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.
New Laws: Curbing Invasive Plant Sales
A new law passed in the 2025 General Assembly session will take into effect in January 2027, requiring stores to clearly label invasive plants where they are sold and direct consumers to alternatives.
ROUNDUP: Federal Agencies Protecting Wildlife, Breathable Air, and Drinking Water
The National Wildlife Federation and 40 state and territorial affiliate organizations support federal agencies protecting wildlife and people’s everyday lives.
Land & Wildlife Conservation Recap: 2025 Bill Outcomes
Virginia Conservation Network advocated for 12 bills this General Assembly session that supported wildlife habitats, outdoor recreation, protections for native species, and more.
Bill of the Day: Connecting Wildlife Habitats and Securing Safe Road Crossings
Virginia must update the Wildlife Corridors Action Plan to incorporate flood preparedness and improve wildlife movement.
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.
RESOURCES
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.
