Virginia Naturally
Virginia's gateway to environmental information and resources.

What does Virginia Naturally do?

• Provides people with a virtual library, where learning about Virginia’s environment is just a click away. This is your gateway to statewide environmental education resources including information about volunteer opportunities, educational classes, places to visit, community events, watershed maps, lesson plans, and recreational activities, to name a few.
• Recognizes exemplary efforts and makes it easy for schools and communities to access resources and deliver environmental education programs.
• Links public and private groups to reach more citizens from all sectors of the Commonwealth to promote a better understanding of scientific and economic challenges.

What kinds of programs and projects are part of the initiative?

• Educational resources such as curriculum supplements, maps, self-guided trails, exhibits, publications and videos.
• Recreational activities that incorporate environmental learning such as interpretive programs at parks, educational canoe trips, and cleanup/stewardship programs.
• Events such as community festivals, school fairs, conferences and training opportunities.
• Educational services such as speakers for classroom or group presentations, advisory services, and grant programs.

Who supports Virginia Naturally?
Public and private organizations and agencies dedicated to linking people to Virginia’s natural and historic resources are the heart of this initiative. Using cutting-edge technology, this partnership provides a vast range of factual information and educational resources -- programs, publications, events, classes, and other services for adults and young people.

Why become a partner?
Public and private organizations that provide educational services to youth and adults can support the initiative by becoming Virginia Naturally partners.

• Partners are part of a statewide network working to build knowledge and skills in all Virginians and an appreciation for life-long learning and personal responsibility to conservation.
• Partners can advertise their programs, activities, and events on the website calendar by sending the information to the Virginia Naturally Coordinator.

How can groups become partners?
It’s easy --- here’s how:

• Interested in signing up as a VaN partner? It’s quick, easy and FREE! Just email your contact information. 

History of Virginia Naturally
During his State of the Commonwealth address on January 12, 2000, former Governor Jim Gilmore launched a statewide initiative to promote lifelong learning about Virginia’s environment and stewardship of the Commonwealth’s natural and historic resources. House Joint Resolution 301 and Senate Joint Resolution 175 in the 2000 Virginia General Assembly designate the program as the Commonwealth’s official environmental education initiative. Secretary of Natural Resources John Paul Woodley, Jr., announced Virginia Naturally 2000 in January.