Stewardship Virginia, a statewide campaign to encourage and recognize voluntary work that improves Virginia’s natural resources, continues this year with events across the state. The campaign features activities in both fall and spring, and the upcoming portion will run April 1 through May 31.
Citizens and groups may get help from the state’s natural resource agencies. Participants in Stewardship Virginia events will receive certificates of appreciation signed by Governor McAuliffe.
“During the campaign, events will be held throughout Virginia with many opportunities for volunteerism in our parks and natural areas,” said Clyde Cristman, Director of the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). “This year, we’re emphasizing the need to restore habitat for pollinators, which have suffered in recent years.”
DCR coordinates the campaign with help from other natural resource agencies. The 2015 Stewardship Virginia campaign resulted in more than 250 events across Virginia. About 5,000 volunteers conducted 107 waterway cleanups and water-quality monitoring programs, 75 plantings and restoration projects, 40 cleanup and recycling efforts and 28 educational programs.
“With all the great opportunities available, anyone can find a Stewardship Virginia event that’s rewarding both personally and environmentally,” said Secretary of Natural Resources Molly Ward. “Volunteering is a great way to get outside and make a difference at the same time.”
Stewardship Virginia promotes waterway adoption, trail improvement, riparian buffer plantings, invasive species control, habitat improvement and landscaping for conservation. Many businesses and groups across the state have already registered campaign events and provided support to promote conservation.
Individuals, businesses and organizations may register Stewardship Virginia projects with DCR’s Office of Environmental Education. Doing so makes event details available for others to join in. For more information, including a registration packet, call 804-786-5056.
Visit Stewardship Virginia for details about volunteer projects and a registration form.
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