dominion has proposed to adopt an alternative route (GWNF 6) for the Atlantic Coast Pipeline (ACP) in order to avoid the threatened species in the Cheat and Shenandoah Mountain ranges. In order to avoid these mountains, the new, proposed route will pass through Pocahontas County, cross into Highland County and then into Bath and Augusta
- [New Atlantic Coast Pipeline Route Announced](https://wildvirginia.org/new-atlantic-coast-pipeline-route-announced/) - On February 12, 2016 Dominion Transmission announced intentions of filing with FERC next week a new route for the Atlantic Coast Pipeline. Map - Courtesy of DPMC Even with this new route, Dominion has yet to demonstrate two Forest Service prerequisites to building the pipeline across the National Forest: Dominion must prove that the private
- [Action Alert to Protect Our National Forests](https://wildvirginia.org/action-alert-to-protect-our-national-forests/) - This week, Congress will be voting an appropriations bill that is slated to include provisions that would that would significantly harm national forests. These appropriations are part of a wider deal to reform federal spending on the wildfire budget, allowing more disaster funds to be used for fire fighting. What this means, however, is that
- [Civilian Air Force Group Provides Pipeline Oversight](https://wildvirginia.org/civilian-air-force-group-provides-pipeline-oversight/) - The Dominion Pipeline Monitoring Coalition (DPMC), headed by retired UVA Senior Scientist Rick Webb, seeks to keep Virginia politicians, government bodies, and Dominion on their toes concerning environmental effects of pipelines and natural gas infrastructure. To identify potential problems, DPMC runs a civilian air force that takes photographs of existing and planned infrastructure sites. In their latest investigative effort, the DPMC
- [With Warming, East Coast Forests Sequester More CO2](https://wildvirginia.org/with-warming-east-coast-forests-sequester-more-co2/) - As a human species, we seem to be doing our best to overwhelm the natural balances of the earth: we waste about 1/3 of all food produced (and up to 40% in the U.S.), we cut down 46-58,000 square miles of forest a year, and scientists predict global temperature increases as high as 8.6° by 2100. Yet,
- [Extreme proposal to drill though Shenandoah Mountain](https://wildvirginia.org/extreme-proposal-to-drill-though-shenandoah-mountain/) - Dominion has responded to concerns about impacts to the rare Cow Knob salamander with an extreme proposal to drill though Shenandoah Mountain. The so-called horizontal directional drilling would involve two separate sections of 1.3 and 1.1 miles. Damage to Cow Knob salamander habitat would not be completely avoided, a native brook trout stream would be
- [Forest Canopy](https://wildvirginia.org/forest-canopy/) - Forest Canopy Sexton, J.O., T. Bax, P. Siqueira, J.J. Swenson, S. Hensley. 2009. A comparison of lidar, radar, and field measurements of canopy height in pine and hardwood forests of southeastern North America. Forest Ecology and Management, 257:1136-1147. Webster, C.R., C.G. Lorimer. 2003. Comparative growing space efficiency of four tree species in mixed conifer-hardwood forests.
- [Climate Change - Forests](https://wildvirginia.org/climate-change-forests/) - Climate Change - Forests Anderegg, W.R.L., J.M. Kane, L.D.L. Anderegg. 2012. Consequences of widespread tree mortality triggered by drought and temperature stress. Nature Climate Change. Sun, G., S.B. McLaughlin, J.H. Porter, J. Uddling, P.J. Mulholland, M.B. Adams, N. Pederson. 2012. Interactive influences of ozone and climate on streamflow of forested watersheds. Global Change Biology, 18:3395-3409.
- [Climate Change - Ecosystems](https://wildvirginia.org/climate-change-ecosystems/) - Climate Change - Ecosystems Deser, D., R. Knutti, S. Solomon, A.S. Phillips. 2012. Communication of the role of natural variability in future North American climate. Nature Climate Change. 2:775-780 Beschta, R.L., D.L. Donahue, D.A. DellaSala, J.J. Rhodes, J.R. Karr, M.H. O’Brien, T.L. Fleischner, C.D. Williams. 2012. Adapting to Climate Change on Western Public Lands: Addressing
- [Carbon Sequestering - Old Growth Forests](https://wildvirginia.org/carbon-sequestering-old-growth-forests/) - Carbon Sequestering – Old Growth Forests Luyssaert, S. E., D. Schulze, A. Borner, A. Knohl, D. Hessenmoller, B. E. Law, P. Ciais, J. Grace. 2008. Old-growth forests as global carbon sinks. Nature Letters 455. McGarvey, J.C., J.R. Thompson, H.E. Epstein, H.H. Shugart. 2015. Carbon Storage in old-growth forests of the mid atlantic: toward better understanding
- [Carbon Sequestering - Forests](https://wildvirginia.org/carbon-sequestering-forests/) - Carbon Sequestering - Forests Lamlom, S. H., R. A. Savidge. 2003. A Reassessment of carbon content in wood: variation within and between 41 North American species. Biomass and Bioenergy 25:381-388. Smith, J. E., L. S. Heath, K. E. Skog, R. A. Birdsey. 2006. Methods for calculating forest ecosystem and harvested carbon with standard estimates for
- [Barrens and Grasslands](https://wildvirginia.org/barrens-and-grasslands/) - Barrens and Grasslands Robertson, P.A., A.L. Heikens. 1994. Fire frequency in oak-hickory forests of southern Illinois. Castanea, 59-3:286-291. Homoya, M.A., 1994. Indiana Barrens: Classification and Description. Castanea, 59-3:204-213. Heikens, A.L., K.A. West, P.A. Robertson. 1994. Short-term response of chert and shale barrens vegetation to fire in southwestern Illinois. Castanea, 59-3:274-285. DeSelm, H.R. 1994. Tennessee Barrens.
- [Biomass Energy - Atmosphere](https://wildvirginia.org/biomass-energy-atmosphere/) - Biomass Energy – Atmosphere China, S., C. Mazzoleni, K. Gorkowski, A.C. Aiken, M.K. Dubey. 2013. Morphology and mixing state of individual freshly emitted wildfire carbonaceous particles. Nature Communications. Jacobson, M.Z. 2014. Effects of biomass burning on climate, accounting for heat and moisture fluxes, black and brown carbon, and cloud absorption effects. Journal of Geophysical Research:
- [Biomass Energy - Forests and Crops](https://wildvirginia.org/biomass-energy-forests-and-crops/) - Biomass Energy – Forests and Crops Hudiburg, T.W., B.E. Law, C. Wirth, S. Luyssaert. 2011. Regional carbon dioxide implications of forest bioenergy production. Nature Climate Change. Schulze, E.D., C. Korner, B.E. Law, H. Haberl, S. Luyssaert. 2012. Large-scale bioenergy from additional harvest of forest biomass is neither sustainable nor greenhouse gas neutral. GCB Bioenergy. Holtsmark,
- [Forest Composition](https://wildvirginia.org/forest-composition/) - Forest Composition Braun, E.L. 1935. The vegetation of Pine Mountain, Kentucky: An analysis of the influence of soils and slope exposure as determed by geological structure. American Midland Naturalist, 16-4:517-565. Braun, L.E. 1937. A remarkable colony of coastal plain plants on the Cumberland plateau in Laurel County, Kentucky. American Midland Naturalist, 18-3:363-366. Braun, E.L., 1942.
