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.
Coming Soon: Signs Warning Consumers About Invasive Plants
Pat Calvert, Director of Clean Water and Land Conservation at Virginia Conservation Network, is quoted supporting a new law to control the spread of invasive species in the Williamsburg Yorktown Daily.
Land & Wildlife Conservation Recap: 2024 Policy Outcomes
Virginia Conservation Network advocated for 18 land conservation & wildlife bills this General Assembly session that protect our diminishing tree canopy, reduce invasive species, fund critical outdoor programs, and more.
Bill of the Day: Advancing the Wildlife Corridor Grant Fund
VCN advocates for the Wildlife Corridor Grant Fund, securing funding for wildlife corridor and crossing projects, fostering improved habitat connectivity and ensuring motorist safety.
Land & Wildlife Conservation Policy: 2023 General Assembly Review
Policies to reduce invasive plants, support native plants, and protect Virginia's aquatic ecosystems passed in the 2023 General Assembly session.
Bill of the Day: Oyster Shell Recycling
We support bills that reuse oyster shells for restoration purposes, creating the ideal habitat for young oysters.
Land & Wildlife Conservation Policy for Virginia
Watch the Good Governance educational webinar, featuring our briefing book authors and their policy papers along with training on how to advocate for the state budget.
RESOURCES
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.
Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program
The Federal Highway Administration recently updated their information portal on the Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program, a grant program aiming to reduce wildlife vehicle collisions and enhance habitat connectivity.
Habitat Connectivity Hub
Our Partners at Wild Virginia have released their Habitat Connectivity Hub, a StoryMap showcasing pivotal connectivity and wildlife crash reduction projects led by Virginia Safe Wildlife Corridors Collaborative’s partners.