Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation

Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation Working to protect, conserve and enhance natural areas, waterways, floodplains, farmland and more. The Virginia DCR page is a family friendly page.

The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation works to conserve, protect, enhance and advocate wise use of the commonwealth’s unique natural, historical, recreational, scenic and cultural resources. Citizens’ livelihood, quality of life and future depend on how wisely we manage our natural resources. That’s why DCR strives to give individuals, businesses, communities and all levels of government tools and the information needed to make wise decisions in conserving natural and recreational resources. The agency does so through planning, funding, education and, in a few cases, regulation. DCR’s work falls into several broad categories ranging from protecting rare plants, animals and natural communities to ensuring the smart use of soil and water resources. The agency manages, protects and provides access to more than 26,625 acres, including numerous state parks and natural area preserves throughout the commonwealth. Please keep that in mind when making comments. Our entire comment policy can be found at http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/social-media-disclaimer

Virginia marked a transformative period in conservation under Joe Maroon, who served as director of the Virginia Departm...
09/14/2026

Virginia marked a transformative period in conservation under Joe Maroon, who served as director of the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation from 2002 to 2010.

Early in his tenure, Virginia voters approved a $119 million parks and natural‑areas bond that funded improvements across all state parks, created six new parks and expanded the Virginia Natural Area Preserves system.

Under Maroon’s leadership, DCR also launched Virginia’s modern stormwater management program, strengthened agricultural best‑management practices and land‑conservation efforts and played a central role in Gov. Tim Kaine’s initiative to permanently conserve 400,000 acres across the commonwealth.

To learn more about Joe Maroon's success with DCR, read our blog at: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/insights/a-river-on-fire-a-train-ride-west-and-a-lifetime-of-conservation

The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation is leading the way with the state’s first K–12 Environmental Lite...
09/14/2026

The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation is leading the way with the state’s first K–12 Environmental Literacy Strategic Plan, set to be implemented in the 2026–27 school year.

The new plan outlines a bold vision to expand environmental education and outdoor learning for every student, built through statewide collaboration to help young Virginians identify local environmental challenges and take action toward real solutions.

To learn more, visit: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/environmental-education/strategic-plan

Flooding is the most common and costly natural disaster in Virginia and it’s important to understand the facts about flo...
09/09/2026

Flooding is the most common and costly natural disaster in Virginia and it’s important to understand the facts about flooding and how to prepare. Flooding doesn’t only impact coastal communities — if it can rain, it can flood.

In recent years, severe storms and heavy rain have inundated central and western Virginia, flooding roadways and prompting water rescues. Southwestern Virginia is still recovering from Hurricane Helene. Flash floods struck Buchanan County in 2021 and 2022 and Lynchburg in 2023, while the remnants of Hurricanes Michael and Florence caused widespread damage in 2018.

Yet only 3% of Virginians maintain flood insurance, often due to misconceptions and myths about their risk.

Read our blog fact-checking six common flood‑insurance myths here: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/insights/fact-checking-6-myths-about-flood-insurance

Virginia is in its driest stretch since 1941 — but the historic drought is also uncovering rare native plants that only ...
09/08/2026

Virginia is in its driest stretch since 1941 — but the historic drought is also uncovering rare native plants that only appear when water levels drop.

This year, botanists with the Virginia Natural Heritage Program have spotted several state‑rare “drawdown” species at Falkland State Conservation Area and Occoneechee State Park. Among them: hooded arrowhead, critically imperiled in Virginia and now covering acres of newly exposed shoreline, and Bosc’s Bluets, a low‑growing species considered imperiled in the state.

These plants can lie dormant underwater for decades, waiting for sunlight and dry conditions to trigger their brief but spectacular return. Even in a severe drought, Virginia’s natural areas continue to reveal unexpected resilience and hidden biodiversity.