- [Forest Debris](https://wildvirginia.org/forest-debris/) - Forest Debris Chojnacky, D.C., T.M. Schuler. 2004. Amounts of down woody materials for mixed-oak forests in Kentucky, Virginia, Tennessee, and North Carolina. Southern Journal of Applied Forestry. 28-2:113-117. Goodburn, J.M., C.G. Lorimer. 1998. Cavity trees and coarse woody debris in old-growth and managed northern hardwood forests in Wisconsin and Michigan. Canadian Journal of Forest Research,
- [Forest Management](https://wildvirginia.org/forest-management/) - Forest Management Holtsmark, Bjart. 2012. Harvesting in boreal forests and the biofuel carbon debt. Climate Change 112:415-428. Zhou D., S. Liu, J. Oeding, S. Zhao. 2013. Forest cutting and impacts on carbon in the eastern United States. Scientific Reports. 3:3547. Pearson, T. R. H., S. Brown, F. M. Casarim. 2014. Carbon emissions from tropical forest
- [Forest Natural Disturbances](https://wildvirginia.org/forest-natural-disturbances/) - Forest Natural Disturbances Lorimer, C.G., 1980. Age structure and disturbance history of a southern Appalachian virgin forest. Ecology, 61-5:1169-1184. Peterson, C.J. 2007. Consistent influence of tree diameter and species on damage in nine eastern North America tornado blowdowns. Forest Ecology and Management, 250:96-108. Hursh, C.R., F.W. Haasis. 1931. Effects of 1925 summer drought on southern
- [Forest Research Methods](https://wildvirginia.org/forest-research-methods/) - Forest Research Methods Pederson, Neil. 2010. External characteristics of old trees in the eastern deciduous forest. Natural Areas Journal, 30-4:396-407. Frelich, L.E., P.B. Reich. 2003. Perspectives on development of definitions and values related to old-growth forests. Environmental Reviews, 11:s9-s22. Lorimer, C.G., L.E. Frelich. 1998. A structural alternative to chronosequence analysis for uneven-aged northern hardwood forests.
- [Forest Succession, Development, and History](https://wildvirginia.org/forest-succession-development-and-history/) - Forest Succession, Development and History Ellsworth, J.W., B.C. McComb. 2003. Potential effects of passenger pigeon flocks on the structure and composition of presettlement forests of eastern North America. Conservation Biology, 17-6:1548-1558. Abrams, M.D., M.L. Scott. 1989. Disturbance-mediated accelerated succession in two Michigan forest types. Forest Science, 35-1:42-49. Hart, J.L., H.D. Grissino-Mayer. 2008. Vegetation patterns and
- [Forest Understory](https://wildvirginia.org/forest-understory/) - Forest Understory Wyatt, J.L., M.R. Silman. 2010. Centuries-old logging legacy on spatial and temporal patterns in understory herb communities. Forest Ecology and Management, 260:116-124. Kraft, L.S., T.R. Cow, D.S. Buckley, E.A. Nauertz, J.C. Zasada. 2004. Effects of harvesting and deer browsing on attributes of understory plants in northern hardwood forests, Upper Michigan, USA. Forest Ecology
- [Forests and Fire](https://wildvirginia.org/forests-and-fire/) - Forests and Fire Kimmerer, R.W., F.K. Lake. 2001. Maintaining the mosaic: the role of indigenous burning in land management. Jounral of Forestry. 99: 36-41. Carey, H., M.Schumann. 2003. Modifying wildfire behavior—the effectiveness of fuel treatments. Santa Fe, NM: National Community Forestry Center. Keiter, R.B., 2006. The law of fire: reshaping public land policy in an
- [Greenhouse Gas Emissions](https://wildvirginia.org/greenhouse-gas-emissions/) - Greenhouse Gas Emissions McJeon, H., J. Edmonds, N. Bauer, L. Clarke, B. Fisher, B. P. Flannery, J. Hilaire, V. Krey, G. Marongoni, R. Mi, K. Riahi, H. Rogner, M. Tavoni. 2014. Limited impact on decadal-scale climate change from increased use of natural gas. Nature 000:1 Mcgee, J. A., Does certified organic farming reduce greenhouse gas
- [Invasive Species and Pests](https://wildvirginia.org/invasive-species-and-pests/) - Invasive Species and Pests Moore, D. J. P., N.A. Trahan, P. Wilkes, T. Quaife, B. B. Stephens, K. Elder, A. R. Desai, J. Negron, R. K. Monson. 2013. Persistent reduced ecosystem respiration after insect disturbance in high elevation forests. Ecology Letters. Muzika, R.M., A.M. Liebhold. 2000. A critique of silvicultural approaches to managing defoliating insects
- [Molecular Ecology](https://wildvirginia.org/molecular-ecology/) - Molecular Ecology Walker, J.F., O.K. Miller Jr., T. Lei, S. Semones, E. Nilsen, B.D. Clinton. 1999. Suppression of ectomycorrhizae on canopy tree seedlings in Rhododendron maximum L. (Ericacaea) thickets in southern Appalachians. Mycorrhiza, 9:49-56. Borner, R.E.J., 1986. Seasonal nutrient dynamics, nutrient resorption, and mycorrhizal infection intensity of two perennial forest herbs. American Journal of Botany,
- [Old Growth Forests](https://wildvirginia.org/old-growth-forests/) - Old Growth Forests Rentch, J.S., M.A. Fajvan, R.R. Hicks Jr. 2003. Spatial and temporal disturbance characteristics of oak-dominated old-growth stands in the central hardwood forest region. Forest Science, 49-5:778-789. Jurgensen, M.F., M.J. Larsen, S.D. Spano, A.E. Harvey, M.R. Gale. 1984. Nitrogen fixation associated with increased wood decay in douglas-fir residue. Forest Science, 30-4:1038-1044. Rentch, J.S.,
- [Prescribed Fire](https://wildvirginia.org/prescribed-fire/) - Prescribed Fire Burton, J.A., S.W. Hallgren, S.D. Fuhlendorf, D.M. Leslie Jr. 2011. Understory response to varying fire frequencies after 20 years of prescribed burning in an upland oak forest. Plant Ecology, 212:1513-1525. Elliot, K.J., R.L. Hendrick, A.E. Major, J.M. Vose, W.T. Swank. 1999. Vegetation dynamics after a prescribed fire in the southern Appalachians. Forest Ecology
- [Soil](https://wildvirginia.org/soil/) - Soil Phillips, R. P., I. C. Meier, E. S. Bernhardt. A. S. Grandy, K. Wickings, A. C. Finzi. 2012. Roots and fungi accelerate carbon and nitrogen cycling in forests exposed to elevated CO2. Ecology Letters 15:1042-1049 Leppalammi-Kujansuu, J., L. Aro, M. Salemaa, K. Hansson, D.B. Kleja, H.S. Helmisaari. 2014. Fine root longevity and carbon input
- [Water](https://wildvirginia.org/water/) - Water Swank, W.T., J.M. Vose. K.J. Elliot. 2001. Long-term hydrologic and water quality responses following commercial clearcutting of mixed hardwoods on a southern Appalachian catchment. Forest Ecology and Management, 143:163-178. Hibbert, A.R. 1966. Forest treatment effects on water yield. In proceedings of a National Science Foundation advanced science seminar, international symposium on forest hydrology. Pergamon
- [Wildlife](https://wildvirginia.org/wildlife/) - Wildlife Hamal, P.B. 2000. Cerulean Warbler. The Birds of North America, 511:1-20. Wathen, W.G., K.G. Johnson, M.R. Pelton. 1986. Characteristics of black bear dens in the southern Appalachian region. Bears: Their Biology and Management, 6:119-127. Cox, J.J., N.W. Seward, J.L. Larkin, D.S. Maehr. 2003. Common Raven nests in Eastern Kentucky. Southeastern Naturalist, 2-1:99-104. Petranka, J.W.,
- [Climate Change Resource List](https://wildvirginia.org/climate-change-resource-list/) - Barrens and Grasslands Biomass Energy – Atmosphere Biomass Energy – Forests and Crops Carbon Sequestering – Forests Carbon Sequestering – Old Growth Forests Climate Change – Ecosystems Climate Change – Forests Forest Canopy Forest Composition Forest Debris Forest Management Forest Natural Disturbances Forest Research Methods Forest Succession, Development, and History Forest Understory Forests and Fire
- [Forest Defense Task Force](https://wildvirginia.org/forest-defense-task-force/) - Be a Part of our Forest Defense Task Force! Wild Virginia invites you to join in the effort to protect the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests. The Wild Virginia Forest Defense Task Force is a proactive group of forest defenders who identify threats to the forest and take action on behalf of the forest.
