Department of Conservation and Recreation Department of Conservation and Recreation
Conserve. Protect. Enjoy.
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Home » DCR News

What's new?

  • LWCF grant round
    DCR is accepting State and Local Assistance Program applications for parks and outdoor recreation projects for an estimated $7 million in Land and Water Conservation Fund grants. Applications are due by August 28 at 4 p.m.
  • Get Involved in the VFPMP
    DCR will host a public webinar on April 29, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. to discuss and inform the public on the development of the Virginia Flood Protection Master Plan and to solicit feedback from all residents of the Commonwealth through a public survey.
  • Master Plan Meeting for Shenandoah River SP
    Join us for a Public Information Meeting about the master plan for Shenandoah River State Park on  Tuesday, May 13, 2025 from 6 – 8 p.m. – Samuels Public Library - 330 E Criser Road, FrontRoyal, VA 22630 – White Meeting Room A
  • Recreation Trails Program
    Applications are being accepted for $1.7 million in Recreational Trails Program grants from March 11-May 6. The updated materials are available on the website. An informational webinar was held on March 25.
  • Hurricane Helene Resources
    Information for communities and residents related to Hurricane Helene recovery efforts. 
  • Renovated Cabins at Douthat and Fairy Stone
    Douthat and Fairy Stone State Parks have reopened 29 cabins to the public after completing the first phase of their nearly three-year renovation project.
  • Poor Mountain
    More than 78 acres have been added to Virginia’s Poor Mountain Natural Area preserve, home to the globally rare piratebush plant.
  • Longleaf pine habitat
    Longleaf pine is a native pine species that played a significant role in Virginia’s history. Nearly wiped out by 1900, how have conservation efforts such as prescribed fire been able to bring it back?
  • Pinpointing conservation priorities
    The Virginia Natural Heritage Program has contributed to a project led by NatureServe to develop a Map of Biodiversity Importance that offers an unprecedented, high-resolution view of where to protect the most imperiled plants and animals.
  • Virginia accepts Falkland Farms donation
    The 7,400-acre site in Halifax County will remain closed during the planning process for public access opportunities.
  • Trail Access Grants awarded
    A new grant program increases access to trail opportunities for people with disabilities.
  • Virginia Flood Risk Information System
    Did you know that there's a mapping tool to help you learn more about the flooding risk for your property? It also covers flood insurance rates.
  • Native plant finder
    When you use native plants, which are naturally acclimated to our area, you save on fertilizer and chemical treatment costs. Use the native plant finder to find the perfect landscaping fit.

Featured

  • Virginia Outdoors Plan
    Every five years, DCR publishes the state's most comprehensive land conservation, outdoor recreation and open-space planning document. The latest was published in 2024.
  • VLCF projects map
    Since 2000, the Virginia Land Conservation Foundation has funded hundreds of projects to conserve open spaces, park land, historic sites, farmland, natural areas, etc. Use this map to find them.
  • Find a park
    Did you know that there are now 43 Virginia State Parks and that there's one within an hour's drive of every Virginia resident? Find a park near you.
  • Search State Parks by Amenity
    Use this handy tool to search for a nearby state park that has exactly what you want. Narrow your search by region, overnight accommodation, type of swimming and so on.
  • Invasive plants
    English ivy may be posh but it doesn't belong here. Invasive species devastate natives and natural habitat. Learn about defeating these invaders and using native species instead.
  • Land trust locator
    One of the surest ways to protect scenic views, historical places, recreational offerings and natural areas is to donate land to a trust. There are many choices throughout Virginia.
  • Job opportunities
    Not everyone can say they're genuinely saving the world, but we at DCR say it every day. If you're interested in a conservation career, DCR is the place for you.
  • Nonpoint source pollution
    Some pollution comes from many diffuse sources - lawns, farms, city streets, etc. Rainfall flushes it into streams, rivers and even the Chesapeake. Help fight it.
Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
600 East Main Street, 24th floor | Richmond, VA 23219-2094 | 804-786-6124
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Last Modified: Wednesday, 28 May 2025, 03:09:31 PM
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