The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) and Devils Backbone Brewing Company announce a three-year sponsorship that includes a financial contribution for the restoration of the James River Wildlife Management Area (WMA).
Through a $33,000 donation, Devils Backbone will assist in the removal of Autumn Olive, an invasive plant species that can disrupt ecosystems and displace native plants.
Since its inception, DWR has focused on the conservation of native plants and animals, and inspiring people to value the outdoors and their role in nature. The James River WMA encompasses more than a thousand acres of prolific habitat where the community is encouraged to hunt, fish, canoe and enjoy the gentle, historic land. Each year of the sponsorship will highlight a proactive step in wildlife conservation and encourage people to enjoy the outdoors together.
“DWR is excited about this multi-year partnership with Devils Backbone and their dedication to restoring and preserving Virginia’s wild places. By investing in habitat restoration at the James River WMA, Devils Backbone is supporting a healthy ecosystem for wildlife and an enjoyable experience for visitors,” said DWR Executive Director Ryan Brown.
Devils Backbone’s donation will support the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources as it continues to restore and replenish the land surrounding the James River. The first two years of the sponsorship will focus on mechanical spraying and treating of the area, which began in summer 2024. In the sponsorship’s third year, a prescribed burn will take place, eliminating remnants of the invasive species and allowing for new life to begin. The spring of 2026 will focus on planting wildflowers, which will have the perfect conditions to flourish and contribute to the natural beauty of the landscape.
Over the three-year sponsorship, the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources and Devils Backbone will provide educational opportunities and events for outdoor, wildlife, and habitat enthusiasts.
Founded in 2008, Devils Backbone is a craft brewery and distillery named after the hard-to-summit Virginia mountain range surrounding its original brewpub location in Nelson County. Devils Backbone’s basecamp is in Roseland, with locations in Lexington and Charlottesville.
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Rebecca Barnabi