- [Panels, Not Pipelines: Virginia's Renewable Future](https://wildvirginia.org/panels-not-pipelines-virginias-renewable-future/) - The coalition of citizens, naturalists, biologists, scholars, families, landowners, and forest-enthusiasts fighting our region’s natural gas infrastructure know that the Atlantic Coast Pipeline (ACP) threatens the region as we know it. The ACP, if built, will pose an imminent risk to air quality, water quality, community and environmental integrity, as well as legal rights and
- [YIKES! Dominion Power Embraces Biomass Incineration in Southern Virginia](https://wildvirginia.org/yikes-dominion-power-embraces-biomass-incineration-in-southern-virginia-february-2012/) - By: Ernie Reed Posted: February 14, 2012 Virginia Electric Power is proposing to burn trees and other vegetation to generate large amounts of electricity at three of its power generating stations in Alta Vista, Hopewell and South Hampton, Virginia[1]. For the reasons stated below, this is a big step backwards in the direction that utilities
- [Never Call Retreat:   Thoughts on Wild Virginia's Recent Atlantic Coast Pipeline Field Tour](https://wildvirginia.org/never-call-retreat-thoughts-on-wild-virginias-recent-atlantic-coast-pipeline-field-tour/) - By: William H. Funk The View from Shenandoah Mountain Last Sunday morning a group of eight Wild Virginia members took a little walk along the icy crest of Shenandoah Mountain in the George Washington National Forest. The sun was dazzling, the sky the deep gemlike pellucid blue that comes with the low humidity and temperatures
- [Hydraulic Fracturing - "Fracking"](https://wildvirginia.org/hydraulic-fracturing-fracking/) - Hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking”, has been in the news a great deal recently. The practice has been common in some western states for many years, but has become more widespread in eastern states only during the past decade. (see our Summer 2011 newsletter cover article for more) The draft management plan for the George Washington
- [Objections to USFS Lower Cowpasture Project](https://wildvirginia.org/objections-to-usfs-lower-cowpasture-project/) - On September 14, 2015, Wild Virginia filed an objection to the Forest Service's "Lower Cowpasture Project." (Read the objection here.) While the U.S. Forest Service includes logging, biomass removal, controlled burning, and dam reconstruction in their idea of "restoration," Wild Virginia seeks to instead restore wilderness, ecosystems, and habitat area to the Lower Cowpasture region. This is
- [Civic Engagement Training: Launching a Successful Campaign](https://wildvirginia.org/civic-engagement-training-launching-a-successful-campaign/) - You feel adamant that the proposed Atlantic Coast Pipeline threatens Virginia ecosystems, families, and communities. So then, how do you most effectively bring your voice to the lawmakers who have the jurisdiction to decide that the pipeline is not part of Virginia’s energy future? During the weekend of August 29-30, the Virginia Civic Engagement Table
- [Casks for a Cause Article](https://wildvirginia.org/casks-for-a-cause-article/) - Casks for a Cause and Music for the Mountains! By Amber Kozecak On July 17th, Wild Virginia volunteers and members alike joined for Casks for a Cause fundraiser at Brothers Craft Brewing. Supporters came from all over to try the specially brewed “Bee Wild” summer beer—a mix of the brewery’s “Outdoor” beer series blended with ginger,
- [Two Bills on the Horizon](https://wildvirginia.org/two-bills-on-the-horizon/) - Two Bills on the Horizon H.R. 2647, and S. 1691 are two new environmental bills that are currently making their journey through the legislative process. H.R. 2647, the Resilient Federal Forests Act of 2015, is sponsored by Bruce Westerman (R-AR), and was passed by the House on July 9th. It is currently awaiting its vote
- [Thank you!](https://wildvirginia.org/thank-you/) - Thank you for registering and we look forward to seeing you there! You should get an email confirmation shortly. If you have any questions please contact: info@wildvirginia.org Like what we do? Please make a contribution or renew your membership with us today. We count on people like you to make our work possible.
