Creating a thriving butterfly habitat at home can alleviate habitat loss.

As part of the group's 2023 Conservation Scorecard release, the organization said in a news release tha it decided this year to hold a series of town hall events with lawmakers who prioritized environmental protection during the 2023 legislative session, where there were a number of attempts to walk back the progress the Va. League of Conservation Voters says it made on climate action in Virginia.

The deed establishing the Commonwealth of Virginia as the owner of the natural wonder and 1,530 acres surrounding it was recorded June 15, 2023 in the Rockbridge County courthouse in Lexington, VA (home of Virginia Military Institute and Washington & Lee University). The deed’s recordation date coincided with the 87th anniversary of the Virginia State Park System, which opened in 1936 with just six parks — Douthat, First Landing, Fairy Stone, Staunton River, Hungry Mother and Westmoreland.

Due to heavy equipment operation and excavation occurring in the Turkey Run Ridge area, National Park Service officials decided to close the orienteering course while construction work is ongoing now through October.

Camp Woods and Wildlife is a unique field-based learning experience that introduces students to natural resource careers in Virginia’s largest state forest. Students get hands-on opportunities in all things forestry, wildlife and more, guided by natural resource professionals. Every camper selected to attend receives a $300 scholarship and pays only $95 to attend the week-long residential camp.

The 31 bridges of New River Trail State Park, Virginia’s 57-mile rails-to-trails linear park near Galax, will close as a series of repairs are made over the next 18 months. Portions of the trail will be closed intermittently as work takes place. The park will remain open due to its many access points. Specific dates for any bridge closures are dependent upon contractors and their receipt of construction materials.

National Park Service says it plans to conduct a prescribed fire in Prince William Forest Park in March, potentially tomorrow, March 16, depending on weather conditions. The planned fire will cover approximately 105 acres of forested areas along Scenic Drive, near the Oak Ridge Campground.

The popular Richmond Falcon Cam is now live for the 2023 season and available for viewing at dwr.virginia.gov/falcon-cam/.