Mussels are an intriguing and valuable part of Virginia’s aquatic ecosystem. Found in both freshwater and marine environments, these bivalve mollusks play a crucial role in maintaining water quality and supporting biodiversity. Hear from Alissa Ganser, an expert on freshwater mussels and learn about the fascinating life cycles of these valuable species, who can live… Read more
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… Read more
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… Read more
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… Read more
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… Read more
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… Read more
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… Read more