- [Restoring the Wild](https://wildvirginia.org/restoring-the-wild/) - Ernie Reed, Wild Virginia Conservation Director The Lower Cowpasture Restoration Project is the largest project ever conceived in the George Washington National Forest. It spans over 77,000 acres and would take place over a span of 10 years. Most of the project area lies north and east of Covington and Clifton Forge and spans parts
- [Fracking Explosion in West Virginia](https://wildvirginia.org/fracking-explosin-in-west-virginia/) - Wild Virginia hosted a trip to see a hydrofracturing (fracking) site last spring in West Virginia. We wanted to see the operations first-hand and talk to landowners directly impacted by the industry because this drilling is being considered for our George Washington National Forest. We came back appalled by what we saw and learned from landowners. Recently, the story in West Virginia took
- [Deep Run Ponds Outing - February 5, 2012](https://wildvirginia.org/deep-run-ponds-outing-february-5-2012/) - By: David Hannah Posted: February 14, 2012 A brief snow shower welcomed the 17 people who spent a few hours walking and enjoying the Deep Run Ponds Natural Area Preserve in Rockingham County. We visited 6 of the 8 sinkhole ponds, though only 1 of the 6 had standing water. The large salamander egg masses
- [February 2012 Volunteer Spotlight:  Bette Dzamba](https://wildvirginia.org/feb-2012-newsletter-bettedzamba/) - Bette has loved hiking for as long as she can remember. She became a Wild Virginia hike leader in order to share the fun of spending time “playing outside” with others. She believes that the more people spend time in wild places like the George Washington National Forest the more they will feel the value
- [Non-Native Invasive Plants - Ramsey's Draft Wilderness](https://wildvirginia.org/non-native-invasive-plants-ramseys-draft-wilderness/) - During the growing season of 2010, Wild Virginia conducted a survey for non-native invasive plants (NNIP) in the Ramsey’s Draft Wilderness Area of the George Washington National Forest (GWNF). Two field workers traversed approximately 29 miles of trails and streams within the wilderness area. Three other areas were also surveyed: Mountain House picnic and trailhead
- [The State of Our Water](https://wildvirginia.org/190/) - The State of Our Water: Managing and Protecting the Drinking Water Resources of the George Washington National Forest: In December 2008, Wild Virginia completed a study of the drinking water resources of the George Washington National Forest (GWNF).The GWNF is a very important regional and local source of drinking water.Twenty-two localities in western Virginia obtain
- [All Greenhouse Gas Emissions Must be Regulated](https://wildvirginia.org/biomass-emissions-must-be-regulated/) - Biomass incineration, the burning of woody and agricultural materials, is often promoted as a significant component of the effort to shift Americans away from our addiction to fossil fuels. It has often been touted as both “renewable” and “carbon-neutral”. But burning any organic material releases carbon dioxide. Scientists, in fact, have pointed out that a
- [Wood Turtle Named to 10 Most Endangered List](https://wildvirginia.org/wood-turtle-named-to-10-most-endangered-list/) - The Wood Turtle was named one of the nation’s Top 10 Species in Need of Protection by the Endangered Species Coalition. Click here to see the December 17, 2008 Press Release announcing this dubious honor. Visit the Endangered Species Coalition website, www.stopextinction.org, to read more about the nine other needy species For many years, Wild

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- [](https://wildvirginia.org/wildlife-crossings-save-lives/) - Wildlife Crossings Save Lives Each year, North American snapping turtles leave ponds and wetlands to lay their eggs. Their instincts are older than our highways. For many, that journey means crossing busy roads that now cut through their habitat.Last spring, just such a turtle arrived at the Wildlife Center of Virginia after being hit by
- [Wild Virginia in the News](https://wildvirginia.org/wild-virginia-in-the-news/) - Wild Virginia Supports Launch of New Virginia Safe Wildlife Corridors Collaborative Website Enviros challenge federal permit for Southeast gas pipeline Environmental Groups File Challenge to Controversial SSEP Pipeline Virginia Governor Signs First Wildlife Corridor Funding Bill Into Law Virginia Governor Signs Pipeline Safety Bill Into Law Groups Ask D.C. Circuit to Set Aside FERC Certificate
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- [Why Dirt, Bugs, and Sunshine Are Exactly What Kids Need](https://wildvirginia.org/why-dirt-bugs-and-sunshine-are-exactly-what-kids-need/) - In today’s world of screens, busy schedules, and urban sprawl, many children are growing up without regular access to nature. But getting kids into nature isn’t just a fun way to spend a Saturday—it’s essential for their physical, emotional, and mental development. We're joined by friends at Trail Kids RVA who are getting families outside
- [Wild Virginia Reports](https://wildvirginia.org/wild-virginia-reports/) - These reports were either written by Wild Virginia staff or board, or in conjunction with other partner organizations for public use. Wild Virginia Annual ReportsWild Virginia Annual Report (2024)Wild Virginia Annual Report (2023)Wild Virginia Annual Report (2022)Wild Virginia Annual Report (2021)Wild Virginia Annual Report (2020)Wild Virginia Annual Report (2019)Wild Virginia Annual Report (2018) Project ReportsMountain Valley
- [Mountain Valley Pipeline](https://wildvirginia.org/our-programs/water-quality/mountain-valley-pipeline/) - WHAT ARE WE DOING ABOUT THE MOUNTAIN VALLEY PIPELINE? Construction on the Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP) began in early 2018. The builders have racked up hundreds of violations and damaged our waters and people along the project's path. Still, we and thousands of allies have prevented the pipeline's completion and continue the fight to stop
- [Protect Virginia's Water Quality](https://wildvirginia.org/our-programs/water-quality/) - Wild Virginia continues to lead an effort to reform the way that the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and State Water Control Board apply our water quality standards. We also ensure those standards are improved to fully protect our waters. Under the Clean Water Act and state law, these standards are a vital foundation
- [Wild Virginia Comments, Appeals and Official Letters](https://wildvirginia.org/wild-virginia-comments-appeals-and-official-letters/) - These are public comments Wild Virginia made on projects related to our campaigns on PFAS, Virginia's water quality, the Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP), our habitat connectivity work, and other comments to protect wildlife. Included are appeals for legal notices and official letters to agencies or other important stakeholders in the regulatory process. PipelinesLetter to DEQ
- [Federal Agency Decisions and the Demise of the Chevron Doctrine ](https://wildvirginia.org/federal-agency-decisions-and-the-demise-of-the-chevron-doctrine/) - 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
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- [What Can You Do?](https://wildvirginia.org/our-programs/water-quality/mountain-valley-pipeline/what-can-you-do/) - Sign Our Petition Click here to sign Become a Water Quality Monitor Help stop the pipelines by monitoring water quality along the proposed routes. Contact info@wildvirginia.org for details on the next training. Join Mountain Valley Watch Learn more here Follow Wild Virginia on social media for breaking updates Join Wild Virginia's email list Get updates
- [Learn About the Wild Virginia Board of Directors](https://wildvirginia.org/learn-about-the-wild-virginia-board-of-directors/) - At Wild Virginia, we are committed to inclusiveness. We are actively seeking candidates for board positions who bring ethnic, cultural, racial and/or gender diversity, as well as a range of thought, backgrounds, skills, experiences and expertise. Wild Virginia is looking for new board members!! Want to apply to be a board member but don’t know
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- [The Wild Virginia Film Experience](https://wildvirginia.org/our-programs/recreation/film-festival/) - . THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO MADE THIS EVENT A SUCCESS! Stay tuned for our next virtual film festical. We brought Habitat Islands from the UNTAMED film series along with several other short films that highlight our rivers, streams, and forests and how we can protect them. About the feature film: UNTAMED is a wildlife
- [Why Should I Become A Wild Virginia Member?](https://wildvirginia.org/join-us/wild-virginia-membership/members-around-the-country/)
- [Join/Give](https://wildvirginia.org/join-us/) - “I want to help protect my favorite places!” Or....choose your membership level below to join or renew: Other Amount- CLICK HERE “But, I want to help all year long!” Just select a level below and the amount will be deducted each month by Paypal: $10 Month $20 Month $50 Month $100 Month “Can I send
- [Listen to our podcast](https://wildvirginia.org/publications/listen-to-our-podcasts/)
- [Wild Virginia in the News](https://wildvirginia.org/about-us/media/)
- [Press Releases](https://wildvirginia.org/about-us/media/press-releases/)
- [Science and Technical Advisory Committee](https://wildvirginia.org/about-us/4747-2/)
- [Watch us on YouTube](https://wildvirginia.org/watch-us-on-youtube/)
- [Shop](https://wildvirginia.org/merchandise/)
- [Atlantic Coast Pipeline](https://wildvirginia.org/our-programs/water-quality/dominion-pipeline/)
- [Wild Streams](https://wildvirginia.org/our-programs/recreation/wild-streams/)
- [What Can You Do?](https://wildvirginia.org/our-programs/water-quality/dominion-pipeline/can/)
- [Current Campaigns](https://wildvirginia.org/our-programs/) - Below are our current campaigns and major activities. Energy​ ​Extraction​ ​and​ ​Infrastructure​ - We continue to fight fracking and other types of oil and gas drilling in Virginia’s national forests. We take citizens, media, students and elected representatives on tours to see first-hand the impacts of this destructive industry. As part of this campaign, we
- [Virginia Safe Wildlife Corridors Collaborative](https://wildvirginia.org/our-programs/wildlands-connectivity/virginia-safe-wildlife-corridors-collaborative/)
- [Forests​ ​and​ ​Climate](https://wildvirginia.org/our-programs/wildlands-connectivity/climate/) - The Situation The USFS Climate Change Resource Center estimates that “U.S. forests currently serve as a carbon 'sink', offsetting approximately 13% of U.S. emissions from burning fossil fuels in 2011, and from 10 to 20% of U.S. emissions each year.” Because Virginia’s national forests are some of the most intact public lands in the
- [Upcoming Events and Outings](https://wildvirginia.org/our-programs/recreation/upcoming-events-and-outings/)
- [Threatened and Endangered Species](https://wildvirginia.org/publications/gwnf-forest-planning/threatened-endangered-species/) - The George Washington National Forest is home to 10 different animal and plant species that are listed on the Federal lists of threatened and endangered wildlife and plants. Animal Species Indiana Bat Species Name: Myotis sodalis Habitat Type: Endangered Caves and Karstlands Listing Status: Endangered Species Profile James Spinymussel Species Name: Pleurobema collins Habitat Types: Endangered Floodplains,
