A Year in Review: VCN’s 2022 Annual Report
Over the last year, VCN worked with our 150+ Network Partners to maintain momentum around policy gains while continuing to navigate working within the confines of the COVID-19 pandemic. The year was defined by a gubernatorial election and the infusion of federal money into the state budget. It ended with a vastly different political landscape including a new, untested Governor and a change in conservation strategy from offense to defense.
Our Annual Report reviews Virginia Conservation Network’s work from Spring 2021 to Winter 2022. While it feels almost impossible to cover everything we worked on last year in only a few pages, we did our best to squeeze in the highlights, including:
- our strategy to advance conservation initiatives year-round,
- our policy gains and challenges through the General Assembly session,
- our Network Partner engagement events,
- VCN staff updates,
- …and more!
Read more of our recent updates from our blog:
Virginia Invasive Plants Species List
The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation has released a comprehensive list of the invasive plant species in Virginia that are established — or may become established — in Virginia.
How Trees Save Energy
The Virginia Department of Forestry provides a list of educational tree-related resources, including tree's role in energy conservation, planting guides for specific weather conditions, and more.
Virginia Native Plant Cultivation Guides
Virginia Native Plant Society provides native plant guides showcasing best native plant growing practices for Virginia's different regions, including plant recommendations, planting and maintenance recommendations, and more.
Virginia Invasive Plant ID & Control Tool
Blue Ridge PRISM provides an invasive plant species tool highlighting invasive plant species in Virginia, including photos, removal and disposal methods, corresponding fact sheets, and more.
Map: James River Watch
The James River Association provides an updated weekly map identifying various testing sites within the James River watershed and their associated conditions, including bacteria levels, flood risk, and more.
Blue Catfish: Threatening the Balance of Virginia’s Waterways
Blue catfish are an invasive fish species that continue to threaten Virginia's waterways and native aquatic species.