Department of Conservation and Recreation
Conserve. Protect. Enjoy.
Department of Conservation and Recreation
results in following insights.
You can make a difference for Virginia’s natural areas by contributing a portion of your state tax refund to the Open Space Recreation and Conservation Fund. The fund is used to acquire natural areas for conservation and to develop recreational facilities for public outdoor recreation. READ MORE
The barking treefrog and oak toad are two species tracked by the Virginia Natural Heritage Program. READ MORE
Bat Week falls around Halloween, but bats are not to be feared. The 1,400 species of bat around the world provide a wealth of ecosystem services. READ MORE
Earth Day 2020 will be different. Even though public gatherings are off the table, that doesn’t mean we can’t take meaningful action. In fact, the 50th anniversary of the first Earth Day on April 22 presents opportunities to do more than we’ve ever done before, right at home. READ MORE
Unfortunately, Virginia’s native environment is threatened by invasive species of plants, animals and insects. Thankfully, the Virginia Department of Conservation’s Natural Heritage Program and the Virginia Native Plant Society have been working together to assess the potential risks that come from these non-native interlopers. READ MORE
Fire has shaped development of Virginia’s forests and wildlands for thousands of years. In fact, the existence of many natural communities is closely tied to fire. Before the arrival of humans, natural fires ignited by flashes of lightning played a major role in shaping southeastern landscapes. READ MORE