- [Drinking Water Resolutions](https://wildvirginia.org/publications/gwnf-forest-planning/drinking-water-resolutions/) - Drinking Water Resolutions Through mid-March of 2010, the 40 organizations listed below (alphabetically) have adopted resolutions calling on the U.S. Forest Service to improve management and protection of public drinking water resources in the George Washington National Forest. The resolutions have been submitted by each organization as comments on the Forest Plan for the GWNF.
- [Outings and Education](https://wildvirginia.org/our-programs/recreation/) - We believe that the places you experience are the places you come to love and care about. {EVRREGIS} If you have any trouble with our registration system contact: Misty Boos Wild Virginia (434) 971-1553 misty@wildvirginia.org
- [Non-Native Invasive Plants - Ramsey's Draft Wilderness](https://wildvirginia.org/publications/gwnf-forest-planning/non-native-invasive-plants-ramseys-draft-wilderness/) - Non-Native Invasive Plant Survey in Ramsey's Draft Wilderness During the growing season of 2010, Wild Virginia conducted a survey for non-native invasive plants (NNIP) in the Ramsey’s Draft Wilderness Area of the George Washington National Forest (GWNF).Two field workers traversed approximately 29 miles of trails and streams within the wilderness area.Three other areas were also
- [Newsletters](https://wildvirginia.org/publications/newsletters-2/) - In 2015, we moved to a blog format for our updates Please find it at this link: Wild Virginia Blog Summer 2015 Spring 2015 Fall 2014 Summer 2014 Winter 2014 Fall 2013 Spring 2013 Winter 2012 (articles in bullets below) YIKES! Dominion Power Embraces Biomass Incineration in Southern Virginia Virginia’s Natural Heritage Program celebrates 25 years! Volunteer
- [Learn More](https://wildvirginia.org/publications/) - Newsletters Reports & Position Papers Comments and Appeals Media inquiries?
- [The George Washington National Forest](https://wildvirginia.org/publications/gwnf-forest-planning/) - The GWNF Plan The Plan guides management of the forest for 10-15 years. The most recent plan was released November 18th 2014. The 2014 GWNF Plan Read Wild Virginia's Response to the Plan release. Wild Virginia's comments on the Draft version of the Plan are viewable on the GWNF Planning website. Other information about the
- [Comments on Forest Plan](https://wildvirginia.org/publications/gwnf-forest-planning/comments-on-forest-plan/) - Comments and Other Documents Relevant to the Revision of the Forest Plan for the George Washington National Forest: ***************** Comments on the Draft Revised Land and Resource Management Plan for the GWNF, submitted October 17, 2011. Comments on the lack of full analysis for a number of significant management issues, submitted November 5, 2010. Southern

## Categories

- [Uncategorized](https://wildvirginia.org/category/uncategorized/)
- [Forest Watch](https://wildvirginia.org/category/forest-watch/)
- [Wilderness Protection](https://wildvirginia.org/category/wilderness-protection/)
- [Recreation](https://wildvirginia.org/category/recreation/)
- [Event](https://wildvirginia.org/category/event/)
- [Hot News](https://wildvirginia.org/category/hot-news/)
- [Action](https://wildvirginia.org/category/action/)
- [Blog](https://wildvirginia.org/category/blog/)

## Tags

- [featured](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/featured/)
- [Blog](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/blog/)
- [Wild and scenic film festival](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/wild-and-scenic-film-festival/)
- [wild virginia](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/wild-virginia/)
- [harrisonburg](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/harrisonburg/)
- [film festival](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/film-festival/)
- [Hiking](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/hiking/)
- [First Aid](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/first-aid/)
- [Hiking safety](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/hiking-safety/)
- [forest service](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/forest-service/)
- [oil](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/oil/)
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- [oregon wild](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/oregon-wild/)
- [forests](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/forests/)
- [climate change](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/climate-change/)
- [logging](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/logging/)
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- [pipelines](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/pipelines/)
- [campout](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/campout/)
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- [pipeline](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/pipeline/)
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- [ACP](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/acp/)
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- [Environment](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/environment/)
- [virtual](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/virtual/)
- [music](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/music/)
- [covid-19](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/covid-19/)
- [fishing](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/fishing/)
- [safety](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/safety/)
- [no acp](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/no-acp/)
- [no pipeline](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/no-pipeline/)
- [water quality](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/water-quality/)
- [action alert](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/action-alert/)
- [nature](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/nature/)
- [native plants](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/native-plants/)
- [wildlife](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/wildlife/)
- [activism](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/activism/)
- [protest](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/protest/)
- [atlantic coast pipeline](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/atlantic-coast-pipeline/)
- [limperts](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/limperts/)
- [Connectivity](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/connectivity/)
- [lawsuit](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/lawsuit/)
- [nepa](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/nepa/)
- [Water quality testing](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/water-quality-testing/)
- [water protection](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/water-protection/)
- [regulatory reform](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/regulatory-reform/)
- [sediment](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/sediment/)
- [east coast water quality](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/east-coast-water-quality/)
- [rights of nature](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/rights-of-nature/)
- [environmental activism](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/environmental-activism/)
- [virginia community rights network](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/virginia-community-rights-network/)
- [volunteering](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/volunteering/)
- [indigenous peoples](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/indigenous-peoples/)
- [bipoc](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/bipoc/)
- [ecological connectivity](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/ecological-connectivity/)
- [ecological corridors](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/ecological-corridors/)
- [virginia wildlife](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/virginia-wildlife/)
- [Our Common Agenda](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/our-common-agenda/)
- [wildlife stewardship](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/wildlife-stewardship/)
- [virginia waterways](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/virginia-waterways/)
- [Virginia Conservation Network](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/virginia-conservation-network/)
- [virginia habitat](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/virginia-habitat/)
- [covid19](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/covid19/)
- [online film festival](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/online-film-festival/)
- [wild streams](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/wild-streams/)
- [The blackalachian](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/the-blackalachian/)
- [Appalachian Trail](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/appalachian-trail/)
- [Daniel White](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/daniel-white/)
- [Hiking the Appalachian trail](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/hiking-the-appalachian-trail/)
- [outdoors podcast](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/outdoors-podcast/)
- [mountain valley pipeline](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/mountain-valley-pipeline/)
- [mvp](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/mvp/)
- [sierra club](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/sierra-club/)
- [army corps of engineers](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/army-corps-of-engineers/)
- [us fish and wildlife service](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/us-fish-and-wildlife-service/)
- [federal energy regulatory commission](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/federal-energy-regulatory-commission/)
- [wildlife corridors](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/wildlife-corridors/)
- [habitat connectivity](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/habitat-connectivity/)
- [board application](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/board-application/)
- [wild virginia positions](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/wild-virginia-positions/)
- [wild virginia jobs](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/wild-virginia-jobs/)
- [volunteer wild virginia](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/volunteer-wild-virginia/)
- [Virginia](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/virginia-2/)
- [DEQ](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/deq/)
- [State Water Control Board](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/state-water-control-board/)
- [Board of Directors](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/board-of-directors/)
- [Leadership opportunity](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/leadership-opportunity/)
- [david sligh](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/david-sligh/)
- [virginia's water future](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/virginias-water-future/)
- [Wild Virginia Book Club](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/wild-virginia-book-club/)
- [environmental books](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/environmental-books/)
- [virginia environmental books](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/virginia-environmental-books/)
- [Kerri Arsenault](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/kerri-arsenault/)
- [Paul Bolster](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/paul-bolster/)
- [Catherine Coleman Flowers](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/catherine-coleman-flowers/)
- [Kenn Kaufman](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/kenn-kaufman/)