To learn more, visit: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/insights/too-dry-not-for-these-plants

First funded in 1999, the Virginia Land Conservation Foundation (VLCF) was established by the General Assembly as one of...
09/07/2026

First funded in 1999, the Virginia Land Conservation Foundation (VLCF) was established by the General Assembly as one of the Commonwealth’s key tools for achieving long-term conservation goals. Working in partnership with DCR and other state agencies, VLCF has helped safeguard the places that make Virginia special.

Since its start, the VLCF has awarded grants to protect more than 269,000 acres — including working farms, historic sites, natural areas, public parks and vital watersheds.

Every farmer who protects their land for food and fiber production and every community that creates a new park, is also helping preserve clean water, wildlife habitats, air quality and Virginia’s iconic landscapes.

Conservation is a shared effort — and together, we’re making an impact across the Commonwealth.

To learn more about the Virginia Land Conservation Foundation, visit: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/land-conservation/vlcf

Today, we invite you to celebrate National Wildlife Day with us.Our state parks and natural area preserves protect a wid...
09/04/2026

Today, we invite you to celebrate National Wildlife Day with us.

Our state parks and natural area preserves protect a wide range of diverse species that call Virginia home. Take a moment to explore, learn and appreciate the wildlife that makes our public lands so extraordinary.

Every visit supports conservation and helps keep these natural habitats thriving for future generations.

Today, Sept. 2, 2026, Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources David Bulova presented the Virginia Department of Cons...
09/02/2026

Today, Sept. 2, 2026, Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources David Bulova presented the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation with a proclamation from Governor Abigail Spanberger recognizing September as Public Lands Month.

During Public Lands Month citizens are encouraged to explore, enjoy and help protect Virginia’s diverse landscapes and outdoor experiences, including the 44 state parks and 22 publicly accessible natural area preserves that are managed by DCR.

Virginia’s public lands and waters provide vital natural resources, support diverse wildlife habitats and offer a wide range of outdoor recreational opportunities for residents and visitors. These spaces help foster meaningful connections to nature and history for all who value the outdoors.

🤝Virginia Department of Forestry, Virginia is for Lovers, Virginia State Parks.

September is National Preparedness Month and Virginians can get ready for flood events by staying informed, understandin...
09/02/2026

September is National Preparedness Month and Virginians can get ready for flood events by staying informed, understanding their risk and supporting state and local flood‑resilience efforts.

Flooding can happen fast — but a little preparation goes a long way. Virginia’s Flood Protection Master Plan is building a stronger, flood‑ready future across the Commonwealth.

To learn more, visit: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/dam-safety-and-floodplains/flood-protection-master-plan

Join the Virginia Natural Heritage Program for Highland Natural History, a guided exploration of some of Highland County...
09/01/2026

Join the Virginia Natural Heritage Program for Highland Natural History, a guided exploration of some of Highland County's most unique high-elevation communities.

Participants will search for rare and unusual plants, animals and fungi — species typically found much farther north — while learning what makes these ecosystems so special.

For more information and how to register, visit: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/natural-heritage/eventsdetail-highland

On Aug. 4, 2026, DCR's Virginia Natural Heritage Program field zoologist Andrew Rapp surveyed Caledon State Park for sta...
08/31/2026

On Aug. 4, 2026, DCR's Virginia Natural Heritage Program field zoologist Andrew Rapp surveyed Caledon State Park for state‑rare and watchlist animals. While surveying one of the park’s many wetlands, he encountered two stripe‑backed resin‑leafcutter bees (Trachusa dorsalis; GNR S1). This discovery marks only the third known location in Virginia for this rare species.

The individuals observed at Caledon State Park were utilizing pink wild bean (Strophostyles umbellata). Pink wild bean typically prefers xeric woodlands, meadows and barrens, but it can also occur in tidal freshwater marshes. At least within Virginia — and possibly throughout the species’ range — this is the first documented instance of Trachusa dorsalis using a wetland habitat.

This discovery expands the range of potentially suitable habitats for the species in Virginia.

📸: USGS Bee Lab, DCR

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