PROTECTING NATIVE SPECIES
Our Commitment
Protecting Virginia’s native species for both wildlife and vegetation to support ecosystem integrity and resilience.
THE ISSUE
Virginia’s wildlife, their habitats, and their food sources are growingly threatened by encroachment and climate change. As human populations continue to expand into and impact areas of the state, we must ensure initiatives that protect the health and safe movement of our native species. Protecting wildlife helps to keep our ecosystems intact.
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.
Land & Wildlife Conservation Recap: 2026 Bill Outcomes
Virginia Conservation Network advocated for 20 bills this General Assembly session that protect native species, support wildlife corridors, fund land conservation and outdoor recreation programs, and more.
Bill of the Day: Managing Atlantic Menhaden
Virginia must prioritize additional menhaden science & management practices to protect the health of Virginia's waters.
Bill of the Day: Virginia’s Brown-belted Bumblebee
Recognizing the brown-belted bumblebee as Virginia’s state native pollinator will raise awareness of their impact to our native plants, wildlife, and natural areas.
Bill of the Day: Wildlife Corridors
Virginia must establish dedicated funding and coordination to prioritize habitat connectivity and protect wildlife & motorists.
Bill of the Day: Managing Invasive Plants
VCN is supporting legislation to manage and control the spread of invasive plants across Virginia.
RESOURCES
Migratory Fish White Paper
VCN Environmental Leadership Fellow Jackson Huff drafted a white paper highlighting declining migratory fish populations in the Chesapeake Bay.
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.
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.
Catalyzing Virginia’s Wildlife Corridor Policy
Wildlands Network's Misty Boos recently shared her experiences in advancing the adoption of wildlife corridor and crossing policy in Virginia, during her time with both Wild Virginia and Wildlands Network.
Report: State of State Habitat Connectivity Legislation
The National Caucus of Environmental Legislators and Wildlands Network released a report on the progress of U.S. state habitat connectivity legislation over the past 25 years, offering trends, models, and examples for policymakers.