- [Aimee Nezhukumatathil](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/aimee-nezhukumatathil/)
- [Wild Virginia Must read books](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/wild-virginia-must-read-books/)
- [president biden](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/president-biden/)
- [biden administration](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/biden-administration/)
- [general assembly](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/general-assembly/)
- [environmental nonprofit](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/environmental-nonprofit/)
- [protecting virginia waters](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/protecting-virginia-waters/)
- [biden's environmental reform](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/bidens-environmental-reform/)
- [misty boos](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/misty-boos/)
- [wild virginia lawsuits](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/wild-virginia-lawsuits/)
- [FERC](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/ferc/)
- [pollution](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/pollution/)
- [drinking water](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/drinking-water/)
- [james river](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/james-river/)
- [clean water act](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/clean-water-act/)
- [Federal Energy Regulatory Comission](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/federal-energy-regulatory-comission/)
- [department of environmental quality](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/department-of-environmental-quality/)
- [ACP impacts](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/acp-impacts/)
- [Citizen account ACP](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/citizen-account-acp/)
- [Pipeline comments](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/pipeline-comments/)
- [how to make comments on pipeline](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/how-to-make-comments-on-pipeline/)
- [conservation virginia](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/conservation-virginia/)
- [animal conservation virginia](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/animal-conservation-virginia/)
- [roanoke logperch virginia](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/roanoke-logperch-virginia/)
- [hard road of hope](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/hard-road-of-hope/)
- [fracking](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/fracking/)
- [coal](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/coal/)
- [west wirginia](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/west-wirginia/)
- [wild virginia membership](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/wild-virginia-membership/)
- [wild virginia member](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/wild-virginia-member/)
- [member](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/member/)
- [wild virginia campaign](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/wild-virginia-campaign/)
- [DEQ virginia](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/deq-virginia/)
- [ecological function](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/ecological-function/)
- [nature's best hope](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/natures-best-hope/)
- [virginia plants](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/virginia-plants/)
- [ecosystem](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/ecosystem/)
- [clean water](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/clean-water/)
- [Underland](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/underland/)
- [book club](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/book-club/)
- [karst](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/karst/)
- [Macfarlane](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/macfarlane/)
- [Anthropocene](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/anthropocene/)
- [cave](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/cave/)
- [glaciers](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/glaciers/)
- [water](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/water/)
- [spring](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/spring/)
- [maelstrom](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/maelstrom/)
- [nuclear waste](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/nuclear-waste/)
- [photography](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/photography/)
- [wildlife photography](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/wildlife-photography/)
- [ethical photography](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/ethical-photography/)
- [ethics](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/ethics/)
- [conservation photography](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/conservation-photography/)
- [digital media](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/digital-media/)
- [advocacy](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/advocacy/)
- [online photography](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/online-photography/)
- [EPA](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/epa/)
- [legislation](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/legislation/)
- [corridor funding](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/corridor-funding/)
- [wildlife conservation](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/wildlife-conservation/)
- [wildlife crossings](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/wildlife-crossings/)
- [wildlife overpasses](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/wildlife-overpasses/)
- [conervation](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/conervation/)
- [policy](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/policy/)
- [citizen](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/citizen/)
- [Steven David Johnson](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/steven-david-johnson/)
- [salamanders](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/salamanders/)
- [biodiversity](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/biodiversity/)
- [virginia water](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/virginia-water/)
- [cwa50](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/cwa50/)
- [water pollution](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/water-pollution/)
- [endangered species in virginia](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/endangered-species-in-virginia/)
- [wildlife-vehicle collisions](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/wildlife-vehicle-collisions/)
- [cleanwateract](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/cleanwateract/)
- [citizen enforcement](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/citizen-enforcement/)
- [public participation](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/public-participation/)
- [agency action](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/agency-action/)
- [environmental protection](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/environmental-protection/)
- [CWA](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/cwa/)
- [WOTUS](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/wotus/)
- [action](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/action/)
- [wildlife endangered species](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/wildlife-endangered-species/)
- [wildlife rescue](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/wildlife-rescue/)
- [environmental justice](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/environmental-justice/)
- [infographic](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/infographic/)
- [advocate](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/advocate/)
- [environmental policy](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/environmental-policy/)
- [senator manchin](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/senator-manchin/)
- [gas crisis](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/gas-crisis/)
- [toxic chemicals](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/toxic-chemicals/)
- [plastic](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/plastic/)
- [plastics](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/plastics/)
- [podcast](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/podcast/)
- [securities and exchange commission](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/securities-and-exchange-commission/)
- [sec](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/sec/)
- [virginia wild](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/virginia-wild/)
- [water pollutants in va](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/water-pollutants-in-va/)
- [water pollution virginia](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/water-pollution-virginia/)
- [james river pollution](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/james-river-pollution/)
- [why is the james river brown](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/why-is-the-james-river-brown/)
- [mvp virginia](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/mvp-virginia/)
- [PFAS virginia](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/pfas-virginia/)
- [PFAS pollutants epa](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/pfas-pollutants-epa/)
- [PFAS water virginia](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/pfas-water-virginia/)
- [local genotype](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/local-genotype/)
- [little bluestem](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/little-bluestem/)
- [wild virginia coffee talk](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/wild-virginia-coffee-talk/)
- [ecosystems](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/ecosystems/)
- [nature photography virginia](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/nature-photography-virginia/)
- [virginia photography](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/virginia-photography/)
- [virginia art](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/virginia-art/)
- [virginia nature art](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/virginia-nature-art/)
- [biden](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/biden/)
- [manchin](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/manchin/)
- [climate](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/climate/)
- [congress](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/congress/)
- [virginia wildlife safety](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/virginia-wildlife-safety/)
- [pipeline and wildlive](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/pipeline-and-wildlive/)
- [mvp and wildlife](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/mvp-and-wildlife/)
- [ecosystem health pipeline](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/ecosystem-health-pipeline/)
- [coal ash](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/coal-ash/)
- [jessica sims](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/jessica-sims/)
- [appalachian voices](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/appalachian-voices/)
- [news](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/news/)
- [hikes](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/hikes/)
- [blue ridge mountains](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/blue-ridge-mountains/)
- [adventure](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/adventure/)
- [mountains](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/mountains/)
- [early fall](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/early-fall/)
- [government](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/government/)
- [administrative process](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/administrative-process/)
- [citizens](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/citizens/)
- [senator joe manchin](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/senator-joe-manchin/)
- [fossil fuels](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/fossil-fuels/)
- [joe manchin](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/joe-manchin/)
- [us senate](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/us-senate/)
- [university of virginia](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/university-of-virginia/)
- [uva](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/uva/)
- [wild](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/wild/)
- [outdoors](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/outdoors/)
- [pollinators](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/pollinators/)
- [pesticides](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/pesticides/)
- [wildflowers](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/wildflowers/)
- [habitat](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/habitat/)
- [animals](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/animals/)
- [ghost stories](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/ghost-stories/)
- [methane](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/methane/)
- [landfill](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/landfill/)
- [scrappy elephant](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/scrappy-elephant/)
- [arts and crafts](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/arts-and-crafts/)
- [recycle](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/recycle/)
- [reuse](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/reuse/)
- [us army corps of engineers](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/us-army-corps-of-engineers/)
- [recovering america's wildlife act](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/recovering-americas-wildlife-act/)
- [rawa](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/rawa/)
- [national wildlife federation](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/national-wildlife-federation/)
- [jane goodall](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/jane-goodall/)
- [book of hope](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/book-of-hope/)
- [vehicle collision](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/vehicle-collision/)
- [hitting an animal with your car](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/hitting-an-animal-with-your-car/)
- [wildlife corridor action plan](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/wildlife-corridor-action-plan/)
- [wcap](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/wcap/)
- [dwr](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/dwr/)
- [debt ceiling](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/debt-ceiling/)
- [vcn](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/vcn/)
- [pfas](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/pfas/)
- [wildlife crossing](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/wildlife-crossing/)
- [pipeline harms](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/pipeline-harms/)
- [inflation reduction act](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/inflation-reduction-act/)
- [ira](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/ira/)
- [energy efficiency](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/energy-efficiency/)
- [inflation](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/inflation/)
- [richmond virginia](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/richmond-virginia/)
- [endangered species](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/endangered-species/)
- [jessica roberts](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/jessica-roberts/)
- [turtles](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/turtles/)
- [turtle crossing](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/turtle-crossing/)
- [crossing the road](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/crossing-the-road/)
- [clean water advocates](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/clean-water-advocates/)
- [water testing](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/water-testing/)
- [drought](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/drought/)
- [wildrock](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/wildrock/)
- [state water permit](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/state-water-permit/)
- [public commenting](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/public-commenting/)
- [clean water advocates program](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/clean-water-advocates-program/)
- [clean water research](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/clean-water-research/)
- [habitat connectivity hub](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/habitat-connectivity-hub/)
- [wildlife vehicle crashes](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/wildlife-vehicle-crashes/)
- [wildlife vehicle conflict](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/wildlife-vehicle-conflict/)
- [forever chemicals](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/forever-chemicals/)
- [pfas map](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/pfas-map/)
- [southgate extension](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/southgate-extension/)
- [conservation lobby day](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/conservation-lobby-day/)
- [lobbying](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/lobbying/)
- [virginia habitat connectivity hub](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/virginia-habitat-connectivity-hub/)
- [queer ecology](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/queer-ecology/)
- [the nature conservancy](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/the-nature-conservancy/)
- [lgbtq](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/lgbtq/)
- [sustainability](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/sustainability/)
- [kitchen](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/kitchen/)
- [cooking](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/cooking/)
- [sustainable tips](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/sustainable-tips/)
- [chemicals](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/chemicals/)
- [environmental issues](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/environmental-issues/)
- [powhr](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/powhr/)
- [clearwave water solutions](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/clearwave-water-solutions/)
- [filtration systems](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/filtration-systems/)
- [scottsville](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/scottsville/)
- [data center](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/data-center/)
- [virginia data center](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/virginia-data-center/)
- [environmental racism](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/environmental-racism/)
- [deij](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/deij/)
- [diversity equity inclusion](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/diversity-equity-inclusion/)
- [diversity](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/diversity/)
- [population growth](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/population-growth/)
- [environmental ethics](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/environmental-ethics/)
- [ecotherapy](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/ecotherapy/)
- [mental health](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/mental-health/)
- [stress relief](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/stress-relief/)
- [black bear](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/black-bear/)
- [bear](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/bear/)
- [bear crossing](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/bear-crossing/)
- [bear collisions](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/bear-collisions/)
- [dr eric roy](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/dr-eric-roy/)
- [hydroviv](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/hydroviv/)
- [flint michigan](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/flint-michigan/)
- [dc circuit](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/dc-circuit/)
- [equality](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/equality/)
- [environmental equality](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/environmental-equality/)
- [wildlife species](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/wildlife-species/)
- [driving](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/driving/)
- [driver safety](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/driver-safety/)
- [summer](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/summer/)
- [outdoor activities](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/outdoor-activities/)
- [mvp southgate](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/mvp-southgate/)
- [danville virginia](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/danville-virginia/)
- [selc](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/selc/)
- [dan river basin association](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/dan-river-basin-association/)
- [rights of rivers](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/rights-of-rivers/)
- [indigenous](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/indigenous/)
- [fireworks alternatives](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/fireworks-alternatives/)
- [independence day](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/independence-day/)
- [plastic alternatives](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/plastic-alternatives/)
- [plastic free july](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/plastic-free-july/)
- [world listening day](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/world-listening-day/)
- [nature sounds](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/nature-sounds/)
- [eco inspired](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/eco-inspired/)
- [aquatic habitat](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/aquatic-habitat/)
- [habitat loss](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/habitat-loss/)
- [buy nothing project](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/buy-nothing-project/)
- [buy nothing groups](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/buy-nothing-groups/)
- [refill stores](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/refill-stores/)
- [lori a cash](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/lori-a-cash/)
- [climate justice](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/climate-justice/)
- [global warming](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/global-warming/)
- [composting](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/composting/)
- [fill happy va](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/fill-happy-va/)
- [compost](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/compost/)
- [williamsburg](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/williamsburg/)
- [water conservation](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/water-conservation/)
- [national wilderness week](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/national-wilderness-week/)
- [national wilderness coalition](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/national-wilderness-coalition/)
- [bulk food store](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/bulk-food-store/)
- [trace zero waste](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/trace-zero-waste/)
- [virginia mussels](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/virginia-mussels/)
- [mussels](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/mussels/)
- [chevron doctrine](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/chevron-doctrine/)
- [endangered species act](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/endangered-species-act/)
- [terrapin](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/terrapin/)
- [diamondback terrapin](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/diamondback-terrapin/)
- [crab traps](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/crab-traps/)
- [rivermont refillery](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/rivermont-refillery/)
- [plastic waste](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/plastic-waste/)
- [refillery](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/refillery/)
- [bulk goods](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/bulk-goods/)
- [lynchburg virginia](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/lynchburg-virginia/)
- [rappahannock river](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/rappahannock-river/)
- [rappahannock](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/rappahannock/)
- [vpdes permits](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/vpdes-permits/)
- [hurricanes](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/hurricanes/)
- [aquatic crossings](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/aquatic-crossings/)
- [water wildlife](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/water-wildlife/)
- [vegan](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/vegan/)
- [world vegan day](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/world-vegan-day/)
- [veganism](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/veganism/)
- [casinos](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/casinos/)
- [gambling](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/gambling/)
- [water issues](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/water-issues/)
- [activate virginia](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/activate-virginia/)
- [katrina callsen](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/katrina-callsen/)
- [native american](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/native-american/)
- [native american heritage month](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/native-american-heritage-month/)
- [environmentalism](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/environmentalism/)
- [recycling](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/recycling/)
- [virginia recycling centers](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/virginia-recycling-centers/)
- [recycling tips](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/recycling-tips/)
- [national recycling day](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/national-recycling-day/)
- [take a hike day](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/take-a-hike-day/)
- [national hiking day](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/national-hiking-day/)
- [buy nothing](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/buy-nothing/)
- [landback](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/landback/)
- [national day of mourning](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/national-day-of-mourning/)
- [volunteers](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/volunteers/)
- [aquatic species](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/aquatic-species/)
- [terrestrial species](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/terrestrial-species/)
- [holiday gifts](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/holiday-gifts/)
- [holidays](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/holidays/)
- [gift giving](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/gift-giving/)
- [road widening](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/road-widening/)
- [freeway fighters network](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/freeway-fighters-network/)
- [freshwater](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/freshwater/)
- [webinar](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/webinar/)
- [elk migration](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/elk-migration/)
- [sewage sludge](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/sewage-sludge/)
- [nocturnal](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/nocturnal/)
- [nocturnal species](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/nocturnal-species/)
- [rva](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/rva/)
- [jamestown](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/jamestown/)
- [rivers](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/rivers/)
- [dc court of appeals](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/dc-court-of-appeals/)
- [katie k](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/katie-k/)
- [nonstick cookware](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/nonstick-cookware/)
- [greenpan](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/greenpan/)
- [wildfires](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/wildfires/)
- [foia](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/foia/)
- [freedom of information act](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/freedom-of-information-act/)
- [foia request](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/foia-request/)
- [education](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/education/)
- [fort belvoir](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/fort-belvoir/)
- [outdoor recreation](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/outdoor-recreation/)
- [local businesses](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/local-businesses/)
- [out common agenda](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/out-common-agenda/)
- [roads](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/roads/)
- [road infrastructure](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/road-infrastructure/)
- [powhatan](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/powhatan/)
- [invasive plants](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/invasive-plants/)
- [wildlife vehicle collisions](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/wildlife-vehicle-collisions-2/)
- [federal government](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/federal-government/)
- [federal funding](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/federal-funding/)
- [urban forests](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/urban-forests/)
- [tree fredericksburg](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/tree-fredericksburg/)
- [green spaces](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/green-spaces/)
- [pollinator](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/pollinator/)
- [state budget](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/state-budget/)
- [david marsden](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/david-marsden/)
- [NSNSD](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/nsnsd/)
- [light pollution](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/light-pollution/)
- [natural sounds](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/natural-sounds/)
- [public lands](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/public-lands/)
- [suwa](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/suwa/)
- [virginia outdoor adventures](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/virginia-outdoor-adventures/)
- [spider](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/spider/)
- [invertebrates](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/invertebrates/)
- [Chickahominy River.](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/chickahominy-river/)
- [chickahominy indian tribe](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/chickahominy-indian-tribe/)
- [tanya stewart](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/tanya-stewart/)
- [summer appeal](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/summer-appeal/)
- [campaigns](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/campaigns/)
- [kids](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/kids/)
- [trail kids rva](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/trail-kids-rva/)
- [virginia trails](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/virginia-trails/)
- [virginia hiking](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/virginia-hiking/)
- [GIS](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/gis/)
- [pipeline CSI](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/pipeline-csi/)
- [virginia sneezeweed](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/virginia-sneezeweed/)
- [virginia rivers](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/virginia-rivers/)
- [virginia beach](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/virginia-beach/)
- [hampton roads](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/hampton-roads/)
- [virginia roads](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/virginia-roads/)
- [virginia drivers](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/virginia-drivers/)
- [deer crossing](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/deer-crossing/)
- [virginia driving](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/virginia-driving/)
- [fall wildlife](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/fall-wildlife/)
- [burnout](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/burnout/)
- [pesticide](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/pesticide/)
- [virginia animals](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/virginia-animals/)
- [winter hiking](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/winter-hiking/)
- [virginia winter](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/virginia-winter/)
- [lead paint](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/lead-paint/)
- [glue traps](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/glue-traps/)
- [household items](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/household-items/)
- [wild places](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/wild-places/)
- [air pollution](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/air-pollution/)
- [virginia air](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/virginia-air/)
- [air pollution control board](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/air-pollution-control-board/)
- [dam removal](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/dam-removal/)
- [dam removal benefits](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/dam-removal-benefits/)
- [local discounts](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/local-discounts/)
- [reed noss](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/reed-noss/)
- [rewildling](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/rewildling/)
- [conservation planning](https://wildvirginia.org/tag/conservation-planning/)